Looking to continue their development efforts in Lansdale, W.B. Homes has asked the borough planning commission to consider rezoning the 400 block of North Line Street so they can build a group of twins and townhomes.

The property is home to the old Fenstermacher Roofing building -- which is now occupied by several smaller businesses -- and a single family home on the corner of North Line Street and Fourth Street.

It is located next to the Zion Korean American Presbyterian Church, formerly Line Street School.

It is currently zoned as "Residential-A", but would require a rezone to "Residential-B" prior to being developed.

"The purpose behind the rezone will allow us to put a little more density on the site than Residential-A would, and quite frankly, it would provide an appropriate transition into the recreational land and the Residential-A areas," said Chris Canavan, director of acquisitions for W.B. Homes.

If the change in zoning were to be approved by the borough planning commission, Canavan said they would like to build a six-unit building of residential townhomes with an additional eight twin homes to the rear.

Kevin Dunigan, vice-chairman of the planning commission, said that he didn't think the rezoning would be a problem, adding that the development would both increase the walkability of the eastern portion of Lansdale, as well as increase the use of the park and pool on Fourth Street.

One resident voiced his displeasure with the potential of more trees in the borough being chopped down, but Canavan said he would work with the borough to ensure the area is green. Dunigan added that there's nothing in place to stop the current owner from chopping those same trees down.

By the end of the presentation and discussion, chairman Julia Menzo said she felt that the commission had reached a consensus to rezone the property, but no official action was taken during the meeting.

The next step for W.B. Homes will be to put together a preliminary presentation for the commission, and if everything goes according to plan, Canavan said they would like to begin the construction by autumn of this year.