Phasing Approved for 174-Unit Andale Green Development in Lansdale

Finally, the 174-townhome development known as Andale Green can begin construction on East Hancock Street across from Stony Creek Park.
On Dec. 18, Lansdale Council unanimously approved an amendment to a Nov. 28, 2012 final land development approval, granting phasing for the development and sanitary sewer upgrades to accommodate the new townhomes proposed for the site.
Developer Jim Moulton told council Dec. 18 that the development would be four phases. Phase One would be the construction of 48 units. Phase Two would be 39 units. Phases Three and Four would be 55 and 32 units, respectively.
"We hope to start this winter," Moulton said. "It would be less than two years to finish Phase One, but it all depends upon sales."  
Moulton said the buildings in Phase One would remain for some period of time as work would continue on the other three phases. He said equipment and materials will be removed from finished sites. 
Councilman Jack Hansen said council was "very, very satisfied" with Moulton's work—such as the Turbo Lofts at Valley Forge Road and Derstine Avenue.
The entire triangular parcel across from Stony Creek Park on Hancock Street will be developed—it spans from the Stony Creek tracks at Hancock Street all the way to the SEPTA tracks, and down Line Street and behind East Mt. Vernon Avenue/Prospect Avenue.
Moulton will contribute $75,000 to Lansdale’s future traffic improvements, if needed, related to a traffic light at Line and Hancock streets. Moulton and the borough agreed to a 50/50 split on the traffic study cost.
A crosswalk will be built that connects Andale Green to Stony Creek Park’s trailhead, thus extending the trail from the park and future linking to the Liberty Bell Trail. There is a central green area proposed on the site with a gazebo and landscaping, as well as three pocket parks throughout the community.
Of the 174 homes, 133 homes would be "alley loaded." About 25 percent of the homes would have garages in the front, according to land planner John Kennedy in November 2012.
There would be two access and exit points into the development, one by the Stony Creek tracks and another closer to the SEPTA tracks. The main entrance closest to the Stony Creek line would be three lanes in, Kennedy said.
All internal roads and alleys would be connected, he said. No homes will face Hancock Street; all homes will have their sides fronting Hancock Street.
Each home would have 2-and-a-half parking spaces to it. Each home would have a one-car garage, with the option for two, and parking on a driveway. Parallel parking would be allowed on the sides of streets.
After the Nov. 28, 2012 final land development approval, it was determined that the current sanitary sewer system on East Hancock Street is at or near capacity and cannot handle the new townhomes proposed in the development.
Thus, Moulton will be constructing and installing new sanitary sewer lines, and be getting a $133,326 reduction in sewer tapping fees, per borough documents.
About 260 trees will be planted throughout the site. Whatever trees cannot fit on frontages, Kennedy said they would be distributed elsewhere on the site.