Politics & Government

Right-of-Way Litigation Marring Development at Bethlehem Pike and Vilsmeier Road

Ongoing litigation since 1997 of the 1.49-acre parcel hinges on settlement of a right-of-way buffer issue.

A potential development of an eyesore at Bethlehem Pike and Vilsmeier Road in Montgomery Township is marred at present by pending litigation over right-of-way on the 1.49-acre property, according to The Reporter.
The plan: The Commerce Group and owner Martin O’Boyle want to demolish the building and construct a 11,900-square-foot retail unit. However, there are minor storm water runoff and landscaping issues to deal with on the site.
Yet, that's not the biggest issue, per the article. O'Boyle does not want to withdraw an ongoing litigation over right-of-way buffering issues on the parcel dating back to 1997.
O'Boyle appealed to the zoning hearing board, the Montgomery County court and the Commonwealth court over a ruling by a former solicitor of the township that said the buffer should be measured from a right-of-way that would infringe more onto the property than the PennDOT right-of-way, per the article.
The issue remains a subject of executive session in the township and has since been tabled pending further discussion.
Read more at this link.


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