Although the new owner of Narberth’s oldest church was given permission to demolish it four months ago, the future of the former Baptist Church of the Evangel is still undecided, writes Cheryl Allison for the Main Line Media News.

In the unanimous vote held during its June 30 meeting, the Borough Council extended its 90-day review period for owner Jason Gordon’s vision of five townhouses to replace the church built in 1891. While the townhouse project remains under consideration, Gordon has also submitted an alternative plan for a three-story building with 18 apartment units.

The issue is the 2013 ordinance that approved the residential conversion of some older civic buildings, but was vetoed by Mayor Grady. However, on April 28, a provision for mixed-use conversion of civic buildings such as the Elmwood church passed, giving Gordon’s new plan a chance.

Reviewing two plans for the same parcel simultaneously might be unusual but is not unheard of, as “there is precedent for reviewing multiple plans” said Borough Manager Sean Metrick.

Read more about the developer’s plans in the Main Line Media News by clicking here.