Following the demolition of the Salvation Army thrift store and Rubenstein’s Office Supply, West Chester Borough Council has granted preliminary land development approval for the construction of 219 “affordable housing” apartments at 250 East Market Street, writes Bill Rettew for the Daily Local News. 

Council will still need to vote for final approval before developer Eli Kahn can begin construction. The initial application for the project was brought before the borough in 2021. 

Kahn plans to build apartment units above ground to provide protection during flooding, as the nearby Goose Creek often floods during storms. Additionally, a stormwater system will be implemented, with Kahn planning to landscape and install more preventative flood control measures.

He aims to build 219 units, including 70 percent one-bedroom apartments and efficiencies. No rent prices have been discussed yet. There will be open parking available at ground level.

“It’s trying to meet the demand for the people who live in West Chester,” said Kahn. “It feels good to fill a need.” 

Read more about the development project in the Daily Local News.