Montco’s housing crisis has builders and local leaders calling for big changes and fewer roadblocks, writes Noah Zucker for Bisnow.
Valley Forge Casino Resort hosted Bisnow’s State of the Market even, where officials emphasized the need to simplify the residential development process countywide.
“We need to cut through some of the red tape here in these municipalities,” said County Commissioner Thomas Dibello, pointing to rising home prices.
Rent for multifamily units in Norristown, Upper Merion, and Lower Merion now averages more than $2,000. That’s higher than any other suburban submarket outside Center City.
Commissioner Jamila Winder noted that her Norristown home has tripled in value over two decades. This trend prices out many working-class buyers.
Roughly 700 new units are under construction. Many are in walkable, transit-oriented hubs like Ambler and Upper Dublin. However, developers say community resistance and outdated zoning slow progress.
“Trying to even find real estate that can support a larger development project is hard,” said Chris Egan of Hightop Development.
Learn more about Montco’s push to ease the housing crisis in Bisnow.
