The former Willow Grove Naval Base has taken yet another step toward transformation to a mixed-use community, writes Lacey Latch for the Bucks County Courier Times.
This week, Horsham Township Council approved the site’s official map, which identifies future roads, trails, and utilities. While it doesn’t dictate land uses, officials say it provides a framework for developers. It also ensures that any changes are subject to council approval.
The base closed in 201, and a federal redevelopment plan was approved the following year. Since then, the township has worked to move the property forward, but progress has slowed due to PFAS cleanup led by the Environmental Protection Agency.
To get the ball rolling, officials say they will transfer the land in phases, allowing work to begin on select parcels.
The vision encompasses a range of housing options, from single-family apartments to retirement communities. About 25% of the site is designated for open space. Officials earmarked ten acres for supportive housing to aid residents struggling with homelessness.
Commercial development will include office parks, a hotel, and a conference center, potentially creating up to 7,000 jobs.
A new town hub with shops, restaurants, and community spaces will be at the center of it all.
Read more about what to expect at the site of Horsham’s former Willow Grove Naval Base in the Bucks County Courier Times.
