Dranoff Properties scored a win in its ongoing battle to
develop a mixed-use project on a surface lot off Cricket Lane in Ardmore, Pa.
The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania dismissed a
lawsuit initiated by Save Ardmore Coalition, a citizens group, that sought to
block state funds that were issued to Dranoff Properties to support the
project, called One Ardmore Place.
The group had sought to convince the court that $10.5
million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funds the state previously
awarded to the $56 million project was a misappropriation of money.
The project involves upgrading the Ardmore train station
and constructing apartments, a garage and retail space on what is now a surface
parking lot. SEPTA is also involved in the development.
Commonwealth Court President Judge Dan Pellegrini
rejected several of Save Ardmore Coalition’s arguments, according to a
statement released by Lower Merion and Hangley Aronchik, which represented the
township and Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority in the suit.
The case was dismissed “with prejudice,” meaning that
Save Ardmore Coalition cannot try to maintain its claims by amending its
allegations, according to the statement.
The development has been in the works since 2008 when
Dranoff was selected as master developer of a project that used the Ardmore
train station as the anchor to residential and commercial development, and also
aimed to link two parts of the community.
Delayed by the recession, the developer is expected to
finally proceed with construction of One Ardmore Place despite community
resistance.
Source: Philadelphia
Business Journal
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