Master Plan Update: Land planning phase

Parishioners were relieved and pleased a few months back with the amicable settlement with our neighbors and the borough regarding the development of several nearby properties for Church use.  We also noticed, quite dramatically, the process and impact of the December demolition of the three older buildings that would not be used by St. Patrick, clearing the way for the new — in accordance with the parish development plan.

Development progress has not been nearly as obvious in the past several weeks, however, perhaps causing some to wonder if a financial or logistical snag had been encountered.  This is not the case; indeed, our Property and Development Committee has been very involved in the current “land planning phase” of the project, and things are well on track.

Evaluation of soil samples is currently underway.  One requirement is to look for hazardous components in the soil, but these are not expected on this site — based upon earlier test results. More important, at this point in time, is the “perc” (percolation) testing needed for the engineering of a water management plan — taking into account the physical characteristics of the soil and terrain.  In particular, water runoff needs must be anticipated, and provisions must be made that take into account the entire scope of the project.  As this will be impacted directly by the evolving facilities footprint, and especially pavement coverage, data and time are required for the relevant civil engineering considerations.  This process is normal — it is typically part of any substantial new building project.

The area traffic study is also being completed.  Combining the outcomes of these efforts, application for integrated project approval will be submitted to the Kennett Square Planning Commission no later than March 15th.  Jim Elliott of the Properties and Development Committee reports that these activities are moving in parallel, and on track with schedule.  Following submittal, he expects that several weeks will be required for assessment and approval.

Committee member Tom Fero adds that with the momentum gained from our settlement last fall, continued planning discussions with Kennett Square officials have remained very positive and amicable throughout this phase.  This is one of the most critical considerations going forward, including maintenance of timely and accurate communications with the borough, and our neighbors.

In addition to Jim and Tom, Property and Development Committee members include Drew Anderson, Chris Claudy, Jerry Kane, Mike Miller, Marge Mecca and Father Sharrett. Mike functions as the “point man” with Bernardon & Associates, actively refining details of the internal building modifications coming in future phases.

Bernardon, in turn, continues in its contracted role as our professional architectural and engineering resource, overseeing the full project effort.  For the current engineering studies, they have subcontracted Gilmore & Associates for this specific expertise.  Our near term goal is to obtain the “go ahead” for needed lighting and telephone improvements for 205 Lafayette Street, which will soon serve as our parish office.

The office move will immediately free up space for the planned near-term expansion of school offerings.  Expected activities this summer include movement of the school library to the present office building on Meredith Street, followed by transition of the existing library space to kindergarten and pre-K facilities.  This facilitates the introduction of the full-day kindergarten option, as well as three and four-year old pre-K offerings.  The current expectation is that all of this will be in place for the start of school this fall.

St. Pat's Today.  March 2005.