If you’re a movie buff, you like to go to the library and you think might be looking for an apartment in about three years – you’ll be happy to know that the Lower Merion Township Building and Planning Committee (the committee consists of all 14 members of the Board of Commissioners) approved a preliminary land development application on September 22. The plan will ultimately result in 112 apartments being constructed in the center of Bryn Mawr, almost next door to the Bryn Mawr Film Institute (BMFI), and across the street from the Ludington Library.
Jillian Dirks of the Township’s Building and Planning staff gave an overview of the project.
The applicant is seeking approval to demolish three two-story office buildings and the parking associated with the buildings and consolidate the three lots into one – and to construct a four-story mixed-use building, which includes approximately 12,000 square feet of commercial space that is located on the ground floor. It includes 112 dwelling units in the upper stories – 222 parking spaces, of which 159 are located underground. And it includes a 7,500 square foot public gathering space that is accessed from South Bryn Mawr Avenue.
Bryn Mawr Film Institute Sam Scott spoke in favor of the development plan.
Commissioner Anna Durbin was concerned that the elderly and disabled would have difficulty accessing the movie theater during the 18-24 months of construction. She made a motion to amend the plan in order to assure access, but her amendment did not pass. Ultimately, Durban wound up voting in favor of the plan.
Anthony Stevenson, expressing his concerns about pedestrian safety, was the only commissioner who voted against the plan.