Palmer Property

On January 21, 2025, the Zoning Hearing Board declared a unanimous verdict, denying the Palmer Zoning Challenge. They upheld the validity of the current township zoning codes for the 55-acre Palmer property on the corner of Valley Forge Road and Skippack Pike. 

As background, this property zoning was set in 1997 and 1998 to allow for 7 acres commercial, 48 acres single family homes.  The Growing Greener zoning providing open space applies, as well. 

In 2018 the owners attempted to have the property rezoned for 80+ townhomes which had been opposed by residents and the Supervisors upheld the existing zoning. 

Subsequently, in 2021, the Palmers mounted a legal challenge to the township’s zoning to have the property rezoned entirely for large scale commercial. The Zoning Hearing Board rejected the legal challenge and upheld the current zoning. This decision came after a lengthy period of time, over 3 years, during which time the Board considered all the facts, heard expert testimonies, reviewed applicable laws, and implemented proper due diligence. 

This decision is good news for it indicates our Supervisors will continue to support Thoughtful Development of property in the township.

In March 2025, the Palmers appealed the Zoning Hearing Board’s decision. The Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas will now review the case and decide to either uphold the Zoning Hearing Board’s original ruling or overturn the township’s zoning and open the door to the Palmer property being rezoned entirely commercial.

Thank you for attending meetings, communicating with Worcester's Supervisors, and donating to defray a portion of the legal costs in defending the township's zoning ordinances. These donations made a significant difference in the defense of the township's existing, thoughtful, zoning codes.