Turkey Farm Plan Up For Vote At Next Chester Boro Council Meeting

CHESTER BOROUGH, NJ — A plan to totally redevelop the Larison's Turkey Farm site will be voted on at the next Chester Borough Council Meeting on Oct. 16.

The proposed redevelopment includes the demolition of the Sunnyside building, and the construction of 36 units of affordable housing and a playground, a medical building, an office building, an organic farm, restaurant, CVS, on-site sewer treatment facility, and a cell tower, according to the proposal.

The Chester Historical Society Board has fought against the demolition of the Sunnyside building, which dates back to 1873, saying it qualifies for historical preservation status, and that it should be repaired and repurposed instead of ripped down. So far, 979 people have signed a petition calling for preservation.

Traffic has been a major concern from residents regarding the new construction. The developers will be required to pay for a traffic study to see if traffic lights or crosswalks are necessary where W. Main Street meets the project. If necessary, the developers will have to pay for that work.

• Letter To The Editor: Don't Demolish The Sunnyside House

The owners of the land, set at the intersection of Rt. 206 and Main Street, have been trying to redevelop the property since 2002. The land grew larger in 2008 with the purchase of adjoining land on Mill Ridge Lane, where the owners attempted to build single-family homes.

The first plan for affordable housing would have been a 144-unit apartment complex with 28 affordable units. That plan was rejected and two and a half years later, following lawsuits, the current plan was proposed to the borough. As part of the approval, the developers will reimburse the Borough a total of $200,000 for legal fees.

You can read the full proposal here:

Image via Chester Borough