Airport Crash Zone Removed in Horsham

After two stalled attempts, the Horsham Township Council on Wednesday night removed one of the last semblances that an airport had been operational in town.

A public hearing in a more-crowded-than-usual meeting room drew no comments as the governing body voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance eliminating the so-called ACNOD, or Airport Crash and Noise Overlay District and to remove development restrictions currently in place. Councilwoman Deborah Tustin was absent Wednesday.

The ordinance adoption follows the September 2011 closure of Willow Grove air base and its runway

Keith Valley Road goes through what is now the former ACNOD. Commonwealth National Country Club, Deep Meadow Park, Samuel Carpenter Park, Valley View Estates and Lakeside Youth Service, as well as Park Ridge Industrial Park are all located within the former zone, officials said.

The governing body had originally introduced the ordinance in April 2011, prior to the Horsham Land Reuse Authority’s denial last summer of an airport on the bulk of 862 acres eyed for redevelopment. Then, in , but did not adopt it.