Politics & Government
Land Deal Clears Hurdle For Former U.S. Navy Base Development
The Horsham Land Redevelopment Authority has signed an agreement to acquire some Willow Grove Naval Air Station–Joint Reserve Base land.
HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA — One hundred acres of the 862-acre former U.S. Navy base are being acquired by the township for development.
The Horsham Land Redevelopment Authority recently agreed to acquire portions of the former Willow Grove Naval Air Station–Joint Reserve Base.
A ceremonial signing event is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 12.
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Officials said the agreement marks a "major milestone" in transforming the base into a vibrant, community-focused development. The agreement clears the way for the phased transfer of about 100 acres to the HLRA over the coming years.
“This agreement is a turning point for Horsham Township and the surrounding community,” said W. William Whiteside III,HLRA's chairman. “We’re excited to move forward with a vision that opens a new chapter for Horsham Township. The mixed-use redevelopment of the base will serve as a hub of opportunity and innovation for the region.”
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Horsham Township recently approved an official map for the development of the base.
The township sees the 862-acre base off Route 611 and Horsham Road as a mixed-use development that would include a town center, office park, and regional recreation center, along with some housing.
Township officials will now focus on a comprehensive rezoning plan for the base. That plan is expected sometime in November.
The HLRA and Horsham Township have actively invested in infrastructure upgrades — including transportation systems, utilities, and land-use controls — to prepare for redevelopment.
The agreement now allows the HLRA to begin improvements to the base property ahead of its formal development.
The HLRA continues to collaborate with local, state, and federal partners to finalize environmental clearances already in progress.
The rezoning happened after years of planning and addressing PFAS environmental cleanup at the base, which had previously delayed redevelopment efforts.
In late June, the council unanimously adopted an ordinance to rezone the base from industrial to residential.
For more information on the redevelopment, visit www.hlra.org.
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