Planning Commission Approves Office Park, Dormitory Plans

Traffic issues, both vehicular and pedestrian, topped the list of concerns by members of the Radnor Planning Commission before approving two long-gestating projects.

According to Main Line Media News, the commission voted in favor of land development plans submitted by BioMed Realty Trust for a corporate office park on King of Prussia Road and a mixed-use project by Villanova University that will add a dormitory, performing arts center and more to a plot if land on Lancaster Avenue.

BioMed’s project proposes developing 474,600 square-feet of office space on an 18.2-acre property on King of Prussia Road, plus an underground garage with 1,685 parking spaces, the report says.

One of the conditions of the 5-2 approval was ensuring that BioMed obtains the right-of-ways needed to implement its plan to widen King of Prussia Road to four lanes. The company must also monitor the stormwater issues of the project and ensure the underground parking lot is accessible for the fire department, according to the report.

Representatives from Villanova University assured the planning commission that the new development will not negatively affect parking and access to the nearby St. Thomas Church. Along with a parking garage and retail space planned for the 13-acre lot, a pedestrian walkway bridge will also be constructed over Lancaster Avenue for pedestrian access.

The plans were approved and will go before the Radnor Board of Commissioners at a future date.