On the Agenda: East Pikeland Elementary Expansion Zoning Hearing

Representatives from Phoenixville Area School District will come before the East Pikeland Zoning Hearing Board June 6 at 6 p.m. for another part of a lengthy zoning hearing on East Pikeland Elementary.

The district hopes to build on the existing site of East Pikeland Elementary at Seven Stars and Hares Hill roads. A 1960s structure will be demolished, and the district will expand the current school on the 11.4-acre site.

At this evening’s hearing, Angelo Capuzzi, the district’s engineer for the project, will face cross-examination. The district can then call other witnesses, and Dr. Alan Fegley, superintendent, may testify.

Additionally, a lawyer representing a group of residents may hear back from the zoning hearing board’s solicitor on gaining party status for more residents. The current group stands at 16, and at the last portion of the hearing a request was put in to expand the group of opposing residents to 24.

Architect David Schrader, who had to leave early at may also be called back if any of the other attorneys present wish to cross-examine.

The district knocked off one waiver request at the last meeting, bringing the total down to six requests for zoning relief.

The issue has been a contentious one, with arguments from neighbors concerning what the coalition lawyer called a “supersized” school and concerns from parents about an overcrowded school that may require trailer classrooms to support a growing school population.

If the requested relief is granted by the zoning hearing board, the district will have to go back to the planning commission as part of the subdivision/land development process. Then, it would head to the board of superivsors for preliminary and final approvals.

The hearing begins at 6 p.m. at the East Pikeland Township building.