Haverford Township Planning Commission Meeting - September 10, 2026

The Haverford Township Planning Commission held a meeting on September 10, 2026, primarily to discuss two key agenda items: a minor subdivision plan for 43 East Turnbull Avenue and a zoning map amendment and sketch plan proposed by Haverford School. The subdivision plan involved retaining an existing home and creating two lots for new homes, with variances granted by the zoning hearing board and minor engineering comments to be addressed. The commission recommended approval of this subdivision with conditions including compliance with engineering and historic commission recommendations. The more extensive discussion focused on Haverford School's proposal to rezone approximately 6.32 acres from residential to institutional to consolidate properties and relocate athletic fields, including a new parking deck to alleviate neighborhood parking and traffic issues. The school presented a campus master plan emphasizing safety, parking improvements, and neighborhood engagement. Public comments were extensive, with many residents and members of the Haverford Friends Meeting expressing concerns about traffic, noise, loss of residential character, and impacts on the Quaker meeting house's quiet environment. The commission did not make a zoning recommendation at this meeting but requested additional studies, including a sound study and a detailed traffic study, particularly regarding the impact of vacating Panmir Road and restoring two-way traffic on Buck Lane. The land development plan for the athletic fields will proceed separately through Lower Merion Township. The commission plans to revisit the zoning petition after receiving the requested information in upcoming meetings.