Villanova Seeking Township OK For Scaled-Back Development Plan
By Brad Segall
RADNOR, Pa. (CBS) -- Villanova University is back with a scaled-down version of a major expansion plan, and they will take the details of that plan to the Radnor Township board of commissioners tonight.
Villanova wants two new dormitory buildings, a performing arts center, and a new parking garage, but the original plans were shot down by township officials who sided with angry neighbors who called it "too big."
The revised plan calls for a smaller garage, a pedestrian bridge over Lancaster Avenue, and dorms with four stories instead of five -- but still with 1,200 beds.
"By bringing 1,200 of them onto campus, we know we'll reduce some stress on our neighboring communities and also really reduce the stress on the traffic around the campus," says Chris Kovolski, assistant to the university president.
Kovolski says Villanova needs the new buildings to stay competitive with other schools that have better housing and amenities. He believes this new plan addresses the concerns that were raised by the township and the residents throughout the two-year process.
