West Chester Township is moving forward with Phase II planning for the Mill Creek District, continuing its work with OHM Advisors to refine the project vision, evaluate financial feasibility, and prepare the property for future developer solicitation.
“The Township’s purchase of the Mill Creek District property was a strategic investment in West Chester’s future,” Trustee Ann Becker said. “During Phase II of this project, we will make sure that investment is handled responsibly.”
The Mill Creek District includes approximately 75 acres near I-75 and Union Centre Boulevard. The Township purchased the property to guide future development of one of West Chester’s most visible and strategically-located sites. The current design concept includes nearly 20 acres of public green space centered around Mill Creek, with opportunities for trails, gathering areas, outdoor recreation, and a restored natural corridor.
“The next phase of the Mill Creek District project is designed to prepare the Township for the next step in the process by testing the economic, infrastructure, and market assumptions behind the concept,” said Lisa Brown, Township Administrator.
The Phase II scope includes:
• Economic calibration and performance analysis
• Review of infrastructure and public improvement costs
• Evaluation of parking, access and phasing considerations
• Market opportunity and positioning analysis
• Preparation of a flexible developer solicitation framework
• Review of potential financial tools and public-private partnership structures
• Development of criteria to evaluate future developer proposals
The work will help the Township better understand what level of development is financially realistic, what public improvements may be needed, how infrastructure costs could affect the project, and how future development proposals should be evaluated.
“Fiscal responsibility means doing this work before decisions are made, not after,” Becker said. “We need to understand what is feasible, what private investment can support, and how the Township can protect long-term public value.”
The Phase II process is expected to position the Township to issue a future developer solicitation, such as a Request for Qualifications or Request for Proposals. After that step, interested development teams would submit qualifications and proposals for Township review. A development partner would then be selected to advance the project through a public-private partnership framework.
Township officials emphasized that construction is not imminent and no final site plan has been approved. The project remains in a planning and evaluation stage.
Phase II will also help the Township address public concerns related to traffic, road access, public services, development intensity and long-term impacts on the surrounding area. Infrastructure review will include high-level analysis of road improvements, utility extensions, stormwater improvements, access improvements and other public realm needs.
The Mill Creek District concept also includes opportunities for office, research and technology space, restaurants, retail, community gathering areas, dining and entertainment uses. Township officials said Phase II will help determine how those uses can be balanced with public green space, infrastructure needs. and long-term community benefit.
The Township also intends to allow opportunities for public involvement as the project moves forward. Public input is expected to help shape community priorities, public space expectations, and the criteria used to evaluate future development proposals. Additional engagement opportunities will be shared as the planning process advances.
