Benner and Wild Successful in Zoning Change Petition

During the last week of February, Edward M. Wild successfully represented Green Tree Group Contracting during its petition to change the zoning on two parcels in New Britain Borough.

Wild presented the zoning change to New Britain Borough Council on February 24, 2015, before a packed audience of neighbors who opposed the change.

Throughout several appearances before Borough Council, Wild presented the benefits that the change in zoning could bring to New Britain Borough, including the removal of a nonconforming use in a residential neighborhood, the tax benefits, and various other economic benefits.

Opposition from a number of New Britain Borough residents, however, raised a number of concerns about the zoning change. There were concerns about the potential for increased traffic congestion and decreased property values, and about storm water management and the impact of twin dwellings in a traditional single family neighborhood.

After presenting expert witnesses to overcome the neighbor opposition, Wild convinced the Borough Council that the project was consistent with the Borough’s Comprehensive Plan and its revitalization and redevelopment plan.

Green Tree Group Contracting anticipates marketing its newly zoning-approved houses this spring at an initial price of $350,000. Assuming all of Green Tree’s new dwellings are sold, the economic impact on the borough would total well over $5.6 million.

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Benner and Wild was the ideal law firm to accomplish the zoning change, especially given Ed Wild and partner Bill Benner’s longstanding reputation of bringing the highest level of expertise in representing developers, builders and other real estate applicants.

Bill and Ed have been successfully representing builders and developers in Bucks County in such matters for many years. Wild represents clients in matters including Real Estate and Land Use, Estate Planning, Business Law, and Civil Litigation.

He has an extensive background in matters surrounding the purchase and sale of improved and unimproved property, construction, leasing, partnerships, subdivision of property, zoning and land use. He regularly consults with real estate developers—and a diverse group of business clients—on complex matters involving commercial and residential real estate, including corporate structure, finance and strategy.

Mr. Wild can be reached at ewild@bennerwild.com or 215-230-4900.