Officials weigh long deferral request, costs tied to frontage along Derstine and Cowpath roads
A proposed parish center at St. Maria Goretti drew detailed discussion from Hatfield Township Board of Commissioners last week, with much of the focus centering on sidewalks, costs, and timing tied to the project.
The proposal calls for demolition of a former convent building and construction of a new 9,021-square-foot, two-story parish center on the nearly 16-acre property, which also includes the existing church, school and rectory.
Township engineers noted the facility is intended for “non-simultaneous use by church parishioners,” meaning it would not operate during peak worship times — a factor tied to parking and traffic considerations.
During the April 8 meeting, representatives for the church outlined plans for a new, larger parish center to accommodate a growing congregation.
Attorney John McShea said the facility would serve “social events and other related activities,” noting the church is “in need of more space … to house these type of activities.”
The proposal, which already received zoning approval in December 2025, includes a two-story building with meeting space and offices, along with site improvements and a slight reduction in parking.
Architect Corey Wilson said the plan would reduce spaces from 244 to 240, calling it “a shared parking situation on the site.”
Sidewalk deferral emerges as key issue
The most significant discussion centered on the church’s request to delay installation of required sidewalks along Derstine and Cowpath roads — a request framed as a “deferral” rather than a waiver.
McShea said the church initially considered a 10-year deferral to allow time for fundraising and permitting, explaining that sidewalk construction could trigger extensive regulatory requirements.
“There’s a real possibility that putting those sidewalks in is going to take us over an acre of disturbance … that’s going to take, you know, six months to a year,” he said, adding that wetlands impacts could extend the timeline further.
Wilson estimated the process could take “12 to 15 months” just for engineering and permitting, before additional environmental approvals.
According to township engineers, the current plan keeps total earth disturbance just under one acre — a threshold that avoids triggering additional state permitting. Any expansion of that disturbance, such as sidewalk construction, could require a more extensive review process through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Commissioners pressed for clarity on timing and flexibility. While McShea said the church is “100% willing to put it in,” he emphasized the need “to get started as soon as possible on the project as a whole” while allowing time to fund the sidewalk work.
Engineering review letters confirm the applicant has already shown sidewalks along Derstine and Cowpath roads as part of a “future project,” but township officials may require installation “at such time [they] deem necessary” if a deferral is granted.
Township signals hesitation on deferrals
Township Engineer Bryan McAdam cautioned that deferrals are not standard practice, noting Hatfield typically requires sidewalks to be installed or a fee paid in lieu.
“We traditionally haven’t done deferrals,” McAdam said. “It does get a little sticky as to how long… and then what do you do? Do you escrow for it? Do you make them design it now? It kind of just mushrooms into a lot of potential issues.”
Still, McAdam acknowledged the planning value of sidewalks along the corridor, pointing out the gap in connectivity near the church property.
“From a planning perspective, certainly it’s needed,” he said, adding that sidewalks currently exist on surrounding stretches but stop along the church frontage.
Building use and layout detailed
Church representatives said the new parish center would replace outdated facilities and improve accessibility, particularly for older parishioners.
Currently, gatherings are held in a gym, which one representative said is “not really conducive.” The new space would include meeting rooms, offices and a connection to the church building via a covered walkway.
“It’s really going to be helpful for our elderly parishioners … this will all be handicapped. This will be all up to date,” the representative said, noting the existing gym dates to 1954.
Additional waivers under review
Separate from the sidewalk discussion, the proposal must also address township requirements for recreation land. Ordinances require 5% of the tract — or at least one acre — to be dedicated for community use.
The applicant has pointed to existing baseball and play fields on the property, but township officials must determine whether that satisfies the requirement or if a fee in lieu or other arrangement will be required.
Solicitor Christen Pionzio said those details — along with the sidewalk deferral and any potential fees — would be addressed in a formal resolution ahead of a future vote.
Township engineers also flagged landscaping and buffering concerns, noting that required planted buffers between the proposed improvements and nearby residential properties may need to be enhanced, as current plans show limited additional plantings.
Township officials are expected to revisit the proposal with recommendations at an upcoming meeting.
