At last June’s meeting of the Cheltenham Historical Commission, members unanimously voted to recommend that the Board of Commissioners reject the zoning amendment that would allow the demolition of the house at 20 Waverly Avenue. Goodman Properties’ plans to build a new Wawa and gas station on an adjacent property include the acquisition of this property for access to the development.

In its letter to the Board of Commissioners, the Historic Commission states, “We recommend that the Board of Commissioners of Cheltenham Township reject” the zoning map amendment that rezones the property from residential to to mixed use.

The letter also reaffirms its position that:

“As a community, Cheltenham Township dates back to the days of William Penn. From that time to today, residents have constructed structures that we now deem of historic value. These very remains from our past are what many residents consider part of the attractiveness of our township. Demolition of this fabric through neglect or profit removes some of what makes our township special.”

The house is the oldest on its block of Waverly, according to the commission’s report. Its earliest appearance on a map dates back to 1891.

The property currently generates just over $5,000 in property tax revenue for the township and school district.