By Yvonne M. Wenger
Reading Eagle

Peter F. Galgano and some neighbors believe a new housing development proposed for Main Street in Oley will stick out amid stone buildings more than 150 years old.

What’s more, original plans for the 13-lot subdivision by Forino Co., Sinking Spring, called for a 19th century barn and farmhouse at the 9.3-acre Cricket Slope Farm to be demolished.

But efforts by residents, township authorities and the developer could save the structures and adapt the new homes to fit Oley’s historical character.

“We’re learning, we’re watching and we’re prepared to be firm,” Galgano, a Main Street resident, said of the need to be diligent with the proposal.

“We’re encouraging the supervisors and planning commission to keep the pressure on and maybe even go the extra mile. We want to see them protect us, keep the development in the area controlled, enhancing.”

Revised plans, which would spare the old barn and farmhouse, are expected to be reviewed at the Oley Township Planning Commission meeting Nov. 1.

The planning commission also is expected to discuss a proposal to extend Oley’s historic district during a workshop meeting Monday. Buildings in the historic district are afforded certain protections by ordinance.

However, even if a historic district was created to cover Main Street, it would come too late to ensure the preservation of the Cricket Slope buildings because the subdivision plans were already submitted.

“The idea being the next time it won’t happen,” Galgano said.

Galgano and others launched Neighbors of Cricket Slope, a citizens group promoting preservation, in July after the Forino plan was proposed.

The group organized a petition drive opposing the demolition of the farmstead. More than 500 people signed.

The Oley Township supervisors invited Forino representatives to a recent meeting to discuss revising the development plan.

David R. Kessler, chairman of the supervisors, who is also a planning commission member, asked that lots be shifted on the plan to avoid congestion by adding more space between new homes and existing ones.

Kessler also requested that Forino let mature trees stand and that the design of the 11 proposed homes, to be built on 13 lots, be altered to fit in with others in the area.

Supervisor Jeffrey A. Spatz said he would like to see classic architecture and variety incorporated into the design and craftsmanship of the homes.

John G. Smith, vice president for Forino, said the company would try to accommodate township requests.

“We’re willing to work with Oley to save the buildings, the structures, if they would work with us on the plan, and they acknowledged that,” Smith said.

Smith said Forino’s policy is to leave mature trees on subdivision lots because they add value. But if the trees interfere with construction, they must be cleared, he said.

Regarding the design of homes, Smith said demand would determine the craftsmanship, but that Forino would keep in mind township requests such as using stone masonry instead of vinyl siding.

It is not clear when construction could start on the property because of a moratorium on sewer hookups in the township, which could extend until 2007, Kessler said.

Smith said the housing market for homes could change before the ban is lifted, so Forino cannot make a commitment on design.

Contact reporter Yvonne M. Wenger at 610-371-5015 or ywenger@readingeagle.com.