Controversial Proposal To Demolish Wayne Bar For Mixed-Use Development May Get Revised

RADNOR TOWNSHIP, PA — The developer who sought to demolish a Wayne bar to build a three-story, mixed-use development says he intends to revise his proposal.

Developer and entrepeneur Joseph Smogard sought to build office space and four apartments above 118 North — a bar known for live music — and the vacant retail space next door, formerly a dry cleaning business. This would require demolishing the current duplex, including the bar, Patch first reported.

The first floor would contain a new retail space, plus a bar and restaurant that could support live music. Smogard hoped 118 North would return, but it was never quite clear if the business would be up for that.

The project has been in the process of gaining necessary approvals from Radnor Township. But it's faced intense public scrutiny in recent months.

During a Radnor Township Commissioners meeting in June, local residents and business leaders blasted the project, worrying it would change the downtown character, worsen parking issues, and significantly disrupt the commercial corridor on North Wayne Avenue.

Past coverage:

• April 28: Demolition Of Bar For Mixed-Use Development Proposed In Wayne
• May 8: Bar Demolition, Major Redevelopment Plan Clears Key Hurdle With Radnor Officials
• June 12: Bar Demolition, Redevelopment Plan Raises 'Serious Concerns' In Radnor
• June 18: Main Line Bar Unlikely To Survive Without Proposed Demolition, Rebuild: Landlord

Things have been quiet with the proposed development in recent months. But Smogard told Patch on Wednesday that he's looking to make some changes.

"We are working on revisions to the project that should, hopefully, significantly improve public reception to the project," Smogard told Patch via email. "I have actively listened to all the public comments and the Board of Commissioners and I am working on a revised plan."

It's unclear what will change about the proposed development. But Smogard has taken a step to slow down the project.

At Thursday's Zoning Board meeting, Smogard will seek a one-year extension on implementing the board's prior approvals on aspects of the project. Last year, the board allowed four parking spaces in the back of the building for future apartment tenants.

If the extension is approved, Smogard will have until December 2027 to make that happen.

Smogard's application was pretty far along in the approval process. Last year, the Zoning Board approved plans to create four parking spaces in the rear of the building for apartment tenants.

The Radnor Planning Commission gave the project its preliminary approval in May. The commission opted against giving it final approval, giving developers a chance to refine the plan.

The Planning Commission makes recommendations to the Radnor Township Board of Commissioners, which ultimately decides whether development projects move forward.

In June, the commissioners schedule a discussion on the project, with no formal vote to take place. Days before, the Wayne Business Association released a statement expressing "significant concerns" about the project.

"While we support the growth of our town, the current construction proposal presents significant concerns regarding potential disruptions not only in the short term to shopping, dining, and parking along North Wayne Avenue, but in the long-term, the landscape of the street," the WBA said.

118 North owner Kenny Kearns is president of the WBA. But he hasn't publicly expressed how he feels about the proposal to demolish his bar and rebuild it. Kearns declined comment to Patch back in June.

The Zoning Board meeting is set for 7 p.m. Thursday. Here's the agenda.