Radnor Township's plan to buy a former veterinary hospital and turn it into a magisterial district court drew organized opposition at an August Board of Commissioners meeting, with residents raising concerns about traffic, safety and the site's fit in a residential area.
The township wants to purchase 405 W. Wayne Ave., the former St. George Hunt Memorial Veterinary Hospital, for $1.45 million and lease it to Delaware County as the new home of District Judge Sloane Walker's court, which currently operates out of Newtown Square. Several residents spoke against the proposal during public comment, according to Main Line Media News.
Commissioner Jack Larkin called the process "incredibly early" and said no one had missed anything of note. He acknowledged that some resident concerns were "factually inaccurate" but said the board takes other issues "incredibly seriously." He announced a town hall in September at the Radnor Township Municipal Building, 301 Iven Ave., to allow a back-and-forth discussion before any final vote.
Larkin stressed the deal is far from done: the property seller must close with the township, and Delaware County must agree to a lease price and sign a lease, each requiring multiple government meetings.
Jason Bologna, a lawyer with experience in state and federal courts and a former prosecutor, said he has never seen a magisterial district court placed in a residential neighborhood. Skip Kunda questioned the township's claim that rent from the county would cover the $1.45 million purchase price within 10 years, saying the math did not add up. Diane Edbril, who said she walks her dog past the site daily, called the road conditions near the entrance unsuitable, noting that West Wayne Avenue dips after crossing Conestoga Road.
Marciana Bradley, part of the Liberty Lane HOA, said her daughters use the nearby trail and dog park and that she is "absolutely terrified" by the prospect of defendants in handcuffs near her home.
Not everyone opposed the plan. Gregory Stagliano argued that district courts have operated in residential areas elsewhere in Delaware County, that defendants in custody would not pose a danger, and that court schedules are irregular enough that traffic would be intermittent.
The commissioners unanimously approved the ordinance introduction in July after a three-year search for a suitable in-township location. Commissioner Moira Mulroney told the Philadelphia Inquirer that Radnor had "exhausted every option." At the July meeting, Larkin explained that Delaware County does not want to pay Radnor-level commercial rents, so the township's court has remained in Newtown Square for roughly 15 years despite Radnor having its own magisterial district.
The township also warns that if Radnor goes more than 15 years without a court physically in the township, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court could reassign its magisterial district to another municipality during the next realignment.
According to the township's official notice, the property is already zoned for commercial use, so no zoning change would be required. The township described the September session as a "second" town hall, though details of a prior session were not immediately available. The exact date and time have not been finalized; the township said it will announce details on its website and social media.
