Chesco judge hands Rock Hill Farm developer a major win. Is Willistown’s fight over?

A Chester County judge has handed Rock Hill Farm owner and developer Brian O’Neill a significant legal victory, overturning Willistown Township’s denial of his preliminary subdivision plan and dealing a major blow to the years-long grassroots effort to stop development of the storied property.

In a July 15 opinion, Judge Anthony Verwey ruled that the township improperly applied its own zoning ordinance when it rejected Rock Hill Farm Acquisitions’ application. The decision clears the way for O’Neill to move ahead with final land development plans.

O’Neill, who paid $25.5 million for the 246-acre property in 2021, originally envisioned as many as 39 luxury homes. His current proposal calls for 23 homes on a portion of the estate while preserving much of the remaining land and maintaining Rock Hill Farm’s historic buildings.

Without getting too deep into the legal weeds, the judge concluded that Willistown could not deny the plan based on its interpretation of the zoning ordinance. Under Pennsylvania land-use law, municipalities generally must approve subdivision and land development plans that comply with applicable ordinances, even when neighbors raise concerns about traffic, environmental impacts or the loss of open space.

Whether this long-running battle is over remains to be seen.

In announcing the ruling, Willistown Township said only that it “will explore an appeal.” Board of Supervisors Chair Molly Perrin did not immediately respond to SAVVY’s request for further comment.

The Save Rock Hill Farm coalition is urging the township to continue the fight.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to pursuing every available opportunity to preserve open space and protect Rock Hill Farm, an invaluable community resource and home to the pristine headwaters of Crum Creek,” spokesperson Emma Allinson said in a statement.

“We are deeply grateful for the continued support and engagement of our community throughout this process. We also thank Willistown Township for exploring all available legal options, including an appeal, in support of these important preservation efforts.”