Demolition to begin at 8200 Germantown Ave. to make way for new development

The days appear numbered for the former Magarity Ford dealership in Chestnut Hill, as developer Richard Snowden’s plans for a $30 million mixed-use development are moving forward.

New fencing has gone up around the site at 8200 Germantown Ave., and city records show a demolition permit active for the property, with work set to begin on or after May 21.

A previous zoning permit allows for the site to be cleared to make way for Bowman Properties’ planned Fresh Market grocery store, along with street-level retail units and 17 condominiums on four floors above.

The plan would remake the corner of Germantown Avenue and Hartwell Lane, eventually seeing a change in traffic direction and a new light. Snowden’s plans were the topic of months of hearings and negotiations with the Chestnut Hill Community Association for the civic group’s approval. Ultimately, the plans got the go-ahead via zoning bills offered in City Council by former Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller. Bowman did reach a community benefit agreement with the CHCA.

A later phase of the plan will see townhouses built at the rear of the site, facing Shawnee Street and Pastorious Park. Once the car dealership building comes down, it’s unclear when further construction would begin.

Project officials could not be immediately reached for comment on Thursday.

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