5 Hatboro, Horsham Stories to Watch in 2014

Nearly a decade after Willow Grove air base was put on a closure list, its sale to the Horsham Land Redevelopment Authority is expected to begin–and possibly conclude–in 2014.

1. In December the Horsham Land Redevelopment Authority reviewed an application that, once approved, tentatively on Jan. 15, will lead the way for negotiation and purchase of 862 acres of the former Willow Grove air base. But, before that happens, the Navy will hold a series of public meetings on Jan. 13 and Jan. 14 to receive public comment for the Navy's draft environmental impact statement. The document will provide a snapshot of existing land conditions at the former military installation.

2. Hatboro-Horsham School District is expected to have professionals in place by early 2014 to lead the construction of a brand-new Hallowell Elementary School after recently finalizing a deed for the former Horsham Memorial Army Reserve Center on Route 611 in Horsham Township.

3. A new fitness facility–owned by a former NBA player–is expected to open at Village Mall on Blair Mill Road in Horsham Township in 2014. The owner of the shopping center is planning additional upgrades and new stores for the center as well. 

4. Mexican restaurant Taqueria Feliz is expected to open in 2014 at the Elements Horsham on Horsham Road in Horsham Township. 

5. A committee formed to devise a plan for the inclusion of a public works annex at Eaton Park will meet in 2014. The group, which is comprised of two councilmen, as well as several Hatboro residents, will design a plan, which will be presented to the borough council sometime in 2014.