HLRA Secures EDC Deal for Redevelopment of Former Willow Grove Naval Air Station
The Horsham Land Redevelopment Authority (HLRA) has reached a historic milestone in its long-term vision to redevelop one of Pennsylvania’s most significant former military sites. On August 29, 2025, the HLRA formally executed an Economic Development Conveyance Memorandum of Agreement (EDC MOA) with the U.S. Navy to acquire portions of the former Willow Grove Naval Air Station–Joint Reserve Base (NAS-JRB), a decommissioned installation that spans over 862 acres in Horsham Township, Montgomery County.
The agreement paves the way for a phased transfer of land, with the initial tranche consisting of approximately 100 acres that will be handed over to the HLRA in the coming years. This agreement is widely regarded as the most important step yet in the long-awaited redevelopment of the base—a project that has been in planning and negotiation for more than a decade.
At the signing ceremony, Amy Jo Hill, Navy Real Estate Contracting Officer, and W. William Whiteside III, Chairman of the HLRA, formally executed the EDC MOA. The event, which included local officials, stakeholders, and community representatives, marked the beginning of a new chapter in the transformation of a once highly restricted military installation into a vibrant, community-centered, mixed-use development.
“This agreement is a turning point for Horsham Township and the surrounding community,” said Chairman Whiteside. “We’re excited to move forward with a vision that opens a new chapter for Horsham Township. The mixed-use redevelopment of the base will serve as a hub of opportunity and innovation for the region.”
A Long Road from Military Base to Community Asset
The Willow Grove Naval Air Station–Joint Reserve Base has a storied history. First established during World War II, it served as an aviation hub for the U.S. Navy and later as a critical joint reserve base for multiple branches of the armed forces. At its peak, the installation supported thousands of military personnel and civilian staff while also serving as a strategic defense and training center.
In 2011, however, the federal government ordered its closure under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. Since then, the HLRA, created specifically to oversee the base’s transition, has been working tirelessly with the Department of Defense, state and local agencies, and community stakeholders to create a plan that balances economic development, environmental stewardship, and community needs.
The newly signed EDC MOA represents the culmination of years of negotiations with the Navy over how best to transfer ownership and responsibility for redevelopment. Under the terms of the agreement, the HLRA will acquire land at no upfront cost but with a commitment to reinvest revenues from redevelopment into community improvements and economic growth initiatives.
What the Agreement Means for Horsham Township
The signing of the EDC MOA is more than just a legal transaction—it’s the foundation for a new economic and social hub in Montgomery County. The HLRA’s vision for the site is based on mixed-use redevelopment, combining residential neighborhoods, commercial hubs, community amenities, and green spaces.
Planners have emphasized that the redevelopment will not simply be about new buildings, but about creating a walkable, sustainable, and connected community that integrates seamlessly with the existing fabric of Horsham Township. Elements under consideration include:
- Residential Development: A mix of housing options ranging from townhomes and apartments to single-family homes, designed to meet diverse community needs.
- Commercial and Retail Spaces: Opportunities for businesses, startups, and retail establishments to locate within the development, boosting local employment and economic activity.
- Community Amenities: Schools, recreational facilities, cultural spaces, and civic infrastructure that foster a sense of community.
- Green Infrastructure: Parks, trails, and preserved open space to enhance quality of life while supporting environmental sustainability.
- Innovation and Technology Hubs: Areas designated for research, advanced manufacturing, or technology-driven businesses to attract investment and talent to the region.
By pursuing a phased approach, the HLRA ensures that redevelopment can adapt to market demand while also giving time to address infrastructure, environmental remediation, and long-term planning considerations.
Preparing the Site for Redevelopment
Over the past several years, Horsham Township and the HLRA have invested significant resources in preparing the former base for redevelopment. This includes upgrades to transportation systems, utilities, and land use controls, as well as comprehensive planning studies that map out potential development scenarios.
A critical piece of the puzzle has been environmental remediation. Like many former military installations, Willow Grove carries legacy environmental issues—including groundwater contamination—that must be addressed to ensure safe and sustainable reuse. The HLRA, in coordination with federal and state regulators, continues to advance cleanup and monitoring programs.
The EDC MOA now gives the HLRA greater flexibility to initiate improvements on-site ahead of full-scale development, expediting the transformation process. This includes early work on infrastructure, site preparation, and property enhancements that will make the land more attractive to potential developers and investors.
A Regional and Statewide Economic Driver
The redevelopment of the Willow Grove Naval Air Station is not only a local project—it has implications for the entire Philadelphia metropolitan area and the state of Pennsylvania. With more than 800 acres of developable land, the site represents one of the largest redevelopment opportunities in the region.
Economic studies have suggested that full buildout of the site could generate:
- Thousands of new jobs, both during construction and in permanent roles once businesses and services are established.
- Significant tax revenues for Horsham Township, Montgomery County, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- New housing opportunities that will ease regional pressures and provide options for a diverse population.
- Catalytic investment in surrounding communities, spurring additional development and infrastructure improvements.
The HLRA envisions the project as a model for sustainable redevelopment, aligning with contemporary planning principles such as smart growth, transit-oriented development, and green design.
Community Engagement and Public Participation
From the very beginning, the HLRA has made community engagement a cornerstone of its redevelopment strategy. Public input has been actively sought through town hall meetings, surveys, and advisory committees. Residents, local business owners, veterans’ groups, and environmental advocates have all played a role in shaping the redevelopment plan.
This participatory approach has ensured that the project reflects community values while also addressing broader regional needs. For example, significant emphasis has been placed on balancing economic growth with environmental restoration and open space preservation, a priority for local residents.
Chairman Whiteside reaffirmed this commitment at the signing:
“We see this redevelopment not just as a construction project, but as the creation of a lasting legacy for future generations. Our community has been part of the conversation from the start, and they will continue to guide us as we bring this vision to life.”
The September 12 Celebration
To mark this milestone, the HLRA has announced a ceremonial signing event scheduled for September 12, 2025. This public event will celebrate the agreement and honor the partnerships that made it possible. Local, state, and federal leaders are expected to attend, alongside community members eager to see the project move forward.
The September celebration will not only symbolize progress but also serve as a platform to showcase the redevelopment vision and invite further collaboration with potential development partners, investors, and stakeholders.
The signing of the Economic Development Conveyance Memorandum of Agreement between the Horsham Land Redevelopment Authority and the U.S. Navy represents a defining moment for Horsham Township and the region. With this agreement in place, a once-restricted military base is poised to become a dynamic, multi-use development that blends housing, commerce, green space, and innovation.
While challenges remain—including environmental remediation, infrastructure upgrades, and market-driven development—the foundation is now set for a transformation that will shape Horsham’s future for generations.
The redevelopment of the former Willow Grove Naval Air Station is not merely about repurposing land; it is about redefining community identity, spurring economic growth, and creating a sustainable future. With strong leadership, collaborative partnerships, and an engaged community, the HLRA is turning a long-held vision into reality.
