After listening to the development plans for the Flats from Iacobucci Homes and JED Development, the Coatesville Redevelopment Authority board members indicated they would be willing to reconvene and vote on a proposal earlier than their regularly scheduled meeting next month.

Iacobucci wants to build 112 townhouses on the north end of the Flats and use the south end for commercial development anchored by a restaurant with outdoor dining.

JED Development is only interested in the 10-acre portion south of the railroad arches, and another two acre piece across West Lincoln Highway.

From Tuesday's story:

Joe Jesuele, one of the founders of JEB Development, told the RDA all of its projects are joint ventures.

During Jesuele’s presentation describing plans for a shopping center anchored by a grocery store, he said Coatesville’s population, proximity to other supermarkets, the size of the Flats and the finance of the city’s residents all made it unlikely that his company would be able to attract a larger chain grocer, like Acme, Shoprite or Wegman’s.

Instead, he said, it is more realistic that the city pursue one of the discount, no-frills chains like Aldi or Save-a-Lot, which have a “lower price point than a Wegman’s and Giant, and they are going to be serving the blue-collar, working-class people.”

“We truly feel there is a need for a grocery store in Coatesville,” Jesuele said. “We are hoping there is a want for a grocery store in Coatesville.”

The RDA's board and City Council must approve a plan before the RDA can go forward with selling the property.