Lower Gwynedd Township Upcoming Meetings & Events: | |
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Board of Supervisors Recognize Young Local Heroes and Welcome a New Police Officer
The Lower Gwynedd Board of Supervisors (BOS) in conjunction with the North Penn Volunteer Fire Company recognized three young Township residents for their courage and swift action when a fire broke out in their home last month. Sohan, Keshav and Suri Shah pictured above with BOS Chair, Danielle Duckett and Fire Chief, Matt Traynor, received commendation plaques formally acknowledging their efforts in saving themselves and their home.
The BOS also welcomed a new police officer to the Lower Gwynedd Township Police Department. Officer Ryan Sell was sworn in at the BOS meeting on July 25th, 2023. He is pictured here with his mother and father, who are also police officers in other locations. Welcome Ryan!!
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Special Board of Supervisors Meeting- Update
The Lower Gwynedd Board of Supervisors (BOS) held a special meeting on July 11th where Rise Up Towers gave a presentation on possible cell phone tower locations to address the issue of cell service in much of the Township. As a local government, Lower Gwynedd does not have the authority to mandate cell coverage by telecommunications companies, but as a property owner, the Township might be able to be part of the solution. Rise Up Towers identified two Township properties that would be viable locations for cell towers to address the gap in cell service, Penllyn Woods Park and the municipal building on Bethlehem Pike. If you missed the meeting, the information can be viewed on the Township website. We created a "cell phone tower" page that includes the materials presented at the meeting, the meeting video, and informational links.
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Lower Gwynedd Fall Fest-Saturday, September 23
Lower Gwynedd Fall Fest will be Saturday September 23, 2023, from 12pm- 5pm. The event will be held on Houston Road, sections of the roadway will be closed starting at 8am until 6pm. Join us for a fun filled afternoon packed with local vendors, crafters, food trucks, kids amusements and music. We have over 90 local vendors signed up for this year's event and we are almost at full capacity! Check out the newly updated Fall Fest page of the Township website to see all the vendors, food trucks, and area sponsors!
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PA State Police Troop K Sunny Day Camp-Sunday, October 1st, 10am-2pm
Pennsylvania State Police Troop K will hold a Sunny Day Camp. This is a one-day camp held for children and adults with special needs. The event is held on Sunday, October 1, 2023, from 10:00 am-2:00 pm at the Brandywine Youth Club (47 Thornton Rd Glen Mills, PA 19342). Sign up by using this link. Under the camp near you, select Troop K-Media. Registration is now open.
The Community Response Unit is always interested in receiving new ideas from the public. Together we can improve existing programs and introduce new ways to benefit our community.
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Comprehensive Plan- Share Your Vision for Lower Gwynedd!
Lower Gwynedd Township is in the process of drafting a new comprehensive plan, and we want to hear from you! The plan will provide a vision for the future of the township and a framework for the management of development in the township over the next 20 years. Your opinion is important to help us understand the issues that are most important to you both in your neighborhood and at the township-wide scale.
If you live, work, shop, or otherwise spend time in Lower Gwynedd, we invite you to complete the community survey, and let us know your thoughts!
Please share this survey with your friends and neighbors:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LGwynCompPlan
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NOT THIS:
Burning Bush (Euonymous alatus)
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The Lower Gwynedd Environmental Advisory Council announces our inaugural Going Green Award and invites nominations of Township businesses, organizations, educational institutions, non-profits, and residents and other entities in Lower Gwynedd Township. This award will recognize sustainable efforts in our community related to energy, water, land, waste minimization, and community outreach. Residents and others connected with the township (business owners, residents, non-profits, etc.) are invited to nominate potential award winners–including themselves! – Use your camera on your phone and scan the QR Code below for more details on award criteria and selection process and the application form.
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Wissahickon Valley Historical Society Completes Pennsylvania Grant Work
The Wissahickon Valley Historical Society has completed extensive repairs at its Franklinville School, and this project was financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Keystone Communities Program. A new roof is still needed. For questions or to request a private tour of the school, please email info@WValleyHS.org.
The two-year grant provided most of the funding for improved drainage, electrical upgrades, and repairs to the front porch. It was obtained through the efforts of PA Representative Liz Hanbidge and was based on an Assessment Study by Whitpain Township. The 1858 structure, near Normandy Farm, is one of the last remaining one-room schools in the area and is furnished as a 19th-century classroom. WVHS continues fund-raising to replace the roof and make additional repairs.
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Departmental Round-Up:
Building & Zoning
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Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB)
The Zoning Hearing Board met on July 13th. They will meet on August 10th, 2023, to hear the applications listed below.
July Hearings- July 13, 2023:
1137 McKean Road: A-1 Residential District: Applicant seeks a variance to allow impervious coverage to exceed 25% to facilitate an inground swimming pool. (Approved)
August Hearings- August 10, 2023:
824 Penllyn Pike: A-1 Residential District: Applicant seeks a variance to allow a primary residence within the required side yard setback and a variance to allow a detached garage to be located within the front yard setback.
312 Walnut Street: C-Residential District: Applicant seeks a special exception to permit a one-story in-law suite, a variance to permit a second person to reside in the in-law suite, and a variance to allow impervious coverage of 88%.
439 Foulke Avenue: C-Residential District: Applicant seeks a variance to permit the expansion of a lawful non-conforming building by more than 25% to facilitate an addition to an existing single-family dwelling.
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Land Development & Subdivision:
Under Review:
- #23-05 CU- 1348 Sumneytown Pike Conditional Use- Conditional use application to permit a cluster development design provision available in the zoning code to facilitate a future 14-lot residential subdivision.
- #23-04 LD- Spring House Innovation Park (SHIP) Building 14 Parking Lot Expansion & Electric Substation- Land development application to construct a 1,942 square foot electrical substation and add a parking lot at Building 14 on their campus located at 727 Norristown Road.
- #23-03 LD- Gwynedd Mercy University Francis Maguire Innovation Center- Land development application to construct a 70,000 square foot two-story nursing center and associated improvements on their campus located at 1325 Sumneytown Pike.
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#23-01 CU- 400 Houston Road Minor Subdivision- conditional use application to permit a non-conforming lot to be reduced in size through a proposed subdivision.
Approved:
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#23-02WLD- Gwynedd Mercy University Courtyard Improvement- waiver of land development requested for exterior improvements to courtyard area.
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Lower Gwynedd Township
1130 North Bethlehem Pike
Spring House, PA 19477
Phone: (215) 646-5302
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Keep an eye out for our September issue! | | | | |
