July 2023 e-Newsletter

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Lower Gwynedd Township Upcoming Meetings & Events: 

July 3rd & July 4, 2023

Independence Day-Holiday Offices Closed

July 5

Concert In the Park-Oxford Park- 7pm-8pm

July 10

EAC-Winged Migration Movie-Pre-registration required- 7pm

July 11

Special Board of Supervisors Meeting-7pm

July 12

Concert In the Park-Oxford Park- 7pm-8pm

July 13

Zoning Hearing Board-6pm

July 15

EAC Battery & Techno Trash Recycling Event-9am-11am

July 18

Parks & Recreation Board Meeting-6pm

July 19

Concert In the Park-Oxford Park- 7pm-8pm

July 19

Planning Commission Meeting-7pm

July 20

Historical Advisory Committee-6pm

July 20

Kona with Cops-5:30-7pm (Kona arrives at 6pm)

July 25

Board of Supervisors Meeting-7pm

July 26

Concert In the Park-Oxford Park- 7pm-8pm

General News

Special Board of Supervisors Meeting- July 11th at 7pm:

The Lower Gwynedd Board of Supervisors (BOS) heard loud and clear residents’ complaints about the lack 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. The BOS has scheduled a special meeting on July 11th at 7pm to discuss cell service in Lower Gwynedd Township.

The July 11th meeting is for 1) the presentation about the proposed cell towers and the expected improvement in cell service and 2) questions for Rise Up Towers from the public and BOS. This meeting is the beginning of the process. The Township is still gathering information about the proposed cell towers and locations. No decisions will be made at this meeting by the BOS.

Kiwanis Club of Ambler's Annual 4th of July Carnival & Fireworks Display


The Kiwanis Club of Ambler will hold their annual 4th of July carnival and fireworks display this summer! The carnival will run from July 4th through July 8th with the fireworks scheduled for Friday, July 7th, 2023. For more information contact the Kiwanis Club of Ambler.

Republic Services- Holiday Schedule Week of July 3rd



Republic Services will operate under a holiday schedule the week of July 3rd. Trash and recycling collection will be Monday, July 3rd and Friday, July 7th this week to accommodate the July 4th holiday.

Summer Concerts in the Park- Wednesday Nights at Oxford Park 7pm-8pm


The Parks & Recreation Board are hosting the summer concert series at Oxford Park. Join us on Wednesday nights from 7pm-8pm for free open-air concerts. Bring a lawn chair! July concerts:

  • July 5th: The Other Brothers Band
  • July 12th: Southern Edge
  • July 19th: Montgomery County Concert Band
  • July 26th: Meghan Cary

EAC Battery & Techno Trash Collection Event- July 15th- 9am-11am

The EAC will hold a battery recycling drop off event on Saturday, July 15th from 9am-11am at the Township building parking lot. This collection is only open to LGT residents, and proof of residency will be required. Residents are asked to view the instructions linked in the title to have the batteries prepared for drop-off to speed up the process. In addition to the battery collection, Techno Trash will also be accepted. Please note, techno trash includes CD/DVDs, VHS, audio and computer tapes and cases for all of these items. It does not include electronics of any kind.


Winged Migration Movie Showing-July 10th


The Environmental Advisory Council has planned a movie showing of "Winged Migration". This Oscar Award-winning documentary was filmed over three years around the world, showcasing the immense journeys routinely made by birds during their migrations. The movie will be shown on Monday, July 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the Township Building. Registration is required, you can call the Township Offices at 215-646-5302 or register by email at contactus@lowergwynedd.org

From the EAC

EAC Events

The What, Why and How to Compost event was held on June 17 from 9:00am-11:30am at the Penllyn Woods Community Center. An enthusiastic and engaged group attended the event. Participants listened to a brief presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. After the presentation, attendees stepped outside to hear presentations from compost experts regarding 4 types of composting options that were the focus of the event: 1. Outside stationary compost bins 2. Outside tumbler composting; 3. Vermicomposting (worm composting); and 4. Community-based local curb-side pick up or drop off options. 

15 Stationary compost bins, 1 Outside tumbler composter and 5 kitchen counter collection containers were available for raffle.

Lower Gwynedd Business Association is Back!



The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Montgomery County (The Chamber) has a long history of supporting businesses in the Montgomery County area. It began by providing support to local businesses in Lansdale and has since grown to become the largest business organization in Montgomery County, with over 700 members across a wide geographic territory.

In 2012, a group of businesses in the Lower Gwynedd Township came together to form the Lower Gwynedd Business Association (LGBA) with the aim of promoting the diversity of local businesses and attracting new ones. The LGBA, in collaboration with the township, worked towards creating a vibrant and appealing destination for potential businesses. The association was led by a volunteer board that organized monthly meetings to discuss opportunities for strengthening the business community.

The Chamber and LGBA signed a chapter agreement in 2014 to host joint networking and educational programs, recognizing the value of collaboration between the two organizations. Recently, the LGBA Board decided to transfer its assets to The Chamber, leveraging the Chamber's extensive experience of over a century in serving the local business community with various programs, events, and advocacy initiatives. With its established presence and resources, The Chamber is uniquely positioned to foster networking, business development, and provide support to help Lower Gwynedd businesses thrive and grow.

To drive the revitalization of LGBA, a group of Lower Gwynedd businesses and Janine Martin (Board Supervisor), will serve as advisors to The Chamber. This collaboration aims to create opportunities for businesses to flourish while enriching the community. Janine Martin, speaking on behalf of the Lower Gwynedd Board of Supervisors, expressed excitement about working with The Chamber to continue the growth of the township. Lower Gwynedd has become a highly desirable location in Montgomery County, and through this partnership with The Chamber and local businesses, they aim to build upon that success.

For information regarding joining the LGBA, contact Kim Nguyen at 1256-362-9200 or kim@chambergmc.org.

 

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

 

Departmental Round-Up

From the Building & Zoning Department:

Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB)

The Zoning Hearing Board did not in June. They will meet on July 13th, 2023, and hear the applications listed below.


July Hearings- July 13, 2023:

1137 McKean Road: A-1 Residential District: Applicant seeks a variance to allow a swimming pool less than 25 ft. from the rear property line and a variance to allow impervious coverage to exceed 25%.


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.

Land Development & Subdivision:


Under Review:

  • #23-02WLD- Gwynedd Mercy University Courtyard Improvement- waiver of land development requested for exterior improvements to courtyard area
  • #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:

  • #22-05SUBD- Cedar Hill Road (1500-1524) Subdivision- approval of a 7-lot single-family residential subdivision-approved 6/27/23.

Permits


Remember a building permit is required to erect, construct, enlarge, add to, alter, repair, replace, improve, remove, install, or maintain any structure or building. This includes accessory buildings/structures such as pools, garages, carports, decks, etc. A permit is not required for painting, changing cabinets, wallpaper, carpet, or fixtures. Certain improvements require just a simple zoning permit such as a small patio, a shed that is less than 200 square feet, or a fence. Other more involved permits would require a full permit where the sections pertaining to electric, plumbing, HVAC, etc. are required. We added more information to our website to help residents navigate the complicated process of permitting. Click on the image below to see what type of permits these common improvements to your home require.

Public Works Department


2023 Road Program

Lower Gwynedd Township's annual road program begins in July. Below is a list of roads scheduled for replacement or repair.


Mill & Overlay

  • Township Line Road from Plymouth Road to end of School House Lane
  • Swedesford Road to Dekalb PIke
  • Brights Lane
  • Gwynedd Avenue- Gypsy Hill Road to gate at railroad


Ultra-Thin Bond Wearing Course

  • Cindy Circle
  • Brights Circle
  • Knights Circle
  • Knight Road-Brights Lane to Buckley Road
  • Buckley Road
  • Buckley Circle
  • Beaumont Place

Police Department-CRU


Blue Envelope Program

Montgomery County launched the “Blue Envelope Program” to assist special-needs drivers and police during interactions. The Lower Gwynedd Township Police is participating in this program. We are encouraging families who have loved one’s with special needs to come into the station and get one of the Blue Envelopes.


Happenings:

Officer William Henry of the CRU unit will attend the Pennsylvania State Police Troop K Camp Cadet from July 9 thru July 14.  http://troopkcampcadet.com

 

SRO Shannon Gallagher will attend the 2023 School Resource Officer Conference in Harrisburg, PA from July 24th thru July 26th.

 

Events:

Ambler Kiwanis Carnival and Fireworks (Wissahickon High School 521 Houston Rd, Ambler, PA 19002) Tuesday, July 4th – Saturday, July 8. Fireworks July 7 (Fireworks set to go off between 9:15 pm and 9:30 pm.)

 

Kona With Cops - July 20 from 5:30 pm-7 pm at Oxford Park. Free Kona water ice from 6 pm to 7 pm 

 

Special Event:

Pennsylvania State Police Troop K also holds 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 the attached link https://www.sunnydaycamp.org/. 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. 

 

If you have any suggestions for the Unit, please email lgpdcru@lowergwynedd.org.

 

 

 Lower Gwynedd Township

1130 North Bethlehem Pike

Spring House, PA 19477

Phone: (215) 646-5302

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