Lower Gwynedd Township Upcoming Meetings & Events: | |
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Spring House Intersection Improvement Project:
Roadway improvements at the intersection of Sumneytown Pike/Norristown Road are beginning. The roadway construction consists of widening on Norristown Road and Sumneytown Pike to provide additional through lanes in the eastbound and westbound directions, traffic signal improvements, sidewalk and trail modifications on the north side of Norristown Road and both sides of Sumneytown Pike, and ADA ramp upgrades. The majority of the proposed work is within PennDOT, Montgomery County, or Lower Gwynedd Township right-of-way. While this will not be a complete closure, lane restrictions will apply. Also, there will be temporary closures of the walking path along Norristown Road to allow for brush and vegetation removal.
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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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Congratulations Class of 2023!
The Board of Supervisors would like to congratulate all of our graduates in Lower Gwynedd Township. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors!
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June-Pride Month
The Lower Gwynedd Township BOS approved Resolution #2023-13 by a 4-1 vote, declaring June, 2023 to be LGBTQ Pride Month and directed staff to fly the pride flag throughout the month of June, 2023 at Veterans Memorial Park. A flag raising ceremony will be held on June 1st, 2023. Details are listed below.
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Plant Native!
Why Native Plants Matter - Restoring native plant habitat is vital to preserving biodiversity. By creating a native plant garden, each patch of habitat becomes part of a collective effort to nurture and sustain the living landscape for birds and other animals. (source: National Audubon Society). To read more details about why this matters so much click here.
In the next few months, while things are growing and residents are planting in their yards we are focusing our green tips on native plants that you can incorporate into your home gardens, particularly those that can replace non-native invasive species that have been very common landscape plants that many residents likely have in their garden beds around their homes. These non-natives provide very little, if any, benefit to the native fauna of our area, and frequently escape into the wild areas, become invasive and out-competing natives for resources they need to survive and create the biodiversity we need.
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Not this:
Butterfly Bush (buddleja davidii)
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Friday, June 16th 8:30am – Bird Walk @ Penllyn Woods. Please email lgteac+birdtown@gmail.com to be added to the email list in case of a cancellation and for reminders about upcoming walks, scheduled for the third Friday of each month at a local LGT park. | |
Boards & Committee Updates | |
Board of Supervisors (BOS)
The BOS held their first regular meeting of the month on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. The BOS approved Resolution 2023-11 granting preliminary/final approval to the Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School Land Development. The project includes a 20,000 square foot addition to the existing high school. The applicant will provide easements for future sidewalk/trail connections and will add more trees near the ball fields. The BOS also authorized the advertisement of an ordinance amendment pertaining to traffic impact fees, and the advertisement for bids for traffic signal equipment improvements at the intersection of Norristown Road and Tennis Avenue. In other business, the BOS agreed to allow the contractor for the Spring House Intersection Improvement Project to use a defined portion of 901 Sumneytown Pike as a staging area.
At the second meeting of the BOS on May 23rd, the BOS recognized the Police Department and Officer Tim Evard for his work in guiding the department on their third successful reaccreditation. They also recognized Officer William Henry for his work on the Community Response Unit and for organizing a very successful "Touch a Truck" event that was held on May 21st. The Township Engineer gave a presentation on recommendations resulting from the Houston Creek Flood Study. He reviewed the potential projects and estimated costs. The BOS will prioritize the recommendations and pursue grant funding to assist in the implementation. In other business, the BOS approved Resolution 2023-13 designating June as Pride Month in a 4-1 vote with Supervisor Hunsicker opposing. The resolution sparked an in-depth public comment period where community members voiced their support and their concerns about the location of the pride flag at Veterans Memorial Park. Ultimately, the Township voted to move forward with the flag raising as proposed, this will occur on June 1st, and to look into adding a second flagpole at the Township Buidling in the future. Following this discussion, the BOS reviewed a proposed historical marker program developed by the Historical Advisory Committee. The BOS then voted to authorize the advertisement of an ordinance establishing the marker program. They also authorized advertisement of an ordinance that will create tax credits for volunteer firefighters who live in Lower Gwynedd. Finally, they approved a series of requests by the Environmental Advisory Council including authorization to purchase licensing to show two movies, Kiss the Ground and Winged Migration, and authorization to create a Going Green Award.
The BOS will operate under their summer schedule beginning in June where they will meet one time per month. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at 7pm.
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Historical Advisory Committee (HAC)
The BOS will consider adopting a new historical marker program at their meeting on June 27th. The HAC recommended the program in response to citizen interest and in connection with the township's 325th anniversary this year. The Township received a grant to replace the weight-restricted bridge on Old Bethlehem Pike. The HAC discussed how to document the history of the bridge in this location, which may date as far back as the 1730s. Next month, the HAC will review easement templates that would enable current owners to voluntarily protect their historic properties through their deed.
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Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB)
The Zoning Hearing Board met in May and heard the following applications. The ZHB will meet on June 8th, 2023, and hear the applications listed below.
May Hearings- May 11, 2023:
1202 Kingsley Court: A-1 Residential District: Applicant seeks a variance to allow a new covered porch within the rear yard setback of a single-family dwelling. (Approved)
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%. (Continuance)
1512 Cedar Hill Road: A-1 Residential District: Applicant seeks a variance to allow a minimum side yard setback less than 45 ft at a single-family dwelling. (Approved)
June Hearings- June 8, 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.
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Public Works Department
We're Hiring- Multiple Openings for Public Works Laborers
Lower Gwynedd Township is seeking applications for Public Works Laborers. These full-time positions will be responsible for maintenance and repair of parks, open space, rights-of-way, walking trails, roadways, storm and sanitary sewer and Township-owned and maintained properties, as well as snow removal. The desired applicants are preferred to have basic knowledge of the day-to-day operations of a municipal Public Works Department along with prior construction, maintenance, or trade experience. Current valid PA driver’s license required with Class A Commercial driver’s license with Tanker Endorsement required within 6 months of hire. Firefighter 1 preferred. Please submit all applications with resumes to Fred Zollers, Public Works Director, P.O. Box 625, Spring House, PA 19477 or e-mail fzollers@lowergwynedd.org. These positions will remain open until filled.
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Police Department
The BOS recognized the Police Department and Officer Tim Evard for his work in guiding the department on their third successful reaccreditation. Accreditation helps police departments operate more professionally, justify their operations, and promote trust in their community. Accreditation programs require agencies to assess high-liability areas of their operations, provide officers more training, and hold officers accountable to policy and training compliance. Accreditation also promotes transparency and self-reflection within an agency, which fosters a culture of accountability. The BOS also recognized Officer William Henry for his work on the Community Response Unit and for organizing a very successful "Touch a Truck" event that was held on May 21st.
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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 July issue! | | | | |
