Lower Gwynedd Township Upcoming Meetings & Events: |
|
 |
Who else is ready for Spring? The Parks & Recreation Department has tickets for the 2023 Flower Show.
The show has moved back to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, March 4-12, 2023.
Tickets are currently on sale, adult tickets $41 each, we accept cash, checks and credit cards* (*service fee will be applied). Tickets sales are only Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Lower Gwynedd Township Building. Hurry only a few tickets left!
|
|
|
|
The EAC will hold a battery recycling drop off event on Saturday, March 11th 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 below in order to have the batteries prepared for drop-off to speed up the process. In addition to the battery collection, we will also have our new Techno Trash drop-off. We are now recycling CD/DVDs, VHS, audio and computer tapes and cases for all of these items.
Battery Instructions
|
|
|
|
Tennis & Pickleball Clinics Available! |
|
Still Time to Register for Little League - Registration Closes March 5th!! |
|
|
|
The Montgomery County Youth Aid Panel, Wissahickon Chapter, is looking for volunteers! Montgomery County's District Attorney's Youth Aid Panel Program (YAP) promotes restorative justice, representing an innovative approach by law enforcement toward juvenile offenders. Panels are staffed by local volunteers who receive specialized training. Panelist must be 18 years or older, a U.S. citizen, a Montgomery County resident (for at least one year), must complete a training program, pass a background check, and must commit to a minimum of one-year of service. If you're interested in applying, please submit a written application available at Youth Aid Panel | Montgomery County, PA - Official Website (montcopa.org).
|
|
There have been some exciting changes to the Tax Collector Office!
Visit the new website to download a copy of your Real Estate Tax Bill (the original will still be mailed), pay your tax bill, access important links and information, or contact the Tax Collector.
2023 County/Township Real Estate Tax Bills are in the Mail
You should receive your bill by March 1st.
Payment Reminders:
- Online payment options are available on my website. There is a 50 cent flat fee for e-checks and a 2% fee for credit/debit cards
- Make checks payable to Lower Gwynedd Tax Collector
- Mail checks to PO Box 3042, Ambler, PA 19002
- Drop off checks at 428 Knight Road, Ambler in the lockbox 24/7 or during office hours every Thursday 10am-1pm
- If using your bank’s online bill pay service, please schedule payment to be sent two weeks in advance of a deadline to avoid mail delays and check that you are using the correct PO Box
If you did not receive your bill, you can download a digital copy on my website under “Bills & Receipts”.
|
|
The Historical Advisory Committee is in the final phases of information gathering on the Ingersoll property owned by the township. In January, an inspector with specialized knowledge of historical properties offered a report on the house and barn (both structures are stable and could be rehabilitated). In February, the HAC received input from two local realtors who believe the house has "potential" (some rehabilitation work would be needed in advance) if it were to be sold or if the township were to consider leasing it for a small business. This month, we will be gathering information on the property's history to determine its most important historical aspects. We intend to make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors about potential uses this spring. If you have suggestions for a potential use, please contact the township with your ideas!
HAC is also working to establish a framework for a proposed historical marker program. We have already heard from some of you regarding possible places of historic interest in the county, but we need more! Please send us your suggestions.
Respectfully submitted,
Matt Metcalf
HAC Chair
|
|
Keep our Environment Clean and Safe
Proper disposal of hazardous materials is imperative to keeping our environment clean and safe for humans and all living things. Montgomery County has announced the 2023 dates for their Hazardous Waste Collections, including locations near Lower Gwynedd in Abington, Norristown, and Ambler. Check the dates, as well as a list of materials they accept here. The most common items include cleaning supplies, oils and fuels, oil-based paint, and other solvent based products. These products should always be collected and disposed of properly, never put into your curbside trash where it will end up in a landfill and can seep into the groundwater, and never poured down your drain or into sewer or stormwater drains where it can more quickly contaminate our local waterways.
Another way to help keep our waterways clean is to volunteer for our rescheduled Storm Drain Marking event, on April 1. For more information, and to sign-up, click here.
Mark your calendar for these other upcoming EAC events:
Saturday, March 11th 9-11am – Battery & Techno recycling collection @ LG Township Building. Please check the webpage for details on what batteries are collected and how certain ones need to be prepared before dropping them off. And NEW Techno-recycling! We are now recycling CD/DVDs, VHS, audio and computer tapes and cases for all of these items.
Friday, March 17th 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.
Saturday, April 1, 9-11:30am – Storm Drain Marking Volunteer Event – sign up now!
|
|
|
|
Report a Pothole to PennDot |
Motorists encouraged to report potholes on www.penndot.pa.gov or 1-800-FIX-ROAD. Did you know that you can check here to see if a road within Lower Gwynedd Township is owned by the township, county or state?
|
|
|
Boards & Committee Updates |
The BOS held their first regular meeting of the month on Wednesday, February 8th. They had a discussion about speeding and pedestrian concerns on Gypsy Hill Road. Following public comment, they granted preliminary/final approval to a lot line adjustment located at 541 Station Road. The Traffic Engineer gave a few project updates related to the Spring House Intersection, McKean Road pedestrian improvements, and the McKean Road traffic study. The Spring House Intersection Improvement Project involves planned improvements that are being funded in part through a PennDOT Multi-Modal Transportation Fund Grant and include roadway improvements to be located at the intersection of Sumneytown Pike/Norristown Road (SR 2052). The roadway construction generally includes widening on Norristown Road (SR 2052) and Sumneytown Pike (County) to provide additional through lanes in the eastbound and westbound directions, traffic signal improvements, concrete sidewalk and bituminous trail modifications on the north side of Norristown Road and both sides of Sumneytown Pike, ADA ramp upgrades for all affected ramps within the limits of work, and stormwater control measures/drainage system upgrades. Utility relocations are also included in the project. The BOS expressed their desire to maintain the mature tree canopy along Norristown Road and to minimize the impact of construction to residents in the area and motorists. Project construction is anticipated to occur April – December 2023. McKean Road pedestrian improvements will include the addition of crosswalks, signage, and radar speed signs at the intersection of McKean Road and Stone House Road and at the YMCA. A traffic study is underway for McKean Road, as well. Traffic counts and other necessary data is being collected and will be analyzed by the Township Traffic Engineer. In other business, the BOS discussed the proposed special events ordinance and agreed that an ordinance was not necessary and that events could be handled internally through an administrative process.
At the second meeting of the Board of Supervisors, they granted approval to a public access easement agreement for the trail network on the Gwynedd Mercy University (GMU) campus. They then authorized Township staff to submit a grant application to Montgomery County on behalf of GMU for the extension of the trail located on the campus. GMU will be solely responsible for installing and paying for the trail. The BOS's next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 8th, 2023, at 7pm.
|
|
The EAC met on Tuesday, February 7th, 2023, at 7pm. The EAC has a number of events planned for the upcoming year including a battery recycling collection where the new "techno trash" container will be utilized. A storm drain stenciling event is planned for April 1st (informational links are provided in the EAC Green Tip Section of this newsletter). They also have a 309- ramp cleanup scheduled for April 15th. The EAC is planning on having a composting workshop and garden clean-up in May. They also plan to continue their bird walks. In other business, they discussed energy efficiency alternatives that could be offered to developers during land development. The EAC will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, March 7th, 2023, at 7pm. They will return to their normal Wednesday meetings in April.
|
|
The Zoning Hearing Board did not meet in February. The ZHB is scheduled to meet on March 9, 2023, to hear the following applications.
1325 Sumneytown Pike: A-Residential District; Applicant seeks a variance to permit a height in excess of the 45-foot, 2.5-story height limitation otherwise permitted on a student life center and chapel as proposed through the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.
493 Brights Lane: B-Residential District: Applicant seeks a variance to allow a rear yard less than 65-feet in depth from a new roofed deck on an existing single-family dwelling.
|
|
The PC met on Wednesday, February 15th, 2023, at 7pm.
(#22-07LD) 1345 Sumneytown Pike Building Addition (Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School): -Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School is seeking approval of a proposed land development application for a 17,000 square-foot building addition to the existing high school, concrete walkways, and a new paved parking area. The addition is for more classrooms and meeting space as well as a new kitchen and maintenance facilities. The applicant's representatives reviewed the progress made since the last meeting. They've met on site and have resolved a number of issues pertaining to the relocation of the construction entrance, and sight distance issues at Evans Road. They also provided an acceptable plan to add sprinklers to the building. In addition, they have added a number of environmentally friendly aspects to the project including electric charging stations. They also reported that they comply with the tree replacement ordinance. The PC discussed the request for a waiver of curb and sidewalk along Sumneytown Pike. PC member Maureen Nunn stressed the need for the trail connection in this location. However due to safety concerns, GMAHS, was not in favor of pursuing public pedestrian improvements on school property. The PC recommended the application for conditional preliminary/final approval to the BOS. Status: Recommended for Approval by PC; BOS approval pending.
The PC reviewed the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment pertaining to flag lots. This amendment to the existing ordinance provides for an increase in the width of the access strip to a flag lot from 25-feet to 50-feet. The PC had no issues with the amendment as proposed and made a recommendation that the BOS approve the amendment.
The PC then reviewed the proposed Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) amendment pertaining to tree preservation as it relates to subdivision applications. The proposed amendment prohibits the clear-cutting of a lot within 5-years of submitting a subdivision or land development application. The PC requested that the language be clarified that the restriction is for clear-cutting and not simple removal of an individual dead or diseased tree. The PC recommended the amendment for approval with the condition that the language be clarified as noted. The ordinances will be scheduled for a public hearing at the BOS meeting on March 8th, 2023.
|
|
The PRB met on February 21st, 2023. The Parks & Recreation Department is gearing up for the upcoming summer season. Summer camp is scheduled to take place this year. The Township has openings for camp counselors, applications are due by the end of March. In other business, progress continues to be made on the master plans for Ingersoll Park, Oxford Park, and Pen-Ambler Park. Organizational stakeholders will meet at the end of February to provide input during this planning process. Updates on the EAC and the Fall Fest were provided as well. There are a number of programs and activities coming up including the Easter Egg Hunt, tennis and pickleball clinics, science explorers camp, and summer camp. The PRB will meet again on Tuesday, March 21st, 2023, at 6pm. Please check the website for an agenda.
|
|
REMINDER- ATV & UTV PROHIBITED ON PUBLIC STREETS
ATV’S, UTV’S, Dirt bike Riding Rules and Enforcement
The Lower Gwynedd Township Police Department wanted to remind Lower Gwynedd Township residents that operating an ATV, UTV or non-street legal motorcycles on any public roadway is illegal and police action will be taken to include fines and in pounding of the vehicle.
How Does Pennsylvania Define These Vehicles?
ATV (ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE)
At its simplest, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is defined as a vehicle with the following: a straddle seating position, handlebar steering, and the ability to maneuver through a variety of terrain conditions.
Pennsylvania further splits its definition of an ATV into 2 separate classes.
- A class 1 ATV is defined as “a motorized off-highway vehicle, which travels on three or more off-highway tires and has a maximum width of 50 inches and a maximum dry weight of 1200 pounds.”
- A class 2 ATV is defined as “a motorized off-highway vehicle, which travels on three or more off-highway tires and has a width which exceeds 50 inches or a dry weight which exceeds 1200 pounds.”
UTV (UTILITY-TERRAIN VEHICLE)
Utility Terrain Vehicles, or UTVs, are built and used more for work than recreation. They are large, powerful, able to seat passengers’ side by side, and built with lots of storage space. They’re commonly used to haul equipment and supplies in locations that male using a truck impractical or impossible.
Dirt Bikes
A motorcycle with tires and suspension designed and built for riding on unpaved roads and over rough terrain. The term included motorcycles not equipped with the required equipment or instruments to pass Pennsylvania Department of Transportation inspection and registration requirements.
WHERE YOU CAN RIDE YOUR ATV, UTL OR DIRT BIKE IN PENNSYLVANIA
Know before you go. It’s important you know what lands you will be riding on and if they are open to ATV, UTV and dirt Bike use. Contact the appropriate land management agency to find out what is open, generally speaking, ATVs, UTVs and dirt bike may be operated:
- On private property with the consent of the owner
- On state-owned property on clearly marked and designated trails
- On highways and streets, when necessary, to cross a bridge or culvert
- On highways and streets during periods of emergency when so declared by a governmental agency having jurisdiction
- On highways and streets for special events of limited duration that are conducted according to a prearranged schedule under permit from the governmental unit having jurisdiction
PRIVATE PROPERTY
ATVs, UTVs, and Dirt bikes may not be operated on private property without the consent of the owner. Use of ATVs, UTVs and Dirt Bikes on private property may be further restricted by municipal ordinance.
OPERATIONS OF ATVS AND UTVS BY YOUTH
Children under the age of 16 are prohibited from:
- Operating an ATV or UTV anywhere other than the land owned or leased by a parent or guardian unless the child has a valid safety certificate or is under the direct supervision of a certified instructor during a certified safety training course.
- Operating an ATV or UTV across highways or connecting streets or operate on state forest or park roads designated for joint use (use by both motor vehicles and snowmobiles or ATVs) unless the child has a valid safety certificate and is under direct supervision of a person 18 years of age or older
- Driving an ATV or UTV on state or local highways, roads, or streets designated for joint use A child under 8 is not eligible for a safety certificate and is prohibited from operating anywhere accept on private. Age 8- and 9-year-old operators are restricted to an engines size of 70cc or less.
ENFORCEMENT OF ATV, UTV AND DIRT BIKE AND REGULATIONS
All law enforcement officers in the state, including local and state police, are authorized to enforce the Snowmobile/ATV/UTV Laws. This includes:
- State forest and state park lands—state forest officers and DCNR rangers
- State Game Lands—wildlife conservation officers and deputy wildlife conservation officers
- Municipal and state roadways—municipal and state police
- Private property—municipal and state police
ATV AND UTV FINES
Failure to register you ATV or UTV and abide by the rules could be costly. First offenses range from $50 to $200 plus the cost of prosecution. A second offense carries a fine of $100 to $300 plus cost of prosecution. Failure to register your vehicle or failure to have liability insurance ia an automatic $300 fine plus cost of prosecution.
|
|
Lower Gwynedd Township
1130 North Bethlehem Pike
Spring House, PA 19477
Phone: (215) 646-5302
|
|
|
|
|
Keep an eye out for our April issue! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
