Lower Gwynedd Township Upcoming Meetings & Events:
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Passing of Former Supervisor Dr. J. Richard (Dick) Booth |
It is with our deepest regret that we acknowledge the passing of former Lower Gwynedd Township Supervisor, Dr. J. Richard Booth. Dr. Booth passed away on April 15, 2022. He served as Supervisor from 2008 until 2020. He also operated his dental practice in Lower Gwynedd for 40 years before his retirement. Dr. Booth was a member of the United States Army and was also a member of the Rotary Club of Ambler. Dr. Booth will be sorely missed by all who knew him. We are very fortunate to have had the pleasure of having him serve our Township and we extend our sincerest condolences to his wife, Colleen, and his entire family. |
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Be sure to check your polling location!
With the upcoming primary election only weeks away, we wanted to remind everyone to double check polling locations. It was brought to our attention that the map showing polling locations in our printed newsletter was incorrect. A few of these locations have changed. Please check with voter services to confirm the appropriate location for you to cast your vote. Visit the voter services website and simply type in your address and the polling location will be identified for you or view the list of polling places here. The primary election is May 17th, 2022, polls open at 7am and close at 8pm.
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The EAC will hold their next battery collection on Saturday, May 14th, 9-11am at the Township building. Please be sure to review the battery collection guidelines on our website.
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The Kiwanis Club of Ambler will hold their annual 4th of July carnival and fireworks display this summer! The carnival will run from June 28th through July 2nd with the fireworks scheduled for Friday, July 1st, 2022. For more information contact the Kiwanis Club of Ambler.
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Curbside leaf collection will be provided by Republic Services on May 14th. This is the last scheduled pick-up for the Spring. They will offer additional collection dates in the Fall.
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Lower Gwynedd's Fall Fest (Formerly known as Pike Fest) will be held Saturday, September 17th, 2022. Questions contact Sandi Feight, Recreation Director at 215-646-5302 or sfeight@lowergwynedd.org.
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Montco Trail Challenge 2022 |
The Montco Trail Challenge is a great opportunity for families and individuals of all ages to exercise, explore, and experience the traffic-free network of parks, trails, and historic sites throughout the County. Selected parks and trails throughout the County have been identified and assigned their own unique shape which is mounted on the trail heads or parking lots. Upon visiting the listed parks and trails, participants have to find and correctly identify the designated shape, similar to a scavenger hunt. Please join us, for more information click here.
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Join the EAC for a bird walk Tuesday, May 17th, 8:30 am (Raindate: Wednesday, May 18th). Meet in the parking lot near the community building (no dogs or strollers please). The walk is limited to 15 participants and you can RSVP to Steve Saffier: Safsbay@yahoo.com
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Parks & Recreation Board Vacancy |
The Lower Gwynedd Township Parks & Recreation Board (PRB) is in search of its next board member! We are now accepting applications to fill this vacancy. The PRB is responsible for advising the Board of Supervisors (BOS) and staff on acquiring, developing, and maintaining park land, as well as, developing new recreational programs. The PRB is made up of seven volunteer members who are appointed to a five-year term by the BOS. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6pm except for August and December. If you're a resident who is willing to serve, complete an application today! You can access the electronic application by clicking here!
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County & State Road Closures |
As you are aware road construction seems to be everywhere! PennDot and Montgomery County Roads & Bridges both have projects underway in Lower Gwynedd Township. PennDot continues to work on the Route 202 widening project. PennDot will be closing and detouring Sumneytown Pike approaching Route 202 from Swedesford Road beginning Monday, May 2nd, 2022. The closure will be in place 24/7 through Thursday, May 26, 2022 (weather permitting). During the closure, Sumneytown Pike motorists will be directed to use Route 202, Route 63, and North Wales Road/Walnut Street. Local access will be maintained up to the construction zone. For more information view the detour map here.
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Montgomery County is concurrently working on the replacement of the Plymouth Road Bridge over the Wissahickon Creek. The existing stone arch bridge will be replaced with a spread box beam bridge. The bridge will have two 11-foot wide travel lanes and two 5-foot shoulders. The bridge work is currently underway and is closed to all motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclist. Local access to businesses and residences along the construction zone will be maintained throughout the duration of the project. The bridge replacement is anticipated to take six months to complete. Click here to view the bridge plans.
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EAC Green Tip of the Month |
Do you shop at Giant? Do you want to help reduce food waste? Check out the FlashFood App, where you can purchase grocery items that are close to expiring at a large discount. Flashfood was started to help reduce the environmental impacts of food waste in a way that makes a big difference for the planet and future generations. They have already diverted over 5 million pounds of food from the landfill this year!
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Native Plant Seed Packet Giveaway
The EAC will be giving out native plant seed packets at upcoming community events. Specific planting instructions will be provided with each seed packet. One seed packet will be given per family on a first-come-first-served basis.
Native plant species require less maintenance than non-native plants, they are more resistant to local weather conditions, require less water and help to prevent erosion. Native plants also support beneficial insects, pollinators and birds while beautifying the landscape. Providing more garden areas and less turf or mowed lawn helps address stormwater management runoff and therefore, promotes improved water quality.
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Storm Drain Labeling Event
There are many educational benefits to hosting a storm drain labeling event. Not everyone is aware that storm drains flow to local waterways and unfortunately, some people use them to dump trash or other dangerous items. Storm drain markers remind people that some inlets lead directly to local streams. Since communities get much of its drinking water from local rivers and creeks, it’s extremely important for everyone to do their part and keep the inlets free of litter, pet waste, and harmful chemicals.
The Lower Gwynedd Township EAC will be hosting a storm drain labeling event. The date and location to be determined.
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Do you have good news to share?
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Do you have good news you would like to share? We invite community members to submit articles to share in our e-newsletter. Each month we will review the submissions and select articles to include in this publication! Anyone interested should submit an entry electronically to contactus@lowergwynedd.org.
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Boards & Committee Updates |
The BOS held their regular meeting on April 26, 2022. Gilmore Associates presented the draft Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan to the BOS. They reviewed the various parks that were evaluated and the recommendations that were generated from the field research conducted. Many of the suggested improvements include updating playground equipment, replacing ball field fencing, installing alternative passive recreation amenities, and adding pickle ball courts and public restrooms. Gilmore will finalize the document and it will be placed on a future agenda for approval by the BOS. McMahon Associates presented the results of the Wister Avenue/Penllyn Pike Traffic Study. The study used the PennDot standard methods of determining warrants for a multi-way stop sign by evaluating crash data, volume, and sight distances. It was determined that the intersection did not meet the criteria to warrant a multi-way stop sign in this location. Therefore they will consider the short and long-term safety improvements recommended in the study. The BOS approved two resolutions, one to endorse America 250PA and its mission to educate, preserve, innovate, and celebrate the rich history of the state, and a second resolution to authorize the submission of a grant application for park improvements at Ingersoll Park. In other business, the BOS appointed George Weldon as the Community Ambulance of Ambler Liaison for Lower Gwynedd Township, approved a cleaning contract for the community building, authorized the advertisement to sell used equipment, and authorized the EAC to purchase seed packets and inlet stencils. In addition, the BOS authorized the advertisement of a proposed anti-discrimination ordinance. This ordinance provides for the creation of a human relations commission and establishes an official policy of nondiscrimination in the Township, in matters involving employment, housing, commercial property, and public accommodations. A public hearing will be conducted during the regular meeting of the BOS to be held Tuesday, May 10th, 2022 at 7pm.
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Environmental Advisory Council (EAC)
The EAC held their regular meeting on April 13, 2022. The EAC had a busy month with the recycling presentation, Route 309 ramp clean-up, attendance at the Ambler Earth Day event, and a bird walk. The EAC will hold their next battery collection on May 14th and a bird walk on May 17th. The EAC received approval to purchase native seed packets that will be distributed to the public at upcoming Township events. Approval was also granted to purchase storm drain medallions as part of their stormwater management educational outreach. The EAC continues to work on other environmental initiatives through their various subcommittees.
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The April meeting of the ZHB was canceled. The hearings were rescheduled and will be heard on Thursday, May 12th, 2022 at 6pm.
745 Tennis Avenue: A-Residential District; Applicant seeks variances and any other relief deemed necessary to facilitate the construction of a single-family dwelling and associated improvements including permitting a lot width of less than 200 feet and a side yard less than 50 feet. Applicant also seeks a special exception for an in-law suite and a variance to add an additional 60+ family member.
1402 Crestwood Drive: A-Residential District; Applicant seeks a variance for a height limitation of a covered porch on an existing single-family dwelling.
734 Meadowcreek Circle: A-1 Residential District; Applicant seeks a special exception to permit an in-law suite.
1105 McKean Road: A-1 Residential District; Applicant seeks relief from a height limitation and building area percentage for a detached two-story garage.
1505 Bardsey Drive: A-1 Residential District; Applicant seeks an interpretation of, or variance from the zoning ordinance to permit the installation of an inground swimming pool within 20.3 feet of the rear yard, and pool equipment in the front yard of a single-family dwelling.
1244 Turnbury Lane: A-Residential District; Applicant requests a variance to permit a deck/patio in less than the required setback of an existing property improved with a single-family dwelling.
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Park & Recreation Board (PRB)
The PRB held their regular meeting on April 19th, 2022. The Parks Strategic Plan was presented by Gilmore Associates. The PRB also reviewed a proposed ordinance for large group event permits. Summer camp is right around the corner, if you're interested in enrolling your child in camp this year, check out the Parks & Recreation page on our website where you can find information on camp and other upcoming programs. There is a vacancy on the PRB! If you're interested in serving as a volunteer board member complete the application linked here and submit it today!
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Administrative Professionals Day |
Wednesday, April 27th, 2022 was Administrative Professionals Day. Staff enjoyed an appreciation lunch for all they do to keep the Township operational on a daily basis. |
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2022 Road Program
Mill & Overlay
- Cathcart Road-From Township Line Road to Grasshopper Road
- Swedesford Road- From Railroad Bridge to Dekalb Pike (Rte. 202)
- Township Line Road- From Penllyn Pike to Penllyn Woods Park Entrance
- Meetinghouse Road- From 1201 Meetinghouse Road to Turnbury Road
- Beth Drive- Upper Cul-de-Sac
- Curb Ramp at Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Knight Road Intersection
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Ultra-Thin Friction Course:
- Hoover Road- From Pen Ambler Road to Knight Road
- Wooded Pond Road- From McKean Road to Cul-de-Sac
- Sunset Drive- Evans Road to Forest Drive
- Forest Drive- Entire Road
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We're HIRING!!!
Come join the Lower Gwynedd Team! We're hiring in our Parks & Recreation Department and our Public Works Department. Click the job titles below for a full description.
Parks & Recreation Department
Public Works Department
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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 June issue! |
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