September 17, 2026

Board Of Supervisors Approves Ordinance On Data Centers

The Board of Supervisors last week approved an ordinance that outlines regulations protecting the health, safety and welfare of the community from potential adverse impacts of data centers.

The Township utilized recommendations from the Montgomery County Planning Commission and a model ordinance Penn Future to assist with the development of the ordinance.

Click here to review the ordinance

The Township has not received any application for a data center. The consideration of the ordinance is a proactive effort to establish regulations that would apply to any future applications. State law prohibits any municipality from banning a legal land use, which includes a data center.

In This Issue

Data Center Ordinance
Public Safety Director
New Police Officers
Police Recognition
Public Works Director
E-Bike Safety
Deer Management
Land Preservation
Cop Camp Thanks
Planning & Zoning
Green Ribbon Trail
September P&R Activities
Free Trees
Touch-A-Truck
Senior Socials
Dine & Donate
Book Sale
Meeting Schedule

Click here for 2026 Land Development and Subdivision Application information

Township Police Lieutenant Named Public Safety Director

The Township has named Police Lieutenant Brian Mack as its first Public Safety Director.

Brian is a native of Whitemarsh and has been an officer in the Township for more than 20 years. As lieutenant, he was the commander of the Administrative Division overseeing the Detective Division, Traffic Safety Unity and Patrol/Communications Division. He graduated from Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command and the FBI National Academy.

In his new role, he will oversee the coordination of and cooperation between the Police Department, the Fire Marshal's Office, and the Emergency Services Management Administrator's Office in the best interests of the maintenance of peace, good government, health, safety and welfare of the Township and its residents.

Township Welcomes Four New Police Officers

The Township last week welcomed four new officers to the Police Department.

Officer Todd Barnes is a 1996 graduate of Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, a 2000 graduate of West Chester University and a 2006 graduate of the California University of Pennsylvania. He graduated from the Montgomery County Community College Municipal Police Academy in June.

Officer John Dolan is a 2022 graduate of North Penn High School and graduated from West Chester University. He graduated from the Montgomery County Community College Municipal Police Academy in June.

Officer Eric Morrison is a graduate of Pennsbury High School and West Chester University. He served six years in the Army National Guard under the 108^th Field Artillery Battalion, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He graduated from the Temple University Municipal Police Academy in March.

Officer Matthew Quoos is a 2020 graduate of Perkiomen Valley High School and a 2024 graduate of Neumann University. He graduated from the Montgomery County Community College Municipal Police Academy in June of this year.

The Township thanks the officers for their service to the community.

Police Department Issues Citations And Commendations

Ofc. Brandon Irwin received a Commendation for Bravery for assisting with the apprehension of an armed suspect.

Sgt. Matthew Stadulis, Cpl. Christopher Hunsberger, Ofc. Richard Stemple, Ofc. Emily Hopkins, Ofc. Caleb MacMain, and Ofc. Brandon Irwin received Unit Citations for their incredible teamwork and decisive actions that resulted in assisting with the rescue, care and transport of a critically injured individual.

Sgt. John Hartman, Det. Stephen Kerns, Ofc. Eric Housholder, Ofc. Stephen Cline, and Ofc. Colin Yabor received Unit Citations and Ofc. Richard Stemple a Commendation for Merit for actions leading to the arrest and prosecution of an individual responsible for homicide by vehicle and additional charges.

Cpl. Michael Hannon, Det. Greg Lattanze, Det. Craig Cubbin, Det. Stephen Kerns, Ofc. Howard Laskey, Ofc. Stephen Cline, and Ofc. James Sweeney received Unit Citations for their incredible teamwork and decisive actions that resulted in the arrest and prosecution of an individual responsible for aggravated assault and other charges.

Ofc. Todd Burton and Ofc. Jude Becker received Commendations for Lifesaving for their quick and decisive actions that resulted in saving the life of another human being.

Ofc. Kyle Mason and Ofc. William Betts received Commendations for Lifesaving for their quick and decisive actions that resulted in saving the life of another human being.

New Public Works Director Named

The Township has a new Public Works director.

Mike DeStefano brings 35 years of public works experience with him to Whitemarsh, including serving as a public works director for a municipality. He has background in paving, excavating, laying sewer and storm lines, inspections, managing sewer collection systems, wastewater treatment, thorough knowledge of highway, parks, facilities, vehicle maintenance and traffic signals.

Mike was an executive Board Member of the Montgomery County Public Works Association and gave several years of service to the Swedeland Volunteer Fire Company as firefighter, chief engineer, assistant fire chief and board chair.

Police Offer Reminders On E-Bike, E-Scooter Riding

As e-bikes and e-scooters become more common in our community, please remember to ride responsibly and know the laws.

E- Bikes

Pennsylvania recognizes qualifying pedal-assist e-bikes as “pedalcycles with electric assist.” They must have operable pedals, an electric motor of no more than 750 watts, and a motor-assisted top speed of 20 MPH. Pennsylvania law prohibits anyone under 16 from operating a pedalcycle with electric assist. E-bike riders are generally subject to the same traffic rules as bicyclists.

E-Scooters

Under current Pennsylvania law, privately owned electric scooters cannot legally be operated on public roadways. PennDOT's current guidance states that electric scooters may only be operated on private property.

Whitemarsh Township park restrictions

Under Chapter 80 – Parks and Recreation Areas:

The operation of an unlicensed or unauthorized motor vehicle in a park, including ATVs, motorcycles, dirt bikes and similar vehicles, is prohibited. At Miles Park, the jogging/walking trail specifically prohibits self-propelled, pedaled, or pushed wheeled devices, with exceptions for wheelchairs, strollers and baby coaches.

Deer Cull StartingThis Sunday

Delaware Valley Wildlife Management (DVWM) will perform a deer cull this fall as part of the Township's expanded deer management program. This will take place in the open space along Manor Road (near the Philadelphia city line), Thomas Road, Hamilton Drive, and Lower Kline Park Properties.

The deer cull will take place September 19 through December 13, and December 26 through January 24, including Sundays.

Anyone approaching the area of the deer cull will be met with a posted notice. The area will be closed to the public during Pennsylvania's deer archery season. Hunters that participate in the deer management program are limited in number, thoroughly vetted, participated in safety training and follow all Pennsylvania Game Commission laws and regulations.

Click here for the cull location map and more information

Supervisors To Hear Preservation Proposal On Oct. 8

At its October 8 meeting, the Board of Supervisors will consider a proposal from the Whitemarsh Foundation for the Township to contribute $12 million to partner with the Foundation to preserve 67 acres of Old Corson's Quarry Site 2 off Joshua Road.

On September 9, the Township’s Open Space Committee recommended that the Township contribute the $12 million to the preservation effort.

Click here for more information on the proposal

Township Thanks Businesses For Continued Support Of Cop Camp

The Board of Supervisors and Police Department recently thanked Holod’s True Value Home and Garden, Sague Bus Service, and Janeway Towing for their continued support of the annual Cop Camp Program.

Through their generous contributions of time, services, and resources, these community partners have helped provide a safe, educational, and memorable experience for our campers. Their support also allows our officers to build positive relationships with young people while introducing them to law enforcement, public safety, teamwork, and community service.

Follow Planning and Zoning Department Applications

To make it easier for the community to follow Subdivision and Land Development Applications, the Weekly now includes a recurring link that connects to the Township website. Current and prior year application information has been posted there.

Below are snapshots of recent plans received for review by the Planning & Zoning Department:

Union League at Liberty Hill (SLD #08-26); Land Development Waiver Request for new amphitheater; 800 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill.
Hankin Group Proposed Mixed Use Development Sketch Plan (SLD #09-26) at 435-455 Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington; also new TDO-3 Zoning Overlay District proposed which would govern this development.
501 Washington Street 2026, LLC (SLD #10-26); Sketch Plan for 64 Multi-family Dwellings at 501 Washington Street, Conshohocken.

The earliest any of these may be on the Shade Tree Commission agenda would be October 6 and earliest Planning Commission agenda would be October 13. Please feel free to check with the Planning and Zoning Department the week prior to any of these meetings.

Readers are also urged to request all agendas they are interested in receiving on ‘Notify Me’ on the Township’s website.

Green Ribbon Trail Meeting On September 24

The Township, in partnership with Wissahickon Trails and other regional partners, invites the community to attend a public meeting to discuss potential trail safety and access improvements to the Green Ribbon Trail on Thursday, September 24, at 7 p.m. at the Upper Dublin Township Building, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue in Fort Washington.

To attend the meeting virtually, click here.