September 2023 e-Newsletter | |
Lower Gwynedd Township Upcoming Meetings & Events: | |
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Officer Beth Sanborn Retires & Police Officers Recognized for Outstanding Performance
The Lower Gwynedd Board of Supervisors (BOS), Senator Maria Collett, Kevin Carson of State Representative Liz Hanbidge's office, Chief Paul Kenny and staff (pictured above), were all on hand at the August 22nd BOS meeting to recognize Dr. Beth Sanborn for her service and commitment to the Lower Gwynedd Township Police Department, the Wissahickon School District, and the entire Lower Gwynedd community. Officer Sanborn is retiring after 26 years of service to Lower Gwynedd where she served as a police office, detective, and a beloved school resource officer. She will be sorely missed by all, and we wish her all the best in her retirement and all her future endeavors.
Chief Kenny and Lieutenant Gargan also presented a number of commendations to members of the police department recognizing the officers for their outstanding performance over the past six months. The following officers were recognized:
- Officer Tim Evard
- Detective Brendan Ryan
- Officer Garret Vail
- Officer John Dobson
- Sergeant Gerry Hunt
- Sergent Dan Diedel
- Officer Dennis Cosgrove
- Officer Beth Sanborn
The BOS thanked everyone for their hard work and dedication to Lower Gwynedd Township.
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Spring House Intersection Construction Update
After a number of delays, work has finally begun at the intersection of Bethlehem Pike, Norristown Road, Sumneytown Pike, and Penllyn Pike (referred to as the Spring House Intersection Improvement Project). Utility pole relocations started August 28th along with the installation of stormwater management facilities. The basin work is expected to be completed in early September. With the opening of school and the increased traffic common this time of year, delays should be expected. The Township is working with the contractors and PennDot certified traffic control crews to manage traffic control and the challenges that come along with this location. We thank everyone for their cooperation and patience during this project. Construction will continue for the duration of 2023 and into the Spring of 2024. The improvements consist of widening on Norristown Road and Sumneytown Pike to provide additional through lanes in the eastbound and westbound directions, traffic signal improvements, concrete sidewalk, and trail modifications on the north side of Norristown Road and both sides of Sumneytown Pike, and ADA ramp upgrades for all affected ramps within the limits of work. PECO's crew will be on the Norristown Road portion of the intersection through September 1st, 2023, and then will move over to the Sumneytown Pike area beginning September 5th, 2023.
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Master Plans for Ingersoll Park, Oxford Park, and Pen-Ambler Park to be Considered by Board of Supervisors-September 12th, 2023
At the Parks & Recreation Board meeting on July 18th, the draft master plans for Ingersoll Park, Oxford Park, and Pen-Ambler Park were presented. The public was invited and encouraged to attend the meeting to offer comments and feedback on the plans, as everyone agrees community input is vital to the future of our parks! The public did offer comments and suggestions at this meeting and that input was considered. The plans are now ready to go before the BOS for consideration at their regular meeting scheduled for September 12th, 2023. You can view the draft plans by clicking here.
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Republic Services Labor Day Holiday Schedule
Republic Services will operate under a holiday schedule the week of Labor Day. There will be no trash and recycling collection on Labor Day, Monday, September 4th. Collection will be Tuesday, September 5th and Friday, September 8th.
The first Fall Leaf Collection is scheduled for Saturday, October 14th.
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EAC Battery & Techno Trash Collection Event- September 9th- 9am-11am
The EAC will hold a battery recycling drop off event on Saturday, September 9th 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.
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Montco Household Hazardous Waste Collection-September 23
Spring-Ford 9th Grade Center 400 South Lewis Road, Royersford
The county will host a household hazardous waste collection event on Saturday, September 23rd at the Spring-Ford 9th Grade Center, 400 South Lewis Road, Royersford, PA. This event is by appointment only. To pre-register click here.
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EAC 2nd Annual Tree Giveaway
When: Saturday, October 14th. Location: Lower Gwynedd Township building, 1130 N. Bethlehem Pike, Spring House
Please visit the township website for further information and to sign-up for Lower Gwynedd Township’s second “Native Tree Giveaway”. Residents must sign-up and select their trees in advance. Registration opens September 14th.
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Lower Gwynedd Fall Fest-Saturday, September 23
Lower Gwynedd Fall Fest will be Saturday September 23, 2023, from 12pm- 5pm. The event will be held on Houston Road, sections of the roadway will be closed starting at 8am until 6pm. Join us for a fun filled afternoon packed with local vendors, crafters, food trucks, kids amusements and music. We have over 90 local vendors signed up for this year's event and we are almost at full capacity! Check out the newly updated Fall Fest page of the Township website to see all the vendors, food trucks, and area sponsors!
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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
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The Lower Gwynedd Environmental Advisory Council announces our inaugural Going Green Award and invites nominations of Township businesses, organizations, educational institutions, non-profits, and residents and other entities in Lower Gwynedd Township. This award will recognize sustainable efforts in our community related to energy, water, land, waste minimization, and community outreach. Residents and others connected with the township (business owners, residents, non-profits, etc.) are invited to nominate potential award winners–including themselves! – Use your camera on your phone and scan the QR Code below for more details on award criteria and selection process and the application form.
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The Lower Gwynedd Township Historical Marker Program is up and running! Historical markers recognize events, places, innovations, legends, persons or groups/organizations of historical note or significance by erecting a sign in the right of way along the road. The signs will be relevant to Lower Gwynedd local history. Markers can also be approved for buildings or structures that are either significantly altered or no longer standing, so long as they have appropriate historical research to justify the placement of such signage and a direct connection to Lower Gwynedd Township history.
To suggest a historical marker click here. This will take you to the HAC page of the website where you will find guidelines and an application. Complete the application and submit it to [email protected]. It’s that easy!
Other notes from HAC- An easement template is in the works that would allow property owners to voluntarily protect aspects of their historic property (e.g. facades, landscapes, etc.) by inserting language in their deed. Look for that by the end of the year! HAC plans to co-sponsor with the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society a history lecture in Spring 2024. If you have topics, you believe would be compelling and enjoyable to hear about, please let us know. If you or your family has unique pictures of places in the Township, please send us a copy! We want to begin compiling images for the country’s 250th anniversary in 2026. We will give you credit and recognize your family in any public presentation of the material.
Happy 325th anniversary Lower Gwynedd Township!
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Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB)
The Zoning Hearing Board met on August 10th. They will meet on September 14th, 2023, to hear the applications listed below.
August Hearings- August 10, 2023:
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. (Continued-and since withdrawn)
312 Walnut Street: C-Residential District: Applicant seeks a special exception to permit a one-story in-law suite, a variance to permit a second person to reside in the in-law suite. (Approved)
439 Foulke Avenue: C-Residential District: Applicant seeks a variance to permit the expansion of a lawful non-conforming building by more than 25% to facilitate an addition to an existing single-family dwelling. (Approved)
September Hearings- September 14th, 2023
1 Alexis Drive: CD-1 Cluster Development Residential District: Applicant seeks a variance to permit a rear yard setback less than required for a new roofed deck at an existing single-family dwelling.
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Land Development & Subdivision:
Under Review:
- #23-05 CU- 1348 Sumneytown Pike Conditional Use- Conditional use application to permit a cluster development design provision available in the zoning code to facilitate a future 14-lot residential subdivision. Scheduled on Planning Commission Agenda September 20, 2023.
- #23-04 LD- Spring House Innovation Park (SHIP) Building 14 Parking Lot Expansion & Electric Substation- Land development application to construct a 1,942 square foot electrical substation and add a parking lot at Building 14 on their campus located at 727 Norristown Road. Recommended for approval to BOS; Pending BOS approval. Will be presented at BOS meeting on September 12, 2023.
- #23-03 LD- Gwynedd Mercy University Francis Maguire Innovation Center- Land development application to construct a 70,000 square foot two-story nursing center and associated improvements on their campus located at 1325 Sumneytown Pike. Discussed at PC meeting on August 16, 2023. Still under review;
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#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. Heard on July 25th BOS meeting. Decision & Order pending, scheduled for September 12th BOS meeting.
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Police Department
Police Launch New Website
The Lower Gwynedd Township Police Department and Chief Paul Kenny would like to announce the launch of a new website. The new website was developed in partnership with Crimewatch Technologies and is part of the Crimewatch Network. The online tool gives the general public a direct access to crime and public safety-related information happening in their community.
The new website provides opportunities to:
- Sign up for free account and receive email alerts regarding crimes and emergency broadcast
- Register Camera and Alarms Systems
- Sign up for community programs such as Do Not Solicit List, Car Safety Seat Inspection
- Get connected with resources and services
Local residents are encouraged to visit www.lowergwyneddpolice.org and/or download CRIMEWATCH Mobile from the Apple App Store or Android APP Store.
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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 October issue! | | | | |
