SPRING 2018 - Whitemarsh Township
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SPRING 2018
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
MESSAGE FROM THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 5
TOWNSHIP MANAGER'S REPORT 6
CONTACT INFORMATION
FINANCE REPORT 8-9
Administration
Building PLANNING & ZONING
616 Germantown Pike REPORT 10-13
Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
610-825-3535 (TEL) POLICE REPORT 14-15
610-825-9416 (FAX)
FIRE DEPARTMENTS, FIRE
Police Department MARSHAL & AMBULANCE
616 Germantown Pike ASSOCIATION 16-19
Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
610-825-6530 (Non-Emergency) PARKS & REC. REPORT 22-25
610-825-5078 (FAX)
911 (EMERGENCY) OPEN SPACE REPORTS 26-27
Public Works LIBRARY EVENTS 28-29
Department
2015 Joshua Road ART CENTER EVENTS 30-31
Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
610-825-3424 (TEL) 2018 ROAD PAVING 32
610-825-3144 (FAX)
MONTGOMERY
Parks & Recreation COUNTY PROGRAMS 33-35
Department
(Koontz Park)
2391 Harts Lane
Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
610-828-7276 (TEL)
610-828-7391 (FAX)
2 WHITEMARSH LIVING SPRING 2018 3
Dear Whitemarsh Residents, the Township Day flyer on page 4 of the
newsletter.
Township
As we near warmer spring days, I am
FROM
THE
CHAIR
excited to share with you the 2018 In addition, a small pocket park at Cold
Whitemarsh Living Annual Report, Point is also scheduled for some updates
providing a comprehensive review of this summer, and you can read more about
the Township’s activities from the past this exciting project on page 25.
calendar year along with a preview of
Day
You will also notice road work along
things to come in 2018. The annual
Joshua Road, Flourtown Road, and Stenton
report will provide readers not only with
Avenue for intersection improvements.
updates on events and projects taking
This project will help widen the roads
place throughout the Township, but also
SATURDAY financial and administrative updates that
manage the Township projects and events.
and add turning lanes to improve the
traffic flow at these intersections. This
intersection improvement project will also
cluding:
APRIL 28th I am especially excited for the upcoming
projects taking place in our parks system.
The Miles Park construction project that is
incorporate stormwater management
methods to alleviate some of the flooding
in these areas. This project was also
scheduled to start this spring will consist of
2018
partially funded through the PADEP
drainage improvements at two ballfields Greenlight Go Grant in the amount of
Crafters for player safety and field availability $593,312.
, in
for use, enhance ADA access to park
I would also like to take this time to
features, implement green infrastructure
& Sponsorship welcome Fran McCusker as the newest
ily
to enhance park aesthetics, and add trails
12 - 5 PM to improve the park’s connections to the
member of the Whitemarsh Township
Board of Supervisors. I look forward to
m
fa Opportunitites facilities both within and around Miles
Fu
n Fo he Vendors Park as part of the Township’s pedestrian
working with Supervisor McCusker and
the other sitting members of the Board to
r all of t Available network. I am especially proud of the
fact that a large portion of this project
continue to do great things in 2018.
i o n
Local is being funded through the two state
And as I always remind you, be sure to sign
up on the Township website for the latest
ca t ! grants, in the amount of $200K from the
news and updates and follow Whitemarsh
o Businesses State Department of Conservation and
L Games, Natural Resources and $180K from the
Township on Facebook Twitter!
w Commonwealth Financing Authority’s
Sincerely,
Victory Rides & Greenways, Trails, and Recreation
Ne
Program. Please note that due to the
construction scheduled for Miles Park this
Amy P. Grossman
Fields @ Prizes spring into summer and possibly the fall,
the annual Township Day will be held at
Amy P. Grossman
Victory Fields this year. You can check out Chair
Colonial Food
School Court Plus YOUR WHITEMARSH TOWNSHIP
3
District Lots BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
More
610-828-7276 - WWW.WHITEMARSHPARKS.ORG
Amy P. Grossman Melissa Sterling Laura Boyle Nester Michael Drossner Fran McCusker
CURRENT SPONSORS: Chair Vice-Chair
4 WHITEMARSH LIVING SPRING 2018 5
The Whitemarsh Township Board of will start this spring. Please check the
Supervisors once again adopted a Township website for updates on these
MANAGER'S
REPORT
2017
balanced $22.9 million dollar budget for road projects.
2018 and for the 17th consecutive year
there was no tax increase. The millage Last year, I was pleased to hire Nathan
remains 2.0379 and there is no change Crittendon to the position of Assistant
to the refuse, light and hydrant fees this Finance Director in the Finance
year. The budget includes a three-year Department and Emily Labowitz to
$9.3 million dollar capital improvement Recreation Services Associate in the
plan. Parks and Recreation Department. Also,
in our Police Department due to the
One of the largest capital projects retirement of Sergeant Chuck Swan,
included in the capital improvement plan Detective Craig Cubbin was promoted
got underway last year. The Township to the Sergeant position. In addition,
will be improving 5 intersections to Caleb MacMain was hired as a new
improve safety, stormwater and traffic officer. I welcome Nate, Emily and Caleb
flow. There are as follows: to the organization and congratulate Sgt.
Cubbin on his promotion. I look forward
• Stenton Avenue and Militia Hill to their contributions to the Whitemarsh
Road - two new traffic lights at both community.
intersections
• Stenton Avenue and Joshua Road It has been an unsettling winter with
- widening to install designated left extreme low temperatures spinkled in
hand turn lanes in all four directions with mild days! As we all look forward to
• Flourtown and Joshua Roads - the spring weather, please know that my
widening to install designated left staff and I are here to assist you with any
hand turn lanes in all four directions Township concerns. To all the residents
• Stenton Avenue and Flourtown/ and businesses in Whitemarsh Township
Cricket Roads - widening on for have an enjoyable and safe spring and
designated left hand turn lanes on summer seasons!
Stenton Avenue and a designated
right hand turn lane on Flourtown Sincerely,
Road
This will be a $5 million capital project
that received a $600,000 Green Light Go
Richard L. Mellor, Jr.
Grant to help offset some of the cost.
Township Manager
Construction has already begun on the
traffic signals and the first intersection
6 WHITEMARSH LIVING SPRING 2018 7
Whitemarsh Township ended the 2017 was reflected in Real Estate Transfer
Budget Year with a General Fund balance Tax resulting from new construction
of $ 3,758,863. This balance exclusive as Creekside, Toll Brothers, and Paone.
FINANCE
of reserves exceeded the projected Earned Income Tax, Business Privilege
carryover amount provided for in the taxes also increased from their 2016
2018 Budget of $3,451,960 by $ 306,903. levels.
The favorable variance resulted from
new construction and related real The Township Road Paving Program for
estate transfer tax along with building 2017 expended $926,283 in 2017. The
permit activity as large residential and Township utilized contributions from Aqua
commercial sales transactions were totaling $300,130 plus an additional and
concluded in during 2017. $527,600 from the State contributions
from Aqua in lieu of milling along with
The Township continues to maintain its the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The
real estate tax rate at a steady 2.0379 use of these funding sources enabled the
Mills with no increase since 2001. Township to reduce the financial impact
Local Enabling Tax Collections in 2017 upon the General Fund.
increased by $1,350,784 from the 2016 Whitemarsh Township Board of
levels. The majority of the increase Supervisions has approved the
appointment of E Collect to collect
the 2018 Business Taxes for the
Township.
Effective January 1, 2018,
E-Collect will be responsible for
administering and collecting
Business Privilege/Mercantile tax
for and on behalf of the Township.
All business returns for the year
ended December 31, 2017, are to
be submitted to the new business
tax administrator E-Collect.
In the event you need assistance
with any matters relating to these
taxes, please direct your inquiries
to E-Collect at:
E-COLLECT
804 Fayette Street
Conshohocken, PA 19428
866-225-0033
NEW ASSISTANT FINANCE DIRECTOR
Nathan Crittendon, MSB
Nathan came to the Township with more than 12 years’ experience in the field of
Finance, with the last three years concentrating in the local government. Before
working in local government, he spent 10 years working in Commercial & Local Bank
Management. While holding a Master’s Degree in business from Lincoln University,
he has sought to continue his education through his efforts to obtain a second
Master’s in Public Administration from West Chester University. Nathan’s interests
include a passion for the art’s, traveling, and spending time with his wife & children.
He is a proud family man who was born and raised locally and hopes to serve the
Township and its residents well.
8 WHITEMARSH LIVING SPRING 2018 9
2017 APPROVED Conditional final plan approval for an
eight-unit townhouse development at
Under a provision of the state planning
code, the applicant has elected to
for the Fort Washington station. BOS
granted conditional preliminary land
SUBDIVISION & LAND DEV.
the intersection of Spring Mill Avenue undertake construction based on development approval on 5/25/17,
and Sandy Street. BOS granted preliminary plan approval, with final following a PC recommendation for
conditional final land development plan approval pending satisfactory approval on 4/25/17. Conditional
approval on 3/23/17, following a completion and acceptance of all final land development approval
Sunnybrook Golf Club, Militia Hill Rd & Pat Sparango, Inc. PC recommendation for approval required improvements. was granted by the BOS on 7/20/17,
350 Stenton Ave NW Corner of Bethlehem Pk. & Henry on 3/22/17. This site is in the following a PC recommendation for
Conditional preliminary/final minor Ln. C-Residential District with the RDD- Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon approval on 7/11/17. The property
PLANNING &
ZONING
subdivision plan approval to transfer a Conditional preliminary/final plan 2 Riverfront Development Overlay Wireless - 5175 Campus Dr. is in the CR-L Commercial Retail Low
0.431-acre to adjacent landowners. BOS approval to subdivide this almost 1.4- District, Sub-district 2; it is being Conditional preliminary/final land District.
granted conditional preliminary/final acre tract (gross area) into three lots, developed using the RDD-2 standards. development approval for the removal
plan approval on 2/23/17, following a PC based upon the tract’s existing residential of all parking islands and the provision Phipps Station Group, LLC (Maple Hill)
recommendation for approval on 2/14/17. zoning. As each lot is sold and a specific Westaway - 505/507 Germantown Pk of expanded parking for Verizon 3047 Spring Mill Rd.
The site is zoned AA-Residential, with the home and related improvements Conditional preliminary land Wireless’ mobile assets. BOS granted Conditional final land development
Recreational Overlay District. proposed, an Earth Disturbance (Grading) development approval for 9 conditional preliminary/final land approval to subdivide two (2)
Permit will be required. BOS granted townhouses and 4 single-family development approval on 7/20/17, existing lots into twenty-one (21)
LuLu Temple/ECRI conditional preliminary/final subdivision homes. BOS granted conditional following a PC recommendation single-family lots. BOS granted
5140/5160/5168 Butler Pk approval on 2/23/17, following a PC preliminary land development on 6/27/17. (During 2016, a land conditional preliminary subdivision
Conditional preliminary/final minor recommendation for approval on approval on 8/17/17, following a PC development was approved that approval on 5/25/17, following a
subdivision plan approval to transfer ~8 1/24/17. This site is zoned A-Residential. recommendation for approval on included a 10,000-square foot building PC recommendation for approval
acres from LuLu Temple to the Emergency 7/25/17. addition and two back-up generators; on 5/9/17. Conditional final
Care Research Institute (ECRI). BOS Colonial SD -201 E. Germantown Pk. these improvements are no included.) subdivision approval was granted
granted conditional preliminary/final Conditional waiver of land development 60 Flourtown Road The site is in the CLI-X, Modified by the BOS on 9/28/17, following
minor subdivision approval on 8/17/17, for an addition to the West Gymnasium Conditional preliminary land Campus-Type Limited Industrial a PC recommendation for approval
following a PC recommendation for at the Plymouth-Whitemarsh High development for the construction District. on 9/12/17. The property is in
approval on 7/15/17. The site is zoned CLI- School. A 19,000-square foot addition is of a one-story garage (8,000 sq. the A-Residential Zoning District,
Campus Type Limited Industrial, with the proposed as part of a total reconstruction ft.) for the storage of commercial Holman PA Automotive, LLC and is being developed using the
Institutional Overlay District. of the gym and associated spaces (locker vehicles, as well as associated 432 Pennsylvania Ave. Conservation Design Overlay District
rooms, etc.). BOS granted conditional parking and a rain garden for Conditional preliminary and final land Standards; the property also lies in the
Argos Associates - 6120-6122 Butler Pk waiver of land development approval on stormwater management. BOS development approval for a multi- Plymouth Meeting Historic District.
Conditional waiver of land development 2/9/17, following a PC recommendation granted conditional preliminary land story Audi automotive dealership
approval for a barn addition/renovation. for approval on 1/24/17. Earth development approval on 1/26/17, and service facility on Pennsylvania Residents can get the list of current
BOS granted conditional waiver of land Disturbance (Grading) Permit was following a PC recommendation for Avenue, to be located between the year and past years' Subdivision and
development on 9/14/17, following the PC approved on 6/27/17. This site is zoned approval on 4/12/16. The property is recently renovated Holiday Inn Express Land Development applications and
recommendation for approval 8/22/17. An A-Residential, with the Institutional in the LIM Limited Industrial District. & Suites and the SEPTA parking lot plans from the Township website.
Earth Disturbance (Grading) Permit was Overlay District.
approved on 11/29/17. The site is in the
AAA-Residential District. Spring Mill Corporate Center
10th Ave & Spring Mill Ave
Lee Park Commons (The Loft at Spring Conditional waiver of land development
Mill image on p. 9) - 1032 E. Hector St to demolish a portion of the warehouse/
Conditional preliminary/final plan approval storage building on the site (nearest to
to tear the existing building down and 10th Avenue and Righter Street). Of the
replace it with a three-story building 162,638 square-foot building, 118,363
with a 6300 square-foot footprint, the square feet will be removed, leaving a
first floor of which is proposed for offices building of 44,275 square feet (to be
and the second and third, for a total of used for a combination of warehouse and
12 apartments. BOS granted conditional offices). BOS granted conditional waiver
preliminary/final land development of land development approval on 2/9/17,
approval on 12/14/17, following a following a PC recommendation for
PC recommendation for approval on approval on 1/24/17. This site is in the
11/14/17; The applicant also obtained 3 HVY-Heavy Industrial District, with the
variances on 11/8/17, required because RDD-2 Riverfront Development Overlay
of some existing conditions. This site District, Sub-district 2.
is in the HVY-Heavy Industrial District,
with the RDD-2 Riverfront Development DJB Properties, LLC
Overlay District, Sub-district 2; it is being 903 Spring Mill Avenue, Conshohocken
developed using the RDD-2 standards.
10 WHITEMARSH LIVING SPRING 2018 11
CODES
UPDATE OF THE
COMPREHSIVE PLAN
The Township Comprehensive Plan (adopted in 2003 along • Establish a vision and associated goals and objectives in
with subsequently adopted plans) is a policy guide for future collaboration with the Steering Committee.
development of the Township. It is a crucial document to • Review recent land development trends in the Township.
Prior to starting any new building project,
guide recommendations and decisions of the Planning Com- • Recommend strategies for preservation of the Township’s
residents are encouraged to make an ap-
mission and Board of Supervisors, as well as for decisions golf courses with contingency recommendations should
pointment with the township to review the
made by private developers, Township businesses and resi- any become nonviable in the future.
permitting process.
dents. • Recommend options for accommodating any land uses
Any owner or authorized agent who intends not currently addressed in Township plans and land use
After reviewing the current documents, the Board of Super-
to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, regulations.
visors determined that the Land Use and Housing Elements
demolish or change the occupancy of a • Prepare a Housing Element that addresses housing types,
(plans) within the 2003 Plan needed to be updated. Many
building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or diversity, affordability, and density.
decisions have been made, developments proposed and built,
replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is • Prepare a Land Use Element that includes a future land
and zoning changes have taken place in the period since the
regulated by Code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application use plan that addresses land use type, location, and inten-
Plan’s adoption, making revisions necessary. Demographic
to the building official and obtain the required permit. sity, in addition to addressing community character.
changes have taken place and development preferences
• Develop an ‘Action Plan’ which will prioritize the various
evolved, contributing to the need to update the Plan.
recommendations throughout the Update document,
The Township issued a Request for Proposals in February 2017 indicating responsible parties for implementing them, as
UPDATE OF THE and selected Bergmann Associates, PC to prepare the Land
Use and Housing Element updates. A Steering Committee
well as possible funding sources. The Action Plan will in-
dicate which projects should be considered for upcoming
PLANNING &
ZONING
RIDGE PIKE PROJECT
was established to work with Bergmann in developing the operating budgets or for the Township’s capital program.
Plan Update. Members of the Steering Committee include
During 2017, Bergmann Associates met with the Steering
representatives from the Board of Supervisors, Planning Com-
Committee on three occasions, conducted a Public Kick-off
Whitemarsh Township worked with the Montgomery County Planning Commission, their mission, Open Space Committee, Zoning Hearing Board, as
Workshop, and had over a dozen stakeholder meetings. They
consultants, and Springfield Township during 2017 in providing information and reviewing well as business owners, developers, a golf course manager, a
completed a review of prior plan documents and an assess-
progress on plans for Phase 1 of the Ridge Pike Improvement Project, also known as ‘Sec- realtor, and Township Staff.
ment of existing conditions. As a result of this foundation
tion D’. This section is located partially within Whitemarsh Township and partially within The work on the Update began in August and is expected to work, the Steering Committee and consultant developed a
Springfield Township, and extends from approximately Crescent Avenue on the west, to be completed within one year. Major tasks to be included in draft vision statement and identified four key goal areas, to
the Philadelphia City Line on the east. (The Whitemarsh portion extends from Crescent the Update, are the following: serve as the organizing elements of the Update. The goal
Avenue to Manor Road, with the remainder in Springfield.) areas include land use, housing, transportation, and quality of
The final project will provide two through lanes in both the east and westbound directions, • Review the 2003 Comprehensive Plan and other relevant life.
new and coordinated traffic signals, better overall alignment of the roadway, stormwater plan documents.
Suggested policies, and draft recommendations/action items
management improvements, as well as a continuous sidewalk along the eastbound side of • Review the Township’s Zoning Ordinance and other rel-
under each goal area, were being formulated at year’s end.
Ridge Pike. Preliminary design for Phase 1 was completed in 2017, including a Public Infor- evant land use regulations.
This process will continue during the first part of 2018. Fi-
mation session in June, numerous individual meetings with impacted property owners, as • Supplement existing conditions information with the
nally, there was discussion with the Steering Committee on
well as analyses for traffic signals, stormwater management and overall roadway design. status of recent developments and land development
potential formats for the Plan Update document, and there
Final design will continue through 2018 and 2019. proposals.
was consensus on a chosen format.
• Update demographic information.
12 WHITEMARSH LIVING SPRING 2018 13
As a lifelong member of the Whitemarsh within our Township’s borders. In nearly all
Township community, I completely agree of these instances, the vehicles were left RETIREMENTS: the position that became available upon
with the Township’s slogan that Whitemarsh Sgt. Cubbin’s promotion. Det. Kerns is
unlocked while parked and unattended. In
POLICE
Township is “a Great Place to Live and Sgt. Charles H. Swan a member of the Montgomery County
addition, our residents experienced 19 motor Major Incident Response Team and the
Work.” Our community offers many great vehicle thefts, including a motorcycle. Twelve After 30 years of service to the
opportunities to enjoy the arts, sporting Whitemarsh Township, Sgt. Charles H. Whitemarsh Township’s Bike Unit. Det.
of these nineteen stolen vehicles had been Kerns is a Field Training Officer, a member
events, recreational areas, historical sites, left, unattended or parked with the keys Swan retired from the Police Depart-
opportunities to provide our children with ment, working his last shift on Thanks- of the District Attorney’s Drug Task Force,
inside. Whitemarsh Police would greatly a contributor to the Citizens Police Acad-
a great education and many of the nicer appreciate the residents’ assistance in fighting giving Day. Charles began his career in
things in life. As the Chief of Police, I am Whitemarsh as a dispatcher with the po- emy and a lead instructor for our Cop Camp Program.
this type of crime by simply locking their
happy to report that our community is a homes and vehicles, and not leaving items lice department in 1988, then sworn in
safe place to live, with a low crime rate and as a police officer in 1989, assigned to the patrol division. NEW HIRES:
of value in plain view inside of their cars.
safe roads. I can also attest to the fine job The fraction of time it takes to secure your During his tenure at Whitemarsh Police, Charles also
done by all of the men and women who K-9 Diesel
valuables may make the difference.” We can served with the Whitemarsh and Colonial SWAT Teams, as
work for Whitemarsh Township, not just the K-9 Diesel joined the Whitemarsh
do better. a firearms instructor and as a Field Training Officer. After
police department, to make Whitemarsh Township Police Department in
Finally, Whitemarsh Township is not immune spending time in our Detective Division, he was promoted
Township better every day. September of 2017 to take the
to the Opioid Crisis that is affecting America. to the rank of Sergeant in the Spring of 2007 and served as
place of K-9 Hugo. Diesel is a one
Unfortunately, there are three areas of In the last four years the Whitemarsh Police a patrol sergeant until his retirement.
year-old German Shephard se-
concern that I do have for our community Department has handled 53 documented lected Diesel from a group of seven
from a law enforcement point of view; 1) cases where Heroin was involved. These K-9 Hugo
potential K-9’s. Diesel and K-9 handler Ofc. James Sweeney
Traffic Issues, 2) Thefts from Vehicles and cases include ten (10) Driving Under the After eight years of service to Whitemarsh Township, K-9 trained together at the University of Pennsylvania Working
Residences, and 3) the Effects of the Opioid Influence arrests, 23 drug possession charges, Hugo retired from the Police Department, working his last Dog Center in Philadelphia and graduated from training in
Crisis on Whitemarsh Township. 33 Heroin overdoses, eight (8) deaths caused shift on Halloween. December of 2017 to report for duty the next week.
Whitemarsh Township is a suburban by Heroin overdoses, 14 times that police During his tenure with the department, K-9 Hugo was Ofc. Sweeney and K-9 Diesel are assigned to the Patrol
community with suburban streets that run officers administered Naloxone (Narcan) to involved in numerous drug searches throughout the region Division with “B” Squad.
through residential neighborhoods. Our revive overdose patients and 11 times that that resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars of illegal
Chief C. Ward traffic volume continues to grow as our EMS administered Narcan to revive patients. narcotics being removed from the public Ofc. Caleb MacMain
community and communities to our west These events have occurred in homes, in domain. Hugo was also involved in the Officer Caleb J. MacMain was hired by
continue to add housing units and these businesses and in vehicles in every sector of apprehension of numerous criminals and Whitemarsh Police on Sept. 1, 2017. Ofc.
new residents need to travel between the Township. So, we are not immune from aided in the search for lost persons and MacMain is a graduate of Christopher Dock
their homes and work, which often occurs this Crisis and we need to be aware that this discarded evidence. Mennonite High School, and received his
in the City of Philadelphia, located to problem exists in our community and every In retirement, Hugo has been adopted bachelor’s degree from Eastern University,
our immediate east. Our Traffic Safety community. by his partner, Ofc. James Sweeney and which including a semester studying abroad
Unit is constantly studying our roads and On a positive note, the Whitemarsh Township the Sweeney Family. at Laidlaw Collage in Aukland, New Zealand
intersections to make sure that they are as Police Department received our third re- and the Reading Police Academy, where
safe as regulations will allow. Our patrol accreditation from the Pennsylvania Chiefs PROMOTION: he compelted his police training. Caleb has successfully
division is constantly monitoring traffic and of Police Association in 2017. As one of completed the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and
conducting enforcement, especially in areas only 107 law enforcement agencies to gain Sgt. Craig R. Cubbin Training Commission certification examination for police
that have been identified as problematic. accreditation status in Pennsylvania, we Craig Cubbin was promoted to Patrol officers in Pennsylvania, as well as the Field Training Pro-
Unfortunately, the motoring public, which strive to remain recognized as one of the Sergeant from Detective. As an 18 year gram and is now assigned to our Patrol Division with “B”
includes all of us, is not cooperating 100 % premier law enforcement agencies in the veteran of Whitemarsh Police, Craig start- Squad.
with the rules and regulations that exist on state. Through the support of the Whitemarsh ed his Law Enforcement career with the
our highways. Regrettably, I have to include Township Board of Supervisors and the Montgomery County Adult Probation De-
us, as a resident wrote to me, “I know that Township Manager Richard Mellor, we will partment as an Adult Probation Officer. In
people don’t obey the speed limit on that maintain the credentials that prove that 2005 Craig was assigned to the Detective
road because I don’t either.” This was in a Whitemarsh Township is doing the right things Division, where he has served for the last
letter requesting that the Police “fix” the in order to keep our community safe. 12 years. Craig is a member of the Montgomery County
speeding problem on the very road that I hope that everyone has a safe and healthy District Attorney’s Drug Task Force and the Pennsylvania
the author deemed dangerous. If we all 2018. Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement. Craig
did our part to obey the traffic laws in our has specialized in Narcotics Investigations while managing
community we would be that much closer a full detective case load. Sgt. Cubbin has received seven
to safer roads. -Chief Christopher P. Ward Unit Citations, four Citations for Merit and one Lifesaving
Last year I wrote, “While we were fortunate Citation during his career here in Whitemarsh Township.
to have a relatively low rate of serious Please be sure to find the Whitemarsh
criminal incidents within Whitemarsh Township Police Department on Facebook NEW ASSIGNMENT:
Township in 2016, many of our residents (www.facebook.com/WhitemarshTownshipPD) 2017 Citizens Police Academy
did become victims of thefts from vehicles. and Nextdoor (nextdoor.com- Whitemarsh Det. Stephen Kerns Congratulations to the Whitemarsh Township Police De-
In this past year Whitemarsh Police took Township Police). As a 10 year veteran of the Police Department, Stephen partment’s 2017 Citizens Police Academy graduates. This
nearly 100 reports of thefts from vehicles Kerns has been assigned to the Detective Division to fill was the Police Department’s 13th graduating class!!!
14 WHITEMARSH LIVING SPRING 2018 15
The Whitemarsh Township Office of Emergency Management team consists of the Fire Mar-
SPRING MILL
COMPANY
FIRE
shal, Police Department, two local fire companies (Barren Hill and Spring Mill), Whitemarsh
MARSHAL
FIRE
Community Ambulance Association, Public Works Department, and the Township Administra-
tion Department. Together, the various departments within the township have over 100 years
of combined emergency management experience.
Every year the volunteers of the Spring Mill Spring Mill Fire Company No. 1 is dedicated to
Fire Company No. 1 continue to work hard and the residents and businesses of Whitemarsh
proactively train in order to provide fire and Township, and we rely heavily on our Annual
rescue services for our community that are Fund Drive from those same residents and busi-
second to none. In 2017, our volunteers spent nesses. Last year was our best Fund Drive in
over 5,525-man hours on training, respond- many years.
ing to emergency calls for service as well as We raised $9,900, and we appreciate every
participating in several community events dollar. Our Annual operating costs are exponen-
tially higher than $9,900.
FIREFIGHTING CERTIFICATIONS & TRAININGS Your contributions help us as a non-profit
Firefighter certification and training for a new organization, who rely on each and every dollar
member requires approximately 190 hours of we receive to help defray the cost of life saving
theory and practical evolutions before being equipment and training. Your yearly donation
able to actively participate in an emergency will greatly assist us in providing the prompt and
setting. Aside from firefighting, we also spe- professional service you expect and deserve
cialize in Swift Water Rescue and Underwater from your local volunteer fire company. Please
Search, Rescue and Recovery with our Dive take a moment to send in your tax-deductible
Unit. contribution today.
In 2017, our members continued an aggressive YOU ARE NOT ONLY HELPING US, YOU ARE
push for training and received certifications in HELPING YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR
SPRING MILL
COMPANY
FIRE
the following areas; Strategy and Tactics Level COMMUNITY!
1, Structural Collapse Level 1, Pump Opera- If every household could just donate $25, less The Spring Mill Fire Company has been serving Whitemarsh Township and surrounding communities
tions 1, New Vehicle Construction as well as than a single tank of gas for most, you can make since 1923 with services that include Firefighting, Swift Water Rescue, Dive Rescue Operations and
completion of our annual Hazmat Operations a tremendous difference. Fire Police. We are virtually all volunteer and are majority self-funded. We believe every skill fulfills a
level refresher. We also had 3 Firefighters need at SMFC, from Firefighting and Rescue Operations to running our Administration.
We are 96% volunteer, which means most of
achieve their Firefighter 1 State Certification our personnel are on call 24 hours a day 7 day
and 6 Firefighters achieve their PA Fish and www.springmillfire.com
a week. These men and women drop whatever
Boat Swift Water Certifications. The Company they are doing at a moment’s notice to respond 1210 East Hector St. Conshohocken, PA 19428
also successfully achieved Silver Level Certifi- to emergencies in Whitemarsh Township and to
cation through the Participating Department provide mutual aide to our surrounding com-
Recognition Program of the PA State Fire Com- munities. We have 1 full-time Driver/Firefighter
missioners office which will be valid through who works daily Monday thru Friday as well as
September 2020. part-time staffing that provides evening and
weekend coverage.
GO GREEN
As a volunteer organization, we are always look-
Currently we are budgeting for Phase II of our ing for new members. There are many duties
Go Green Initiative to convert all our station that can be performed in addition to firefight-
lighting to LED in an attempt to lower our ing and responding to emergencies. If you are
energy costs and to help protect the environ- interested in becoming a volunteer, please visit
ment. www.springmillfire.com or stop by the station
any Monday evening from 7pm-9pm.
FUND DRIVE
16 WHITEMARSH LIVING SPRING 2018 17
Whitemarsh Community
Ambulance Association
(WCAA) is a 501(c)3 non-
COMPANY
BARREN HILL
VOLUNTEER
FIRE
COMMUNITY
AMBULANCE
ASSOCIATION
WHITEMARSH
profit organization with
a history of over 60 years
of service to Whitemarsh
Township and
neighboring communities.
WCAA’s service lines
include advanced life
support (ALS) 911
ambulance service,
non-emergency and
emergency transports,
bariatric ambulance transports, and wheelchair van service. WCAA is committed to
In 2017, the Barren Hill Volunteer Fire Office, the number of volunteer firefighters aiding the residents of the Township and their medical transport needs.
Company completed 102 years of service in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was
to Whitemarsh Township and the surround- estimated at 300,000. Today, Officials estimate If you are interested in a tour of our facilities, have questions about the services
ing communities. Our volunteers have an that the volunteer rolls in the Commonwealth of we provide, or would like to volunteer, please contact Chief Rebecca Werner at
unwavering commitment to the safety of Pennsylvania are a mere 50,000. WCAA318@whitemarshems.org or 610-828-0955. If you have specific questions
our Community; the Community in which WE NEED YOUR HELP! In addition to regarding transports, please call the transport line, 610-828-3056. Finally, keep an eye
we share with you; our neighbors. Our firefighters, we need administrative volunteers out for our annual Fund Drive which will be mailed to all Township residents by June!
Volunteers spent more than 8,900 personnel as well to assist with fundraising and other
hours volunteering their time to emergency tasks.
responses, trainings and other special ser- For more information, checkout www.
vice events during 2017. Based on the 2016 barrenhill.com/volunteer or stop by on a
average salary of a firefighter, (according to Monday night during our training exercises to DID YOU KNOW…..
the United States Department of Labor, Bu- meet your local Volunteers and see how you can Local taxes that are collected by Whitemarsh Township
reau of Labor Statistics) our 8,900+ hours of become a part of this first class Organization. do NOT fully fund the operations of the Barren Hill
volunteer time equates to a savings of more Volunteer Fire Company. In fact, local tax revenues fund
In addition to Firefighting, our Volunteers are
than $207,000 in personnel hourly wages. less than 50% of the annual budget of the Fire Company.
doing more and are invested in other aspects of
Since 1915, our volunteers have been com- The balance of the budget is supported through Local,
Community, our volunteers are involved in many
mitted to the mission, honorably serving State & Federal Grants, income from the rental of our
Community Groups and Organizations. In 2017,
the Community in which we live. Adjectives old Firehouse building (On the Fire Company grounds),
BHVFC members participated in the following THE COST OF FIREFIGHTING…..
commonly used to describe our volunteers income from renting our Banquet Hall and our annual
Community Events:
are HONOR, PRIDE, TRADITION & INTEG- Fund Drive. Sadly, income from our annual fund drive • Personal Protective Equipment to Outfit one (1)
RITY. These words are the centerpiece for • Laurel House’s Walk-A-Mile in Her Shoes has been steadily declining for the last ten to fifteen Firefighter - $3,085.00
our commitment to service and also serve as at Heebner Park, Worcester: Men raising years. We need your help to change this trend. We are
reminders of the hard work and high profes- money and walking against Rape, Sexual • Class A Fire Engine for Fire Company Operations -
asking each household to consider supporting our annual
sional standards that each Volunteer is held Assault and Gender Violence. Team BHVFC $450,000 - $500,000
Fund Drive request of $50.00 to help fund the Barren
accountable for. was awarded as the highest fundraiser for Hill Volunteer Fire Company. Just think, our annual Fund • Rescue Truck / Squad Rescue Pumper - $650,000 -
the event. Drive request of $50.00, less than $1.00 per week, is $750,000
647 Germantown Pk. Our Volunteers are looking forward to a Fire
Safe, 2018. President Renard Rose and Fire • CHOP Buddy Walk & Family Fun Day, affording each household Fire Protection from highly
Lafayette Hill • Tower Ladder for Fire Company Operations -
Chief Chris Schwartz are always available Villanova Stadium: Members walked during trained and qualified firefighters 24 hours per day, 7 days
PA 19444 $1,100,000 - $1,300,000
to answer your questions about the Fire the Children’s Hospital Buddy Walk raising per week, 365 days per year.
Company. Feel free to give us a call at the money for life altering care, treatment 501(c)(3) APPROVED
610-825-2250 Firehouse (610-825-2250), by email (RRose@ and research that allows young people 2017 Statistics After many months of hard work, the
barrenhill.com, CSchwartz@barrenhill.com) with Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) the Barren Hill Volunteer Fire Company
or stop in any Monday night during our train- opportunities to experience the joys of • 480 Calls for Service - Est. 5,064 Volunteer Hrs
www.barrenhill.com was approved as a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit
ing exercises. childhood. • 1,019 Personnel Training Nights - Est. 3,057 Organization allowing matching gifts from employers and
The Volunteers of the Barren Hill Volunteer • Colonial Neighborhood Council Food Drive: Volunteer Hrs. other charitable donations such as Amazon Smile.
Fire Company appreciate the continued In response to a call for action to support • 534 Personnel Special Service Participants - Est.
support of the Whitemarsh Township Com- the Colonial Neighborhood Council Food HALL RENTAL
801 Volunteer Hrs.
munity. Pantry, our Community filled an entire Our Hall is available for Rent.
fire truck with more than 2,100 pounds Call the Hall Rental Manager at
EVER WONDER WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF
of food and personal care products that
OUR VOLUNTEERS…..DIDN'T??
were delivered on December 2, 2018 to the
TOTAL: 484-362-9123 or checkout the
website www.barrenhill.com/
Did you know that in the 1970’s, according to Colonial Neighborhood Council Food Pantry 8,922 Volunteer Hours from the members of the hallrental for information on
the Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner’s for distribution to our neighbors. Barren Hill Volunteer Fire Company rates and availability.
18 WHITEMARSH LIVING SPRING 2018 19O KIN G C A M
O GES 7 - 14
C
P
A
Register WHITEMARSH TOWNSHIP
By Week!
K
WHITEMARSH TOWNSHIP
1- W E E
9-W E E K SPECI A L T Y 6/
25 - 6/29
S U M M E R SU M M E R E R L E A DI N G C
HE GES 3 - 10
AM
A
C
i9
S
P
A M P
CA M P S C
A M A
WI
ZIN G MECH
L D A NI M
AL
AN N
AG
E
CE CA M
DA S 5 - P 12
6/
25 - 6/29
IS M
:
EFK
JUNE 18TH - AUGUST 17TH K & FIE L D
&
S
GR EX T R E C
S
A R O N A C
ED V E
R
AM
i9 T
ME
TE
C
LES PARK
E
P
M I AG
TRAT
N IO ES 4 - 7 7/
I S 7/ 16 - 7/2 0
23 - 7/27
R E G IS
2018
FOR !
FULL AG
ES 3 - 10
L EG O R O B OT 7/
3 0 - 8/3
AG
-15
AG : I
ES 3-6 ES 12 F K O B O B A T T LE C
OG
& Y A CA
S
E
R
AG ...AND T
E S 6 -11
MP
AR
Outdoor games & activities, creative crafts, exciting special
MANY
events, awesome trips, entertaining visitors, great friends, AG
MORE!
and so much more! ES 8 - 1 2
7/
23 - 7/27 AG
ES 6 - 9
8/
REGISTER NOW https://register.communitypass.net/whitemarsh/
REGISTER NOW https://register.communitypass.net/whitemarsh/ 20 - 8/24
For more info: (610) 828-7276 | Visit us: www.whitemarshparks.org For more info: (610) 828-7276 | Visit us: www.whitemarshparks.org
20 WHITEMARSH LIVING SPRING 2018 21At the Wells Street Open Space, see-saw were installed. In addition,
“Enviroteers” continued invasive player benches were installed at Cedar
management, the creation of trails, Grove Park and the Lower Miles Park
and the formation of a meadow area. softball field along with a new storage
The stewardship effort was lauded in shed.
a case study published in late fall by As part of the larger Township effort
Natural Lands Trust. of upgrading all the streetlights and
exterior lights to LED’s, all the lights
SENIOR PROGRAMS: at the Township parks system were
Our senior programs showed upgraded to LED’s, providing safer
increased attendance in 2017 with conditions and a cost savings to our
the growing popularity of the “Eat community.
and Enjoy Social Series”, comprised Lastly, 2017 saw the installation of
of an afternoon of lunch and spirited the “Mini-Libraries” courtesy of the
entertainment for our senior William Jeanes Memorial Library at
residents each month. The Township Koontz Park and Leeland Park.
also held afternoon card games
including bridge, pinochle, and mah COMING UP IN 2018:
jongg for our dedicated groups with We are excited as we move ahead in
coffee and light treats. 2018 with the scheduled construction
2017 was a great year of recreational fun for seasonal staples were on display including
the residents of Whitemarsh Township. The yoga, pilates, dance, swimming, kids in at Miles Park to improve stormwater
FACILITY UPDATES: management, increase accessibility,
Parks and Recreation Department saw the motion, afternoon fun club, and messy
PARKS &
RECREATION
Cedar Grove Barn received a facelift and upgrade the ballfield areas for
successful blending of new ideas with the masters. on the second floor that included
community’s signature traditional events player safety (plans and details on
the hardwood floors sanded and page 24-25). In addition, we will be
and programs. 2017 saw the creation of DISCOUNT TICKETS: refinished with poly, new wash sinks
new programs Purposeful Play, Engineering The discount ticket program flourished as completing the beautification of Cold
and countertops installed, additional Point Park at the corner of Butler Pike NEW RECREATION SERVICES
for Kids, and Indoor Little Kickers to residents took advantage of the discounted mounting of wall cabinets, and ASSOCIATE
name a few. It also saw the explosion of admission prices to Hersheypark, Dorney and Flourtown Road. This pocket park
painting. A new fire alarm system will be a gateway passive park that
programs for people of all ages and abilities Park, Dutch Wonderland, Disney on Ice, Ski with pull stations and strobe lights Emily Labowitz
including Connecting Exceptional People Excursion Destinations, and movie theaters has a meandering path, benches, and
were also installed at the barn. flowering trees (rendering and details
(in coordination with the William Jeanes including the Regal, AMC, and the Movie
At the Miles Park Building, the HVAC on page 25). Finally, we look forward
Memorial Library) and Sing, Sign, and Grow. Tavern.
system received some necessary to the opening of our Cedar Grove Barn
We were also delighted with the rebirth of
upgrades along with the installation summer camp for the summer of 2018,
the aquatics program at the new PWHS pool ECOLOGICAL PROGRAMS:
of a new ADA ramp. which will be a Certified Child Care
after a year hiatus. The Township’s Greenhouse Program kept up
their great annual volunteer efforts, serving At the Miles Park playground, Center by the Department of Human
SPECIAL EVENTS: as stewards of Koontz Park and maintaining accessible swings and a new stand-up Services.
A trademark of the department is the environmentally sensitive areas. In see-saw were installed. In addition, As we look back and move forward,
variety of special events throughout the recognition for all the hard work and efforts player benches were installed at the department would like to thank our
year, and 2017 was no exception with of the Greenhouse Program volunteers, the Cedar Grove Park and the Lower many great corporate and community
Shredding Day, Township Day, the Mini- Whiteamrsh Township Board of Supervisors Miles Park At the Miles Park Building, partners in 2017 for serving as a
Spring Fling, Movies in the Parks, the 4th recognized them at their meeting in July and the HVAC system received some foundation for our success throughout
of July Parade, Touch-A-Truck, the History also dedicated a new bench to be set up next necessary upgrades along with the the year. We also appreciate the
installation of a new ADA ramp. Hello all! I’m Emily Labowitz
Tour, Teenie Halloweenie, the Haunted Barn to the Greenhouse at Koontz Park. guidance of the Parks and Recreation
and I’m the Recreation Services
(with an exceptional Family Night), and Nature was awakened through a partnership At the Miles Park playground, Board and the support of the Board
Associate for Whitemarsh
the Gingerbread House Decorating Party with the Whitemarsh Foundation and the accessible swings and a new stand-up of Supervisors for their leadership in
Township Parks & Recreation.
reaching over 10,000 participants. The creation of the “Summer Family Education directing the
April will mark my first year
annual department excursion to the Radio Nights at Dixon Meadow Preserve”. department to
with the department. I come
City Music Hall in NYC during the holidays Programs including birding, nature carry out our
from a sports management and
was a delight for all who attended. photography, the monarch butterfly, and mission and
public administration education
nature walks enriched the community during enhance the
background with years of
SUMMER CAMPS the summer season. quality of life
experience managing youth
The Township summer camp programs for the residents
Trees were the excitement of the day when programs. I have a passion for
took place at Miles Park and Cedar Grove of Whitemarsh
the department joined the Whitemarsh helping others, especially our
Barn with maximum allowed attendance Township.
Elementary students to celebrate Arbor Day beloved township residents.
all summer. Specialty camps were offered in April. In the Arbor Day spirit, the Township We are looking I’m looking forward to another
for tennis, baseball, basketball, soccer, planted several rows of new trees at Cedar forward to a year filled with special events,
cheerleading, flag football, theatre, cooking, Grove Park. fantastic 2018! programs, and summer camps!
and fitness. In addition, many programming
22 WHITEMARSH LIVING SPRING 2018 23UPDATE OF THE
PARKS &
RECREATION
MILES PARK PROJECT
After several years of analysis and Department of Community and Economic
studies of flooding at Miles Park, Development (DCED). The Township was
feedback from residents and all fortunate to be awarded both grants in
park users, the Township included the amounts of $200,000 from DCNR and
in the capital improvement plan for $196,000 from DCED. The benefits of the
Miles Park to address the following project include the elimination of wet field
issues: Drainage issues that create conditions to improve field conditions,
a challenge for safe conditions of increased number of outdoor recreational
play, incorrect alignment at one of opportunities, improved park aesthetic,
the ballfields allowing for potentially and decreased park maintenance costs.
dangerous playing conditions, In addition, the beautification with a
stormwater improvement needs, rain gardens as part of the stormwater
and ADA accessibility. The plans put management methods will serve as
PROJECT together by the Township Engineer both a stormwater Best Management
HIGHLIGHTS: proposed park improvements to the Practice (BMP) but also as part of the park
upper portion (adjacent to Joshua beautification process. The ADA ramp
• Drainage Road) of Miles Park and to one little and accessible pathway planned as part
improvements league baseball field in the middle tier of the improvements will provide better
for better of the park adjacent to the surrounding connectivity to the Township’s trail and
stormwater neighborhood. The improvements to sidewalk network. The new connection
Management the park will address resident concerns will link the park to pedestrian facilities
for stormwater management and along Joshua Road enhancing access
• Ball field updates drainage at highest point in the park. to and from residential neighborhoods
and rearranging In addition, the improvements will surrounding the park and community
for improved address ADA accessibility, pedestrian facilities including the high school and the
safety and access walkability, green infrastructure, and William Jeanes Memorial Library. (Miles Park Design Plan)
athlete safety. The project specifically
• Trails connection includes: reconstruction and regrading After many public discussions at Board
from the William of fields 1 and 2, realignment of field of Supervisors meetings and Parks &
Jeanes Memorial 3, stormwater management, enhanced Recreation meetings, construction of
UPDATE OF THE
Library down access, community linkages, and ADA this project is scheduled to begin in the
Joshua Road to accessibility. late Spring, 2018. The project duration
Miles Park is expected to be 4-6 months depending
COLD POINT PARK PROJECT
In planning for this project, the
on the weather and growing season for
• ADA Accessibility Township applied for two grants
the turf. We anticipate this project being
– one through the Department of
completed by the end of 2018 for public
• Rain Garden Conservation and Natural Resources Whitemarsh Township is proud to
usage in the spring of 2019.
(DCNR) and the other through the announce the preservation and creation
of a scenic gateway pocket park at the
corner of Butler Pike and Flourtown Road
which will be known as Cold Point Park.
Miles Park is a 25-acre park located at the intersection of Joshua Road and Germantown The parcel was purchased in 2012 with
Pike. Miles Park received a new playground in the summer of 2000 and a tot lot play area proceeds from the Whitemarsh Township
in the spring of 2001 with funding assistance from the Patrons of the Whitemarsh Parks. Open Space Fund, and is named after
This park features:Parks & Recreation Building, Playground, Preschool Playground, the historic Village of Cold Point. Cold
Swings, Restrooms, 2 softball fields, 5 baseball fields, 2 Basketball Courts, Soccer field, Point Park will be a scenic passive park
Picnic pavilion, 5/8 Mile excercise path. with a welcoming sign, flowering trees,
and seasonal plantings. A highlight of
The Parks & Recreation Building holds many of the township run programs within the the area will be an internal meandering
many program rooms located there, including our dance program. accessible walkway that leads to a center
Township Day takes place at Miles Park every spring. However, due to the construction focal point with a trellis and benches. This
scheduled for 2018, Township Day will take place at Victory Fields. You can read more beautification project is expected to be
about Township Day on page 4. completed by the fall of 2018.
24 WHITEMARSH LIVING SPRING 2018 25Preservation – both land and historic – The Dixon Meadow Preserve earning a The current Whitemarsh Township Open the Board of Supervisors adopted the
plays a substantial role in our Township. 2015 Montgomery Award for successful Space Plan was formally adopted by “2009 Township-wide Pedestrian and
From structures in Lafayette Hill that community collaboration, sustainable site
FOUNDATION
WHITEMARSH
HISTORY OF
OPEN SPACE
PRESERVATION
the Board of Supervisors on December Bicycle Network Plan”, a comprehensive
have been restored along Germantown design, and habitat creation. 21, 2006. The Plan noted that, unique blue print for a Township-wide plan which
Pike as new gathering places, to land among inner-ring Philadelphia suburbs, would provide bicycle and pedestrian
Never to leave a project half completed,
and open space surrounding what Whitemarsh enjoyed an unusually large connections between the Township’s parks
the Foundation turned their sights and
were the individual villages throughout amount of undeveloped open space, and open spaces. Then in 2013, Act 153
resources to an 19th century farmhouse
Whitemarsh, as a community we consisting of State, County and Township was amended to broaden the purposes for
overlooking the Preserve and in 2016, the
work hard to pay homage to our parkland; six golf courses; state owned which the funds may be used, including
Dixon Meadow House opened its doors as
history. There are few organizations so historical properties; and privately owned payment of transaction fees and expenses,
the Foundation headquarters and a hub of
deeply rooted in this cause than The farmland and large estates. These open and, most importantly, to spend a portion
environmental education.
Whitemarsh Foundation. Established space resources totaled about 4,000 “to develop, improve, design engineer
in 2001 the Foundation is dedicated Since the summer of 2016, the Foundation acres, nearly a third of the Township’s 15 and maintain property acquired pursuant
to the preservation, conservation has hosted a handful of activities square miles. to this act for an open space benefit or
and stewardship of the Whitemarsh throughout all seasons for those interested benefits”, to permit the Township to fund
Valley, and oversees nearly 180 acres in birding, meadow management, flora The Plan stated, “Looking ahead 20 the maintenance of properties preserved
of preserved land just beyond the and fauna and wildlife photography. Last years, Whitemarsh envisions itself as an with Act 153 funds. In addition, through
Philadelphia City limits at Erdenheim summer, the Whitemarsh Foundation and oasis of green amid the predominant the Township’s Flood Prone Property
Farm on what was and remains a Whitemarsh Township Parks and Recreation suburban development of southeastern Acquisition Policy adopted in April of 2012,
gentleman’s farm. hosted a five-week series for families every Montgomery County. The Township the Township is able to utilize Act 153 funds
[Tuesday] evening to further learn about will be appreciated for its high quality to preserve lands that can be used for
Following the successful fundraising of life, the result of its large expanse of
this important gem in our community. stormwater management.
and preservation efforts to save open space and comprehensive network
Erdenheim Farm from development, in This summer, throughout July, the two will of trails and greenways connecting the Funded primarily with Act 153 funds, during
2014 the Foundation constructed the partner again to offer classes for small to region’s parks, recreational facilities, the last 11 years the Township has made
Dixon Meadow Preserve at the corner medium sized groups on similar topics, as natural areas, and social and cultural substantial progress towards the Open
of Flourtown and Thomas Roads. Now well as art and exercise. resources.” And one of the Plan’s goals Space Plan’s goals, all accomplished without
four years later with its native species was “to establish a permanent substantial burdening the operating budget. The
For a full class offering or to register, visit
of trees and shrubs, and a boardwalk dedicated revenue stream to support the following are open space purchases made
www.whitemarshfoundation.org.
measuring nearly two-thirds of a mile, Township’s open space vision.” since the inception of the Act 153 funds:
the Preserve is a mature living So called “Act 153”, originally adopted
laboratory of best practices in • 2008-2009: Erdenheim Farm. 450 acre
by the Pennsylvania legislature in 1968, Erdenheim Farm, including the purchase by
meadow management. The efforts authorizes municipalities to impose
of the Foundation are appreciated the Whitemarsh Foundation of the 98 acre
special real estate or income taxes to be “Angus Tract” and 90 acres of the “Sheep
by the larger community, with used solely for acquiring “open space Tract”.
benefits” which includes, among other • 2008: East 33 (31 acres)
things, preservation of undeveloped land, • 2011: Wells & Cedar Grove Open Space
provided that the tax is authorized in a (23 acres)
referendum approved by the voters. In • 2012 – 2014: 4 FEMA Properties ( totaling
the November 2006 election, 62% of approximately 2 acres) – Act 153 funds
those voting approved a ¼ of 1% tax on were used to purchase these properties
earned income, and in December 2006 for open space preservation and secured
the Board of Supervisors enacted the tax reimbursement from FEMA for the costs.
effective January 1, 2007. • 2013: Christie Circle (.25 acre)
In the 11 year period between January • 2016: Joshua Hill (12 acres)
1, 2007 and December 31, 2017, a total
of nearly $18 million in Act 153 taxes has Without the critical Township financial
been collected by the Township. During support afforded by Act 153, it is probable
this same 11 year period, the Township that the Farm and all the other open space
has spent nearly $20 million to acquire purchases in the last ten years would not
properties and/or easements protecting have been preserved and likely would have
approximately 250 acres in multiple been lost to development.
transactions. In addition, the Township’s The Open Space Committee appreciates and
action has leveraged protection of thanks the Board of Supervisors for its vision
approximately 200 additional acres and leadership in preserving and protecting
funded from other sources. All of this has open space.
been accomplished without any impact on
the Township’s operating budget. Whitemarsh Township Open Space
Subsequent to the Open Space Plan, Committee
26 WHITEMARSH LIVING SPRING 2018 27You can also read
