Springfield First

Signing off for now

2005-04-14T11:24:00.000-04:00

I have discovered that the utilization of a blog to communicate with constituents at this point in time has not been as effective as I had thought. I will, therefore, discontinue the Springfield First Blogspot as of today. I will continue to be in touch with Ward 1 residents through my regular newsletter and am available by email and telephone (listed below). Please do not hesitate to contact me about any of your township concerns. I also welcome any ideas or thoughts you would like to share about ways to improve our community or local government. I am thankful to have the opportunity to represent you on the Board of Commissioners.

Kathleen Lunn, Ward 1
Springfield Township Commissioner
email: klunn@comcast.net
tel: (610) 834-1633

Happy Valentine's Day!

2005-02-14T20:10:00.000-05:00

After a bit of a sabbatical, I am returning to updating Ward 1 bloggers on Springfield news. I will provide updates following each month's Board of Commissioners Business meeting and at other times when the news merits reporting.

The following issues were discussed at last week's meeting:

1. Proposals have been received from four engineering companies to prepare a design plan for the gateway entrances to Bethlehem Pike. Springfield & Whitemarsh townships have jointly been awarded a $190,000 grant by Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources to construct attractive gateway entrances to the Bethlehem Pike business district. The locations will be Beth. Pike and Valley Green Rd; Beth Pike and Gordon Lane and E. Mill Rd at Penn Oak. The proposals will be reviewed by the Capital Campaign Committee of FEEA, which will recommend two of the four. Representatives of those two firms will be asked to make a brief presentation at the March Bd. of Commissioners meeting. The Board will then choose one firm to design the gateways.

2. The Board voted to hire Weisner Consulting to prepare a Request for Proposals for the management of the Flourtown Country Club. The current lease on the property expires at the end of 2005.

3. Tecce and Boorse tract developers have modified the proposals they presented at the October public hearings. Proposals for both properties would still require a zoning change to allow for more dense develpment than is allowed under the current AAA overlay zoning

4. The Friends of Historic Bethlehem Pike are working together with the Black Horse Advisory Committee to develop fundraising and construction plans for the Black Horse Inn. The next meeting of the BHIAC is Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 7 pm at the township building

5. The township engineer has completed the survey for construction of a detention basin on Carson VAlley School property which should help reduce the likelihood of flooding along College Ave. as occurred last September.

6. A professor at Temple University in Ambler Center for Sustainable Communities will be working with a group of students to help Springfield develop an Historic Ordinance

Please let me know if you would like any further information on the items above or any other township matter of concern to you.

Kathleen

Stormwater Management and Black Horse Inn

2004-11-19T17:03:00.000-05:00

The attached articles from last week's Springfield Sun address two issues of particular concern to Ward 1 residents: stormwater management and the fate of the Black Horse Inn.

As a result of the flooding which occurred in Flourtown on September 28, I have met with residents and the township engineer to determine causes and possible solutions to the problem. Amy Riddle, our township engineer, has reported that the creation of a detention basin on the agricultural field (alongside tennis courts) on Carson Valley Property should help to prevent the overflow of stormwaters which resulted in flooding along College, Grove, Weiss and W. Mill Rd. in the recent storm. At this month's Board of Commissioner meeting, we authorized Ms. Riddle to prepare an engineering survey of the agricultural field to be presented to the Carson Valley Board of Directors. They have expressed a willingness to consider the construction a detention basin after reviewing the survey. Ms Riddle also stated the the main stormwater pipe in the area is 24 inches in diameter and that this capacity is not sufficient for even less severe storms than the September storm.

With regard to the Black Horse Inn- What are we going to do?

Media Coverage of Public Hearings on Tecce and Boorse Rezoning Requests

2004-11-08T10:59:00.000-05:00

Over 200 individuals attended the October 21 hearing on the Tecce tract rezoning request at Springfield High School. The overwhelming majority of the audience were there to demonstrate their opposition to the proposed zoning change which would allow increased development on the 41 acre tract currently zoned AAA residential. (See the Springfield Sun article here). The Chestnut Hill Local also reported on the Tecce hearing (read the article here).

On Monday, Oct. 25, approximately 40 people were present for the public hearing to consider rezoning the Boorse tract - a 14 acre former horse farm in Oreland. All residents who spoke expressed concern over the intensity of the development and the potential for increased traffic. Some residents expressed concern over environmental sensitivity of the site (Sandy Run Creek runs through property) and the beauty of the property as a portion of an area with other significant open space pieces. Boorse is adjacent to Sandy Run Quarry, owned by township, Sandy Run Country Club and the extensive Piszek tract which continues into Upper Dublin Township. An executor of the Piszek estate, along with a family friend, made a statement to the Commissioners that the heirs of the Piszek property (which is also zoned AAA) are keeping an eye on what development is allowed by Springfield Commissioners on the adjoining Boorse tract.

It is important to keep in mind that AAA residentail cluster zoning was only established in Springfield in May 2003 after years of debate by the Planning Commission, community and Bd. of Commissioners. AAA is recommended in our 1996 Open Space Plan and our 1998 Township Comprehensive Plan for tracts over 10 acres in size as a way to preserve open space and limit increased flooding potential resulting from more intense developments often proposed for large tracts where housing demand is high. Other tracts zoned AAA include: Flourtown Country Club, North Hills and Whitemarsh Country Club, Piszek property, a portion of Morris Arboretum and 55 acres of Dixon property at Wissahickon and Stenton. Although the current rezoning requests are in the panhandle and Oreland, the decision we make could effect these other tracts located in Flourtown and elsewhere in the township.

We will be discussing both Tecce and Boorse rezoning requests at tonight's Bd. of Commisisoner's Workshop meeting at 7:30 pm at township building.

Location for October 21 Tecce Rezoning Request Public Hearing

2004-10-20T15:11:00.000-04:00

Please note that the public hearing to consider rezoning the Tecce tract (41 acres in the panhandle) from AAA residential to a new CRD zoning has been rescheduled to Thursday, Oct. 21 at 7 pm in the technology wing of Springfield High School, 1810 Paper Mill Rd. Park behind the main building and enter there. The new CRD zoning ordinance was written by the property owner's attorney and allows more dense development of the site than AAA zoning allows. This is a very important hearing with regard to concerns about whether Springfield should maintain the AAA low-density residential zoning that was established last year.

The Boorse tract (14 acres at Pennsylvania and Camp Hill in Oreland) equitable owners have also requested that we rezone that property. It is zoned AAA as well. The public hearing on the Boorse tract rezoning request will be held next Monday, Oct. 25 at 7 pm at township building. Please attend to have your voice heard as we consider these two rezoning requests.

Federal Assistance for Property Damage from 9/28 Flooding

2004-10-13T17:06:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately, many Ward 1 homes sustained the greatest amount of flooding and property loss in the township as a result of the September 28 rainstorm. I have visited with Flourtown residents in the hardest hit areas to determine the extent of damage. Several homeowners on College, Grove and Weiss had 4 to 8 feet of water in their basements.

Representatives of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and PEMA (PA. Emergency Management Agency) along with township staff members, toured Springfield neighborhoods and have determined that our area will qualify for assistance for private property damaged as a result of the September 28 storm event. In order to file a claim, property owners may call FEMA at: 1-800-621-3362. Someone will be available to speak to you 7 days/week from 8am to 8pm EST. If you would like to receive a "Flood Information Packet" call: 1-888-CALL-FLOOD.

You may also be eligible for flood insurance, even if your home is not located in a floodplain. The National Flood Insurance Program, managed by FEMA, has begun offering a "Preferred Risk Policy" (PRP). PRP policies offer lower-cost protection for homes and apartments in areas of low-to-moderate flood risk. These areas are outside of known floodplains. To find out more about the "Preferred Risk Policy" you can call:1-800-CALL-FLOOD or visit: FloodSmart.gov or call your insurance agent.

As many people have noted, the "100 Year Storms" have been arriving much too frequently in recent years. I will continue working with township staff, engineer and the Bd. of Commissioners to determine ways to mitigate the likelihood of flooding in our township, even in extreme weather events such as we experienced on August 1 and September 28.

Public Hearings on Tecce and Boorse Tracts Necessitated by Acceptance of Developers’ Rezoning Application Request

2004-09-27T08:51:00.000-04:00

It has been reported in recent issues of the Sun that I am the sole Springfield Township Commissioner who voted to “oppose public hearings” to discuss rezoning the Tecce property. In fact, I was strongly in favor of the public meetings held last year to debate the merits of the current AAA zoning which requires low-density residential development and creative design on several large open tracts in Springfield, including Tecce. I am not in favor of asking you to come out to a hearing one year later to restate your interest in maintaining AAA zoning. I heard you the first time. In order to clarify the issue at hand and explain my position, I offer the following:

· The owners/developers of the Tecce (41 acres) and Boorse (14 acres) tracts have requested that the Board of Commissioners rezone their properties to allow much more intense development to occur.

· The Board had the option of refusing to consider their requests, if it thought that the requests did not warrant further consideration.

· As an elected representative of the citizens of Springfield, I believe that we should only consider changes in zoning when the change offers greater benefit to the community than the current zoning

· Based on these criteria, I voted to deny the rezoning applications for these two properties, which would eliminate the need for public hearings.

· These public hearings are legal proceedings which became necessary when the majority of the Board voted to accept the rezoning applications. A vote will be taken on changing the zoning following the public hearing.

Regarding the AAA residential zoning overlay that was established on these two tracts in May 2003:

· AAA is recommended in our township Comprehensive and Open Space plans as a way to help preserve open space and natural features and enhance the development design on remaining large tracts of land in Springfield.

· Our AAA zoning was developed over a number of years by our Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners.

· Citizens of Springfield expressed their support for AAA at several public hearings and meetings last year.

Now that new public hearings are required due to the Board’s acceptance of the developer’s requests, I ask you to attend on September 28 (Tecce) and October 25 (Boorse). Both meetings are scheduled at 7 pm in the township building. Your presence and comments will make it clear to the commissioners where this community stands with regard to preservation of low-density, low-impact, residential development on large tracts of land as required by the current AAA zoning.

Kids Voting USA comes to Springfield Township

2004-09-24T19:33:00.000-04:00

I am happy to announce that our efforts to bring the "Kids Voting USA" program to Springfield Township have been successful. This November Enfield and Erdenheim Elementary students will have the opportunity to join their parents in going to the polls on election day and casting their own votes!

As noted in my recent newsletter, "Kids Voting USA" is a national program that combines lessons in the classroom with an authentic voting experience. It has been a pleasure to work with Springfield School District administrators to bring this excellent program to our community.

Dr. Irene Bender, Assistant Superintendent of Springfield School District, will spearhead the project. Several elementary school teachers will be attending a training session next week led by representatives of national "Kids Voting USA". Many thanks to Mona Mariani, Alice Lesnick, Sandy Fasold and Angie Lawn who have volunteered to assist with the program and to Senator Vince Hughes who secured the $5,000 Department of Community and Economic Development grant which allowed the project to become a reality.

"Kids Voting USA" is not only an exciting, hands-on civics lesson for children. It is also a community-building experience for hundreds of municipalities throughout the country that participate in this wonderful program. I will keep you informed about our local effort as we progress toward November 2.

Open Space Planning Committee meeting tonight

2004-09-16T13:46:00.000-04:00

Beth Pilling of the Open Space Planning Division of the Montgomery County Planning Commission, will address Springfield's Open Space Planning Committee at 7 pm tonight in the township building. The meeting is open to the public. Ms. Pilling will offer guidance to our committee members as they work to establish open space priorities that are consistent with county objectives.

Springfield is eligible for $1.4 million from the Montco Green Towns/Green Fields Open Space Initiative. It is important that we submit projects for approval that have a high likelihood of approval as the money is only reserved for Springfield until April 2008. After that date it goes into a general "pot" of money that we would need to compete for with other municipalities. All residents interested in helping to establish our open space priorities are encouraged to attend.

Funding for Renovation of Black Horse Inn

2004-09-13T16:33:00.000-04:00

At last Sunday's FEEA Family Fun Day (which was a great success) many of you came up to ask me what happened with regard to the funding of the Black Horse Inn renovation. While it is disappointing for everyone, it should not come as a complete surprise. The $1.2 million matching fund grant that State Representative Larry Curry submitted for consideration in the State Capital budget had several hurdles to cross. It did make it into the final budget which was eventually passed by the state legislature. It did not, however, pass the Governor's test for economic impact. The Governor informed legislators that only projects which had a significant economic benefit to communities would be allowed to remain in the Capital budget. Representative Curry did write a letter outlining the positive ecomonic impact of the project as part of our plan for redevelopment of Bethlehem Pike. However, the Governor was specifically looking at the number of jobs created by each project to be funded in the Capital Budget, and the Black Horse renovation did not meet his criteria. Hence, he removed it from this year's list of projects to be funded.

So, where are we right now? We are obligated in our Stipulation Agreement with Moreland Development (Walgreen's developer) to renovate the exterior of the Black Horse within 10 months of transfer of deed for the property to the township. The funds for the exterior restoration will be taken from our Capital Reserve Account. Beyond meeting our legal agreement, we are looking into other sources of revenue. We will continue conversations with Governor Rendell's office with regard to other sources of state funding as we consider other options. Anyone who has a specific suggestion or question about funding may call Don Berger, Township Manager, 215-836-7600 or Tim Lawn, Commissioner Rep. on Black Horse Advisory Committee 215-233-2349.

Key Topics at tonight's Bd. of Commissioner workshop meeting

2004-09-07T10:19:00.000-04:00

Several issues of particular concern to township residents will be discussed at tonight's workshop meeting, including:

* PRESENTATION by Don Colosimo, Montco Roads and Bridges, and Brian Embry, HGR Consulting Engrs.
regarding plans for widening of Ridge Pike in Springfield and Whitemarsh and discussion about placement
of sidewalks along Ridge Pike

* Black Horse Inn - discussion of building renovation budget

* Cresheim Valley Trail - discussion regarding support of a study to determine feasability of this trail

* 2005 Preliminary Budget Meeting Schedule - review

* Historic Preservation Ordinance - discussion of Solicitor's review of proposed ordinance

* Park and Recreation Impact Fee - review draft ordinance

A complete listing of tonight's meeting agenda may be found at the township website: www.springfield-township.org

Meeting Time and Place: 7:30 pm
Township Administration Building
1510 Paper Mill Rd.
Large meeting room

Board of Commissioners Workshop Meeting - Date Change

2004-09-03T15:59:00.000-04:00

The September Workshop meeting for the Springfield Board of Commissioners will be held on Tuesday, September 7 at 7:30 pm due to the Labor Day holiday. Have a safe and fun holiday weekend.

School District Taxes Discount Due Date - August 31

2004-08-30T15:38:00.000-04:00

Just a quick reminder that 2004 School District taxes must be received by the Township Treasurer on or before August 31 in order to receive the 2% discount off of the face amount due. The Treasurer's office will be open tomorrow, Aug. 31 from 10 am to 1 pm.

If you have not yet received a bill for your 2004 School District property taxes, or you have any questions or concerns with regard to your property taxes, please call Carol Ann Schweitzer, Treasurer: 215-233-3957; Don Berger, Township Manager: 215-836-7600 or myself: 610-834-1633.

Residents Raise Flooding Concerns

2004-08-29T20:42:00.000-04:00

At the August 10 Board of Commissioners meeting several Springfield residents expressed their frustration and concern due to flooding of their properties and homes as a result of the August 1 rainstorm. This Springfield Sun article summarizes the ensuing discussion at that meeting.

Rob Ryan, an environmental engineer and Springfield resident wrote a letter to the editor which was published in the August 19 issue of the Springfield Sun. In his letter Rob states that, "Every piece of land that we have converted from open space to pavement has increased the amount of stormwater runoff by as much as 10-fold." As we continue to work on engineering solutions to our stormwater management problems, we should also remember that one way to mitigate the likelihood of flooding is to preserve as much remaining open space as possible in Springfield.

I look forward to hearing your comments about stormwater management issues in our township.

Springfield Rotary

2004-08-29T20:26:00.000-04:00

Correction: The web address for the Springfield Rotary was inadvertently omitted in my newsletter. That address is: www.springfieldrotary.org.

Welcome to my blog

2004-08-10T16:34:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my “Springfield First” weblog. I want to use this forum as a place to dialogue with you about township issues. I will regularly offer my perspective on local issues and give feedback on what I am hearing from members of the community. Detailed information about the township may also be obtained through the township website: www.Springfield-Montco.org. In addition, please feel free to call me at 610-834-1633, or email me at KLunn@comcast.net. I am anxious to hear from you and to begin discussing ways to build a stronger community.

--Kathleen

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2004-06-12T16:02:00.000-04:00

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2004-06-12T15:47:00.000-04:00

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