updates from Penn Valley Commissioners Bernheim, Grimes, and McKeon:
Meeting minutes, Oct. 24, 2022. Hybrid meeting, online and at Belmont Hills Library
Commissioner Grimes presented on current billboard applications including those proposed on the expressway from Lower Merion in Penn Valley (the “Croyle” property at Mary Waters Ford and Centennial Roads). Read Commissioner Grimes’s newsletter with further details, and email your commissioner with your opinions about billboards in our area. PVCA residents at the meeting expressed disinterest in seeing more billboards anywhere in the TS including those visible from the highway from our area. They asked commissioners not to grant approval. The messages/content on billboards cannot be controlled by the TS.
Former St. Charles property will be developed by Main Line Health with senior living facilities and other residential. Learn about the project here, and leave feedback here. Many residents would like to see the development include playing fields in existing cleared lawn areas to help alleviate the need for fields elsewhere in the Township whose creation otherwise requires forest clearcutting.
Update on the Belmont Hills/Penn Valley Library. Commissioner McKeon is seeking funding to create a full-time position for the children’s librarian. An extension patio is also being considered. The library is looking for local artists to exhibit in the meeting room. Email librarian Lizzie Barrie if interested: ebarrie@lmls.org
Traffic and sidewalks -
Lower Merion TS has a new traffic safety officer, Sergeant Colflesh
Residents raised concerns to Commissioner Bernheim about the intersection of Old Gulph and Bryn Mawr where serious accidents have occurred in recent months
Residents also enquired about the possibility of sidewalks or a walking path along Hagys Ford Road between Welsh Valley and Penn Valley—a pedestrian throughway. Suggested that a new sidewalk and pedestrian safety working group be formed again (similar to what was done in years past through the PVCA to obtain the existing edge line striping on Hagys Ford)
Pedestrian crossing improvements at the busy intersection of Conshohocken State Road and Hagys Ford Rd—one block from Welsh Valley Middle School where many children walk. There is an existing advanced pedestrian walk button that does not work and no crosswalk.
Possibility of rumble strips and speed cushions
Mill Creek bridge will be complete by end of 2023
SEPTA plans to possibly eliminate bus service to Gladwyne, Penn Valley (Oak Hill) and Narberth. Please attend the Septa open house on Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 5:30-7:30pm at the TS Administration building (75 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore) to let Septa and your commissioner know how you feel about this. You can also email Septa directly at busnetwork@septa.org.
Development of 1-2-3 Bala - Will be large mixed use residential and hotel, 20 year developer’s agreement
A resident asked about the possibility of greater enforcement (swipe card or parking regulations) at West Mill Creek dog park. Enforcement is difficult but TS has created a new entry and parking lot configuration for safety. Dogs are required to have a current county registration and off-leash permit through LMTS.
Next PVCA event - PHS tree planting on Saturday, November 19 at 10am. Meet in front of the Montgomery County Courthouse on Montgomery Ave.