News
Includes links to articles in local newspapers:
Main Line Times,
Ardmore‑Merion‑Wynnewood Patch,
Narberth‑BalaCynwyd Patch,
Philadelphia Inquirer
Also see the newsletters.
Top Stories (date updated)
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• Barnes Foundation The Barnes Foundation expects to open the Philadelphia campus on May 19, 2012. Admission will be $18 for adults. Hours will be Wednesday–Monday 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. There will be free public access on May 26 to May 28. The Friends of the Barnes want to keep the Barnes in Merion. Follow the link to their website to get more background on this issue. There will be a meeting with Montgomery Count Orphan's Court Judge Stanley R Ott on March 29 in response to a recently-filed petition. The Barnes Foundation has launched an Alumni Association. They hosted an Alumni weekend on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 3-7pm and Sunday, 1-5pm. Please email Mark Mills or call 215-640-0171 ext 10. See Barnes Alumni registration form. Barnes: Main Line Times and Patch.com: (recent first) 02/01/2012 New Barnes sets admission hours and prices. 01/31/2012 Groundhog Day: It's back to court for the Barnes fight Feb. 2. 11/18/2011 Barnes Foundation and Violette de Mazia Foundation announce joint education agreement. 10/09/2011 Updated: Latest Barnes appeal rejected, plaintiffs ordered to pay. 09/15/2011 Barnes announces parkway opening date. 06/07/2011 UPDATED: Barnes Foundation hosts Community Day and promises money towards Merion campus. 03/29/2011 Video: Judge sets briefing schedule in new Barnes-move challenge. 03/27/2011 Motion filed to dismiss challenge of Barnes art move. 03/18/2011 Taking the Barnes back to Judge Ott's courtroom. 02/27/2011 Judge rules on Barnes petition. 01/06/2011 Barnes 'Friends' vow to continue fight. 09/30/2010 Barnes galleries will be closing. | Top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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• City Avenue Special Services District Zoning Ordinance. On December 14, 2011, the Lower Merion Board of Commissioners voted to adopt the City Avenue Special Services District Zoning Ordinance. This was done despite knowledge that NONE of the Civic Associations in the township supported the measure in its current form. Since the idea is to coordinate the new ordinance with an Official Map, which has not yet been prepared, the effective date of the ordinance was set to April 30, 2012. The Bala Cynwyd Neighborhood Club gave five specific changes which would enable them to support the measure, but these were NOT adopted on December 14th, because doing so would have delayed the adoption vote. However, there was some indication that the commissioners intend to amend the ordinance before the effective date. See Media News for media coverage of this issue. See Draft City Ave Spec Svcs District ordinance(11/2/2011 1.2MB PDF) See Response to Mont County Plng Commission Review Letter(8/5/2011) See Traffic Impact Fee Ordinance (Draft)(7/29/2011) On November 10, 2011, the LM Planning Commission held a hearing with many citizens speaking. The Planning Commission then voted to recommend passage of the Zoning Ordinance, but with the condition that a "Master Plan Map" must be approved before the zoning ordinance becomes effective. The idea was that the zoning ordinance would be changed to require adherence to designated public space or green pathways as a precondition to getting incentives. Note that the LM Board of Commissioners are NOT required to follow the recommendation. On September 14, the LM commissioners voted to adopt an ordinance creating the Transportation Services Area for the City Avenue area. This was to permit the township to enact a traffic impact fee for new development. On June 23, 2011, there was a hearing by the Transportation Service Area Advisory Commission regarding the Transportation Capital Improvement Plan. This was held AFTER the Lower Merion Township workshop on the Lower Merion Township Capital Improvement Program, which was the prior day. On the LM Township site there are related documents. On June 15, 2011, the motion to publish and enact the ordinance on July 27 was tabled. Reacting to strong response from the civic associations, there will be more hearings. On June 8, 2011, the Lower Merion Building & Planning Committee held another discussion on the proposed zoning ordinance. They announced that the ordinance was being revised based on meetings with the Neighborhood Club of Bala Cynwyd. Some of those revisions have now been applied and made available on the township web site. However, residents in the rest of the township have largely been excluded from the process. There has not been a public hearing on the zoning ordinance since 3/29/2011, three public hearings scheduled after that date have been cancelled. Representatives from Merion and other civic associations in the township question why they have been excluded from this recent process, and question the urgency expressed by the Board of Commissioners to enact this by July. The Lower Merion Board of Commissioners have approved a recommended traffic level of service of "D" for intersections in the City Avenue district. This is being fast-tracked so that businesses can be assessed traffic impact fees. It has not been made clear how needed traffic improvements to achieve even that level will be funded. At this time, the zoning ordinance adoption date has been tentatively been moved back to July. The next hearing to determine an adoption date is June 8. For adoption on May 25 Zoning Ordinance draft 4-6-11 (PDF 2.9MB). Also see Proposed zoning map & descriptions (PDF 2.7MB). April 6, 2011, Bob Duncan, LM Building & Planning Department sent a new schedule for the hearings. These are now reflected in our Calendar. March 29, 2011, in a note from Bob Duncan, LM Building & Planning Department: "We are planning to separate the Bala Village District ordinance from the Regional Center and Retail District Ordinance. We will be announcing a list of meeting dates to complete the review of the current Regional Center/Retail District ordinance and a different set of meeting dates to discuss the Bala Village District ordinance. See 2/9/2011 meeting notes of City Avenue Transportation Services Area Advisory Committee. The Board of Commissioners on August 4 accepted the Traffic Report (which recommends performing a Traffic Study) and Land Use Assumptions Report. The Building & Planning Committee Aug 4 agenda links to the Roadway Sufficiency Recommendation and Land Use Assumptions Report. August 4 B&P (Special) Agenda. Hearings and Workshops These will be adjusted based on progress in prior hearings. ALL events shown below start with 09/20/2010
Public Hearing. 09/27/2010
Workshop. 10/25/2010
Public Hearing. 11/30/2010
Public Hearing. See
New Draft Ordinance (30 pg 1.2MB PDF) The commissioners have said that this may be the single most important zoning decision they will make as commissioners. This will have profound effects on the local and township communities for years to come. They particularly ask that residents read the materials provided, express their concerns, and suggest alternatives. Concerned residents are encouraged to participate in the decision process. To receive Lower Merion notifications, sign up for E-Subscription by providing your E-mail address and checking City Ave Spec Srvcs Dist in the News section of that page. See Drafts of Proposed Ordinances to download "City Avenue Special Services District Amendment." See City Avenue Special Services District website. See LM Township: City Avenue Special Services District This page now links to the Draft Ordinance 9/17/2010 (6.0MB Word) This page has links to multiple PDF files, dating back to 6/10/2008 about the proposed zoning. The "Land Use Assumption Report" is in a PDF file of 14.7MB. From City Avenue Corridor Zoning Recommendations (PDF 6.5MB): Some items within the plan for the new Regional Center: Maximum building height 120' (10-12 stories) Exceptions:
01/31/2012 Traffic, entertainment uses still issues in City Avenue talks 01/30/2012 Field trip gives new perspective on City Avenue rezoning; another workshop tonight in Lower Merion 01/18/2012 City Avenue zoning talks rise to new heights Jan. 21 12/15/2011 With Much Dissent, L.M. Commissioners Approve City Avenue Rezoning 12/15/2011 Lower Merion adopts new City Avenue zoning amid community protest 11/18/2011 City Avenue rezoning up for hearing, possible adoption in December 11/17/2011 City Avenue Rezoning: Public Hearing, Adoption Vote Set for Dec. 14 11/11/2011 Lower Merion planners move City Avenue rezoning forward 11/11/2011 Planning Commission and Lower Merion residents talk timeliness of City Avenue changes 10/26/2011 City Avenue rezoning debate continues 10/26/2011 Planning Commission Weighs in on City Avenue Rezoning 10/26/2011 The new look of City Avenue? Rezoning under fire 09/30/2011 Casino report, other issues add to City Avenue controversy 09/27/2011 Residents Take City Avenue Zoning Conversation in a New Direction 09/20/2011 State Report Envisions City Avenue As Lucrative Casino Location 09/17/2011 City Avenue rezoning plan: Another township failure 09/15/2011 Update: Developers will pay share of future City Avenue road costs 07/22/2011 City Avenue talks break for summer; no rezoning decision before November 07/18/2011 Updated: Lower Merion commissioners move on City Ave. transit area 07/15/2011 Changing Skyline: Vision of walker-friendly City Ave 06/27/2011 City Avenue's future a topic in Lower Merion, day and night 06/25/2011 Ending the City Avenue kabuki 06/18/2011 Lower Merion commissioners table City Ave. plans 06/18/2011 City Ave.: Lower Merion civics push back 06/16/2011 Commissioners Grant Residents’ Request for More Time on City Avenue Rezoning Proposal 06/15/2011 Lower Merion considers traffic-impact fee in City Ave. rezoning. 06/14/2011 Readers' response: It's time for a time-out on City Avenue 06/14/2011 Lower Merion considers traffic-impact fee in City Ave. rezoning 06/12/2011 Opinion: Readers respond to proposed City Ave. rezoning 06/12/2011 LM board action on City Avenue rezoning still a moving target; debate tabled until June 15 06/09/2011 Public Hearing on City Avenue Rezoning Delayed a Second Time 06/07/2011 City Ave. rezoning talks continue 05/30/2011 City Ave rezoning put on hold 04/22/2011 On City Avenue rezoning and the unfinished comprehensive plan 04/14/2011 City Avenue rezoning and the unfinished Comprehensive Plan: What's the rush? 04/14/2011 The latest in the City Ave. rezoning saga 04/02/2011 City Ave. traffic study's first results are mixed 03/30/2011 Traffic Study: Congestion Varies Among City Avenue Intersections 03/08/2011 Building height and traffic divisive issues for City Avenue 01/06/2011 Planners, residents hash out visions for City Avenue rezoning 01/05/2011 Open Talks Continue on City Avenue Rezoning 12/01/2010 Residents wary of height, retail loss 10/27/2010 Building height among concerns as City Avenue rezoning talk continues 09/29/2010 Workshop sessions focus on City Avenue rezoning 09/27/2010 Controversy over Bala Avenue rezoning heats up 09/06/2010 Clarifying concerns about Bala Avenue 08/14/2010 Board OKs RFPs for City Ave. traffic study. 08/11/2010 Don't pull Bala Cynwyd into City Avenue plans 07/28/2010 San Jose's Santana Row could be model for Bala's Upper Regional Center 07/28/2010 Two sketch plans OK'd for BC Shopping Center 07/20/2010 Public's input invited on City Avenue discussions 07/17/2010 Traffic impact major piece in City Ave redevelopment puzzle 06/30/2010 Traffic impacts on City Avenue to be studied 06/30/2010 Public's input invited on City Avenue discussions 06/09/2010 Vision for City Avenue topic of LM Workshops 06/03/2010 City Avenue zoning to get comprehensive look 06/02/2010 on Brian Gordon's letter 05/26/2010 Brian Gordon Letter on City Ave Development 04/28/2010 Discussion planned May 12 for City Avenue corridor revitalization 04/14/2010 Public Hearing on City Avenue Corridor 03/04/2010 Neighborhood Club reacts to Bala Cynwyd Shopping proposals |
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| • Green & Environmental This section will feature stories about local businesses. Commerce: Main Line Times: (recent first) 01/30/2012 Annie Sez in Penn Valley Closing at End of February 01/06/2012 Wynnewood, St. Davids' Genuardi's to become GIANT supermarkets | Top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Green & Environmental This section will feature green & environmental issues. See Lower Merion Environmental Advisory Council. Green: Jewish Exponent, Main Line Times: (recent first) 02/01/2012 Wynnewood neighbors buy up meadow - preserving history and wildlife. 10/14/2011 Cynwyd Heritage Trail Fall Festival 09/17/2011 Storm damage impacts Cynwyd trail 07/24/2011 It's bamboo gone wild 07/07/2011 The rush to artificial turf raises real concerns 06/15/2011 Act on a Marcellus Shale tax 06/08/2011 What's that tree? The Smithsonian has an app for that 06/06/2011 Bryn Mawr's Michael Krancer takes the hot seat in Harrisburg 05/11/2011 Too many green groups in Lower Merion? 05/06/2011 Lower Merion's Go for the Green winners champion good stewardship 04/05/2011 Canada geese cause a flap at area office parks 03/29/2011 Newly proposed EPA environmental rules discussed at LMHS 02/15/2011 Re-Vitali-izing severance tax for Marcellus shale | Top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Kohelet Yeshiva High School The former Stern Hebrew High School has been renamed the Kohelet Yeshiva High School at the Martha & Harry Stern Campus. Classes at the new location started in September, 2010. The LM Zoning Hearing Board granted a special exception for the construction of a sanctuary addition and additional parking spaces. at 223 N Highland Avenue, Merion Station (former Akiba site). See 6/16/2010 Building & Planning Committee, item 4. Kohelet: Jewish Exponent, Main Line Times: (recent first) 12/01/2010 Kohelet Yeshiva High School opens at ex-Akiba 09/09/2009 Teens Rave Over New School Digs, Relishing In the Sizable Space | Top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Lower Merion Board of Commissioners See 11/06/2011 article below for profiles of the 2011 candidates. Two 11/04/2011 articles discuss Montgomery County candidates. Note that some Merion residents are in Ward 9, and there is an article on the candidates there. Lower Merion Township is governed by a fourteen member Board of Commissioners. The board appoints the Township Manager who oversees the day-to-day operation of the township. In January 2011, the President and Vice-President of the board both resigned from the Board of Commissioners. LM Commissioners: Main Line Times and Patch.com (recent first) 01/03/2012 Rogan re-elected as LM board president 11/10/2011 Democratic incumbents fend off Republican challenge, hold 10-4 majority on LM board 11/09/2011 Election Results: Lower Merion, Narberth, County, State Elections . 11/06/2011 Lower Merion commissioner candidates' information 11/04/2011 Election Primer (Part 2): More Montgomery County Jobs Up for Grabs 11/04/2011 Three Questions: Shapiro & Richards 11/04/2011 Who Gets Your Vote in Ward 9: Richard Kaufman or George Manos? 10/28/2011 Candidates in Lower Merion's ward 9 and 13 clash over City Avenue, township spending 05/11/2011 Lower Merion primaries for commissioner 04/25/2011 Lower Merion commissioners nix parliamentarian 04/07/2011 Panel Recommends Parliamentary Consultant for Lower Merion Government 03/11/2011 Candidates file for May primary in Lower Merion and Narberth 03/09/2011 Lower Merion's Open-or-Shut Case Won't Go Away 03/08/2011 Open-meetings debate in LM erupts again 02/24/2011 Township Meeting Minutes Now Available Online 02/22/2011 Sitting down with LM's new board president 01/22/2011 Taylor stepping down from LM Board 01/22/2011 McGuire elected commissioner, Rogan new LM president 01/21/2011 Township Board of Commissioners Vice President Taylor Resigns. 01/19/2011 Brian McGuire Appointed as Lower Merion Commissioner, Rogan Elected President. 01/13/2011 Reed reflects on time as commissioner 01/13/2011 Bruce Reed's retirement speech |
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• Lower Merion Budget. On January 25, 2012, there will be a LM Finance Workshop to discuss how to deal with the unanticipated business tax income. Between the first and second public hearings on the 2012 budget, the township received $6.9 million dollars of unanticipated business tax income. This will require the budget to be adjusted. The LM Board of Commissioners held Public Hearings on the 2011 Budget. See 2011 Proposed Budget The budget is scheduled to be finalized by December 15, 2010. LM Budget: Main Line Times and Patch.com: (recent first) 01/30/2012 What to do with $7 million? Lower Merion Township eyes options for 2011 tax windfall. 01/24/2012 Lower Merion receives financial reporting award. 12/11/2011 Tax windfall won't go back to Lower Merion taxpayers. 12/05/2011 'Unexpected' $6.9 Million Changes Lower Merion's Budget Outlook. 12/05/2011 Update: Lower Merion Township sees "unexpected" $6.9 million revenue boost; considering budget options. 11/17/2011 Lower Merion Budget Met With Criticism. 11/10/2011 Lower Merion’s 2012 Tax Rate, Budget Will Be Decided Next Month. 07/18/2011 Lower Merion finance discussion. 06/30/2011 Lower Merion budget forecast: No increase is 'reasonably feasible'. 06/25/2011 Updated: Lower Merion commissioners take first look at capital improvements. 06/23/2011 No Resident Input on City Avenue at Lower Merion's Capital-Improvements Meeting . 04/12/2011 Lower Merion Township manager's budget report 01/01/2011 Highlights of the 2011 budget 01/01/2011 It's a done deal: LM property-tax hike now 10.8% 12/21/2010 LM adopts 2011 budget with 10.8% tax hike 12/16/2010 Hours of Debate Spur Little Change, Lower Merion Ratifies 10.8% Municipal Tax Increase. 12/12/2010 Residents air LM budget concerns at town-hall meeting 12/12/2010 Commissioners chip at 12.7% budget hike 12/12/2010 Employee pay, benefits eyed for savings 12/10/2010 Memo Gives Commissioners Tax Cut Options. 12/09/2010 Capital Project Plan Moves Forward Despite Lengthy Debate. 12/07/2010 New Budget Q&A On Township Website Says Tax Increase Reduced, At Least, to 10.9%. 12/04/2010 Tax-weary crowd fired up at recent budget hearing 12/04/2010 Only five of 21 budget motions OK'd 12/02/2010 Commissioners Grapple With Budgetary Challenges, Reduce Proposed Tax Increase. 12/02/2010 Comments Heated at Second Public Budget Hearing. 12/01/2010 Second Budget Hearing. 11/28/2010 Speakers' comments range from support to outrage over budget 11/24/2010 Township's Budget Q&A Posted Online. 11/18/2010 Commissioners' Majority Strikes Down Spending Cut Proposals. 11/13/2010 LM budget talk gets under way; next hearing Nov. 17 11/10/2010 Can an EIT fly in LM? 11/06/2010 LM proposes 12.7% tax hike 11/03/2010 LM releases proposed CIP; budget release set for Friday |
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| • Lower Merion Comprehensive Plan. Please see LM Comprehensive Plan for more information. The deadline to submit applications has been extended to Tuesday, January 31, 2012. The Lower Merion Planning Commission and the Lower Merion Building & Planning Department staff is actively recruiting help with the new schedule to complete the Comprehensive plan by the end of 2012. See the Main Line Times article below, dated Dec 1. Potential volunteers need to apply by December 30. Future meetings have been scheduled and appear on our Calendar. 03/21/2011 Residential Land Use 04/12/2011 MEETING CANCELLED 05/23/2011 Institutional Land Use 06/21/2011 Commercial Land Use 07/19/2011 Public Land Use and Community Facilities Report on Issues Relating to the Preparation of a Comprehensive Preservation, Infill and Redevelopment Plan for Lower Merion Township The LM Building and Planning Department has announced the report is now available for public review. This is referenced as the "Issues Report" on the LM website. This project is to fulfill the requirements of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. The Lower Merion Planning Commission (appointed by the Lower Merion Board of Commissioners) will hold a series of public hearings, then prepare the Comprehensive Plan, probably in sections, and this will require many months. Print copies of the Issues Report are available for inspection at the LM Township Building, at local libraries and each local civic association has received a copy. Special Planning Commission meetings have been scheduled for a public review of the Issues Report as follows (after Sept 21, start at 7:00 PM): • Tuesday, September 21st and Agenda. • Monday, October 18th and Agenda. • Monday, November 22nd and Agenda. • Monday, December 13th and Agenda. Dec 13 Exhibit A (900 kb PDF) Tentative 2011 meetings: • Monday, January 31th. • Monday, March 21st. • Tuesday, April 12th. To receive Lower Merion notifications, sign up for E-Subscription by providing your E-mail address and checking Comprehensive Plan in the Event Calendar section of that page. Lower Merion Township website: 08/20/2010 News: Issues Report 1 page. 08/20/2010
Reports and Archives 1 page.
LM Comprehensive: Main Line Times and Patch.com: (recent first) 12/01/2011 Citizens can help finish Lower Merion's new Comprehensive Plan 10/13/2011 Lower Merion planning workshop: 'This is our chance' for new Comprehensive Plan 06/25/2011 Updated: LM Planning Commission,cash cow vs community needs 06/25/2011 Updated: LM Planning Commission,cash cow vs community needs 06/22/2011 City Ave. Discussion Derails Planning Commission Workshop 05/30/2011 Lower Merion Comprehensive Plan discussion 03/27/2011 Lower Merion zoning: Still trying to find "lessons learned" 10/20/2010 Traffic circulation among topics at LM Comprehensive Plan workshop 09/29/2010 LM Comprehensive Plan makes public debut. 09/22/2010 Push For Affordable Housing First 'Issue' Reported in Comprehensive Plan Revision Process. 08/20/2010 New LM report lays out roadmap to future. |
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| • Lower
Merion Conservancy. Online voting results for Lower Merion Conservancy Architectural Hall of Fame. Online voting closed at 3:00 PM on October 7, 2010. Four additions were made, marked below with asterisks.
See Conservancy—Hall of Fame 2010 Nominees PDF 2.3MB, 2 pages. See Merion Civic—Tribute House Architect's Notes PDF 140KB, 5 pages. LM Conservancy: Main Line Times and Patch.com: (recent first) 02/01/2012 Wynnewood neighbors buy up meadow - preserving history and wildlife. 02/24/2011 Barnes Building, Wynnewood Relic on Conservancy’s New Watch List. 02/23/2011 Video: LM Conservancy most endangered list. 10/03/2010 Online voting for the Architectural Hall of Fame. | Top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Merion Flood Insurance Rate Map Changes. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have issued new floodplain maps. This can affect resident's need for flood insurance. See LM Township Changes to the Flood Insurance Rate Map LM Flood Ins: Main Line Times and Patch.com: (recent first) 01/17/2011 LM residents have questions at flood map workshop | Top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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• Lower Merion Library News April 6, 2011, the LM BOC Library Committee, then the full Board of Commissioners (at a Special Meeting), will "Consider for recommendation to the Board that the Township proceed to solicit competitive bids for the full Bala Cynwyd Library Renovation Project, as designed by the VITETTA Group, Inc." The measure was approved. The LM Board of Commissioners is considering the purchase of an RFID system, which will improve security and librarian productivity. On Wednesday, March 9, 2011, the RFID purchase was discussed, but no decision has been made. The discussion about next major maintenance project at the Bala Cynwyd Library was deferred until a special meeting of the Library Committee on March 16 before the monthly Board of Commissioner's meeting. See the 3/11/2011 news article below. Luddington Library is closed for 12-14 months during renovations. After ground-breaking on Jan 22nd, the main building will be closed from Jan 24, 2010 until Spring 2011. A small temporary branch (Ludington "Lite") will be available in the current Ludington parking lot. Also, the Bala Cynwyd Library will be open seven more hours per week. LM Library: Main Line Times and Patch.com: (recent first) 01/30/2012 Ludington Library Won't Open Until at Least April 01/16/2012 Owner's representative hired for Bala Cynwyd Library upgrade 01/12/2012 Township Hires Bala Cynwyd Library Construction Overseer 01/01/2012 Calendar Flips to 2012, a Year Without the Bala Cynwyd Library 12/19/2011 Bala Cynwyd Library could close by Dec. 31 12/19/2011 Ludington Library parking lot paving this week 11/18/2011 Lower Merion Libraries: Bala advances, Ludington in trouble 11/10/2011 Lower Merion votes to move ahead on Bala Cynwyd Library 05/05/2011 Lower Merion Library Director Gains More Time to Consider Bids for Security and Self-Checkout System 04/07/2011 LM votes to proceed on Bala library expansion 04/06/2011 Bala Cynwyd Library project vote on agenda April 6 03/17/2011 Bala Cynwyd Library vote postponed to April 03/11/2011 LM library discussion stalled 03/09/2011 Cost Estimate Shrinks For Bala Cynwyd Library Renovation 02/01/2011 'Don't judge a book by its cover' 12/10/2010 Township Seeking Applicants for Open Library Board Position 12/04/2010 Libraries prepare for merger with MCLINC 12/03/2010 New Online Foreign Language Learning Program Offered Through Lower Merion Libraries 11/30/2010 Libraries Prepare for Merger with County Network, Closing on Dec. 5 10/05/2010 Lower Merion Library System Earns Star Ranking, Top 5% of All Libraries 09/25/2010 Video: Ludington celebrates topping out 09/25/2010 Geothermal system could be option for BC Library 07/16/2010 LM libraries facing lean times in 2011 03/17/2010 Reader's Response: Resident wonders why LM Township has so many libraries 03/10/2010 Debates continue with B.C. Library project 01/10/2010 Ludington Library groundbreaking Jan. 22 See LM Library Renovation Projects. Meetings Next LM Library System Board of Directors meetings. |
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| • Lower
Merion Police reports. See News articles below for more current reports. Police Report from November 8, 2010: How a neighbor was able to prevent a crime in
Bala Cynwyd. This is an excellent example of reporting a suspicious activity. As is often repeated by LM police, would-be burglars knock on doors to see if anyone is at home. If someone answers the door, the culprit makes some excuse as to why he or she knocked ("does Mrs. Smith live here?" or "is this 555 East____ Road?"). In this case the excuse was particularly brazen, if not also appealing (selling security systems), but even so the resident suspected something was not right, and acted. Some residents have asked what their children should do if they hear a knock at the door. The LMT police have told us that if for some reason the parent is not there or can not answer the knock, the child should ascertain who is at the door ("Who is there?"). If the child does not know the person, the child should not open the door, but should call the police and state "someone who I do not know just knocked at the door" and let the police take it from there. The number to call is (610) 642-4200. Potential burglars use the knock to determine if anyone is home, so it is suggested that responding through a locked door can be a powerful deterrent. The police assert, with few exceptions, burglars do not want to encounter a resident and will almost always avoid doing so. On November 1, 2010 at 10:00 p.m., a jogger was approached and threatened near the Merion Botanical Park.On October 30 at 7:19 p.m., there was a robbery at gunpoint on Bala Avenue, where the victim was punched in the face. "The Lower Merion Township Police Department would like to remind pedestrians to avoid walking alone, stay in a well lighted area, be constantly aware of your surroundings and have with you an operable cellular telephone." Anyone with information about any of the robberies is encouraged to contact the Lower Merion Police at 610-649-1000. Residents should also immediately report any suspicious person(s), vehicle(s) or circumstances to the Lower Merion Police by dialing 9-1-1. Since October 2009 through November 2010, there have been daytime residential burglaries. Residents are reminded to secure their homes and to report suspicious persons, vehicles or activity to Police by calling 9-1-1.At a public meeting on June 29, 2010, police recommended the following: 1. Keep your home and car secured (lock the doors). Do not leave valuables visible within cars. 2. Do NOT keep valuables in the master bedroom, since that is the first place burglars will look. 3. Report suspicious persons to the police, using 9-1-1. 4. If you think your house has been entered, call 9-1-1 and wait for the police to check the premises. See the LM Police Crime Prevention Unit for more tips. Sign up for police bulletins on Nixle. Do NOT use "Merion" or 19066. Specify "Lower Merion, Pennsylvania". You can also sign up to receive text messages or Email from Nixle. Consider Lower Merion Community Watch. LM Police: Main Line Times and Patch.com: (recent first) 01/18/2012 Lower Merion police officer resigns for medical reasons rather than get fired. 01/17/2012 Facing Termination, Lower Merion Police Officer Resigns. 01/11/2012 Men With Hammers Rob Bala Cynwyd Jeweler. 01/10/2012 Two Women Sexually Assaulted on Montgomery Avenue, Police Say . 01/05/2012 Lower Merion Police Committee Discusses Recent Burglaries. 01/03/2012 Three teenagers nabbed in New Year's Day armed robbery in Merion. 12/20/2011 See Where and When Lower Merion's Burglaries Happened in 2011. 11/18/2011 Lower Merion burglars suspects offering to do yard work are robbing homes. 05/03/2011 Lower Merion Police: Lankenau Thefts Continue. 05/02/2011 Armed Burglars Detain Couple at Merion Home. 05/02/2011 Merion family held by armed men in home invasion. 01/06/2011 LM citizens fighting back against crime wave. 12/21/2010 Police Arrest Ardmore Burglary Suspect. 12/21/2010 Police arrest suspect in Ardmore burglaries. 12/20/2010 Another Ardmore Burglary on Cricket Avenue. 12/16/2010 Reporting Suspicious Activity Key to Ending Burglary Spree. 12/03/2010 Deadline to Register New Security Systems is Dec. 20. 11/29/2010 Two-Week Burglary Spree Hits 14 Homes. 11/12/2010 LM police arrest burglary suspect. 11/12/2010 Police Arrest Suspected Merion Burglar. 11/09/2010 Police Arrest Two Near St. Joe's, One Near Merion Elementary, on Public Drunkenness Charges. 11/08/2010 Police: Jogger Disarms Attacker in Attempted Merion Robbery. 11/08/2010 Burglary Arrests Hinge on Resident Involvement. 11/05/2010 Man punched, robbed in Bala Cynwyd. 11/02/2010 Merion Resident Threatened With Blunt Object in Street Robbery. 09/28/2010 Beware of Vandalism, Forced-Entry Thefts from Cars. 09/18/2010 Two Stop Signs Planned For Rockland Ave in Merion. 08/14/2010 LM Police urges residents to report suspicious activity. 08/06/2010 LM Police issues alert after increase of thefts. 03/23/2010 Residents meet to discuss recent burglaries. | Top Top Top Top Top Top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Lower
Merion School District News. See 3/11/2011 article, listing School Board Candidates. Beginning process for budgeting 2011-2012 school year. Article of 2/10/2011, is about a proposed Pennsylvania bill to support school vouchers which might affect Lower Merion. LM Schools: Main Line Times and Patch.com: (newest first) 01/24/2012 Officials are raising questions over LMSD budget. 01/24/2012 Expecting Savings Later, Lower Merion School Board OKs Preliminary Budget. 01/18/2012 Schools report on bullying in Lower Merion middle schools. 12/21/2011 LMSD budget calls for 3.92-percent tax hike. 12/21/2011 Lower Merion school officials approve resolution to support changing the word 'retardation'. 11/18/2011 Use of calming rooms in some Lower Merion schools is causing concerns for parents. 11/09/2011 Election Results: Lower Merion, Narberth, County, State Elections . 10/28/2011 Seven battle it out in LMSD board candidates' forum. 10/14/2011 Bringing the 21st century into the classrooms. 10/14/2011 Lower Merion School District named as one of America's best for young people. 09/16/2011 State of Lower Merion schools' academic achievement. 07/24/2011 Board approves a pay hike, bonus for McGinley. 06/15/2011 Lower Merion school officials approve a 3.31 percent hike. 05/21/2011 New state school immunization requirements effective Aug. 1. 05/03/2011 Merion teacher earns Presidential Award. 03/31/2011 Lower Merion school officials say voters could begin voting on its budget within two years. 03/22/2011 Lower Merion School District May Lose $1.4M From State. 03/17/2011 LMSD administrators talk writing and strategic planning at board-committee meeting. 03/15/2011 LMSD officials say the state is cutting $1.4 million from its funding. 03/11/2011 Candidates file for May primary in Lower Merion and Narberth. 02/10/2011 New bill supports voucher system. 01/25/2011 LMSD officials propose 3.31 percent tax increase. 01/24/2011 School District Proposes 3.31% Tax Increase. 01/22/2011 LMSD officials to present preliminary budget Monday night. 09/25/2010 LMSD board approves a motion removing nonresidents from the district. 09/20/2010 Photo Tour of the New Lower Merion High School. 09/16/2010 New Data Renews Concerns Over 'Achievement Gap' in Lower Merion Schools. | Top Top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Lower
Merion Streets. This news entry will now also include information on street & bridges. Contact Dolores Browne to help collect information about street signs as part of a larger effort. The Historical Architecture Review Board (HARB) and Teri Simon of the Wynnewood Civic Association are also active in this effort. The Federal Highway Administration, and PennDOT have issued requirements to install new street signs. This has raised some controversy locally by historic-preservation advocates who want to retain the current signs. The LM Public Works Committee will consider this on March 2. LM Street Signs: Main Line Times and Patch.com (newest first) 12/19/2011 Video: Sen. Toomey proposes legislation to save historic street signs in Lower Merion. 12/19/2011 Toomey Proposes Bill to Protect Lower Merion Street Signs. 11/06/2011 Narberth bridge reopens. 10/28/2011 Narberth Bridge repairs begin Oct. 31. 10/25/2011 Narberth Avenue Bridge Repairs Scheduled to Start on Halloween. 10/11/2011 Narberth is ready for bridge repairs, waiting on Amtrak. 10/06/2011 Narberth Bridge Update: Repair Timeline Expected By Weekend. 09/21/2011 Narberth Avenue Bridge closed for "weeks not months". 09/20/2011 Narberth Reopening Bridge Walkway. 09/16/2011 After PennDOT Inspection, Narberth Bridge Closes Indefinitely for Repairs. 06/13/2011 A piece of Merion history is missing 04/22/2011 Update: It's official Lower Merion will keep historic street signs 04/03/2011 Merion's last historic streetlight restored after storm damage 03/14/2011 Lower Merion Not Alone in Opposition to Street-Sign Regulation. 03/08/2011 Lower Merion wants waiver to save its street signs 01/18/2011 Street signs: Pushing forward on preservation 01/14/2011 Lower Merion Township Opposes Federal Street Sign Mandate. 01/08/2011 Is change a sign of the times? 01/06/2011 Lower Merion Prepares For Street Sign Battle. 12/29/2010 The most important column in 13 years 12/15/2010 Video: Feds want LM to replace 95-year-old street signs | Top Top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Lower
Merion Trash Service.
Beginning in January 2010, Lower Merion will implement a new fee schedule and collection options for trash disposal. See 2010 Solid Waste Fees Flyer for details. Also see Solid Waste Collection Options for more information. Submit questions to Solid Waste Questions. See Main Line Times opinion article 1/26/2011 for a recycling refresher. LM Trash: Main Line Times and Patch.com: (newest first) 07/07/2011 Lower Merion announces new recycling trucks are in service 01/26/2011 GREEN LIGHT: Recycling 202: A recycling quiz 11/29/2010 Leaf Collection Reminder: Must Be Placed Curbside 08/06/2010 LM commissioners vote to replace trash trucks & parking meters 08/04/2010 Pay now, save later: LM weighs costly purchases 07/31/2010 Trash talk continues in LM 05/12/2010 Rear-yard pickup worth cost to residents | Top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Lower
Merion Zoning. Here we will highlight certain zoning petitions. On January 5, 2012 there are two items of wider community concertn. See Jan 5 agenda for LM Zoning Hearing. Note the following: Appeal No. 4256: About netting and use of Haverford School baseball playing field. Appeal No. 4266: About SJU request for special exception to convert Windrim Hall from a residence to administrative offices. See St. Joseph University "Maguire Campus" for more background. On October 27, 2011, the hearing regarding a special exception for Adath Israel and Golden Slipper for Seniors had further testimony. The record is extended for one week to enable Golden Slipper to submit descriptions of their programs. To convert 600 sq ft of unused office space for administrative use of Golden Slipper Center and to operate a senior citizens center providing 2 classes per day, Monday through Thursday for up to 50 members and 1 teacher per class. See 10/27/2011 ZHB Agenda (see 3rd item) On March 22, 2011, David Blumenfield of Cross Properties was at the Merion Civic Association March 2011 monthly meeting to discuss Palmer Seminary Plans. The Palmer Theological Seminary plans to move to Eastern University's St. David's Campus. Now a developer wanting to buy the property wants to convert the main hall into an apartment building. In order for this to happen, the LM Board of Commissioners must change the zoning. LM Trash: Main Line Times and Patch.com: (newest first) 01/04/2012 Soccer ball anyone? 05/27/2011 L.M. Historical Commission Considering Redevelopment of Palmer Seminary 04/25/2011 Palmer's buyer seeks rezoning and historic status 04/07/2011 Lower Merion planning commission-two cases 02/10/2011 Palmer Seminary buildings' new owner wants rezoning for refitting into apartments |
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| • Merion
Civic Association We recently lost two long-term contributors to the Merion Civic Association. Please read their obituaries below. In October, Philip Bagley, husband of former Merion Civic Association President Ann Bagley, and former webmaster of the Merion Civic Association. In November, Marty Piltch, former Merion Civic Association President, and community activist. The Merion Civic Association Website has been updated See the occasional Alerts on the Home Page. This section tracks MAJOR updates. The site is updated at least weekly. Updates: (newer ones listed first)
Merion Civic Assoc: Main Line Times and Patch.com: (newest first) 11/28/2011 RIP Marty Piltch: A unique voice is silenced 10/12/2011 Obituary: Philip R. Bagley | Top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Merion Historic Heritage Merion History and efforts to create a Merion Historic District. The January 31, 2012 meeting included presentations by Lori Salganicoff of the Lower Merion Conservancy, and by Scott Kalner, President of HARB (Historic Architecture Review Board). The proposed historic district will include structures built up to 1937. Newer buildings in the district will not carry the same preservation constraints. There will be a community meeting of those interested in the Historic District on January 31, 2012 at the Tribute House. See Merion Historic District Survey. Merion History: Main Line Times and Patch.com: (newest first) 12/09/2011 On road to demolition, insides of Merion mansion to be gutted | Top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Merion Post Office 07/27/2011 The Merion Station Post Office is NOT on the new list of post offices to be considered for closing. See USPS list of possible closures. We have a new Officer In Charge, Sue Appler. The sorting operations continue to be done at Merion, and we still have some truck deliveries. Notice that there are no delivery trucks parked at Merion. While the retail operations and post boxes remain, dispatching mailmen has been moved to the Bala Cynwyd Post Office. See Could your post office be closing? January 2010: the Wynnewood Post Office has merged with the Upper Darby/Havertown Post Office. May 2010: the Merion Station Post Office no longer has a postmaster and bulk mail will be handled at the Upper Darby/Havertown post office. Merion Post Office: Main Line Times, Patch & Philadelphia Inquirer: (recent first) |
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• Montgomery County Governance. This section will discuss Montgomery County issues with a direct effect on Merion. Montgomery County Governance: Main Line Times, Patch & Philadelphia Inquirer: (recent first) 01/04/2012 Shapiro named chairman of Montgomery County board, calls for 'civic engagement' (video) 01/03/2012 Turnpike Toll Hike Kicked in Jan. 1 12/19/2011 Montgomery County adopts budget; taxes to rise 17% |
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| • Old Lancaster Assisted
Living Facility. The facility now has a web site Morningside House. Construction has begun on the property. Opening planned for Fall 2011. The LM Board of Commissioners and its committees rule on the Development of an Assisted Living Facility at 27-33 Old Lancaster Road, Bala Cynwyd. The preliminary plan involves the demolition of two existing residential buildings and construction of a three-story assisted living facility with a 15,948 square foot print, 50 units and an underground parking garage with 50 spaces and six surface parking spaces to be held in reserve. Lancaster Ave Assist Living: Main Line Times: 09/16/2009 More issues with assisted-living plans 09/09/2009 Neighbors appeal OK of assisted living facility 07/29/2009 Home for aged OK’d by LM board 06/17/2009 LM zoners wrap assisted-living plan hearings | Top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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• Pennsylvania Electric Rate Increase. The Cap on Electric Generation Rates expire on 12/31/2010. Your electric rates will increase. New PECO price is 9.92¢/kWh. You can select a different firm to generate your electricity. It will continue to be delivered by PECO. Rates shown are either fixed for 1 year or variable by month. Also notice whether there is an Early Cancellation Fee. Documents here from Pennsylvania State website. New choice links. See Expiration of Electric Generation Rate Caps 580 KB PDF. See Shopping guide overview. Merion choices, see PECO Energy-Regular. Merion electric heating choices, see PECO Energy-Heat. PA Electric Rates: Main Line Times & Philadelphia Inquirer: (recent first) 12/21/2010 You've got to shop around for cheap electricity 12/16/2010
Phila Inq: Pa. gives OK to Peco rate increase |
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• Pennsylvania Governance. This section will discuss Pennsylvania issues with a direct effect on Merion. PA Governance: Main Line Times & Philadelphia Inquirer: (recent first) 01/30/2012 Pa. high court throws out legislative redistricting plan 12/19/2011 Lower Merion joins Philadelphia in new redistricting plan |
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| • St.
Joseph University "Maguire Campus" The continuation of the zoning hearing for Saint Joseph Maguire Campus will be on February 9, 2012. On January 5, 2012, Saint Joseph University is requesting a special exception for the conversion of Windrim Hall from residential to administrative use. See SJU appeal PDF 1.8MB. On March 23, 2011, the Lower Merion Building & Planning Committee of the Board of Commissioners completed work on the Conditions of Approval for the Saint Joseph University Maguire Campus Preliminary Plan. They also granted a waiver, so that work on the Field Hockey field could be started before the Final Plan is approved. See news article below. At the March 16 meeting, the Building & Planning Committee did not complete discussion on the Conditions of Approval. The next meeting on this will be on Wednesday, March 23 at 6:00 pm. See news articles for more information. At the March 9 meeting, the Building & Planning Committee had four hours discussion of the Preliminary Plan and suggested Conditions of Approval. The first suggested condition, which states that the University will comply with zoning hearing board conditions, was opposed by the University. The MCC lawyer explained that the university has asked the Commonwealth Court to move ahead with an appeal of the Zoning Hearing Board 2008 decision, that the University had to reapply for a special exception. If that appeal succeeds, all of the November 2010 zoning hearing board decision would be nullified. The decision was deferred to a special meeting of the Building & Planning Committee, at 7:30 pm prior to the monthly Board of Commissioners meeting on March 16. On March 9, the Building & Planning Committee of the LM Board of Commissioners received and considered the recommendations of the Lower Merion Building & Planning Commission. See March 9 final agenda (PDF 64 KB) which has the revised suggested Conditions of Approval. On March 7, the Lower Merion Building and Planning Commission considered the St. Joseph Preliminary Plan using the attached Bldg & Planning March 7 Packet (PDF 730 KB), with recommended conditions of approval on pages 12-19. There were two neighbor's meetings with representatives from the LM Building & Planning Department and St. Joseph University. 02/09/2011 8-10 am: Discussed issues relating to Berwick Road 02/10/2011 8-10 am: Discussed issues relating to Latches Lane On 1/6/2011, a Preliminary Plan Application, No. 3608, proposing improvements to the athletic fields and other related site improvements on the University's Maguire Campus, was submitted to the Lower Merion Township Building & Planning Department. See Planning Department Notification (1 page PDF 30 KB) See Overall Development Plan (1 page 42x30 inch PDF 4.5 MB) See Preliminary Plan Land Development (44 pages 42x30 inch PDF 70 MB) Contents from Cover Sheet of the Preliminary Plan Land Development: Page.Content
The zoning hearings have been completed and the Zoning Hearing Board has published their decision. See Full Document (38 pages PDF 127 KB) See Order (Summary) (pages 37-38 converted to text PDF 105 KB) The application of St. Joseph's University for a special exception is GRANTED, but subject to conditions, which include the following (see the full decision for more details):
See SJU A-56 Offer of conditions to approval (PDF 27 KB) SJU New Baseball Field Plan (PDF 1625 KB BIG) SJU A-33: Usage of Playing Fields at Maguire Campus(PDF 133KB) SJU Maguire: Main Lines Times: (recent first) 11/11/2011 Saint Joseph's University Names Gillespie Its 27th President 07/07/2011 The rush to artificial turf raises real concerns 04/25/2011 St. Joe's names interim president 03/27/2011 Saint Joseph's Maguire ball-field plans approved 03/18/2011 SJU fields plan in extra innings again 03/11/2011 Time-out called again on SJU playing-field plan 03/08/2011 Lower Merion board to hear SJU campus plan Wednesday 01/25/2011 St. Joe's updates Merion neighbors on plans 11/18/2010 St. Joe's plan for athletic fields approved 08/14/2010 Attorney: Zoners violated Sunshine Act in LM 08/06/2010 St. Joe's hearing takes another twist; TV dispute delays meeting 07/23/2010 St. Joe's hearing wrap-up revs up again 06/16/2010 Is end in sight for St. Joseph's zoning dispute?, 04/28/2010 St. Joe's wants to step up zoning sessions 03/24/2010 St. Joe's creating temporary walkway 02/03/2010 St. Joe's and Merion neighbors clash again 01/16/2010 St. Joe's hearings resume 12/03/2009 Religion touchy topic of St. Joe's hearing 11/12/2009 Sounding off over St. Joseph's acoustics 10/30/2009 LM resumes St. Joseph's hearings; traffic discussed 10/22/2009 UPDATE: Judge denies St. Joe's appeal 09/15/2009 Despite holiday, dozens attend St. Joseph's meeting 07/24/2009 St. Joes continues its plea 04/23/2009 St. Joe's to appeal LM zoning The Zoning Hearing Board Apr 22nd Agenda lists the original application items. The last Main Line Times article (of 7/23/2010) lists the changes proposed by St. Joseph's University.Related Zoning Hearing Board decisions of 3/26/2009: St. Joseph Appeal MCC Appeal. | Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Historic Homes and
Gardens Walking Tour Lower Merion Conservancy and Merion Civic Association On Sunday, May 23, 2010, from 1-4pm, the tour was a great success. See Flyer (PDF 1.1MB) for more information. See Historic Preservation Lecture Series for details. See Main Line Times preview article (05/20/2010). See Historic Homes & Gardens Tour - Sneak Peek. | Top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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• Philadelphia prohibits hand-held cell usage while driving.
Effective November 1, 2009, the new law imposes a fine of $75. See Main Line Times 11/16/2009 No driving while-cell phone chatting in Philly. |
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