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)
| • Topical Information This section will contain articles not otherwise classified. Topics: Main Line Times and Patch.com: (recent first) 01/10/2015 Relighting PATV: 3 groups vying to operate Lower Merion's public access 12/22/2014 UPDATE: Devon Horse Show board ousts president, chairman 12/16/2014 Bryn Mawr Hospital official confirms plan to move open heart surgery to Lankenau Medical Center 11/12/2014 Lower Merion Township Seeking Public Access TV Provider 11/12/2014 5 Main Line Towns Among Region's Top 15 Wealthiest ZIP Codes 10/25/2014 LMN-PATV goes dark: Lack of funding closes Lower Merion-Narberth TV station 10/15/2014 SEPTA reaches tentative deal with regional rail engineers 10/03/2014 SEPTA Avoids Regional Rail Strike This Month, Total Shutdown Possible in Feb. 10/03/2014 Chilling thought: Total SEPTA shutdown in February 09/26/2014 PECO: Power restored after over 1,000 impacted by Lower Merion outage 06/15/2014 Obama signs order; SEPTA Regional Rails to roll Sunday 06/11/2014 SEPTA strike looms amid contract talks 06/11/2014 PECO reps to answer questions about winter storm response in Lower Merion Wednesday 03/30/2014 PECO officials meet public to discuss response to ice storm Nika 11/29/2013 A Christmas classic: The Narberth Dickens Festival set to return 10/29/2013 One Lower Merion resident among four lawyers vying for two seats on Montco bench 10/27/2013 SEPTA's 'doomsday scenario' for Cynwyd Line worries LM officials 10/18/2013 Free flu shots for seniors in Lower Merion, Upper Merion 07/03/2013 Letter: HARB raises concerns over Amtrak catenary pole work 05/30/2013 Height of poles, safety are concerns at Amtrak meeting; more sessions scheduled tonight and June 6 04/15/2013 Philadelphia's Main Line is the Next Center of the World of Golf 11/13/2012 Ready for Next Year's Election? Municipal and school board positions are up for grabs 11/05/2012 Local Congressional and State Candidates on the Main Line 11/05/2012 See Which Candidates Are On Your Ballot 11/05/2012 What's Closed on Election Day? | Top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • 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 or call 215-640-0171 ext 10. See Barnes Alumni registration form. Barnes: Main Line Times and Patch.com: (recent first) 12/10/2013 Update: Gillman stepping down as executive director, president of Barnes Foundation 01/18/2013 Architects of New Barnes Foundation Building Win Award 07/05/2012 Updated: Ex-Barnes Foundation CEO's blog post reignites legal saga 07/02/2012 Barnes ex-boss: "We never said we were 'bankrupt'" Really? 05/20/2012 Relocated Barnes opens on Philly's Parkway 05/20/2012 As the new Barnes opens, court appeal plays out 05/17/2012 A Museum, Reborn, Remains True to Its Old Self, Only Better 05/17/2012 Merion's Barnes Foundation Grounds To Reopen Late Summer 05/17/2012 Photos: Barnes On The Parkway 05/05/2012 PA Attorney General makes appeal to get cash from groups who fought Barnes move 05/05/2012 The Barnes: A ravishing building, but cut off from the city 02/12/2012 Judge affirms sanctions against Barnes move opponents 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 Top Top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • City Avenue Special Services District. On November 15, 2012, there was a "Transportation Connectivity" workshop to discuss a study of potential improvements to transit, bicycle, and pedestrian connections to support redevelopment in the City Avenue Special Services District. See Presentation from the workshop (PDF 2.8 mb). See Lower Merion page on City Avenue Special Services District. 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:
06/24/2013 Update: Terms set for Lower Merion/BMW land swap 06/16/2013 Lower Merion considering land swap in BMW expansion on Bala Avenue 05/05/2013 Streetscape Improvements Coming to Bala Avenue 03/24/2013 A tale of two apartment plans in Lower Merion 03/07/2013 New Bala Cynwyd apartments: the right plan to start City Avenue redevelopment, commissioners say 03/07/2013 Lower Merion planners OK high-rise apartment project, a first under new City Avenue zoning 02/26/2013 First project under City Avenue rezoning before Lower Merion planners March 4 07/25/2012 Lower Merion board: "No leg to stand on" to keep development limit on Bala parcel 04/26/2012 Rezoning to transform City Avenue corridor will take effect April 30 04/15/2012 LM planners recommend approval of O'Neill project, "less-restrictive" City Avenue zoning 03/22/2012 UPDATE: Last City Avenue workshop before rezoning 02/29/2012 Traffic still a roadblock in City Avenue talks 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 | Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Commerce This section will feature stories about local businesses. The people behind the new kosher restaurant in Merion (see news below) addressed Merion Residents at our March 27 meeting. Symphony Square (assisted living). The first residents have arrived. 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. Commerce: Main Line Times, Patch.com: (recent first) 01/20/2015 Business: Main Line Delivery expanding to King of Prussia as winter weather chills region 12/10/2014 UPDATED: The last picture show: Bala Theater abruptly goes dark 11/24/2014 King of Prussia Mall announces plans to merge The Plaza and The Court, add 50 stores 06/27/2014 New local sweet spot, Village Treats, opens July 3 in Narberth 04/18/2014 They're saying it's so: Not Your Average Joe's is coming to Suburban Square 03/30/2014 Trader Joe's expansion, parking garage planned for Suburban Square 03/18/2014 Ardmore's Viking Pastries will be featured Wednesday on Food Network's 'Save My Bakery' 01/14/2014 DSW, Mad Mex restaurant confirmed to share former Wynnewood Borders building 11/24/2013 Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30: Don't forget to shop local 10/29/2013 Victorian-style tea room and ice cream parlor coming to restored Cynwyd Train Station 09/07/2013 Philly's hot brunch spot Sabrina's Cafe coming to Wynnewood Shopping Center 07/28/2013 Lankenau Heart Pavilion unveiled 07/28/2013 Lower Merion approves plans for new, larger Whole Foods Market in Wynnewood 07/21/2013 From the Editor: Introducing The Guide to the Main Line iPhone app 05/19/2013 Luxury condo plan for Ardmore YMCA site moving forward 05/06/2013 Plate is cleared from Suburban Square 04/29/2013 Yosl's Frozen Yogurt Opens in Bala Cynwyd 04/25/2013 Cook and Solomonov out of Citron & Rose 03/18/2013 Luxury condominium building to replace Main Line YMCA location in Ardmore 03/18/2013 'A milestone day for Bryn Mawr:' Bryn Mawr Film Institute breaks ground for two-theater addition 11/13/2012 Jacques Ferber Furs moving from Ardmore to Eagle Village in Wayne 09/29/2012 New Wynnewood Whole Foods targeted to open in 2015 08/23/2012 Lower Merion placed near top of CNN Money's Top-Earning Communities in America 08/02/2012 New Whole Foods store to transform Wynnewood Road corner 07/30/2012 Lankenau Hospital Ranked Among Philly's Best by U.S. News 07/26/2012 Wynnewood Whole Foods To Get Bigger Store, More Parking 07/25/2012 SEPTA Maps Local Farmers Markets 07/15/2012 New Wynnewood GIANT opens Sunday 07/05/2012 Bank or restaurant, fitness club planned for Wynnewood Shopping Center 06/21/2012 Wynnewood Genuardi's Closes July 5, Reopens as Giant July 15 06/21/2012 Dates set for Genuardi's stores' conversion to GIANT brand 06/10/2012 Joe's Crab Shack opens on City Avenue(with video) 06/08/2012 Aqua PA Bills to Go Up $2 Per Month 05/31/2012 Colin Farrell and Terrence Howard film in Merion 05/31/2012 U.S. cracks down on Chinatown bus operations; Philly firm targeted 04/24/2012 Main Line Restaurant Week: Pescatore, Saffron and More 04/19/2012 Lankenau Hospital Named One of Top 100 Hospitals 04/13/2012 Recycle Electronics for Free at Staples 03/29/2012 Upscale Kosher Eatery to Hit the Main Line 03/20/2012 Suburban Square restaurant dispute heats up 03/16/2012 Parents Magazine: Wolf Performing Arts Center 03/16/2012 Zahav team opening kosher restaurant in Merion 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 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 Top Top Top Top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Green & Environmental This section will feature green & environmental issues. See Lower Merion Environmental Advisory Council. Green: Jewish Exponent, Main Line Times: (recent first) 10/27/2013 Groundbreaking scheduled Tuesday for Manayunk Bridge Trail 10/27/2013 Groundbreaking scheduled Tuesday for Manayunk Bridge Trail 04/22/2013 Winners of 2014 Go for the Green Awards announced in Lower Merion 12/21/2013 LM Planner Chris Leswing to receive Outstanding Volunteers Award 07/28/2013 At Haverford College, goats eat the invasives 06/24/2013 National mosquito control awareness week: take precautions to clear away mosquito breeding areas 05/28/2013 Lower Merion salutes 2013 Go for the Green award-winners; Robb Fox honored for lifetime achievement 04/20/2013 Do you know where your food comes from? 04/15/2013 Do you know where your food comes from? 04/15/2013 Honoring Those Who 'Go for the Green' in Lower Merion 04/15/2013 Lower Merion aiming to become an even greener school district 02/27/2013 Lower Merion: One of the State's Greenest Districts? 01/20/2013 Electronics: Bad for Kids or Good Learning Tools? 01/05/2013 Whole Foods Offers Free Electronics Recycling, Jan. 26 10/14/2012 Cynwyd Heritage Trail wins county enhancement award 10/05/2012 Deer culling in Lower Merion Township to resume in November 09/30/2012 Oh, deer: Be careful on area roadways (interactive map) 08/26/2012 MIKE WEILBACHER: A small defense of weeds 08/16/2012 MontCo: West Nile Risk Remains Strong 08/05/2012 Hurricane Preparedness Gets Hip With New App [Red Cross] 08/01/2012 PLACES WE LOVE: Restored streams in Lower Merion 07/24/2012 DEP: West Nile Virus Spreads in MontCo, 10 Communities Affected 05/08/2012 Last Chance: Rain Barrel, Composting Workshop 04/24/2012 How To Recycle Drugs on the Main Line 04/20/2012 How To Recycle Batteries on the Main Line 04/19/2012 How To Recycle House Waste on the Main Line 04/18/2012 How to Recycle a Cell Phone on the Main Line 04/17/2012 How to Recycle a Television on the Main Line 04/16/2012 How to Recycle a Computer on the Main Line 04/06/2012 Go Take a Walk, Says Main Line Doc 03/22/2012 Township to Contribute $250,000 Toward Manayunk Bridge Trail 03/21/2012 Montco Issues West Nile Virus Warning 03/15/2012 Cyclists Urge Lower Merion, Montco to Fund Manayunk Bridge Project 03/09/2012 Lower Merion eyes funding for Cynwyd/Manayunk trail link 02/26/2012 Public hearing on Marcellus air emissions bill Monday in Bryn Mawr 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 Top Top 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 & Staff On Wednesday, September 19, 2012, the Commissioners will hold a public hearing on revisions to the township code on Sound and Lighting. See Draft ordinance (PDF 30KB). 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) 02/26/2015 James Weiman named new chief technology officer in Lower Merion 01/14/2015 Duncan confirmed as new Lower Merion assistant manager 01/10/2015 Despite lawsuit threat, Lower Merion won't revise code addressing firearms in parks 11/13/2014 Longtime Lower Merion CFO Dean Dortone moving on 06/11/2014 Lower Merion board to have documents access - with limits 05/17/2014 New Lower Merion manager sworn in 04/04/2014 Lower Merion board committee: new township manager contract 'competitive and appropriate' 03/30/2014 Lower Merion board to consider manager contract this week 01/18/2014 Lower Merion Commissioners honor outgoing Township Manager Douglas Cleland 01/15/2014 Lower Merion Building and Planning director to be recommended as interim acting township manager 12/21/2013 Final Lower Merion meeting of 2013 implodes over Cricket Lot funding 12/21/2013 LM Planner Chris Leswing to receive Outstanding Volunteers Award 12/17/2013 Appointment of Lower Merion Township treasurer raises questions 11/24/2013 On second look, Lower Merion's deferred compensation perk to be slightly reduced 11/07/2013 Lower Merion Township compensation up for discussion 09/12/2013 Lower Merion Board President Rogan: Search for new manager will go national 09/07/2013 Update: Lower Merion Township Manager Douglas Cleland announces retirement 05/19/2013 With half of board seats up, no contested primary races for Lower Merion Commissioner 02/26/2013 Lower Merion Commissioner Dellheim will not seek re-election 02/24/2013 Updated: Lower Merion Assistant Township manager is stepping down 01/20/2013 Hundreds honor retiring Lower Merion Secretary 01/20/2013 Salary for Lower Merion's new Township Secretary disclosed 01/16/2013 New Lower Merion Township Secretary sworn in 11/20/2012 Lower Merion Township honored for open government 11/13/2012 New Technology Officer appointed in Lower Merion 10/28/2012 Hurricane preparations in high gear: Lower Merion Township closed 10/10/2012 Some old controversies revived as Lower Merion board considers new appointment policy 10/08/2012 Lower Merion board "not there yet" on older church conversions 09/29/2012 Updated: 'Budget Saturday' in Lower Merion 09/16/2012 Church conversion measure in Lower Merion draws varied response; action now at least two months away 08/13/2012 Eileen Trainer, Lower Merion Township Secretary, retiring after 31 years 07/25/2012 Walsh appointed as Lower Merion PIO amid debate 07/19/2012 After Debate, Commissioners Approve New Public Information Officer 07/15/2012 Lower Merion's vote on Cleland contract: Anatomy of an agonizing decision 07/15/2012 Lower Merion Township considers ways to save old churches and clubs for easier reuse 07/15/2012 New public information officer to be appointed in LM 04/23/2012 No contract yet for LM Manager Cleland 04/23/2012 Former Lower Merion commissioners statement on manager's contract 04/17/2012 Lower Merion's Brenda Viola leaving after decade as township spokeswoman 01/20/2012 Lower Merion board spars over manager's contract vote 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 | Top Top Top Top Top Top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • 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) 12/15/2014 Lower Merion board adopts 2015 township budget with no tax increase 11/13/2014 Lower Merion releases 'restrained' 2015 budget, manager reflects on his first budget 03/18/2014 Lower Merion Township scores record low interest rate in bond refinancing 01/18/2014 Lower Merion board votes to pursue refunding of older bonds, weighing options for 2014 12/21/2013 No tax increase does not equal no debate as Lower Merion board adopts 2014 budget 12/21/2013 Lower Merion extends contract with non-police union 12/17/2013 Final tweaks made to Lower Merion budget before adoption Dec. 18 12/13/2013 Lower Merion OK's Workers Association contract extension 12/10/2013 Deputy chief vacancy draws questions at latest budget hearing 12/10/2013 Lower Merion Township and Workers Association ratify tentative accord for contract reopener 02/25/2013 Lower Merion Township 2013 bond issue termed "a tremendous success" 12/08/2012 Commissioners Debate Bonuses, Longevity Pay For Management 11/05/2012 Lower Merion Manager Cleland releases $57.9 million 2013 Proposed Budget .07/05/2012 Lower Merion board discusses capital project priorities 04/12/2012 Lower Merion Mulls $180K Cut in Federal Grants 04/05/2012 Lower Merion Decides Tax Windfall Will Prevent 2013 Rate Hike 04/05/2012 18% Higher Sewer Rate Proposed 03/28/2012 Lower Merion Township's top bond rating affirmed 03/23/2012 Lawyers Tell Lower Merion Deferred-Compensation Plan Is OK 03/22/2012 Manager lists his picks for use of Lower Merion's tax windfall 03/22/2012 LM attorneys: Township contribution to deferred pay plan "permissible" 03/17/2012 Lower Merion official's pay raising eyebrows 03/15/2012 Legality, Procedure of Lower Merion's Deferred Compensation Questioned 03/15/2012 Legality of Lower Merion's deferred pay benefit questioned 02/26/2012 Tax windfall talk continues in Lower Merion Township 02/26/2012 Deferred pay new source of debate in Lower Merion 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 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 | Top Top Top Top Top Top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Lower Merion Comprehensive Plan. Please see LM Comprehensive Plan for more information. Draft materials distributed prior to the Land Use Element Committee meeting of 6/21/2012: See Community Development Objectives PDF (229KB). See Institutional Land Use - Goals & Objectives PDF (264KB). See Institutional Land Use - Preliminary recommendations PDF (113KB). The Federation of Civic Associations has issued an alert about the proposed draft for institutional land use: The Land Use Committee for the Township's new comprehensive plan is planning to complete work on the Institutional Land Use component soon, before moving on to the Residential Land Use and Commercial Land Use components. It appears that the committee’s recommendation will be for the adoption of an “institutional overlay” in the Township’s zoning code. The motivation for this is a perceived need for the institutions located in the Township, primarily non-profit entities such as schools, colleges, and churches located within residential zones, to be able to grow in ways that the underlying residential zoning does not permit. In other words, it is believed that institutions must be able to build with more density, relaxed parking requirements, and more height – 65 feet perhaps -- than all other users in the zone so that they can expand their facilities, increase their enrollments, provide more services etc., and they should be able to do this as a matter of right. As a tradeoff, it is suggested that wider buffers from the surrounding residential neighborhoods be required than the underlying zoning requires for other properties. As representatives of civic associations whose primary constituencies are the residential neighborhoods, we need to take a hard look at the proposed recommendation because it raises concerns for neighborhood protection that may not be receiving appropriate attention from the committee. Institutional growth in residential zones imposes externalities on the surrounding neighborhoods that our zoning code does not address, except for the vague criteria of health, safety and welfare – traffic, overflow parking on neighborhood streets, noise emanating from HVAC equipment, from people coming to and leaving from events, sometimes in the later hours; light pollution from parking lots and from taller buildings. Experience with institutional behavior over many years shows that some institutions are model neighbors whereas some have no care for any but their own interests. Parking on neighborhood streets and inconsiderate behavior of students/patrons cannot be controlled after approval has been given and the use has been expanded. The call to action is for representatives of the Civic Associations to appear at the next meeting of the Land Use Committee, Thursday, June 21, at 6:00 p.m. in the Second Floor Board Room of the Township Administration Building, to hear the discussion of the committee, and to decide if more intervention is needed for the sake of neighborhood protection. On June 25, the committees will be delivering their quarterly reports to the Planning Commission. That will provide an opportunity to comment. Please contact me if you have any questions about this. Thanks. Hugh B. Gordon 111 Llanfair Road Ardmore, PA 19003 610 649-1349 The Committee Meeting Dates are now available on the township website indicated above. The new Comprehensive Plan committees have been formed and the kick-off meeting was be on March 5, 2012 at 6:00 pm. The Merion community is well represented. On February 7, the Planning Commission had a special meeting to assign volunteers to Committees and to discuss the Comprehensive Plan. After the committees have been approved by the Board of Directors, there will be a kick-off meeting on February 27 March 5. 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. Special Planning Commission Public Workshops were been scheduled for public review of the Issues Report as follows Note that many meetings spent time on the Vision Statement. This information is reformatted from the township website to indicate the topics covered in the workshops.
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. 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) 11/07/2013 Lower Merion's long-awaited Comprehensive Plan sees some progress 05/19/2013 Lower Merion committee considers new zoning for institutions 02/26/2012 55 appointed to Lower Merion Comprehensive Plan committees 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. | Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • 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) 01/20/2015 Urban designer with public art focus named Lower Merion Conservancy chairman. 09/10/2012 New conservation director Patrick Gardner on call at Lower Merion Conservancy. 07/25/2012 Moving on, Lower Merion Conservancy's Salganicoff reflects on eventful five years in historic preservation. 02/14/2012 Lower Merion Conservancy releases 2012 Preservation Watch List. 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 Top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Lower 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Lower Merion Library News The Bala Library has reopened on May 19, 2013. One Book One Lower Merion 2012 Lower Merion is kicking off its One Book program next month with a rip-roaring story of the old West - DOC, the story of Doc Holliday, the subject of more fiction than any other Old West gunfighter. And it's written by Mary Doria Russell, a terrific writer who has brought the story to life in a "deeply sympathetic, aggressively researched and wonderfully entertaining story." (The Washington Post) Many people know Russell from her previous books (THE SPARROW, A THREAD OF GRACE) and will be delighted to learn that she is even better here. GORE, GUMS and GLITZ is our opening event at the newly renovated Ludington Library on November 1st at 7 p.m. We'll have Dr. Robert D. Hicks of the Mutter Museum to supply the gore, not so surprising when you realize that dental work was often done by blacksmiths at the time - not only by the real dentist, Doc Holliday. Dr. Oren Friedman, a maxillofacial surgeon at HUP, will talk about his experiences operating on children with cleft palates (like Doc had) in the Far East. And the glitz will be supplied by Andrew Douglas, the educational director of the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, who will bring new insights to Hollywood westerns. By the way, parking is available at the Municipal Parking Lot on Lancaster Avenue, as well as at the library's lot, and guests can enter from either the new Lancaster Ave. doorway or Bryn Mawr Avenue. Ruth Anolik, Professor of English at Villanova, is returning for another marvelous book review on Thursday, November 8th at 11 am in the 104 Ardmore Avenue building, directly across the parking lot from the Ardmore Library. Ruth's insights and ideas have always provoked lively discussions. The Bryn Mawr Film Institute will be showing TOMBSTONE, with Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer, on Wednesday, November 14th at 7 pm. This is a favorite depiction of Doc and Wyatt, and is one of the best Hollywood westerns ever made. Showing your library card will get you a half-price admission. Finally, our most popular event will certainly be the appearance of best-selling author Mary Doria Russell at Thomas Great Hall of Bryn Mawr College at 2 pm on November 18th. As usual, there is free parking in the lot on New Gulph Road (driving away from Montgomery Ave, make a left from Morris Avenue); there will be signs and people directing you across the campus to Thomas Great Hall. Mary will discuss her writing, answer questions and sign books. Bryn Mawr's bookstore will have all of her books available for sale. p.s. As you'll know from reading the book, Doc Holliday's cleft palate had an enormous influence on his life. SMILE TRAIN provides free cleft palate surgery for children around the world. Mary Doria Russell believes so passionately in this cause that she is willing to forego her speaking fee in return for a donation to SMILE TRAIN. Boxes will be available for your donations, and we do hope you'll be generous. ALL EVENTS ARE FREE (except movie) and no registration is needed. Check lmls.org for updates. 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. Ludington Library was 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. LM Library: Main Line Times and Patch.com: (recent first) 04/24/2013 Bala Cynwyd Library Grand Opening is set for May 19 04/24/2013 First look: Inside the new Bala Cynwyd Library 04/15/2013 Ardmore Free Library Eighth Annual Kitchen Tour on April 28, 2013 01/06/2013 Lower Merion library projects update: Bala Cynwyd branch to reopen in April 11/16/2012 Ardmore Library to close Nov. 24 for repairs; project could take five months 09/10/2012 Ludington re-opening is welcomed by the community (With Video) 07/25/2012 A first look inside the new, larger Ludington Library (with slideshow) 07/19/2012 In close vote, Lower Merion board moves Gladwyne, Ardmore library projects forward 06/10/2012 More library projects, closings discussed in Lower Merion 06/10/2012 Settlement proposed in Narberth School dispute 05/09/2012 Ludington Library reopening pushed back to late summer 03/20/2012 Narberth Community Library sees surge in use while Lower Merion branches closed 03/02/2012 Library Staff Report Progress on Bala Cynwyd Renovation 02/20/2012 Lower Merion terminates Ludington plumber 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. | Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Lower Merion Police & Fire 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) 10/25/2014 Lower Merion police catch suspect in string of thefts 10/09/2014 Two facing charges for attempted burglary [S Highland Ave] 10/08/2014 Interested in Joining Lower Merion Community Watch? [Class Oct 21] 10/08/2014 Lower Merion Township Introduces New Mass-Notification System 08/07/2014 Lower Merion Township to launch new public information alert system 07/31/2014 Lower Merion police radio upgrade needed now -- and maybe later 07/03/2014 Lower Merion Police Reports: Pick-pocket at Corner Bakery under investigation 06/11/2014 Lower Merion commends emergency responders for dramatic rescue. 06/02/2014 Lower Merion detective honored by Montco DA for work in solving Hymie's robbery. 03/30/2014 Updated: Fire damages ambulance, emergency vehicles at Narberth EMS in Ardmore. 02/09/2014 Burglaries on the rise in Lower Merion but so is community watch (infographic). 02/09/2014 Lower Merion Police Reports: Alleged burglar opens bedroom window, finds sleeping homeowner. 01/18/2014 Chief Fire Officer Chas McGarvey recognized. 01/18/2014 Lower Merion police report Merion burglary through an unlocked door. 12/17/2013 VIDEO: Firefighters rescue person from vehicle in Merion creek. 12/13/2013 Philadelphia man sentence to state prison for 2012 armed robbery of Hymie's deli. 11/17/2013 With burglaries on the rise, Lower Merion police address some 200 residents at town meeting. 11/17/2013 Lower Merion Police Reports: Merion resident finds home ransacked. 10/29/2013 Lower Merion sets date for community meeting on recent burglaries in township. 10/18/2013 Lower Merion Police Reports: More burglaries. 10/18/2013 Lower Merion police talk with Bala Cynwyd residents about rash of burglaries. 10/10/2013 Main Line police respond to recent burglaries, uptick in Lower Merion. 09/07/2013 Lower Merion Township is putting the brakes on red light cameras. 09/07/2013 Lower Merion police aim to curb aggressive driving on City Avenue. 09/07/2013 Lower Merion Police: St. Joe's freshman cited for public intoxication; thefts, burglaries reported. 06/10/2013 Lower Merion police June 10 - Attempted burglary frightens home alone child [Merion see last 2]. 05/06/2013 Homeowner fires shots during home invasion, no injuries reported (with video) [Merion]. 03/05/2013 Lower Merion police March 4 - $20,000 stained glass windows stolen [Merion]. 01/20/2013 Lower Merion, Villanova still dealing with problems caused by student drinking. 11/28/2012 Sobriety Checkpoints, Speed Traps Planned For Holiday Season. 11/23/2012 Man Fatally Hit by Train in Merion on Thanksgiving Night. 11/13/2012 Narberth Ambulance has new executive director. 11/13/2012 No new Free Parking Saturdays for Lower Merion downtowns. 10/05/2012 Red light cameras for Lower Merion Township? Officials want to learn more. 10/05/2012 Two More Suspects Arrested In Hymie's Robbery. 10/05/2012 Lower Merion police make additional arrests in Hymie's robbery. 08/23/2012 Second suspect apprehended in Hymie's armed robbery. 08/13/2012 Man arrested in Hymie's robbery says 'I'm innocent'; judge advances all charges for trial. 08/13/2012 Report: Red light cameras will not cover costs in the suburbs. 08/05/2012 Scammers, Solicitors at the Door: LMPD's Advice. 08/02/2012 Free-parking Saturdays? Lower Merion commissioner wants to boost local businesses. 08/02/2012 Lower Merion to fill new round of police vacancies by fall. 07/26/2012 Lower Merion OKs More Police Hiring. 07/25/2012 Counselors Allegedly Discharge Airsoft Pistol on 12-Year-Old Campers. 07/18/2012 Police Studying Security Footage from Hymie’s Robbery. 07/15/2012 Updated: Armed robbery at Hymie's Delicatessen in Merion. 07/15/2012 Updated: New law could see red light cameras come to Lower Merion. 05/30/2012 Video: House destroyed by fire in Merion. 05/24/2012 Neighborhood Watch Faces Challenges in Lower Merion. 05/21/2012 Bala Cynwyd CVS Robbed at Gunpoint: Cops 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 Top Top Top Top Top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Lower Merion Schools News. See Planning for Growing Enrollment The above link contains several items related to this current issue. (Sept 2013) Superintendent Dr. Christopher McGinley met with the Merion Community at the Merion Tribute House on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 7:45 pm. 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) 01/15/2015 Merion Elementary recognized for National Blue Ribbon distinction 01/04/2015 Lower Merion students take Hour of Code challenge 12/23/2014 Lower Merion school officials continue to study options for bus parking 12/15/2014 Lower Merion school bus parking decision delayed; residents applaud 11/21/2014 St. Charles, cuts to student parking among many options for Lower Merion bus parking 11/13/2014 Lower Merion School District to present bus parking update Nov. 17 11/10/2014 Main Line, Delco schools score among best in the state 10/27/2014 Lower Merion school officials seeking public comment on strategic plan 10/25/2014 Lower Merion scholarship fund has helped 4,000 students over the last half century 10/16/2014 Lower Merion School District officials mull fences for some elementary schoolsl 09/23/2014 Lower Merion School District updating policies on parental objections to classroom material 08/25/2014 Lower Merion to study building a parking structure at its Matsonford site for more buses 07/31/2014 Dormant zoning proposal could block proposed Bala Avenue bus parking 06/27/2014 Bala neighbors ask Lower Merion school officials to consider other options for bus depot 06/27/2014 Business minds start-up at Lower Merion School District's Innovation Center 06/11/2014 Lower Merion moves to park buses in Bala Cynwyd, while community quickly voices opposition 06/11/2014 No Friday night lights for Lower Merion's Arnold Field 04/23/2014 Main Line school officials react to drug ring arrests, 'take over project' 03/14/2014 Sleep and the teenage brain discussion planned at Lower Merion High School 02/22/2014 Lower Merion School District has a plan to replace Superintendent McGinley 02/02/2014 Lower Merion proposes 4.11 percent tax hike in latest school district budget 01/18/2014 Lower Merion School District to implement pilot extended kindergarten program 11/20/2013 New Orthodox High School for Boys In the Works 11/14/2013 Is a radically different Lower Merion School District about to begin taking shape? 10/27/2013 Players, fans push for Friday night lights at Lower Merion's Arnold Field 10/18/2013 Residents get the opportunity to voice views on Lower Merion, Harriton high schools choice debate 09/26/2013 2 elementary school construction bids in over budget 09/26/2013 Lower Merion High School enrollment debate: Where to add new classrooms to the high schools 08/22/2013 Who is Lower Merion School District's new assistant superintendent? 07/19/2013 Lower Merion board updated on school renovation projects, purchases new buses 06/16/2013 Lower Merion School Board approves 2013-14 budget with tax, lunch price hike 06/15/2013 Lower Merion School Board expels 2 students for not living in the district 05/19/2013 Photos: Artwork at Lower Merion High School's Arts & Music Fest 05/19/2013 Lower Merion School District delays making changes to high school choice zone 04/20/2013 Lower Merion School District officials lower final tax hike to 3.82 percent 04/20/2013 Lower Merion School District officials approves changes to its policy on the assignment of students 04/15/2013 Lower Merion aiming to become an even greener school district 03/04/2013 Lower Merion School Distrct's Project CHANGE celebrates 17 years of environmental learning 02/27/2013 Lower Merion: One of the State's Greenest Districts? 02/24/2013 Lower Merion officials approve 4.4 percent tax hike in preliminary budget 02/19/2013 Main Line schools: White House launches college scorecard 01/15/2013 School District Expansion Decisions Needed 'Soon' 12/19/2012 Lower Merion officials scale back but move Gladwyne Elementary addition forward 12/19/2012 Lower Merion schools forming security task force 12/05/2012 Lower Merion School Board elects new president, V.P.; approve administrators agreement 11/29/2012 Gladwyne Residents Press for Reasons Behind School-Expansion Plan 11/13/2012 Lower Merion approves new teachers' contract 11/11/2012 What Do Local Private Schools Cost? 10/27/2012 $29.4 Million School Renovation Project Could Begin This Spring 10/11/2012 Lower Merion students back in class after bout with whooping cough 10/10/2012 Local Jewish Schools Introduce $850,000 iPad Program 10/09/2012 At School Board Meeting, Concerns About Test-Score Trends 10/06/2012 Negotiations Continue Between LMSD, Staff 10/05/2012 Lower Merion High School has two cases of Whooping Cough 10/03/2012 Philly Mag Ranks Main Line High Schools [LM took 2nd place] 08/23/2012 Glass found mixed in dirt headed for Arnold Field 08/21/2012 LMSD Paying $2.5M for Land in Penn Valley, Board Announces 08/21/2012 Contractless School Union Fills Board Meeting With Black Shirts 08/16/2012 As school gets closer, no contract between Lower Merion and its teachers' union 08/16/2012 Crossing guard to stay at Merion Elementary School 08/03/2012 Back to School: Key Dates on LMSD Calendar 07/31/2012 When's The First Day For Local Private Schools? 07/19/2012 Work complete on Lower Merion School District Administration Building 07/19/2012 Lower Merion School District to purchase former church building 06/18/2012 Lower Merion School District passes 1.99 percent tax hike 06/18/2012 Lower Merion enrollment study shows Harriton to overtake LM as overall district population increases 06/18/2012 Supreme Court denies hearing petition of Doe students in Lower Merion redistricting case 06/10/2012 Lower Merion students go to Haiti to help build a school 06/02/2012 Doe families say district is changing its argument in Lower Merion redistricting case 05/31/2012 Supreme Court Justices to Examine Lower Merion Case 05/23/2012 All Kindergartners Getting iPads in Lower Merion 05/22/2012 3 Schools Need 2012-2013 Principals 05/16/2012 LMSD's $43 Million in Reserve Funds 4th Highest in State 05/11/2012 Lower Merion High School Ranked 16th In State by US News and World Report 05/09/2012 With new high schools, Lower Merion schools still short on sports space 04/23/2012 Lower Merion School Board fires contractor, halves tax hike 04/15/2012 Narberth officials address issues with Rockland Avenue and Merion Elementary School 03/22/2012 LMSD to make $6.4 million on bond refinancing and reiterates a decrease in next year's tax increase 03/20/2012 County Releases New Immunization Requirements, Clinic Dates 03/18/2012 Doe families appeal to Supreme Court in Lower Merion redistricting case 02/26/2012 LMSD expected to halve proposed tax increase due to bond-sale windfall 02/26/2012 Fallout from student drinking, drug video continues for LMSD 02/20/2012 Lower Merion students prepare to travel to Haiti to help in school-construction project 02/20/2012 Lower Merion school officials to consider giving students e-mail and online-storage accounts 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 Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top Top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Lower Merion Streets. This news entry will now also include information on street & bridges. Contact 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 Streets: Main Line Times and Patch.com (newest first) 11/20/2014 Permanent left-turn ban sought at Narberth tunnel. 03/24/2014 Long-term solution remains out of reach for Narberth, Lower Merion officials in Narberth Tunnel debate. 03/14/2014 Narberth parking fees will double, other changes eyed. 02/22/2014 Lower Merion Pothole Hotline now in operation. 02/22/2014 UPDATE: Narberth left-turn ban 'shocks' Lower Merion officials - but is it valid?. 02/21/2014 Signs posted, town hall meeting called on left-turn ban at Narberth tunnel. 10/18/2011 Narberth roundabout bound for another round of debate. 09/20/2011 Lower Merion commissioners change directions on roundabout (Updated). 09/22/2011 Most agree in Narberth, North Wynnewood Avenue intersection needs improvement. 09/07/2011 Roundabout gaining support among Narberth, Lower Merion officials. 11/17/2011 Resolution clears way for Lower Merion's historic street signs to stay. 11/13/2011 The decision is final: The Narberth Ave. Bridge will be repaired. 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 Top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Lower Merion Sewer & Trash Service. Lower Merion Township will be making a special bulk pick-up of tree and branch debris left in the wake of this winter's harsh ice and snow storms, from March 24-April 9, 2014. See Lower Merion Special storm debris pickup schedule 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 . See Main Line Times opinion article 1/26/2011 for a recycling refresher. LM Sewer & Trash: Main Line Times and Patch.com: (newest first) 03/14/2014 Post-Nika debris worse than Sandy, Lower Merion Township will aid residents in clean-up 09/07/2013 Lower Merion trash fees will rise in 2014 05/19/2013 No increase in Lower Merion sewer rental fee 10/22/2012 Lower Merion raises most trash fees 9 percent, as rear-yard pickup debate flares again 10/05/2012 Free Fall Cleanup This Weekend in Lower Merion 09/16/2012 Trash fee increase not popular but needed in 2013, Lower Merion board says 09/10/2012 In Lower Merion, it may cost more to take out trash in 2013 04/05/2012 18% Higher Sewer Rate Proposed 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. This section convers zoning petitions & Planning Commission items. Note that the bottom of the Zoning Hearing Board agendas state the the applications may be reviewed at the township building. However, you may obtain electronic copies of the documents from . On December 9, 2014, the Zoning Hearing Board issued a ruling approving Wendy's Zoning appeal to rebuild the Wendy's store at 259 City Avenue, Merion, PA. Wendy's Zoning Ruling (PDF 408kb). On May 15, 2014 there will be a zoning hearing about St. Charles Borromeo plans for the Upper Campus See Zoning Application (pdf 1MB). See Plan map (pdf 1MB). 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 Zoning: Main Line Times and Patch.com: (newest first) 12/18/2014 Ardmore Revitalization: Pa. authorizes grants for Ardmore Cricket Lot, train station project 12/12/2014 Dranoff present as Lower Merion board, Cricket Lot project opponents clash in tense meeting 12/09/2014 Haas Family gift of 39 acres and buildings prompts estate preservation ordinance in Lower Merion 11/20/2014 Residents worry One Ardmore Place's 8 stories are out of character with surrounding buildings 11/13/2014 Lower Merion considering changes to Ardmore MUST zoning 10/25/2014 Preserving viewshed driving factor in Pennswood Road development 09/23/2014 Lower Merion board votes 7-1 to adopt Bala Village rezoning 09/23/2014 Relief denied for Wynnewood Shopping Center restaurant plan 09/15/2014 Zoning relief granted in Lower Merion for St. Charles Borromeo Seminary consolidation 07/08/2014 Lower Merion residents again raise opposition to Bala Avenue bus parking lot 06/15/2014 Packed hearing on St. Charles Seminary plan continued; third session June 17 06/27/2014 Lower Merion continuing to plan ahead for Cricket Parking Lot project 05/19/2014 Zoning hearings on St. Charles Semninary consolidation plan off to rocky start 03/18/2014 Lower Merion board will vote on several development plans Wednesday 03/14/2014 Wynnewood Shopping Center owner granted partial relief of 60-year-old development limits 02/22/2014 St. Charles Seminary eyes development proposals and considers sale of its artwork 02/22/2014 Letter: Preservation can't succeed without overhaul of Lower Merion's zoning code 02/17/2014 Lower Merion commissioners vote 7-4 to approve Wynnewood Road development, bank demolition 02/09/2014 WP Realty official involved in new Whole Foods development to be sentenced for tax evasion charges 01/18/2014 Restriction of certain Lower Merion businesses' hours remains a thorny issue 01/09/2014 Despite lack of state funds, One Ardmore Place proposal moving 'full steam ahead' (letter) 12/21/2013 Dranoff reacts: Developer is confident Ardmore project will get 'back on track' 12/17/2013 Update: State declines Lower Merion's One Ardmore Place RACP grant application 12/13/2013 St. Charles neighbors share latest info on seminary property plans 11/24/2013 Saint Charles Seminary to Lower Merion: no ball field use for now 11/08/2013 Lower Merion residents stepping up in Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary redevelopment 10/15/2013 WP Realty's tentative plan for East Wynnewood Road development moves forward 09/15/2013 Lower Merion clears way for Whole Foods to get liquor license 09/15/2013 MUST amendments get Lower Merion commissers' OK 07/28/2013 Lower Merion approves plans for new, larger Whole Foods Market in Wynnewood 07/21/2013 60-year-old zoning decision new wrinkle in Wynnewood Shopping Center restaurant dispute 05/06/2013 Should Lower Merion restrict business hours? Debate will continue 04/15/2013 Sketch plan for new Wynnewood Whole Foods Market approved 04/15/2013 Wynnewood Shopping Center owner appeals hours restriction on new restaurant 03/24/2013 A tale of two apartment plans in Lower Merion 03/12/2013 Update: Philadelphia Archbishop announces plans to develop or sell land at St. Charles Seminary 03/12/2013 Bryn Mawr student rentals stay for now, SJU can add summer camps, Lower Merion zoners decide 02/24/2013 Hours, outdoor music drove debate in Wynnewood restaurant decision 01/20/2013 New hope for old churches and halls: Lower Merion board adopts conversion measure 12/09/2012 UPDATED: Wynnewood Shopping Center, civics find agreement on LA Fitness proposal 12/05/2012 Lower Merion planners OK Rosemont College field upgrades -- with lights 12/05/2012 Seminary Developer Changes Chapel's Future Use 11/28/2012 Lower Merion confronting student housing violations 11/13/2012 Rosemont College seeking lights for ball field upgrade 09/18/2012 Zoning hearing on Wynnewood LA Fitness proposal postponed 09/16/2012 Church conversion measure in Lower Merion draws varied response; action now at least two months away 08/22/2012 Wynnewood LA Fitness Hearing Continued 08/02/2012 Updated: Waiver withdrawn in Gladwyne tree-clearing; church conversion moved up [September 12] 07/26/2012 Turn Houses of Worship into Houses? Public Hearing Set on Policy 07/25/2012 LA Fitness Hearing Postponed [until August 20] 07/20/2012 Court overturns Lower Merion's OK of O'Neill riverfront project 07/19/2012 "Upscale" LA Fitness club proposed for former Wynnewood Borders 07/13/2012 LA Fitness Eyes Wynnewood Shopping Center For Upscale, 'Signature' Gym 02/20/2012 Lower Merion zoning board hears schools' plans for growth 02/12/2012 Lower Merion planners OK synagogue, Ardmore townhouse and Palmer Seminary projects 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 | Top Top Top Top Top Top Top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Merion Civic Association Don Cannon, Lower Merion Director of Public Works, addressed the 11/27/2012 monthly meeting of the Merion Civic Association. He discussed how the Township is becoming involved in the work being done at Idris Road. The Township has stopped the work being done by Amtrak and is working with Amtrak to address the drainage issues at that location. Residents noted that the screening trees along the tracks have been removed, and that neighbors had not been notified. Mr. Cannon showed a preliminary plan which will address the water issues, and will restore the screening foliage between Idris and the railroad. More planning will be needed, and he promised to keep residents better informed of the process. The Merion Civic Association announces the speaker for the 2012 Annual Meeting will be F. Graham Lee, PhD, Professor of Political Science at St. Joseph's University. He will speak on Back to the Future: Is 2012 a Repeat of 1980 or 2004?. The lecture will be followed by a question & answer period. See Annual Meeting Speaker. SJU bio. The last issue of the Merion Civic Association newsletter had the theme "What we do for Merion". Our civic association has a long history of accomplishments (see the History page), but this issue concentrated on more recent projects. We welcome contributions from the community. We recently lost two long-term contributors to the Merion Civic Association. Please read their obituaries below. In October 2011, Philip Bagley, husband of former Merion Civic Association President Ann Bagley, and former webmaster of the Merion Civic Association. In November 2011, 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) 06/24/2011 Centennial Party marks a major milestone for Merion Civic Association 05/06/2011 Main Line Volunteer of the Week - Scott Kalner 11/28/2011 RIP Marty Piltch: A unique voice is silenced 10/12/2011 Obituary: Philip R. Bagley | Top Top Top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Lower Merion Historic Heritage Merion History and efforts to create a Merion Historic District. This will also include Lower Merion Historic preservation. Rolf Charlston –Merion history tour– Sunday, June 8, 2:00 pm Let's take a hike -- a tour of architecture and history in Merion, led by Rolf Charlston, classical music radio host on WRTI, former dean of graduate programs at Saint Joseph's University, and a tour guide and lecturer in architecture, literature, and music. Ann Bagley, former President of the MCA, a board member of the Botanical Society of Lower Merion, and a tour guide at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, will talk about the Botanical Park and the history of the MCA. The coming of the railroad spurred the development of Merion and other communities along the Main Line. "Nothing was so holy as the Local to Paoli" (Christopher Morley). We'll walk on the north (outbound) side of the tracks, and examine English-influenced architectural styles, of course, but there's also a touch of gothic, Mediterranean, and modern. We'll see the houses of significant personages from the past: Edward W. Bok, editor of The Ladies Home Journal and the first president of the MCA, and the Trapp Family, having escaped the Nazis and making sounds of music in Merion. Meet at the inbound side of the Merion Train Station, Sunday, June 8, 2:00 pm. The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, dedicated to promoting and protecting historic buildings, communities, and landscapes, is the sponsor for this tour and over 50 other tours in the Philadelphia region. $10 for adults, $8 for students, free for children under 10 accompanied by an adult. $5 for Preservation Alliance members (please show your member card). Please arrive 15 minutes prior to 2 pm. The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia has a series of Homeowner Workshops targeted at owners, and aspiring owners of older and historic homes. Some reference materials: National Trust for Historic Preservation Preservation Pennsylvania Economic Benefits of Historic Preservation Activities PDF 2.8 MB Merion Historic District FAQ PDF 327 KB 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) 10/25/2014 Wynnewood's William Penn Inn listed among endangered historic Philadelphia properties. 10/09/2014 William Penn Inn demolition plan tabled for now. 10/09/2014 With multiple plans in play, controversial Lower Merion subdivision plan tabled again. 07/31/2014 Lower Merion's William Penn Inn may have been used as 'safe house' for runaway slaves; demolition delayed. 06/24/2013 History: Main Line's automotive past. 05/02/2013 Tour a $3.2M Home Owned by Albert Barnes. 11/17/2012 Resolution clears way for Lower Merion's historic street signs to stay. 10/11/2012 The Making of Downtown Narberth, A Historical Look at the Borough's Commercial Center 08/02/2012 Community groups seeking new homes with Narberth church closing 05/09/2012 Historical board honors preservation pioneer 04/23/2012 Lower Merion Academy building turning 200 04/23/2012 Gala's proceeds fund Cynwyd Station work 04/15/2012 Lower Merion commissioners: 'Permanent' means 'permanent' for historic Wynnewood synagogue 03/28/2012 Palmer Seminary, Ardmore home are historic preservation wins in Lower Merion 12/09/2011 On road to demolition, insides of Merion mansion to be gutted | Top Top Top 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 Future Network. 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) | Top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • 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) 12/21/2013 Montgomery County commissioners adopt 2014 budget 11/24/2013 Montgomery County holds line on taxes in 2014 11/24/2013 Residents encouraged to join in Montco 2040: A Shared Vision 10/15/2013 Montgomery County unveils master plans for next 30 years of development 08/23/2013 Montgomery County launches free mobile phone app 08/19/2013 Moody's has downgraded Montgomery County's bond rating to 'negative' 06/19/2013 MontCo Named Among 50 Healthiest Counties for Kids in U.S. 05/19/2013 Montco Republicans sue Shapiro, Richards for 'schemes related to election board' 11/16/2012 Montco commissioners unveil 2013 budget with no property tax increase 10/01/2012 Voter ID easily obtainable for Montco residents, commissioners say 04/25/2012 Montco commissioners adopt 2012 capital budget 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% | Top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • 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) 10/03/2012 PECO customers will see a jump in energy bill 12/21/2010 You've got to shop around for cheap electricity 12/16/2010 Phila Inq: Pa. gives OK to Peco rate increase | Top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Pennsylvania Governance. This section will discuss Pennsylvania issues with a direct effect on Merion. Pennsylvania Supreme Court Issues Order on Voter/Photo ID Law The decision was passed back to the lower court. Per Curiam Order Dissenting Statement Dissenting Statement The Committee of Seventy of Philadelphia has a FAQ about the new PA Voter ID Law What you need to know PA Governance: Main Line Times & Philadelphia Inquirer: (recent first) 06/27/2014 Civil Engineers give PA. State infrastructure a C-minus grade 01/18/2014 Commonwealth Court strikes down PA voter ID law 11/30/2013 Gov. Tom Corbett signs transportation bill in Montco 02/24/2012 Town hall meeting on PA gun laws set in Lower Merion 10/01/2012 Voter ID easily obtainable for Montco residents, commissioners say 09/18/2012 Pa. Supreme Court orders more review on voter ID law [Philadelphia Inquirer] 09/18/2012 Pa. Voter ID Sent Back to Lower Court 09/16/2012 Pa. high court takes hard look at voter ID law 09/10/2012 Lower Merion's PALM senior center helping older residents 'navigate' new Voter ID Law 09/10/2012 Daley kicks off her campaign for the state house 09/06/2012 New Voter IDs Available at PennDOT Licensing Centers 08/16/2012 Judge declines to overturn voter ID law 08/13/2012 Democrats pick candidate for 148th seat 07/25/2012 Sen. Daylin Leach vows to fight new voter ID bill 07/25/2012 Gerber: Decision to leave politics, "not an easy one" 07/21/2012 Turnpike Tolls to Increase in 2013 07/19/2012 County's Debt Takes Another Hit [Moody's downgrade rating] 05/15/2012 More Than 500 Residents Come Out Against Lower Merion Redistricting Plan 05/14/2012 Take Our Poll: 70 mph Speed Limit on Turnpike? 04/03/2012 Ban on texting while driving in PA takes effect Thursday [April 2, 2012] 03/12/2012 Ban on texting while driving in PA takes effect Thursday 02/07/2012 Corbett unveils $27.1 billion hold-the-line budget, deep education cuts 01/30/2012 Pa. high court throws out legislative redistricting plan 12/19/2011 Lower Merion joins Philadelphia in new redistricting plan | Top Top Top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • Philadelphia Governance The Philadelphia cell-phone law has been superseded by the new Pennsylvania law banning texting, effective March 8, 2012. 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 | Top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • St. Joseph University "Maguire Campus" Saint Joseph University has just submitted a request for special exception in order to run Summer Camps at the Maguire Campus. The appeals will be heard at the April 5, 2012 meeting of the Lower Merion Zoning Hearing Board. The appeal by Saint Joseph's University (Landowner) of the October 19, 2009, order of the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County denying Landowner's appeal of the decisions of the Lower Merion Township Zoning Hearing Board was denied by the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania on March 9, 2012. See Memorandum Opinion. The continuation of the zoning hearing for Saint Joseph Maguire Campus was on February 9, 2012. Maguire Campus Sport Schedules: SJU Men's Baseball 2012 SJU Women's Softball 2011-2012 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) 03/12/2013 Bryn Mawr student rentals stay for now, SJU can add summer camps, Lower Merion zoners decide 02/12/2013 PA Supreme Court declines St. Joseph's University appeal of 2009 Lower Merion zoning order 09/25/2012 St. Joe's fund-campaign chief repays school's faith in him 09/10/2012 Saint Joseph's University set to purchase archdiocese's cardinal's mansion 05/29/2012 Lower Merion approves Saint Joseph's University summer camps 05/09/2012 Maguire Campus: St. Joseph's and neighbors square off again at hearing 03/13/2012 St. Joe's Loses Appeal, Can Still Expand Fields 03/11/2012 Video: St. Joseph's baseball squad opens play on new home field at Maguire Campus 02/22/2012 Lower Merion zoning board hears schools' plans for growth 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 Top Top Top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| • United States Governance. This section will discuss United States Government issues with a direct effect on Merion. From 2002 until the end of 2012, Lower Merion was in the 6th Congressional District, represented by Congressman Jim Gerlach. Our part of Lower Merion will now be in the 2nd Congressional District, represented by Congressman Chaka Fattah. We are still represented by Jim Gerlach, district 6. We will participate in the primary and the general election of 2012 for the new district, with the winner representing us starting on the second Tuesday in January 2013. On Thursday, February 9, 2012, there was a special event "Meet Chaka Fattah" at the Merion Tribute House, sponsored by the following Civic Associations: Ardmore Progressive, ArdWood, Bryn Mawr, Gladwyne, Merion, North Ardmore, Penn Wynne, Shortridge, and Wynnewood. US Governance: Main Line Times & Philadelphia Inquirer: (recent first) 01/13/2014 Rep. Jim Gerlach talks about why he's leaving Congress 02/19/2013 U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah meets Lower Merion United on prevention of gun violence 02/15/2013 Access Your Social Security Benefits Information Online 10/31/2012 IRS extends deadline for storm-hit taxpayers 09/29/2012 Local mom's letter prompts President Obama's call [to Merion Station] 02/12/2012 Video: Congressman Fattah meets his future constituents - Lower Merion residents 02/10/2012 Fattah meets with possible Lower Merion constituents 12/19/2011 Lower Merion joins Philadelphia in new redistricting plan | 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 |