(Editor’s note: The following is an editorial submission, courtesy of Laura Smith and Chuck Wilson for Towamencin Supervisor. The views expressed in this editorial are their own. To submit an editorial, send your Word document and a photo to editor@northpennnow.com.)
Laura Smith and Chuck Wilson are seeking re-election to Towamencin Township’s Board of Supervisors. Through the skillful leadership of Smith and Wilson, Towamencin is making great strides in Economic Development, Environmental Stewardship, Open Space and Parks, Traffic and Roadways, Public Safety and Fiscal Responsibility. With Smith and Wilson at the helm, Towamencin will continue moving forward.
Economic Development:
We continue to see an increase in economic development activity in the township with many new businesses in various stages of locating to the township.
The Landing at Towamencin is ready to open its doors. Amazon began operations at its delivery center on Gehman Road in July. Lidl, a German supermarket, began renovations to the former Acme building for its new store and Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers began construction on its restaurant adjacent to the Chick-Fil-A site. Lidl is expected to open in spring 2020, while Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers is targeted for the end of 2019. Firestone is also planning to open a tire and auto service center by the Chick-Fil-A site, construction is anticipated in 2020. The township continues to field inquiries from developers interested developing available Limited Industrial (LI) zoned sites.
On the horizon, we await land development plans for a Starbucks with a drive-thru at the Courtyard Marriott, an indoor-only storage facility on Franklin Street, and the much-awaited Towamencin Village Shopping Center.
Newer businesses comfortably ensconced in the township include Siemens, UME—Underwriting Management Experts, The Mill, Blueprint Brewing Co., and Royal Farms. New businesses = new jobs = a growing tax base. Towamencin is open for business!
Environmental Stewardship:
Under the guidance of Laura Smith and Chuck Wilson, Towamencin Township is moving forward, emerging as a leader in transitioning to renewable energy and green alternatives. An advanced geothermal HVAC system was installed at the Municipal Complex. This project has been the centerpiece of our efforts to promote energy efficiency and sustainability in township operations. We participated in a Regional Street Lighting Procurement Program, converting most of the streetlights from old mercury halide bulbs to LED lighting. The township is in the process of replacing the remaining ornamental streetlights in the Village District with corncob style LED bulbs to further reduce our energy footprint. This spring, the township participated in an energy audit with PECO partner SmartWatt for LED conversions to the interior lighting at the Municipal Complex buildings.
Towamencin developed and is using an effective stormwater plan to satisfy the stringent requirements of the federal Clean Water Act. Through innovative thought and collaboration with neighboring municipalities we are moving forward to meet our goals.
Open Space and Parks:
Laura Smith and Chuck Wilson worked to preserve and protect our open space; there are over 900 acres of permanently protected open space and over 1,300 acres under temporary protection in the Township. Combined, this represents nearly one-third of the total area of the township. Last year we dedicated our newest park, Veterans Park located adjacent to the Tennis-Lukens Cemetery on Allentown Road.
Design and permitting continues for the Kriebel Road Trail extension, which will run along the Towamencin Creek, from Trumbauer Road to Valley View Way. The project is funded by an $846,000 grant through the Federal Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside program. The Board of Supervisors recently approved a proposal for a concept plan and grant application to the County’s “Montco 2040: A Shared Vision” grant program for an additional extension of the Kriebel Road trail from the PECO right-of-way to the farm buildings in Fischer’s Park. Construction is expected in 2021. At Fischer’s Park, the extension will connect with a pedestrian bridge over the Towamencin Creek; construction is planned for 2020.
Work continues on the addition of utilities and bathroom facilities at Gristmill and Green Lane parks with prefab bathroom kits expected to be assembled and operational later this fall.
Traffic and Roadways:
Residents will see numerous improvements to traffic signals throughout the township late this year and into 2020 thanks to almost $400,000 in grants that will fund modifications to 11 traffic signals including such upgrades as the installation of video detection, radar dilemma detection, left turn arrows and ADA curb upgrades.
Funded by additional grants totaling over $135,000, construction has commenced on pedestrian signal and pushbutton upgrades at intersections throughout the township, the upgrade of the traffic signals at the Allentown Road/Derstine Road/Fretz Road intersection and the removal of traffic signals at Mainland Road/Wambold Road intersection.
Final design and permitting work continue for the Forty Road Widening Project to eliminate the chokepoint along Forty Foot Road approaching the Tomlinson/Heebner intersection. The project includes the addition of a traffic signal at Forty Foot Road and Newbury Way, which will also serve a new access drive to the SKF and Towamencin Village Shopping Center sites. This project is fully funded by two PA Multi-Modal Transportation Grants totaling $1.843 million and $800,000 in developer funds. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2020, with completion in late 2020.
Public Safety:
Smith and Wilson are committed to ensuring our police and first responders have the resources they need to keep us safe. Thanks to their efforts, Towamencin Township enjoys and A+ public safety rating according to homefacts.com.
They work closely with the Towamencin Volunteer Fire Company to implement a firefighter incentive program to ensure we have the coverage we need.
Fiscal Responsibility:
Laura Smith and Chuck Wilson have held the line on taxes, restructuring existing debt and maximizing the use of grants for public projects. $3.1 million dollars in grant money is being used to enhance our parks and trails, improve our roadways and keep Towamencin moving forward without utilizing local tax dollars.
On Election Day, please cast your ballot for the team who has delivered for Towamencin and is committed to moving Towamencin Forward. On Tuesday, November 5th, please vote for Laura Smith and Chuck Wilson as your Township Supervisors.
See also:
Letter to the Editor: Annette Long, for Montgomery Township Supervisor
Letter to the Editor: Joyce Snyder and Peter Murphy, for Towamencin Supervisor
Letter to the Editor: North Penn Neighbors for Progress, School Board Candidates
Letter to the Editor: Denton Burnell, for Lansdale Borough Council
Letter to the Editor: John Waldenberger, for Montgomery County Commissioner
