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MCPC MONTHLY
The Latest on Planning in Montgomery County, PA
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JOIN US!
Can I Get There from Here? Connecting Communities with Active Transportation
October 30 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Free Event
Upper Gwynedd Township Building
Did you know that a municipality’s code can have a positive impact for people bicycling and walking? Walk, bike, or roll to this free Planning Smarter Montco 2024 event, which will focus on connecting communities with active transportation. Join us to hear from a variety of speakers who will speak comprehensively about the active transportation network in the county and elements needed to create an effective and user-friendly network. Learn more about how elements of active transportation infrastructure can be encouraged (or required!) during the land development process. Take home the newly published MCPC Pocket Guide to Active Transportation-Friendly Code, which provides guidance on creating a community that is supportive of walking and biking for transportation. Hear how the TMAs serving Montgomery County are working to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips. This event is an excellent opportunity to learn about new strategies and potential partners to move the active transportation network forward. Online Registration
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UPCOMING COURSES
MCPC is offering two courses this fall as part of Planning Smarter Montco 2024. The courses are limited to 25 registrants, and preregistration is required along with online payment. The registration cost is $110* per person. Professional credits are offered, and additional fees apply.
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September 12, 19, 26
The Course in Zoning
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM | $110 Registration Fee*
Lansdale Borough Hall
MCPC is offering this three-session course on September 12, 19, and 26. The Course in Zoning emphasizes the fundamentals for developing a sound zoning ordinance using the authority granted in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC). Topics include the relationship of zoning to comprehensive plans, key terms used in zoning and how they are applied, critical issues in drafting a zoning ordinance and map, procedures for adopting and amending ordinances, and basic zoning administration. The course also explores techniques such as overlay districts, performance zoning, traditional neighborhood development, planned residential development, and options available through regional planning. More Information
*Municipalities with a current Community Planning Assistance Contract with MCPC are eligible for a discounted rate of $90.
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October 10, 17, 24
The Course in Zoning Administration
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM | $110 Registration Fee*
Lansdale Borough Hall
MCPC is offering this three-session course on October 10, 17, and 24. The Course in Zoning Administration informs zoning hearing board members, zoning officials, and elected officials—regardless of experience—on the basic principles, procedures, and information needed to effectively carry out their functions in the administration of municipal zoning. Professional credits offered through PMPEI. More Information
*Municipalities with a current Community Planning Assistance Contract with MCPC are eligible for a discounted rate of $90.
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Montco Kicks Off Stormwater Planning Update
A county stormwater management planning update, funded through the American Recovery Plan Act, has been initiated to identify county level stormwater issues and propose solutions within all of the county’s watersheds, except the Perkiomen Creek watershed, which is the subject of a separate current mapping and flood study. MCPC will be leading this effort with assistance from Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc., which has been contracted to assist in the modeling, stormwater problem area identification, and development of potential solutions. We are currently gathering data from the municipalities on stormwater issues to assist in the modeling portion of the plan. A stakeholder committee, comprised of representatives from the watershed municipalities, has been formed to enable data gathering and to provide input on various aspects of the plan. The plan is anticipated to be completed in summer 2025.
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Montco Hosts Annual Farmers Gathering
All farmers in Montgomery County, preserved farm owners, and anyone interested in the Montgomery County Agricultural Land Preservation Program were invited to the Montgomery County Farmers Gathering on August 18 at the 4-H Center in Creamery. This annual event is a great opportunity for farmers to enjoy time together while being recognized for the hard work they do to care for our lands and provide fresh produce and goods for Montgomery County residents. The gathering is an open forum centered on strengthening our farming network. This year's gathering was enhanced by representatives from the Montgomery County Conservation District, Horizon Farm Credit, Penn State Extension, and more who participated in the event and discussed current programs, grants, and resources that are available to farmers. As of February 2024, there are 187 farms preserved in Montgomery County under the farmland preservation program. These farms total 10,507 acres. We are always looking to talk to farmers about our farmland preservation program. If interested, contact Stephen Zbyszinski (610-278-5960).
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SEPTA Bus Revolution Approved
Earlier this summer, the SEPTA Board formally approved extensive changes to the operation of its bus system. Known as Bus Revolution, the effort will improve reliability and increase service frequency. In the years leading up to the approval, MCPC staff played an important role in helping SEPTA evaluate its potential route changes and impacts to the county’s communities. SEPTA will now shift to implementing Bus Revolution’s new network, with changes to Montgomery County routes expected to occur gradually over the next two years. SEPTA will once again engage community stakeholders as that process occurs.
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
Building the Public Will for Housing Solutions
MCPC staff attended this event—a follow-up to HealthSpark Foundation's February convening on housing affordability. The event offered an opportunity for continued conversation on effective housing solutions.
Upper Dublin Planning Commission – Montco 2050 Presentation
MCPC County Planning Manager Anne Leavitt-Gruberger was a guest presenter at the August 20 Upper Dublin Planning Commission meeting to discuss MCPC’s work on Montco 2050: A Comprehensive Plan for a Changing World.
Memorial Park Pedestrian Bridge Ribbon Cutting
MCPC Staff attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the reopening of the pedestrian bridge over Manatawny Creek at Pottstown’s Memorial Park. The role that the Montco 2040 Implementation Grant Program played in funding this project is an important one, and we look forward to future county investments in the borough.
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MONTCO 2050 NEWS
Tell Us What You Think!
We are always looking for more public feedback as we continue to develop Montgomery County’s new comprehensive plan, Montco 2050: A Comprehensive Plan for a Changing World. Have you visited Engage Montco yet? This dynamic engagement platform provides opportunities to learn about Montco 2050, provide input, and engage in conversation with MCPC staff. There are several surveys open that need feedback from you and other stakeholders on what makes our communities great, transportation, open space, and housing. Please visit Engage Montco to let us know what future policies the planning commission should consider as Montco 2050 progresses.
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GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
Please use the MCPC Consistency Letter Request if written support is required for a grant application.
September 6 Deadline | Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program
This program provides funding as a reimbursement grant to eligible applicants seeking to improve urban agriculture infrastructure in Pennsylvania. Projects can be funded as micro grants or as larger “collaboration” grants. More Information
September 9 Deadline | PA Municipal Bridge Retro-Reimbursement Program (MBRP)
DVRPC's MBRP funds the rehabilitation or replacement of locally owned bridges within Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties using PennDOT’s retro-reimbursement process. Only townships and boroughs are eligible to apply. More Information
October 24 Deadline | PECO Green Region Grant Program
This program provides competitive grants of up to $10,000 to incorporated Philadelphia non-profit organizations and suburban municipalities within PECO’s service territory to support open space and natural area projects. Funding is to be used to cover expenses for projects on publicly accessible open space, such as enhancing tree cover, implementing trails, drafting an open space plan, converting to solar and/or LED trail lighting, or installing electric vehicle charging stations. More Information
November 30 Deadline | Local Share Account
This grant program funds “projects in the public interest and projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the community.” Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant (which includes municipalities and counties) or a nonprofit organization. More Information
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Staff News
MCPC Welcomes New Staff Members!
We are pleased to introduce two new MCPC staff members. Farida Ahmed joins our commission as a Principal Designer II for Communications. Farida, who studied graphic design at the Maryland Institute College of Arts, brings valuable experience to our outreach efforts. She has lived in Lower Merion for the past 15 years and enjoys frequent train rides to Philadelphia to experience all the city has to offer! Jon Sinker joins our staff as a Senior GIS Coordinator. Jon has a bachelor’s degree in politics with a minor in environmental studies from Ithaca College and a Master’s of Regional Planning from Cornell University. Jon previously worked at GeoDecisions, JMT Technology Group, City of Philadelphia, and Cornell University. He is a native of Montgomery County, being born and raised in Springfield Township.
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Staff Promotions
Congratulations to our recently promoted staff members! John Miklos and Matt Lubitz were both promoted to Senior Community Planner, Ellen Miramontes is now a Principal Open Space Planner, and Matt Popek advanced to Assistant Transportation Section Manager II. MCPC's most valuable asset is its dynamic staff members, who use their advanced education, skills, experience, and expertise to work toward sustainable futures for Montgomery County's communities. Well done everyone!
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Diversity Course Recognition
Pattie E. B. Guttenplan, Assistant Director of Design & Outreach (pictured center in pink jacket), was one of over 20 county employees who participated in Inclusive Leadership Training this past spring. This training, part of Gwynedd Mercy University Social Work Program, consisted of 8 weekly 90-minute sessions and included instruction from several outside experts in the field of inclusive leadership along with Donna L. Richemond, Montgomery County's Chief of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The group was recognized by the county commissioners at their board meeting on August 15.
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Interested in Serving Montco?
Montgomery County has an application available for all residents interested in serving on a county board or commission. After the county receives an application, it will reach out to confirm the applicant’s information and interest. Once a board vacancy is available, the applicant will be considered for appointment.
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