Ground Broken For New Public Works Garage

August 17, 2023

The Board Supervisors gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the start of work on a long-awaited expansion to Whitpain’s Public Works Garage.

The $2.4-million-project will add a new wing to the existing garage offering expanded office space, new locker rooms, a kitchen, and a multi-purpose room for training. Additionally, the project will renovate portions of the existing garage.

Construction was planned and budgeted for a few years ago, but the pandemic and increased post-pandemic construction costs delayed the project.

Meeting On Planned Community Center Set For September 27

The first community meeting for the planned Community Center will take place on Wednesday, September 27 at 7 p.m. at the Township Building on Wentz Road.

Residents and interested parties will have the opportunity to discuss their vision for the center and share their opinions with elected officials, professional consultants, and Township staff members.

The Board of Supervisors selected a team of consultants led by Phillips & Donovan Architects to help design a community center. The Board recently added Ballard King & Associates to the consultant team as they specialize in operational audits and assessments for recreational facilities.

The need for a community center was identified in the Township's most recent Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update. The center is being made possible by a generous $10 million donation.

Closure Of Skippack Pike Delayed Until September 6

The start of the closure of the eastbound lane of Skippack Pike in Whitemarsh Township between Butler Pike and Sheaff Lane has been delayed until September 6.

The lane is being closed for work on the Texas Eastern Pipeline. The closure is expected to last until September 27.

Eastbound traffic in this area will be detoured using state-owned roadways. The closure is expected to last approximately three weeks.

Reps. Bradford, Hanbidge Announce $128,320 Grant To Township For Traffic Safety

The Township was awarded $128,320 for updated signal equipment at Jolly Road & Wentz Road, said state Reps. Matt Bradford and Liz Hanbidge.

This funding is part of a $36 million investment in communities across Pennsylvania to support traffic signal upgrades, increasing safety, and mobility through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT’s) “Green Light-Go” program. Green Light-Go grants are provided as reimbursements to municipalities for updates to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals.

The project will improve safety and operation at this intersection, especially for pedestrians. The work will replace the existing vehicle detection system, install pedestrian accommodations and ADA ramps, and update the traffic signal controller.

A separate grant application has been submitted to extend walkways from Wentz Road to this intersection and ultimately to Mermaid Park.

Prepare For School With Safety Tips

Summer is winding down with students in the Wissahickon School District returning to the classroom on Monday, August 28 with other area

schools following close behind.

The Police Departments reminds everyone to be extra careful as students are using sidewalks and buses return to streets.

Here are some "Back To School" safety tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

School Bus Safety

The greatest danger involving school buses isn't riding a bus: it's the school bus stop. Make certain there's six feet (three big steps) between a child and the curb. Teach children about the "danger zone" of a bus - 10 feet in front, behind and on each side of the bus.

Pedestrian Safety

Teach children to look left, right and then left again before crossing a street. Use sidewalks and crosswalks to be visible to drivers. Have your child walk with an adult or with a group of children whenever possible.

Motorist Safety

Please watch for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks. Also watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops. Please be extra cautious near bus stops. Children late for a bus may run into the street.

Bicycle Safety

Be certain the helmet and bike are the right fit. Before every ride, check the ABCs of bike safety: air, brakes and chain. When crossing the street with a bike, have your child walk the bike across when it is safe to do so.

The start of school is a great time to talk to children about safety. Please take a few minutes and stress the importance of being safe.

Barefoot Bobby Performs Tonight

The last concert of the summer is tonight with Barefoot Bobby and the Breakers performing at Wentz Run Park at 7 p.m.

From the EAC: Responsible Outdoor Lighting

Scientific research has made it clear that artificial light at night, if used carelessly and excessively, is not good for nature. The indiscriminate use of electric lighting at night leads to at least $6BN in wasted energy annually in the U.S. alone. This wasted light can interfere with the breeding and feeding habits of nocturnal animals and can be disruptive to pollinating moths and other wildlife.

Developed jointly by DarkSky and the Illuminating Engineering Society, these five simple principles for responsible outdoor lighting show how you can protect nocturnal wildlife, be a good neighbor, and preserve the night sky.

Thank you to the Whitpain resident who contributed this article to the EAC. If you have an environmental topic that you’d like to submit, please contact the EAC at

WhitpainEAC@gmail.com.

Community Corner

Mary Ambler

Family of Mary Ambler and members of the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society will dedicate a new gravestone for Mary Ambler tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. at the Lower Gwynedd Meetinghouse. Mary Ambler, who Ambler is named after, rushed to an 1856 train wreck and organized rescue efforts.

Family Fair

Rep. Matt Bradford invites families to attend his annual Family Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd. There will be resource tables from state and local organizations sharing important information about services for children and families, as well as fun activities, food, mascots, zoo animals and more.

To attend, RSVP by calling 610-222-3490 or 610-270-1150.

Township Meeting Schedule

Township meetings are held in hybrid mode and can be attended in-person or via Zoom. Please go to the Agenda Center for details of each meeting.

Click for the Meeting Calendar

Click here for the Agenda Center

August 17: Zoning Hearing Board, 7 p.m.

Whitpain Township

whitpaintownship.org