Wynnewood-Penn Wynne Update

It’s been seven months since I began representing our neighborhood on the Lower Merion Township Board of Commissioners, and I wanted to update you on a number of important issues:

  • Stormwater Management. I am pleased to report that in response to the concerns many of you have expressed about the overgrowth at our Remington Road retention pond, the Public Works Department has scheduled cleanup work around the basin this summer.   In addition, the township is achieving positive results in addressing stormwater management through agreements with developers to provide for enhanced water-retention systems.  One example, pertaining to our own neighborhood, is Lankenau Hospital’s agreement to upgrade the water-retention system for its planned campus expansion to accommodate a 100-year flood-water level, a significant improvement from the 25-year flood level required under the township code.
  • Crime. With summer vacations in full swing, the police want to remind all of you to please call them if you see anything or anyone suspicious in our neighborhood,  because citizen alerts go a long way in preventing crime.   In addition, I urge everyone to check out the crime-prevention tips posted on the township’s website at www.lowermerion.org/Index.aspx?page=246.
  • Potholes and Storm Drains: Due to budgetary restraints caused by the recession, the Public Works Department is relying on us to report problems with our roads and storm drains instead of conducting its own regular inspections.  To report potholes, please call 610-645-4782.  To report clogged sewers call 610-645-6150 (weekdays 8-4:30).  For sewer emergencies after hours or on weekends, please call the police department at 610-649-1000.
  • Voting Location. The biggest complaints I heard on our May primary election day, besides the rain, were confusion about the new Suffolk Lane voting location and parking limitations.  Due to security and accessibility concerns, voting at Penn Wynne School was moved to the corridor nearest to Suffolk Lane and, as it stands now, elections will continue to be held there.  Unfortunately, the new location has resulted in a shortage of parking during school hours, so please keep this in mind when you plan how to get to the polls and what time to go.  I urge everyone to take a look at the photos posted on my website, www.RickChurchill.com, showing the new voter entrance, the alternate entrance for voters requiring access via a ramp, and the designated spaces in the Suffolk Lane parking lot for voters (restricted to elderly and disabled voters).  Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can help find you a ride to the polls.

For more frequent updates on township issues, please check my website, www.RickChurchill.com.  And while you are there, please sign up for e-mail updates.

Finally, I want to thank former Commissioners Silver, Wiener and Rogers for their courtesy and help in making my transition to the township board easy.