The future of the 429 York Road Parking Lot is being discussed, and we need your perspective. Whether you’re a local business owner managing daily guests, or a resident or visitor heading uptown to enjoy our vibrant shops and restaurants, your feedback is the key to a better town center.
Click here to take our 5-minute needs assessment.
Your voice. Our community. A better business district.
Survey closes on May 15th
The Jenkintown Borough Planning Commission has recommended changes to the boundaries of the Town Center (TC) zoning district as part of the Borough’s ongoing effort to implement the Jenkintown 2035 Comprehensive Plan.
The current Town Center zoning district encompasses portions of Leedom Street, Cedar Street, Willow Street, Greenwood Avenue, and McGoldrick Avenue that are almost entirely residential in character, containing townhomes and detached single-family homes. However, the TC district is intended primarily for commercial establishments and public buildings, and stand-alone homes are not permitted by right within it. This misalignment between zoning and the built environment has been identified by the Planning Commission as an issue worth correcting.
The proposal would rezone these residential parcels from Town Center to either C-1 Modified Residential or C Residential, depending on the adjacent zoning, to better reflect existing conditions and support the Borough’s priorities of preserving its diverse housing stock and encouraging appropriate residential development. Two existing commercial uses within the affected area would be grandfathered in as non-conforming uses under the zoning code. No new stand-alone commercial uses would be permitted on these streets after rezoning, though low-impact, home-based businesses would continue to be allowed.
A proposed zoning map identifies five segments (labeled A through E) detailing the specific parcels and their recommended new zoning classifications. A draft ordinance has been prepared for Borough Council’s consideration following a public hearing.
Click here to read the Planning Commission’s Recommendation to Borough Council (PDF).
Click here to read the Planning Commission Memo on the Town Center Rezoning (PDF).
Click here to view the Proposed Zoning Map (PDF).
Click here to read the Draft Rezoning Ordinance 2026-3 (PDF).
Questions or concerns may be directed to Borough Manager George Locke at glocke@jenkintownboro.com or (215) 885-0700.
Jenkintown Borough Council invites residents to attend a public hearing on May 27, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Borough Hall (700 Summit Ave) to discuss the proposed “Blighted Property Removal Committee” ordinance.
If approved, this ordinance will establish a four-member committee tasked with identifying and redeveloping blighted properties under the Pennsylvania Urban Redevelopment Law. The initiative aims to improve community standards through strict code enforcement and the remediation of abandoned or tax-delinquent properties.
We encourage all community members to review the full text of the proposal and share their feedback during the hearing.
On March 25, 2026, the Jenkintown Borough Council, with the assistance of the Jenkintown Environmental Advisory Committee, passed Ordinance No. 2026-2, “Single Use Plastic Regulations.” This new law regulates single-use plastic bags, plastic straws, and stirrers at retail establishments within the Borough.
Effective July 23, 2026, retail establishments in Jenkintown will no longer be permitted to provide single-use plastic bags to customers. Customers are encouraged to bring their own bags. Retail establishments may provide a recycled paper bag or a reusable bag for a minimum fee of $0.10. Persons using SNAP, WIC, or TANF benefits are exempt from the fee, and the fee may be waived for online orders. All proceeds from bag fees are retained by the retail establishment.
Also effective July 23, 2026, retail establishments will only provide compostable straws and stirrers. Single-use plastic straws will still be available upon customer request.
Businesses are required to display signage informing customers of these changes beginning April 22, 2026 through at least September 23, 2026. An example of the required signage is available for download below.
The Jenkintown Environmental Advisory Committee has prepared an information Tool Kit to help businesses understand the law, including a summary of exemptions, frequently asked questions, and enforcement details. Non-compliance will first be addressed through a written notice of violation. Businesses that have recently purchased a supply of single-use plastic bags may apply for a hardship exemption of up to one year by contacting the Borough Manager.
Click here to read the Single-Use Plastic Regulations Tool Kit (PDF).
Click here to download the required business signage (PDF).
Click here to read the letter to Jenkintown businesses regarding this ordinance (PDF).
Click here to read the signed ordinance 2026-2 (PDF).
Questions or concerns may be directed to George Locke, Borough Manager, at glocke@jenkintownboro.com or (215) 885-0700.
On Tuesday, April 14th, learn from local experts about keeping our watersheds clean and healthy. Ryan Neuman from Toocany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed and Jim Riggins, Public Works Foreman in Jenkintown, will talk about habitats in our watersheds, recent grant funding received by the Borough to improve storm drains and sewer lines, and more! Find out about what lives in neighboring watersheds and how we can support healthy environments for all of us.
