There are several land development applications and/or proposals that have recently been presented to Jenkintown Borough. Please find the information below as a summary of the proposed projects and the next opportunities for public input.

• Abington Friends School – 575 Washington Lane, Jenkintown, Pa 19046. The applicants have submitted an application to the Abington Township Zoning Hearing Board seeking variances/approval to replace the existing multipurpose playing field with a new playing surface, track, fencing, netting and lighting. Dimensional variances have been requested to install the fencing, netting and light fixtures within the required setback areas. Dimensional standards are also requested to allow for light standards of up to 70 feet in height to be installed within the front yard setback area and two additional poles of 80 feet in height to be installed between the proposed multipurpose field and the existing buildings on the site.

           Next – Abington Zoning Hearing Board Hearing
(Public Hearing)
           When – Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at 7:00 pm
           Where – Abington Township Administration
Building, 1176 Old York, Abington, Pa.

• 93 York Road / Paul Aschkenasy – 93 York Road, Jenkintown, Pa 19046. The property owners have discussed a proposed redevelopment of their property at 93 York Road. The main tenant space has been vacant for seven years and in its current configuration the owner is not optimistic about finding a viable tenant. The current plans are preliminary and not for construction. The owner is proposing a total upgrade to the main building with design to retain current commercial tenants as well as attract new tenants on the first floor and retrofitting the second floor for approximately 16 apartments. In addition to retrofitting the main building the owner has an opportunity to acquire a high profile tenant in the second building on site, reconfigure the onsite parking and drive lanes as well as a possible reconfiguring of the traffic light movement at York and Wyncote Road. This proposal is about to begin the process and would require the following approvals; Zoning, Building, DEP/edu, PennDOT, Borough Engineer, Borough Traffic Engineer, Land Development / Borough Council, SALDO and Storm Water. The applicant has requested to be placed on the next B.Z.&R. agenda to present the proposed project and gauge Council’s interest in the project.

           Next – Building, Zoning & Revitalization
Committee (Public meeting)
           When – Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at
7:30 pm
           Where – Jenkintown Borough Hall,
700 Summit Avenue, Jenkintown, Pa.

• 459/471 York Road / Scot Hummel – 459/471 York Road, Jenkintown, Pa 19046. The equitable property owner has presented a preliminary proposal to redevelop the former Helweg Funeral Home site. The proposed business would be a Taco Bell. Preliminary plans were discussed at the January 17th B.Z.&R. meeting and presented before Borough Council at the January 24th meeting, requesting and receiving Council support for the proposal before the forthcoming ZHB hearing. This project requires Zoning variances/approval and is also contingent on receiving PennDOT approval for a vehicular controlled traffic device (traffic light). This proposal has begun the process and would require the following approvals; Zoning, Building, DEP/edu, PennDOT, Borough Engineer, Borough Traffic Engineer, Land Development / Borough Council, SALDO and Storm Water. The applicant intends to submit application to the Zoning Hearing Board prior to February 9th and requested to be placed on the next scheduled Z.H.B. hearing which is Thursday March 22nd, 2018

           Next – Zoning Hearing Board Hearing
(Public Hearing)
When – Thursday, March 22, 2018 at 7:00 pm
(Tentative)
           Where – Jenkintown Borough Hall,
700 Summit Avenue, Jenkintown, Pa.

• Roizman Development Inc./Summit House Associates 2018 LLC – 610 Summit Avenue, Jenkintown, Pa 19046. The equitable property owner has submitted an application for a “Conditional Use” to construct an age restricted, 74 unit apartment building at 610 Summit Avenue. In the Neighborhood Commercial Residential Zoning District, a building containing more than two apartment units is defined as an apartment building and is a permitted conditional use. Conditional Use approval is determined by Borough Council. In granting a conditional use, the governing body may attach such reasonable conditions and safeguards, in addition to those expressed in the ordinance, as it may deem necessary to implement the purposes of the Municipal Planning Code. If a Conditional Use is approved the proposed project would then be required to obtain the following approvals; Zoning, Building, DEP/edu, PennDOT, Borough Engineer, Borough Traffic Engineer, Land Development / Borough Council, SALDO and Storm Water.

            Next – Borough Council (Public Hearing)
            When – Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at 7:30 pm
(Tentative)
            Where – Jenkintown Borough Hall,
700 Summit Avenue, Jenkintown, Pa.

Borough Owned Property – 700 Summit Avenue, Jenkintown, Pa 19046. In late 2016, it was brought to the Borough’s attention that the adjacent property at 610 Summit Avenue, was being purchased by a developer who was also interested in purchasing the Borough property at 700, 704 and 708 Summit Avenue. The Borough has long desired to move the Municipal Complex out of the center of the business district to be able to place the parcels back on to the tax rolls. In May 2017 the Borough issued an R.F.I (request for information) to gauge developer interest and so that various development proposals could be reviewed. After receiving only one response, the Borough re-issued the R.F.I. (request for information), there was then two responses to the R.F.I. on the second issuance. Currently, Borough Council has entered in to an agreement with the County Re-Development Authority to explore the feasibility and implications of selling the Borough owned parcels and relocating to a different location within the Borough. A Preferred Developer has not been chosen and there have been no binding decisions made concerning the sale of the Borough owned parcels or relocation of Borough hall. Public discussions are currently being arranged by Borough Council to inform and provide available information to residents, property and business owners. Any proposed development would require the following approvals; Zoning, Building, DEP/edu, PennDOT, Borough Engineer, Borough Traffic Engineer, Land Development / Borough Council, SALDO and Storm Water. Updated information will be provided as it becomes available.