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.