Development News for Lansdowne, Pennsylvania
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Development News from the latest meeting
Veterans Landing Park: Greenhouse Approved Conditionally, Playground Equipment and EV Charger Updates
The committee discussed a request from Philly Trust to place a greenhouse and raised garden beds at Veterans Landing. While some members expressed reservations about the aesthetic and maintenance of raised beds, and the potential for the park to become 'junky', others saw potential for adding community life. Concerns were raised about the lack of clear community engagement and the maintenance responsibility for the garden project. The proposal for the greenhouse was more favorably received, with conditions including it being temporary (removed by September 1st), maintained attractively, and not the borough's responsibility if vandalized. The raised beds were generally opposed. The committee also discussed playground equipment for Veterans Landing, considering age appropriateness, safety, and potential for incorporating local artists for a sensory wall, potentially funded by a portion of the play equipment budget. Additionally, updates on EV chargers for Veterans Landing were provided, indicating a potential 50% reimbursement from PICO.
Bench Donation Policy Under Review for Veterans Landing
The committee discussed a request for bench donations at Veterans Landing and the process for handling such requests. Bob Scott and Megan provided local ordinance examples, with one recommended by the solicitor. The ordinance is an ordinance. The committee decided not to rush the decision, preferring to discuss the ordinance examples in committee first before bringing it to council. A suggestion was made to limit the number of benches and allow plaques for a set fee, with proceeds going towards park equipment or an artist's wall. The committee agreed to discuss this with Bob Scott.
Callahan Ward Project Variances Under Review Due to Transferability Concerns
The committee discussed the Callahan Ward project and variances granted for properties for sale. Concerns were raised that existing variances, some substantial (height, setback, apartment size, parking), might not be transferable to a new buyer and that the original rationale for these variances (based on facade, materials, design) may no longer apply, especially given changes in the market and council. The committee decided to review the variances again, potentially invite Callahan Ward representatives and the new buyer to explain their plans, and ensure that council is aware of the significant variances granted. The properties in question are the lots at Wycombe.
TOPS Grant Engineering Budget Approved for Lansdowne Avenue and Bike Lane Improvements
The committee discussed the TOPS grant update, noting that $68,000 has been budgeted for engineering costs associated with potential changes on South Lansdowne Avenue, South Wycombe, and NIAC. This budget comes from the borough's funds, not the TOPS grant itself. The scope of work includes engineering for safer bike lanes and potential traffic calming measures on South Lansdowne Avenue, and adding bike lanes to South Wycombe and NIAC. The committee aims to recommend this for council approval next week and also decided to forward the proposal to the infrastructure committee for review. Raised crosswalks and pedestrian bump-outs are also being considered as part of the traffic calming measures. The $500,000 in TOPS grant funds could be used for recommended improvements like crosswalks or bump-outs, but not for removing bike lanes.
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