Development News for Montgomery, Pennsylvania

Montgomery Township Police Department to Educate Residents on Cul-de-Sac Parking Safety

The Montgomery Township Police Department addressed concerns regarding vehicles parking in the center areas of cul-de-sacs on Demison Lane and Deer Pass Lane. A traffic and safety study conducted in August 2023 determined that allowing parking in these locations is not feasible due to the inability of fire apparatus and other emergency vehicles to safely navigate the cul-de-sacs. The study recommended painting and striping the center portions of the cul-de-sac with no parking markings. The Public Safety Committee recommended providing written notification to affected residents before implementing any roadway painting or striping. The Police Department is currently preparing informational letters and public service announcements to educate the public about the safety hazards and legal violations associated with this parking practice. The department plans to monitor the situation, engage in an educational campaign, and then revisit the Public Safety Committee before proceeding with striping if necessary.

Equitable Retirement Selected as New Plan Administrator for Employee 401A and 457B Plans

The township is changing its 401A and 457B plan administrator from In Power Investments to Equitable Retirement. This change is recommended due to Equitable offering lower fees for employees and including access to two certified financial planners within the existing fee structure. Staff has been informed and expressed strong support for the change, which is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026. There is no budget impact for the township as this involves employee funds only. Meg Swigger, the township's HR coordinator, is recognized for her extensive research on the matter.

Environmental Initiatives and Community Programs Launch in Montgomery Township

The Environmental Advisory Committee distributed 50 native pollinator plant sets to residents who agreed to replace a portion of their lawn. A demonstration of this 'lawn to garden' conversion was set up at the recreation center, with two sets of plants being added to create a new pollinator garden. The Parks and Recreation Board will be organizing monthly park cleanups, with the first one scheduled for May 31st at Autumn Woods Park from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The Senior Committee is also involved in promoting these cleanups. Additionally, a new walking group has officially started, offering walks twice a week (Tuesdays at 9 a.m. and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.), with locations rotating monthly, starting at the rec center for June.

Whistlestop Park Improvement Project Bid Awarded to AH Cornell and Sun Inc.

The board is asked to award the bid for the Whistlestop Park Improvement Project. The project includes replacing outdated playground equipment with an accessible, inclusive playground with sensory components, converting the existing playground to a picnic grove, adding six pickleball courts, updating the softball field with a new backstop and fencing, installing new benches and bleachers, adding a loop trail with ADA access, improving existing paths for ADA compliance, rehabilitating the existing rain guard, and addressing stormwater issues. Nine bids were received, with AH Cornell and Sun Incorporated submitting the lowest bid of $1,071,957.94. The project is funded through grants from DCNR ($250,000) and DCED ($125,000), and $1.5 million from the 2026 capital budget.