The Pennsburg borough council meeting on Tuesday evening, included a proposal presentation by Chris Lash and Tm Hendricks. The proposal is to construct a development on 704 Montgomery Avenue, which is known locally as the old Kline property.  

            The sale of the property is pending.

            The proposed plan is a 40-unit townhome development. The property is zoned as RC- residential and commercial. The area is a riparian corridor and conditional use of the land applies. The property is need of repair and there has been removal of underground fuel tanks.

            The developers would like the borough to overlook the fact the area is a riparian corridor.

            Hendricks said, "We are requesting that the township (borough) overlook the fact that it's a zoned watercourse. The zoning map doesn't allow us to properly repair existing piping."

            The proposal needs to be presented to the planning commission before the developers can proceed.  Therefore, the council requested clarification as to what Hendricks and Lash were requesting from the borough.  Council President Kris Kirkwood said, "You're looking for what from us tonight?" Hendricks replied, "Feedback." Solicitor Chuck Garner suggested the council review the proposed plan. He said, "The council has not heard of this plan before. It's entirely up to you, the council, on how deep you would like to go on this issue tonight. I suggest that you table it and review the proposal before providing feedback."

            Jessie Kemp, Conservation Coordinator at the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy, gave a presentation on the causes of watershed adulteration and the ways residents can sustainably and naturally manage storm-water on their property.

            The conservancy promotes education and watershed protection. Development of land is a major factor in storm-water issues. Pollution is also a contributor to the demise of watersheds. Contaminates comes in the form of trash, chemicals and debris. Residents can minimize pollution by ensuring storm drains remain clear of debris, reduce chemical use, clean pet waste, increase the height of their mower blade, and report illicit discharge of pollutants.

            In addition, residents can plant native plants, rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavements or porous asphalt.  The conservancy hosts workshops and educational forums for these projects and on many other topics. They will be hosting a native plant nursery sale, Saturday May 11, at the Wentz Farmstead. The conservancy is always in need of volunteers. More information can be found on their website www.perkiomenwatershed.org.

            During public comment, residents came to express their continuous concern for storm-water flooding and drainage issues. George Campbell of 998 Lake View Terrace has lived in the area since 2016. He stated that his driveway and yard is flooded regularly with 5-6 inches of water. Campbell said, "There is so much water, my dogs go swimming. Is the town responsible for street flooding issues?"  Kirkwood responded, "We will look into that issue again. I understand it has been a problem for a longtime. I'm sorry you're having this problem." 

            Residents also expressed concern about the watershed area on Seminary and Sixth Street that has flooding and drainage issues throughout the year. In addition, the swale on Cattail Court needs to be evaluated. Kirkwood said, "We will look at that situation next week."

            In other news, Police Chief Joe Adams presented his report to the Pennsburg Council. There were 463 total calls and services rendered for the month of April. There were 2 reportable accidents, 3 non-reportable accidents. 4 criminal arrests, 2 non-traffic citations, 45 traffic details, 35 vehicle investigations, 27 traffic citations, 10 traffic warnings, 2 parking tickets or warnings, and 4 alarm calls.     

            At the close of the Pennsburg borough council meeting, an executive session was held. The council discussed police personal matters. The Upper Perk Police department is in need of a sergeant to work second in command of the chief.

            The objective is to promote from within the borough. The council authorized the civil service commission to proceed with the process.