Without discussion, Pennsburg Council voted Tuesday to officially rescind the development approval of a Pottstown oral surgery practice. The members unanimously approved a resolution officially revoking approval, granted two years ago, for Pennsburg Oral Surgery to construct a second satellite office on a vacant parcel at the intersection of Routes 663 and 29.

            Solicitor Mark Hosterman described the issue as rare. He claims to have been involved in only a handful of similar matters during 33 years of practice.

            In August of 2024, council granted the business preliminary/final approval to construct the office at its second satellite office on a vacant parcel at the borough's busiest intersection. Five months earlier, project manager Chris DeLuca told the planning commission that his client wanted to construct a split-level building on a vacant property across the street from the former Rite Aid, with parking on Fourth Street.

            However, the municipality has not heard from the practice since, according to council President Patrick Suter.

            After the meeting Hosterman explained that the applicant technically forfeited its development rights by failing to deliver the money to cover the required public improvements within 90 days and not signing the land development agreement.

            According to the solicitor, the vote will not impact a recent proposal from Pottstown Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, Inc. to open an office at 560 Seminary St. on property owned by Jurin Roofing Services.

            The new plan calls for the interior renovation of existing space, according to Administrative Manager Lisa Hiltz.

            Council also voted to approve an ordinance requiring residents to remove snow three feet around fire hydrants. Hosterman described the task as an extension of their responsibility to shovel sidewalks after a snowstorm.

           The members took action to extend the distance by two feet due to a request from Pennsburg Fire Chief Cody Belmont. According to Jason Kulp, the borough's roads and maintenance supervisor, Belmont reported that his firefighters were forced to remove snow near hydrants while attempting to connect a hose this winter.

            Council directed Kulp, who also serves as the borough's fire marshal, to enforce the matter. He said extending the distance from one to three feet would solve the issue.

            The members recessed after 59 minutes to hold an executive session to discuss issues of personnel and potential litigation, according to Council President Patrick Suter. He said no decisions would be made.

            In February, the Upper Perk police responded to 785 total incidents. That includes 313 public services, 135 traffic details and 69 vehicle investigations, according to information presented by Chief Joe Adam.

            The department issued 46 traffic citations and 39 warnings. It made seven arrests and responded to three reportable and non-reportable accidents, according to the information. Officers responded to three false fire alarms at businesses, handled two parking complaints and issued one non-traffic summary offense.

            The department responded to seven incidents of assault/ harassment/stalking, three thefts, two DUIs, one forgery/fraud/identity theft, one trespassing, one vandalism/ criminal mischief and four other offenses.