Abington Township · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Abington public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Acquisition of 2828 Spear Avenue Property
The Abington School District has asked to sell its property at 2828 Spear Avenue in Glenside to the Township of Abington. What the Township intends to do with the parcel is a question residents may want answered as the sale moves forward.
Abington Township Public Library Design RFP
The library is working federal and state channels to fund its building project, with two demolition grant proposals submitted through Congresswoman Dean's and Senator Fetterman's offices and RACP funding meetings planned with state lawmakers. A Keystone grant decision is expected by end of March.
Abington Separated Bike Lanes Action Plan
The board will consider adopting an action plan for separated bike lanes funded by a regional planning commission grant. This plan aims to expand safe cycling infrastructure throughout the township.
Winter Road Salt Supply Procurement
The township is set to approve its winter road salt contract with Morton Salt through the county consortium to ensure clear roads during snowstorms. Securing the contract ahead of winter locks in pricing of $73.44 per delivered ton.
Energy Benchmarking and Efficiency
Springfield Township's solar project is expected to cover 89% of its electricity with a 3-year payback, helped by a $240,000 county grant plus PECO funding — a possible template for Abington.
Accessory Dwelling Unit and Residential Zoning Variances
Several property owners are seeking special exceptions and variances to construct accessory dwelling units, outbuildings, and new homes that depart from standard setbacks and lot coverage rules. These requests could influence neighborhood density and stormwater management across multiple wards.
Minimum Municipal Obligation (MMO) Review
Abington's pension funds and OPEB trust experienced strong growth in 2025, returning nearly 16% for the year despite broader economic and market uncertainties.
Fall Community Tree Events and Volunteer Coordination
Only 4 of 275 households in the target area have signed up for free trees at the September 12 event. A second round of mailers is going out fast, with a local realtor covering postage.
Retiree Medical Plan Provider Selection
The township approved a 22% rate increase for the Independence Blue Cross retiree medical plan because no other insurance carriers submitted bids. Staff explained that changing federal Medicare regulations have made it difficult for insurance companies to offer competitive pricing.
1209 Rydal Road Conditional Use Denial
Residents strongly opposed a conditional use application for 1209 Rydal Road, leading the board to follow the hearing officer's recommendation and deny the request.
Sewer Connection and Right-of-Way Dispute at 1368 Valley Road
Homeowners on Stockton Road fought an indemnity agreement allowing a new Valley Road development to tie into their local sewer line, raising concerns about capacity and disruption.
Municipal Cash Management and Investment Yields
The committee reviewed how global economic shifts, inflation, and market volatility affected the township's pension and OPEB trust funds during the first quarter of 2026. Advisors noted that while short-term returns dipped slightly around -1.7%, overall fund health remains stable, and underperforming investment managers are under close watch.
Energy benchmarking for public buildings
The EAC is drafting a letter for the Abington School District's solar intake form and reviewed its site plan survey.
Abington Middle School Sustainable Design Review
The current school has no stormwater controls — runoff just drains to the stream. The new plan would collect stormwater in basins under the new turf fields and route it through constructed wetlands, which commissioners liked as a possible teaching tool.
Police License Plate Reader Contract (Axon)
The police department is transitioning its automated license plate reader cameras from Flock to Axon under a new 5-year contract, sparking extensive debate from residents regarding privacy and data surveillance.
Keswick Village Pedestrian Safety Grant Application
This EDC-funded study would bring rain gardens, permeable pavers, and better street trees to the Keswick Village area along Easton Road — a flood-prone low point in the township. The final public comment meeting is October 7 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
1919 Easton Road Taco Bell Land Development
Developers want to turn an empty bank into a Taco Bell with a drive-thru. Commissioners pushed back on a few utility and stormwater waivers to make sure the project protects local water quality.
Deer Mitigation Program
Abington police presented statistics showing a sharp rise in deer-related complaints and vehicle accidents over the past five years. To address safety concerns and over-browsing, the board voted to approve two emergency controlled archery hunts at Alverthorpe Park before the season ends.
Beech tree leaf disease treatment funding
The Commission is asking for $21,000 in the 2027 budget to treat beech trees showing leaf disease, with a warning that one-time spending without a long-term plan would be wasted. Members also want to chase grants to stretch the money.
Proposed Traffic Calming Policy
The township adopted a new policy to help install traffic calming devices and address speeding on neighborhood streets. Residents praised the move as an important first step toward making local roads safer for walking and biking.
Montco 2040 Grant for Invasive Plant Management
Fall removal events at Briar Bush, Roychester Park and other sites will pair volunteers with township pesticide applications targeting wisteria and English ivy, backed by grant funding.
2027 Shade Tree Commission Budget Planning
The commission is preparing its largest-ever budget request (~$150,000) for 2027, covering tree giveaways, park plantings, disease treatment and invasive plant work. The township must review and approve it by end of July.
Beech Leaf Disease
Beech leaf disease is spreading in township trees. Members discussed treating about 30 trees, with injections recommended as the most proven method, and township staff asking for cost and target guidance.
Capital Campaign Consultant Selection
The library is moving forward with its capital campaign by hiring Dunleavy as a fundraising consultant to help secure financial support for future projects.
ARPA Fund Allocation and Municipal Property Purchases
Resident Joseph Broscius raised questions regarding the allocation and accounting of COVID-19 relief funds and their impact on township tax burdens.
Tree Protection and Land Development Regulations (221 Moredon Road)
Developers met with the commission to address unapproved tree removals and figure out how to better protect remaining mature trees on the property.
Summer Community Events and Inclusion Planning
The HRC is busy coordinating local participation for Pride events, Juneteenth, and a quiet zone at the July 4th parade to ensure township celebrations are welcoming for everyone.
Proposed Fire Code Ordinance Update
Fire Marshal Platz presented an ordinance update to replace the 30-year-old BOCA fire code with the 2021 International Fire Code. The update introduces clear operational standards, free digital fire report submissions, and modernized safety rules for lithium-ion batteries and bonfires.
Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Financial and Operational Review
Residents questioned the spending and effectiveness of the Abington Township Economic Development Corporation, which spent over $100,000 on startup legal and consulting costs.
Parks and Trail Infrastructure Investments
Residents and advisory boards want SPS to restore the streambank along Tookany Creek and consider a trail easement for public access — an opportunity that may not come again once the plant is rebuilt.
Alverthorpe Park Hazard Tree Assessment and Management
The township completed a hazard tree assessment for Alverthorpe Park to identify trees posing risks to roads and structures. Future remediation work will be paired with invasive species removal over the coming years.