Abington Township · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Abington public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Abington School District Middle School Construction
The school district has filed preliminary and final land development plans for a new middle school. The Planning Commission's review is a key step before the plans move forward, with potential implications for traffic, neighborhood character, and school capacity.
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.
Election Voter Guide
Election day is right around the corner on November 3rd, and you need to know who and what is on your ballot. Check out this quick voter guide to find your exact polling place before heading out to vote.
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.
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.
Cancellation of CDBG-DR Housing Rehabilitation Grant Activity
The township had to cancel an owner-occupied housing rehab program funded by Hurricane Ida relief grants because strict federal rules made local homeowners ineligible.
Meetinghouse Road Sidewalk and ADA Ramp Improvements
Abington is moving forward with bidding for pedestrian and accessibility upgrades along Meetinghouse Road between Sunset Avenue and Westbury Road. These improvements will make walking safer and more accessible for local residents.
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.
Road Salt Mitigation
The council wants to issue an RFP for a road salt management plan, an issue residents have supported. Mitch Gertz will draft it.
Commercial and Mixed-Use Development Relief
A proposal to build a mixed-use structure on Limekiln Pike is up for review, involving requests for reduced green area, parking minimums, and floor heights. This project touches on commercial growth and streetscape design in a low-intensity district.
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.
Monthly Expenditures and Payroll Authorization
The committee authorized more than $3.1 million in bills and $3 million in staff salaries for January 2026. Residents raised questions about how individual employee compensation is detailed in public documents.
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.
Watershed Grant Opportunities and Public Land Resource Allocation
A resident raised concerns about rising water levels and sediment buildup along Tookany Creek causing flooding on Wannamaker Avenue.
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.