Politics & Government

Eagle Scout Honored by Limerick Board

The supervisors also discussed the Raven's Claw development, other issues at first October meeting.

The Limerick Board of Supervisors took some time to recognize a local Boy Scout at Tuesday's meeting.

Paul Bowman recently attained the rank of Eagle Scout after completeing a project to collect food for the food pantry at the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities Cluster Outreach Center. 

Board chair Kara Shuler read into the record Resolution 2012-19, recognizing Bowman's work and commending him for earning such a high honor.

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The board also congratulated Limerick Fire Company for winning three first-place trophies during the Firemen's Assocation of the State of Pennsylvania convention.

Shuler, reading from a press release, said that Rescue 54 won first place in the categories Best Appearing & Equipped Heavy Rescue Manufactured by KME, Best Appearing & Equipped Heavy Rescue in Montgomery County and Best Appearing & Equipped Heavy Rescue in the State of Pennyslvania.

Find out what's happening in Limerick-Royersford-Spring Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Raven's Claw Development

The board spent some time discussing what to do about the unfinished roads in the Raven's Claw development. The developer has asked that the roads be dedicated to the township as public roads. 

Several months ago, the township declared developer Dewey homes in default for failing to finish public improvements. Since then, the developer has been working with the township, but the escrow remains underfunded. 

Normally, explained solicitor Joseph McGrory, the township would not consider taking roads for dedication before they're complete, but Dewey Homes has some of the necessary funds now. 

"While we are hesitant to accept roads [for dedication] while they are still under construction, this might be our best shot at getting these roads done and cleaned up," McGrory said. 

Supervisor Tom Neafcy agreed, "The residents are taxpayers. They're paying taxes and not getting the services that they would if they lived on a public road."

"This solves the neighbors' concerns, guarantees the improvements get put in, and hopefully the amount that we hold back will be enough," McGrory said. 

Township Building Sign

Township manager Dan Kerr showed three preliminary sketched for a new township building sign that will incorporate a new electronic message board. 

All three designs are comprised of a brick base, electronic sign and Plexiglass upper sign. 

"We still have to go through some details," Kerr said, including how to light the top part of the sign and what colors to use. 

The electronic message sign will bring "more visibility," said supervisor Joseph St. Pedro. "We can put things like community days, blood drives, Santa Claus [appearances] up there."

Land Development

The board heard two requests for input on land development in the township. 

Frank Acuna, owner of Fine Lawns and Gardens, appeared before the board to ask for permission to expand his business into lawnmower repair. Acuna's business is on North Lewis Road. 

Acuna told the board that all of his repair activities will be conducted indoors, and there will not be pieces of equipment sitting on his property. 

He also agreed to complete streetscaping as required by the Lewis Road overlay district. 

Jeff Welsh of Welsh Subaru also spoke to the board about expanding his business into the adjoining lot, should he be able to purchase it from its current owner. 

Welsh wanted to know, before he begins negotiating with the property's owner, whether the same rules that currently govern his car dealership could be applied to the new property, if an agreement of sale can be reached.

The question caused some discussion among board members. 

Neafcy said, "We're blowing out our brand-new zoning ordinance," in reference to the new Main Street Zoning District that was recently passed. 

The new zoning dsitrct has stricter rules on streetscaping and roadside displays.

"I'm not against anyone expanding their business, but we have this new ordinance in place," Neafcy said.

Supervisor Elaine DeWan said, "I understand [Neafcy's] point, but we should look at cases individually."

The board consensus was that they would not oppose variances requested by Welsh but that the properties would have to be combined by a deed of consolidation.

"If you subdivide," McGrory told Welsh, "you have to comply with the current ordinance." 

Sunset Road

Cheryl Imes, during the public comment portion of the meeting, thanked the board for finally getting the traffic light at Sunset Road and Ridge Pike re-timed. 

Several people had complained to the township that the light was too long and traffic was backing up on Ridge Pike. 

Kerr said that one of the sensors on the light was faulty and was being triggered by sun glare. This would cause the traffic light to change as if a car was on Sunset Road waiting to turn onto Ridge Pike. 

The faulty sensor was replaced. Imes said the traffic flow is "a lot better."


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