Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Abington public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in environment
Bird City Network and Briar Bush reforestation grant
Resolution No. 26-035 was scheduled to authorize a PECO Green Region grant application for invasive plant management and native plant restoration at Briar Bush.
Montco 2040 Grant for Invasive Plant Management
The commission was to discuss where invasive plants should be removed and how to coordinate the work with township staff, building on recent efforts at Briar Bush and other parks.
Heritage Tree Program and New Homeowner Outreach
Philadelphia Couples Therapy proposed a corporate sponsorship that would provide trees to new homeowners, expanding canopy in newly occupied homes.
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.
Fall native plant sale at Abington Township Library
The fall plant sale is set for September 26 with 200 plants, supporting Bird Town habitat efforts. A Bird Town grant was received by Briar Busch.
EV Charging Station Infrastructure Expansion
Bids for township EV charging stations came in too high, so the township is rebidding with fewer locations. Installations must be done by year's end, and the EAC may chip in financially once revised bids arrive.
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.
Keswick Village tree removal and replanting
Keswick Village plans to remove unhealthy trees along its main road and has hired a landscape architect. The commission's tree expert agrees the trees are in poor shape but wants the replanting plan to include money for long-term care.
Penmore Place HOA tree canopy decline
A 15-home HOA near the Rydal train station has about 13 acres with a thinning canopy and invasive-species problems. The Commission is stepping in to review the property and help build a long-term care strategy — its first-ever HOA partnership.
Municipal Composting and Recycling Outreach
EAC volunteers ran an eco-friendly craft table at the library pop-up event and will bring recycling activities to Pre-Night Out on August 3.
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.
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.
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.