Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Abington public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
30 issues with medium priority
Zoning Map Corrections Across 13 Wards
A public hearing was scheduled on an ordinance updating the township's official zoning map. Zoning map changes can affect what can be built on affected properties.
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.
Automated Red-Light Enforcement Program
Two items were scheduled: adoption of Ordinance No. 2247 on program expiration rules and Amendment No. 6 to the township's contract with camera vendor Sensys Gatso USA.
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.
Human Relations Commission Outreach and Community Programming
The commission was scheduled to consider translating its HRC web page and adding a digital form for filing complaints. This would make it easier for non-English-speaking residents to report discrimination concerns.
Human Library Event Planning
Bonnie was scheduled to present plans for a January "Human Library" event, modeled on similar events in Doylestown and Swarthmore, to be hosted at the Abington library before construction begins.
MLK Jr. Day Community Celebration
Michele and Tiffany were slated to lead planning for the January Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, which in past years has included events at the high school.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Adult literacy program
With $20,000 in new funding, the adult literacy program keeps producing wins — students earning nursing test prep, driver's licenses, and CDLs, including one who became an Abington School District bus driver. A June 15 reception is planned.
State aid increase and library finances
State aid jumped 7% to about $257,000 and the annual appeal raised nearly $51,000 — its best year in three. Some budget categories, like maintenance and periodicals, ran over in 2025.
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.
Code Enforcement and Citation Concerns
A local property owner raised concerns regarding excessive citations and legal fees resulting from code enforcement actions after a lightning strike damaged his swimming pool.
Meeting Document Transparency and Public Notice Windows
Civic association representatives raised concerns that meeting packets and documents are posted too late for residents to review and comment effectively, citing a packet posted over Labor Day weekend.
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.
Implicit bias training with police department
Commission members Justin Williams and Monique Allen will run an implicit bias training on September 30 at 7 p.m. for the Montco Youth Aid Panel, part of ongoing HRC-Abington Police cooperation.
Ordinance revision discussions with Tri-State
The commission plans to invite Liz from Tri-State to a future meeting to discuss ordinance revisions — a step that could shape local human relations enforcement.
Keswick Avenue SEPTA Bridge Underpass Mural Project
Arcadia University and the Glenside Civic Association are bringing fresh artwork to the Keswick Avenue underpass. The murals will celebrate local history and nature on both sides of the bridge connecting Abington and Cheltenham.
2027 Pension Funding Obligations
The township must set aside roughly $6.85 million for its three pension plans next year. The good news: the total is down $12,000 after last year's $2 million jump, so no new budget pressure.
Willow Grove mall tax assessment and sale
The township paid a $700,000 tax assessment for the Willow Grove mall in July, just before the property was sold. Settlement closes at the end of August, which may affect future tax revenues.
2027 Township Budget and Environmental Initiatives
The EAC is asking for 2027 funding for a climate action plan, ICLEI membership, a student fellowship, and more — plus a part-time energy manager recommendation going to the township budget.
School Safety and Parking
Abington residents packed a recent town hall to demand urgent school safety upgrades and hash out frustrating local parking headaches. Locals want fast action from town leaders to protect students and fix neighborhood congestion.
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.
Ardsley Community Center Lease Extension
The township extended its lease with the school district for the popular Ardsley community center property through September. Officials are working through final legal details for a longer-term agreement.
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.
HRC Ordinance Refinement
After the Tri-State HRC coalition meeting, the commission plans training and a review of its own enabling ordinance with expert Liz Bradbury.
National Night Out logistics
The commission is staffing National Night Out on August 3, with volunteers split between shifts and a request for Justin to power wash the tent.