Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Abington public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues
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.
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.
Swimming Pool Complex Feasibility Study
The draft study by Simone Collins on the future of the township's swimming pool complex was scheduled for presentation. It could shape a major recreation investment decision in coming months.
155 Washington Lane Assessment Appeal Settlement
A settlement of a property assessment appeal involving 155 Washington Lane was scheduled for approval, with the township's law firm authorized to sign.
Proposed Traffic Calming Policy
A traffic safety ordinance was scheduled for advertisement, adding stop signs at intersections including Spruce Avenue, Buck Hill Drive, and McFadden Drive, and new parking restrictions on Edgehill, Colonial, and Grovania avenues.
Hope and Help Network CDBG Extension
A contract extension was scheduled to continue the Hope and Help Network's 2025 community development block grant work through May 21, 2027.
Roslyn Community Center Planning
The Board was scheduled to advertise an RFP for planning and design of the township Community Center in Roslyn — an early step in a major community facility project.
Ward 13 Commissioner Vacancy Appointment
A resolution was scheduled to fill the vacant Ward 1 seat on the Board of Commissioners. Whoever is chosen will vote on township matters on behalf of Ward 1 residents.
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.
Fall Community Tree Events and Volunteer Coordination
A slate of November volunteer events — plantings at Ardsley Park, Briar Bush, and in honor of Joe Ascenzi, plus invasive removals at Edge Hill Woods and Hallowell Park — was on the calendar.
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.
Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Budget
Abington's proposed FY2027 budget was scheduled to be presented and considered for advertising, the step that opens the spending plan to public scrutiny before final adoption. The details — services, staffing, capital projects, and any tax implications — matter to every township household.
SPS Technologies Facility Reconstruction and Land Development Waiver
The commission was scheduled to receive an update on the SPS land development review, which touches on how tree and shade requirements factor into a proposed development.
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.
PRIDE crosswalk at Abington Library
The commission was scheduled to discuss a PRIDE crosswalk at the Abington Library, a visible community inclusion project.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
MLK Jr. Day partnership with Willow Grove NAACP
The commission is waiting to hear back from Tony at the NAACP about collaborating on MLK Jr. Day; the NAACP's October 18 banquet may be a chance to connect.
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.
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.