Concerned residents submitted a letter today encouraging Abington Township officials to consider a different path forward regarding the potential rebuild of the SPS Technologies facility in Jenkintown.
The letter calls attention to the disaster’s impact on the surrounding community, the Greater Glenside Civic Association’s survey’s results, a history of SPS’ environmental activities, air/water/soil quality, and the facility’s tax impact.
An excerpt:
According to Montgomery County property records and discussions with members of the Township Board of Commissioners, SPS pays approximately $23,000 in township property taxes and $145,000 in school taxes annually on its 31.74 acre property.14 In addition, under the Local Tax Enabling Act, SPS Technologies is exempt from and pays no local business taxes because it operates as a manufacturing business. If the SPS property were to be used for another purpose, the financial impact on residents’ taxes could be minimal, and other uses for the property have the potential to significantly increase the Township’s tax base. A township commissioner has stated that taxes will not be raised on account of SPS not rebuilding, should they choose to do so.
The letter concludes with recommendations which would include a quote regarding the recommendations if SPS does/does not rebuild, as well as “a comprehensive and transparent cleanup” which prioritizes open space:
SPS, DEP and the Township should commit to a thorough dismantling, demolition, and remediation process—one that prioritizes public safety in all phases of operation, adheres to rigorous environmental testing and cleanup standards, and maintain open and ongoing communication with input from the Township’s Environmental Advisory Council, Shade Tree Commission, and the public regarding the site’s future use. The property could be transitioned into mixed-use, shared between commercial properties and new green space. In those circumstances, the Township should consider partnering with the DEP through its Brownfields to Playfields program to expand the green space and tree canopy coverage in what is currently all impervious surface. Such an approach is consistent with the recommendations to expand Township open space and reduce paved surfaces set forth in the Master Tree Action Plan15 and Comprehensive Recreation, Open Space, and Parks Plans, which were adopted by the Board of Commissioners.
The letter is below:
In related news, Glenside Fresh Start told Glenside Local that new information will soon be added to their website which outlines the benefits of community gathering spaces, particularly with regards to children.
“In ‘The Anxious Generation’ by Jonathan Haidt, he talks about how the lack of community gathering spaces is negatively affecting our children, making them more scared, less empowered, and less prepared to be adults,” Colby Keyser, lead organizer, said. “He suggests mixed use spaces where kids can safely gather, play, and enjoy nature. We don’t have many community gathering spaces in our township, and this space would be an exemplary place for that.”
Keyser said possibilities include a pedestrian downtown with a park and commercial district which would function as “a safe space for kids, teens and adults, and an incredible way to welcome people into our township.”
Glenside Fresh Start invites interested residents to sign their change.org petition and call local representatives, including Madeleine Dean’s office in Washington, DC (202-225-4731).
For our previous interview with Glenside Fresh Start, you can click here.
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