Let's use maps to have better conversations. And let's build local communities by talking about shared opportunities as well as concerns.
September 19, 2024 - Steve's Jenkintown Update
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Hi Reader, Sorry I didn't get an email out for the last couple of months. I hope you are well. Tonight at Borough Hall is an important meeting at 7 pm. It's about parking. We're looking for opportunities and solutions to make parking better (as opposed to complaints). Some core areas relate to municipal code, permit parking and digital payments. As of September 15, our bank no longer takes quarters. KudosI think Borough staff, committees and my fellow Council members are doing a good job. There are so many people doing a good job and putting their best efforts into Jenkintown (and Abington). I could write a very long email about this. Living in Jenkintown is a group effort, whether we are elected or volunteers. But let me just give you one example of what I am happy about. Not only is Borough Council getting information packets ahead of council meetings, our Manager is making sure pdfs are shared with the public as well. One thing I have learnedCouncil is largely a legislative body. Because laws cost time and money to enforce, if they are even enforceable, we should consider codes as just one tool towards achieving goals we want as a society. Civility begins with the words we speak to one another, online, in public or private. It also involves figuring out where people are coming from and developing relationships. Civility doesn't begin with legislation. Brian Russo gave a sermon about the power of words last week that you can read here. So much is happening in JenkintownHere's a map. We have a lot of development going on. And Abington is doing great work in imporving pedestrian connectivity with Jenkintown. Here are some pics along Washington Lane. Thanks Jenkintown Community Alliance & BoroughThe Arts Fest was a huge success. Final notesCouncil is waiting to be updated about a safety review DCED offered to do after news coverage from January meetings. And budget season is coming up. I'm excited about the upcoming election. Let's all vote! Have a good day! Steve Ward 1 Borough Council Member |
Steve Spindler
Let's use maps to have better conversations. And let's build local communities by talking about shared opportunities as well as concerns.
Hi Reader, Last night Jenkintown Borough Council moved to advertise the updated Borough Parking Ordinance. I want to express my appreciation to everyone: Residents who invested time into coming up with solutions, Borough staff who answered questions, business and property owners who sought clarification, and fellow council members. Last night, Cedar Street residents spoke with clarity about their concerns and advocated for a solution. Thank you. Communication is a process If you were to get...
Hi Reader, Some background To help make sense of things, I make maps. We (the Borough in public meetings) have been talking about parking over the last 9 months. Basically, we put together a comprehensive ordinance to address a lot of problems with the current ordinance. This email is to try to answer some questions and deal with misconceptions. My personal map made from proposed code revisions. As I write this, I got an email as well as another email complaining about a lack of response. I...
Hi Reader, I realize not everyone wants these emails, so feel free to unsubscribe at the end of this email. Sometimes we ask questions to ponder whether there is a better solution. If someone in the Borough asks, "What would be better than we have now?" Does this question mean that what we currently have is bad? No. You can just be curious. Walking meetups Walking is a way to talk about problems and options that might lead to improvements. I want to follow up from last week, first by saying...