Development News for Cheltenham, Pennsylvania

Grant Application Recommended for Coventry Park Pedestrian Connection

The committee considered recommending the adoption of a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program for the Coventry Park pedestrian connection. The proposed project aims to create a pedestrian connection at the intersection of New Second Street and Coventry Road, addressing the current situation where the park's trail dead-ends, requiring pedestrians to walk on Coventry Avenue and New Second Street. The grant application is for $220,000. This connection is understood to be a requirement from PennDOT for a signalized intersection project at New Second Street and Coventry. The resolution was moved and approved.

Church Road Closure Request for Pipe Installation Deferred Due to Short Notice

The committee considered a request from PennDOT for a three-day closure of Church Road to install a stage three pipe crossing. The proposed detour route, intended to minimize traffic disruption, would reroute southbound traffic on Rice's Mill Road to Greenwood Avenue and northbound traffic to Glenside Avenue and Washington Lane. The applicant, Andrew Shields of Alan Myers, stated the request was submitted to PennDOT over a month and a half prior, with PennDOT forwarding the approval requirement to the township only the previous week. Commissioners expressed concerns about the short notice (less than two weeks before the proposed closure on June 15th), lack of a clear detour map provided with the agenda, and historical issues with PennDOT cooperation. Due to these concerns, particularly the inadequate planning and notice, the committee decided to hold the request and asked the applicant to return with a revised plan and sufficient advance notice.

Ribbon Cutting for New Traffic Garden at Thomas Williams Park Announced

The committee received an announcement regarding a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new traffic garden at Thomas Williams Park on June 7th, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. This project, sponsored and funded by the county, transformed an underused space into a traffic garden for children. Julia Deweiler is credited with leading the project. The event will be followed by the first concert at Thomas Williams Park at 5:00 p.m. The county will distribute bike helmets, YJR Outdoors will offer learn-to-ride lessons and a pop-up bike park, and there will be a Mexican food truck, shots of love, and a beer garden. The park has recently seen other improvements, including a new fence. Several individuals and teams, including public works, planning, and Commissioner Stein, were thanked for their contributions.