Development News for Nether Providence, Pennsylvania

EMS Authority Proposal and Public Safety Updates Discussed

Residents Paul Harrington and others expressed appreciation for the response to the stop sign issue at Marway and Avalon, noting increased police visibility and enforcement. Harrington also inquired about an EMS proposal involving a quasi-administrative, non-governmental organization (authority) that would levy a payment on households. Concerns were raised about the lack of discussion on alternatives to this 'authority,' the basis for its financing, and potential cross-subsidization between municipalities, citing an example of Swarthmore's budget increase. The authority structure was explained as allowing for a single oversight board appointed by a consortium of six communities, with the ability to levy a fee to replace property tax funding, potentially lowering the financial burden for residents compared to property taxes. The fee of under $100 per household was discussed, with an estimate of $87. The projected reimbursement from insurance and the need for additional funds via the fee were detailed. The cost of providing EMS to all six municipalities was considered, with a fee structure based on property types and utilization frequency. The decision to form a multi-municipal authority was driven by the need for financial durability and local control, especially after the collapse of Crozer EMS. This model aims to optimize staffing and fleet usage across a larger area, creating economies of scale. Private vendors generally provide interfacility transport, not 911 EMS. The board will have more public comment sessions on the EMS authority. Nether Providence's significant EMS costs due to a nursing home and senior living facilities with Medicare/Medicaid issues were mentioned as a factor, driving 911 calls and necessitating cooperation with neighbors. The working group continues to refine the EMS budget and articles of incorporation, aiming for a potential approval and board appointment in mid-to-late summer, involving a shared meeting of all six municipalities. The fire committee reported ongoing productive conversations with firehouses towards unification. An Eagle Scout candidate explored the need for a flashing light at Spring Haven and East Valley intersection. A proposal was made to update the 'walkable Wallingford plan,' originally drafted over a decade ago, to define future sidewalk improvements and pedestrian mobility projects, potentially involving graduate student expertise and community input.

Township Approves Grant Applications for Park Restoration and Pathway Creation

The township is applying for two grants. The first, Resolution 2026-10, is for the DCED Watershed Restoration Project to continue stream bank restoration in Houston Park, funding zones three and four. The current project, funded by prior grants, has completed zones one and two. The total cost for the proposed project is $316,537, with 85% requested in the grant and a 15% township match. The second grant, Resolution 2026-11, is for the DCED Greenways, Trails, and Restoration Program to create a safe pathway from the Leaper Street entrance of Sappovitz Park to the recreation area. The existing access from Pritchard Street is difficult to navigate. This grant would fund a 750-square-yard path connecting to the Pritchard Street path, including tree removal/replacement, benches, lighting, and an ADA parking spot at Leaper Street. The total estimated cost is $376,050, with a maximum grant award of $250,000, leaving a township match of over $50,000. Both resolutions were approved by the board.

Houston Park Stream Bank Restoration Continues; New Pathway Grant Applied For

The Houston Park stream bank stabilization project is currently under construction, with work progressing well and not interrupting baseball games. The project involves stabilizing the stream bank, and the gravel work has been completed. Separately, the township is applying for a DCED Watershed Restoration Project grant (Resolution 2026-10) to fund zones three and four of the stream bank restoration in Houston Park. This grant, if awarded, would complete the restoration from the bridge area to the Providence Road trailhead. The cost is $316,537 with an 85% grant request and 15% township match. Another grant application, Resolution 2026-11, is for the DCED Greenways, Trails, and Restoration Program to create a safe pathway within Sappovitz Park from the Leaper Street entrance to the recreation area, addressing a difficult-to-navigate hillside. This project includes a 750-square-yard path, tree work, benches, lighting, and an ADA parking spot, with an estimated cost of $376,050 and a grant request of $250,000.

Township to Address School Lane Repaving After PICO Gas Main Work

A resident, Joe McGee, requested that the township contact PICO to repave the entire width of School Lane, rather than just to the centerline, following PICO's gas main pipe replacement work. The township engineer, Charles, has been in contact with PICO, and the township typically accepts a contribution in lieu of PICO repaving half the street to perform curb-to-curb resurfacing. The township will await PICO's completion and reimbursement figures to determine the next steps, acknowledging that a bidding process for any additional paving work by the township will follow, potentially delaying the complete resurfacing until the annual paving program, likely in the spring. The process for PICO's work involves reconnection to all houses, potential delays if property owners are unresponsive, and a required resting period for the trench before restoration, estimated to take two to three months in a best-case scenario. The township's annual paving program bundles roads for better pricing and will incorporate any agreed-upon repaving. Public Works confirmed that township vehicles and equipment are maintained on schedule, storm water inlet repairs are ongoing, and sanitary sewer maintenance is being performed. A sinkhole at Spring Haven and a road location remained ongoing, with a contractor repairing joints and filling the sinkhole; paving will occur once the backfill settles. Storm pipe repair along Osborne and Rose Valley Roads is expected to begin, addressing broken sections causing sinkholes. Road painting and street sign replacement are in progress. Leaf composting has commenced, and bag leaf collection, mulch deliveries, and trash removal are ongoing.