neighborhood news

Dear neighbors,
See below for notes on the Supervisors meeting last week. Many thanks to Linda Callegari for attending and writing this up. Please note that you are encouraged to express your opinions to the Supervisors but there will not be a meeting arranged for us at the entryway. I will write separately with information about the landscaping and signs for the new entryway.

I've also copied a note below from Kathi Mignone about her jewelry business - call her about holiday gifts!

Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775

This Holiday Season why not treat yourself and your friends to
a Spooktacular Silpada Silver Party! I would love to show
you my entire .925 sterling silver jewelry box. I am available in
mornings and evenings. View my entire line at www.mysilpada.com/
k.mignone or email me at kandylover1@aol.com. I also have
catalogues available upon request..

Have a sterling day,
Kathi Mignone, independent representative for Silpada

Carol,
Just returned from the Township Supervisor's meeting and thought I'd jot a few notes down to share with neighbors:

• Rep. Kate Harper was there and she provided us with information about the sound barriers & what she could find out from Penndot on very little notice.
• According to Kate, Penndot says that the red walls are made of a special material that is designed to reflect the noise since sound will bounce between the two red walls. The roughness of the red brick is part of this sound abatement and therefore, possibly painting them beige would take away the benefit they now have. Kate will ask Penndot about this.
• The beige walls are not designed to the same specifications as the red walls as they do not need to be as reflective of the sound since there are no walls on the Upper Gwynedd side at that location.
• Kate indicated that the current beige walls will be painted red to match the current red brick walls. Evidently, the contract for the paint and labor was let a year ago so it's already in the pipeline and would be expensive to change the order. A neighbor asked whether Penndot would be painting in the white areas to make it look like the same brick as on the current red walls. Kate will check into this.
• The Township thought that as long as the neighborhood was happy with the beige walls on the inside, we would not care one way or another what the road side looked like. They indicated that it was a decision that the Supervisors, Larry Comunale and Upper Gwynedd made with Penndot. One of our neighbors remembers that Penndot indicated that the road side would be a different color/texture.
• Kate indicated that Penndot estimates that it would cost $55,000 to paint the red brick walls beige. This is just a quick estimate and not a firm quote. Due to budget issues, she does  not think they would be willing to spend the money needed to do this.The Supervisors were not sure that Upper Gwynedd would want to paint the walls beige.
• There will be no meeting at the walls with the Supervisors at this point. For those who provided an email at the meeting, the Supervisors will stay in touch with them with the answers that Kate is checking into.
• There were several neighbors present who voiced no problem with the color of the walls. The Township indicated that Upper Gwynedd has not had any complaints from their citizens about the sound barriers at all.
• Kate indicated that we should be glad that we have sound barriers and don't get all upset by the color. She pointed out that sound barriers are very expensive and Penndot is trying to cut down on the use of them wherever they can so we need to be mindful that we are lucky to have them.
• Neither Kate nor the Supervisors knew that the landscape plan from Penndot only provided landscaping & ivy in front of the current beige walls. That the red brick walls will only have ivy planted at the base (street side only).

I'm sorry I could not offer a more positive report. There were about 8 Gwynedd Knoll residents present at the meeting tonight. I don't know if more people would have made a difference in the outcome, but certainly it couldn't have hurt. I encourage you all to send an email to the Supervisors and Kate Harper about how you feel about the sound barriers. They are getting very divergent comments pro and con and so it is not clear in their minds about how we feel. I guess it couldn't get much worse for those of us who hate the red walls.

 

Linda Callegari

linda1600@comcast.net

---

 

neighborhood news - township meeting

Dear neighbors,
There is a regular Lower Gwynedd Township Supervisor's meeting tomorrow night (Tuesday, October 11) at 7:30 pm at the township offices. Several neighbors are planning to attend to bring up the sound wall issues. Please join them if you can. Linda is still requesting a meeting here in the neighborhood - I will keep you posted on that when it occurs.

Also, the Supervisors email addresses have been found - here they are so you can write a note expressing your opinions on the sound walls.

I would also copy Larry Communale as well since he is the point of contact on this issue and he'll be involved too. His email is lcomunale@lowergwynedd.org

 

JRBooth@lowergwynedd.org

Dr. Richard Booth

 

ebrandt@lowergwynedd.org

Edward Brandt

 

khunsicker@lowergwynedd.org

Kathy Hunsicker

 

Mgrey@lowergwynedd.org

Mark Grey

 

Spaccione@lowergwynedd.org

Stephen Paccione

Thank you,

Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775

neighborhood news Halloween

Dear neighbors,
It is time for our annual Halloween parade! Many thanks to Heather, Fran, and Penny for making the plans for us. For those who are new to the 'hood, the children parade down the cul de sac of Turnbury and have treats at the end. See the attached flyer for details - here is the summary:

Date: October 30, 2010

Time: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Location: 1267 Turnbury Lane 

(Turnbury Lane & Tanglewood Road)

Please write to me with any questions. The flyer lists food/snack donation ideas - please write to Heather with your response to that. There will be a costume contest this year too! See you at the parade!

Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775

neighborhood news sound walls

Dear neighbors,
Please see the note below from Linda Callegari. Linda has been heading up the traffic and 202 issues committee for us. She is proposing a meeting and email campaign to change the color of the sound walls. Please read her suggestions and note her email and phone to respond directly to her if you wish to.

I have received many notes from neighbors that are unhappy with the red color walls. One clarification - the township has said in a note since I sent out the last one that ivy will be planted on the walls so the red color will be muted by the green. 

I hope you will take the time to read up and act on this issue.
Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775

Dear Gwynedd Knoll neighbors,

I have been watching the emails fly all over concerning the red sound barriers on 202 and I thought perhaps a coordinated response from individual homeowners in our hood would get the Supervisor's attention and appropriate response. I must say, they always have responded to our requests for meetings and so if we all ask for a meeting at Hancock & 202 some weeknight next week, I'm sure they will oblige. I think it will be absolutely essential that we get an overwhelming turnout to demonstrate our very real concern and our commitment to follow this issue long term. I also think every neighbor needs to send an email/letter to the Supervisors indicating some of the concerns I've outlined below. Certainly, there are other points to be made, but accountability for their decisions on 202, the sound barrier issue, etc.are theirs alone and with this upcoming election, we need to remind them that they "serve" this neighborhood as well as the rest of the Township.

I looked thru my old emails and can find only one Supervisor email. Here are the names of the LGT supervisors and their term expirations (FYI):

Kathleen Hunsicker (12/31/11)

Dr. Richard Booth (12/31/11)

Stephen Paccione (12/31/13)

Mark Grey (12/31/15)

Edward Brandt (12/31/15)

There is virtually no information out there in the local news about who these two supervisors are, what they stand for, what they feel the issues are, how responsive they'll be to their constituents, if things get pissy, I think we need to become a bit more vocal and I would like to think our hood will be willing to speak up and write to these individuals & perhaps the Ambler Gazette.

If you remember, when we asked the Twp to install the barricade at Hancock & 202, both Supervisors Paccione & Grey came out one morning and met with several of the moms in the hood at a time when the kids were standing out there so they could see for themselves the danger in having speeding commuters flying thru our hood. That was a good sign.

I think the vulnerable individuals are Booth and Hunsicker, whom I have never seen in this hood or heard a peep out of either of them on any of our concerns. At meetings where they have been present, you never hear them say anything. I believe Hunsicker is the Vice Chairman of the Supervisors and I think she needs to justify why we should vote for her at this point.She brings nothing to the table for any of her constituents. She basically is a quiet majority vote.

Bottom line, I think we need to contact them all individually with emails and ask them to respond individually so we don't get this group response with no accountability. It's time that they get from behind this group stand and give us a reason to continue to support their future terms on the board. Be prepared to respond to the group response and ask each to reply.

The township website does not offer individual emails for them, but rather lists a generic email for all of them:

supervisors@lowergwynedd.org However, I do have Stephen Paccione's township email: spaccione@lowergwynedd.org . I would think if we email the rest using that format, we can reach them, although Larry C. did tell me that not every supervisor has an email and so he prints them, batches them, and send them hard copies in the mail.

 Key points I think we need to make with these people in an email:

1. Obviously, we do not want the red brick, but rather a beige color that should coordinate with the entire run of the sound barriers on the LGT side. If it is about the surface and having a way for the ivy to "grab" onto the walls, just look at the blue route and their beige walls with tons of ivy growing all over!

2. We should point out that while Penndot views the 202 project at this intersection as two distinct sections, the Township should have recognized this and their job was to make sure there was continuity and conformity of appearance and design. We understand there have been periodic meetings with Penndot and the other interested towns in this section and they represent us and the township at these meetings and should  have been advocating for us, as I'm sure they will say they have been. Our response can then be, why did we have to put in writing to Penndot that we needed some of the shrubs to be moved as a base planting for our entrance and why did we have to ask their Project Managers to correct the disparity between the two sound barriers. One was curved and the other slanted! In my mind, this is what the township should have done on our behalf!~ It then opens the door for us to ask for periodic updates from the Township & coordination with  us on upcoming decisions, before they are made!

3. We should request a meeting with the supervisors at the Hancock entrance this coming week to let us hear from each of them. Most likely, they will send just two, but I think it will speak volumes if it's Paccione & Grey again. In that case, we should  seriously consider why Hunsicker & Booth deserve a second chance. I think having them there looking at those red walls with a large crowd of neighbors will make it very hard for them to cross us. We will have to get the hood out for this to make sure they understand that we all don't like this situation...crowd!!!

4. There is not enough communication with the Township on this project. It isn't like they don't know how to reach us all. Unless we have initiated the request for a meeting, none happens. This is not acceptable. Again, do the supervisors think that unless the constituents request a meeting or contact, they don't owe us the courtesy of informing us of important updates or opportunities to have input on major decisions that affect us? We already have an active committee that contacts Larry C. with issues now and in the past.  This mess is not for our lack of interest, but rather their lack of understanding/recognition that their constituents want to be active participants in decisions that affect the value of the homes here, the quality of life for the people who live here, and the safety and well being of anyone in the township who drives through our neighborhood. Based on this issue alone, we should demand regular, periodic meetings with the supervisors (whomever they choose to be the point people) that are open to all of us in the hood. This issue just blatingly points out that we cannot assume they are acting on our behalf.

5. We should ask them what they are doing to secure funding of the 500 feet that will not be widened at this time. I feel that while we all know there is no funding, it is important for them to acknowledge the problem and give us their plans on what they will do to make sure that our neighborhood remains residential with little cut thru traffic when the project is completed. I think they need to lay out what they have done so far, who they have been talking to, and what each of them feels is needed to be done in light of this situation. According to Larry C. the traffic light at Meetinghouse is tied into the funding for that 500 feet too so this issue goes beyond our hood, it affects all those on Meetinghouse & Foulkways too.

 

I hope this helps everyone to focus on the essential issues, develop their own personal approach to the problem, and act now. I am home over the weekend and will check my email if anyone wishes to "converse" further. You can also reach me at 215-699-8472 (home).

Linda Callegari

1600 Claudia Way (corner of Claudia & Tanglewood)

linda1600@comcast.net

neighborhood news - 202

Dear neighbors,
Please see the 3 notes below regarding 3 issues related to the 202 construction in our neighborhood. If you have not been on 202 at Hancock lately, take a drive or walk over...the sound walls are going up and they are BIG! Several neighbors have been corresponding with the township - I have tried to summarize what I have heard below. Please keep me informed if you have information you would like to share. Many thanks to Linda Callegari who continues to speak up and request information and followup on promises for our neighborhood!

Thank you,

Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775


1. The sound wall appearance: some of the walls have a red brick color and some have a tan color. This note from the township manager explains they will be painted to match - in the red brick color.

From: Craig Mcanally [mailto:cmcanally@lowergwynedd.org]
Sent: Friday, September 30, 2011 4:58 PM
To: Wanger, William; 'mfausto@state.pa.us'
Cc: Larry Comunale
Subject: RE: Route 202/DeKalb Pike Sound Barriers

Bill-

I left you a message earlier-  What you are calling the 3^rd Phase of Sound Walls are being installed and when installed will be painted "in place" to provide uniformity to the entire section.  They will be red brick similar to the previously installed sections as planned. 

 

Craig T. McAnally

Assistant Township Manager

Lower Gwynedd Township

cmcanally@lowergwynedd.org

P- 215-646-5302

F- 215-646-3357

 

2. The section of 202 from Sumneytown Pike to Hancock is called 65S. It is the only section that will be 2 lanes instead of widened to 4. We have expressed concerns many times over the last few years. This is the latest answer when Linda Callegari asked for the status.

From: "Larry Comunale" <lcomunale@lowergwynedd.org>
To: linda1600@comcast.net
Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2011 4:12:09 PM
Subject: RE: To. 202 Question

Linda,

A meeting with the Secretary of Transportation is being scheduled this fall, date TBD, to press our case for Section 65S to move forward.  Representatives from impacted municipalities have been invited.  I do not know the ramifications of splitting up the 65S Project as you suggest but we have gotten the same answer when we have suggested that same thing.  It is all about funding.  There is none.  It is also impacting the installation of a traffic signal at 202 and Meetinghouse.   We will keep you posted of any new developments.  I can assure you the Township will continue to stress the importance of completing 65S to our legislators and to PennDOT. 

Larry 

3. The widening of Welsh Rd and 202, which affects completion of the project and our entryways. PennDot has promised to put plantings at our Hancock entrance when they are done.

Neighbors...I know we are all so tired from the lack of work being done on moving those telephone poles on 202, so I asked my contact to get an update on when we might see some real movement on the project and when we should plan to see our entrance plants put in. I think based upon his response, we have plenty of time to fund raise for new signs so they are ready to go when the plants go in. Hope this helps.

 Linda Callegari

    Claudia Way

Linda - As I suspected, the plantings usually are done toward the end of the project. The area you inquired about should be done the next spring, though some of the final plantings may not be put in until September 2012.

 

Ah, those persistent poles. I do know that Verizon has been out there moving/splicing the wires which is the first step in getting the poles moved. I checked on the pole status last week, and as of the last schedule update provided by Verizon last week, they have the poles on Welsh being moved by mid-October and the poles on DeKalb moved by the end of the month. If they keep to this schedule, the contractor can get back out there right behind them to finish up the widening on the north side of Welsh and the east side of DeKalb. As I said, the presence of Verizon on the job is a good sign.

 

neighborhood news

Dear neighbors,
I have copied below the responses I received about basement waterproofing suggestions. Hope you find them helpful.

I also got news that another car was vandalized in a neighbor's driveway, during the day this time! The window was broken into...fortunately nothing very valuable was in the car. Please continue to lock your cars and call police if you see something suspicious.

See below for a note about a cat that needs a foster home for 6 months...sounds perfect for that child who wants a cat desperately but might tire of taking care of it in six months. (: See if you can help out....

There will be another Garage sale this weekend! Eva O'Brien at 1424 Cambridge Dr. and Sally Weinstein at 1288 Turnbury will have treasures out for you on Saturday, Sept 17 from 8 to 12.  Hope you can stop by!

Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775

We are looking for a temporary "foster home" for our daughter's 2 year old cat. Bennie is small, neutered, black and white cat with a sweet, affectionate temperament. He is current on all of his shots. Our daughter is moving home for approximately 6 months and we would gladly have Bennie stay with us if it were not for our dogs. Two of them are not cat-friendly. If anyone is interested and willing to consider taking Bennie during this time, we would be so grateful.  We would pick up cost of food, litter and any vet expenses that might occur. Please contact Marissa Weber at 267-240-4580 or Sue Weber at 215-699-4205


Basement suggestions:

Carol,  Fran's sump pump is too small for the volume of water coming into her basement slab drain system.  It will probably take a second pump or a bigger pump to correct.  To really be safe you need two pumps, each one with enough capacity to keep up with the water coming in.  Outside drains become really expensive as does waterproofing.  The basic problem is that these houses all sit on shale and water runs quite nicely through shale.  Some are even built on hedge rows which were formerly part of the farmer's drain system.

 

I am considering putting in an emergency, natural gas fired electrical back up system to power the sump pump, security system, refrigerator, gas water heater and hot air heater igniters and fans.  You can also add the stove igniter and microwave.  In this last storm, had we had a power failure our basement would have surely flooded again.

 

These can be purchased on line at Electric Generators Direct, www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com and installed, in our case by our HVAC Contractor that also does work at the plant.  A 7KW unit is about $1900 plus installation.  You can put in larger units if you want to include the Air Conditioning. 

 

Don Sedbury

We used STA-DRY in this house and our last house that was flooded by Hurricane Floyd…Loved them!!

609-344-3300 based in NJ.  From Rhona Fromm

We had flooding in our basement about 7-8 years ago. We chose Mid-Atlantic Waterproofing to install the French drain/double 36" crocks and double sump pumps around the interior perimeter of our basement. http://www.basements.com/

We have had good success with their system. However, I learned to keep an eye on the pumps and battery back-up with up-to-date models & warranty AND to check them for operation several times a year, regardless of how well they appear to be working. One of the pumps failed 2 ½ years ago and water did come in to the basement, teaching me the "keep checking" lesson.

 

If anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to answer what I can.

Elizabeth Dale

neighborhood news

Dear neighbors,
Do you think it will ever stop raining?? Hard to believe that about a month ago we were so dry and wishing for rain.....hope your basements are ok. Please see the note below from Fran, who unfortunately did get water in her basement and would like a recommendation for someone to water proof it. If you had trouble also lately, please let me know and we can compare notes. That last storm was the biggest in a long time so was an exception but would be good to help each other out with information now.

I also got a note about some more vandalism at a house on Uxbridge - damage done to a car parked on the street. It was reported to police. Do let me know if you have any trouble at your house...and continue to report any strange activity to the police.

I got a note from Karen Freeman that she and Tom have sold their home and will be moving to Florida for most of the year. I will really miss Karen - she has been very involved in neighborhood activities as a real estate agent and neighbor. She hosted many progressive dinners and many Christmas parties through the years. She has been a real champion of our beautiful neighborhood when needed and always had an answer to my questions. Many thanks for all that you have done, Karen!  She and Tom are hosting a moving sale this Saturday, Sept 10, starting at 8:00.  They have some nice antiques, some misc. furniture, a complete set of Minton china, the Bellemeade pattern with a service for 12, never used, and lots of odds and ends..  Hope you can stop by.

On the subject of garage sales...Eva O'Brien would like to try again for a sale - the last one got rained out. Anyone interested in joining in next weekend, the 17th? Please let me know if you would like to.

Lastly, I was driving out along 202 today and found that the sound walls have begun to go up south of our Hancock entrance! Looks like they will curve around into the entry way. I don't get out that way often so was surprised. Is anyone having issues with the construction, other than the obvious noise involved?

Thank you,
Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775

Carol-
Can you please email the neighborhood to see if anyone has a basement waterproofing company that they would HIGHLY recommend? We had a flood after Irene, the sump pump never stopped working, so we, obviously, want to find out why and ensure that it never happens again. :)
Thanks and I hope you had a great summer -
Fran Margolis