neighborhood news

Dear neighbors,

See below for a couple of different notes/requests from the 'hood. The first is a request for a referral for a siding company and the second note is about a program to introduce opera to children...an unusual and wonderful idea! They are working to keep music in the Philadelphia schools or available to the children through other venues. Please respond directly to Lynn if you are able to recommend a siding company.
Thank you!

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

Hi Carol

This is Lynn from 1617 Stonington. We are looking to remove our stucco and go with a cementitious siding.  I was wondering if anyone could recommend a company for siding please? We are having a hard time trying to get someone who is skilled for an exterior remodel.

Thanks

O'Dells

267 408 3134

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <juliafwagner@aol.com>
Date: Wed, Jul 17, 2013 at 2:45 AM
Subject: For our neighborhood - Fwd: Children's Opera Box campaign
To: gwyneddknoll@gmail.com

Hello Carol - I wanted to pass on this information below about a wonderful program my very good friend, Paula Rivera started a few years ago, to provide musical "Opera" education and inspiration in the schools, starting in the Philadelphia schools, and expanding last year -- by demand -- into the suburbs, Plymouth Meeting Friends is the closest to us so far, but Wissahickon was in talks last year as well.  The response to this program has been exceptional.  I am sure you have all been following the horror of the cuts to budget and programs in the Philadelphia schools -- but many may not know they have totally cut out ALL music programs, including band, choir, any musical instrument lessons --- ALL music gone from the schools. Do you know that there has been a hunger strike in the city protesting these extreme and inequitable cuts?   Isn't this just heartbreaking?  This program has the backing of the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Opera, and Paula is a singer in the opera.  It relies on the volunteerism of these professional singers passionate about the value of arts for children, and for enriching disadvantaged communities.

 

Please pass this on, and hopefully it will touch you all, and inspire you all, as it did me!  Thank you, Julia Wagner, 1417 Tanglewood Drive

-----Original Message-----
From: Paula Rivera <poli_zf@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wed, Jul 17, 2013 12:54 am
Subject: Children's Opera Box campaign

Dear friends,

As some of you know, I am the Artistic Director of Children's Opera Box, an educational Opera Company with the goal of bringing opera to children of all ages, especially those that would otherwise no have the chance to experience it.

We have launched a fundraising campaign through Indiegogo to fund our newest production, Rossini's Cinderella. Please follow the link below to find out about our program and our goal and consider donating if you are able. And even if you are not able to donate, please share this link with your friends. It will help us very much!

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/456949/wdgi/3860946

We believe that music and arts education are for EVERYONE and are working hard to do our part to make it happen.

Thank you very much!!!

Paula

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/456949/wdgi/386094

Paula Rivera-Dantagnan, mezzo-soprano

Artistic Director, Children's Opera Box

neighborhood news - 202

Dear neighbors,

Please see below for an email from Kate Harper and Gwen's response regarding the landscaping on 202.

Thank you to those who have written to express their opinions.

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

Dear neighbor, 

Below is Kate Harper's email that she requested we share along with my response.  It remains perplexing and frustrating that the other townships of this by-pass enjoy the aesthetics in addition to the ease of travel and we are denied the aesthetics. While I understand the costs involved in the sound wall, it was a necessity due to the proximity of many of our homes to the 4 lane highway adjacent to us and should not be held against us in finishing the aesthetic part of this project. 

Gwynedd Knoll is our home and we take pride in our properties. The entrance is a reflection of that home. Currently that reflection is not the positive image we work hard to project. For those who wish to respond to Kate (and I truly hope many of you do) her email address is kharper@pahousegop.com.

Best wishes,

Gwen Douse

------------------------------------

Kate's email:

Dear Gwen, Linda and neighbors at Gwynedd Knoll:

 

As you know, I have been working to address the issues that have been weighing on your minds with regard to all of the issues surrounding the 202 construction, including the landscaping along the sound walls and the entryway to the Gwynedd Knoll community.

 

Most of my constituents report being pleased with the new road, the easing of traffic congestion in the area, particularly at the intersection of Routes 202 and 63, the new biking/walking trail, and the ease with which drivers can bypass mall traffic and Route 309. 

 

I recognize that you and your neighbors find the color of the noise wall and the landscaping unacceptable.  I have tried to work through these issues (and some remaining storm water issues) on your behalf, persuading PENN DOT to replant the ivy inadvertently destroyed.

 

I have spoken with, and continue to have a dialogue with The Executive Director of District 6 of PA DOT and he has responded to our requests in a timely manner.

 

I was notified, and an email was sent by Brian Early at PA DOT on July 2, 2013 that as of Friday, June 28^ththe grass was cut, the planting beds were weeded, and the ivy WAS replanted. It will take some time to grow, of course.

 

Naturally, there's a limit to what PENN DOT's contractors and budget are able to do.  I don't think they can meet your aesthetic concerns (although we continue to work out storm water issues.)   I acknowledged that the plantings at the entrance were in PENN DOT's right of Way and were a casualty of the construction. 

 

Have you spoken with the Township and your neighbors about the adoption of the area for plantings and maintenance to your standards? I know we discussed this possibility at the meeting at the Township Building.  Perhaps a group of interested neighbors could take responsibility for the plantings at Hancock Road that were in PENN DOT's right of way and which were removed for the construction.  Perhaps the neighbors could contribute to a fund to hire a landscaper.

 

I do want to share that the costs for this project, just to keep the funding issues in perspective.

 

Soundwall Costs:

 

Wall across from Gwynedd Knoll on the southbound side of 202:                                    $ 523,000

Wall on the Gwynedd Knoll side, south of Hancock (NB side)                                            $ 388,500

Wall on the Gwynedd Knoll side, north of Hancock (NB side all the way to Welsh):  $ 1,904,000

 

                       Total:   $ 2,815,500

 

The costs for the offline improvements to ensure that the surrounding roads could handle the additional traffic during this construction, as well as realignment of intersections that were necessary exceeded $3 Million dollars.  Some of the improvements included intersectional improvements for Evans road as a parallel route, and of course, the realignment of Meeting House Road.   

 

These additions to this project, were advocated for and lobbied for funding by me to the Transportation Secretary to ensure that your needs were met.  Overall, the improvements of route 202 from the State of Delaware to Route 611 in Doylestown (originally planned to go to the State of New Jersey) have already cost $1.12 Billion.  As you know, the project is not yet complete, but your section of the project is rapidly coming to a close.  

 

I am sorry if the vision you have for the entry way to Gwynedd Knoll does not match what PENN DOT can afford at this point.  I again suggest that you work with your neighbors and the township to Adopt this area.  If you do determine a time when you would be doing this work, please let me know, I would love to come and offer my assistance if my schedule allows.

 

 

Rep. Kate M. Harper, Esq.

610-277-3230

610-270-1677 (FAX)

 

--------------------------------

My response:

Dear Kate, 

Thank you for your response which will be shared with the neighbors.

We certainly understand the costs and the hard work involved in this project.

I think we can agree that this project benefits the residents of ALL the surrounding counties, as well as thru-traffic. 

We are happy for our northern neighbors and Hope Lane who, in addition to the ease if their commute, also enjoy the aesthetics of this mammoth project as well. 

That being said, we understand Penn Dot now controls  the property at our entrance and as residents we can't even replace our Gwynedd Knoll  ground/entrance sign (not even sure where it is) as it would interfere with maintenance. We would have to spend $3,000 for a wall sign and obtain  a multitude of approvals.  

We understand that the original landscape design may not be possible at this point (hopefully it will in the future), but our request for 6-8 shrubs and perennials on either side of the main entrance and ivy along the length of the wall does not seem unreasonable and would make a difference. Perhaps the township could help out through its tree bank.
Thank you again for your consideration in helping to restore greenery to this vital part of our township.

Best wishes,
Gwen Douse

neighborhood news

Dear neighbors,

Please see the note and photos below from Gwen Douse regarding the lack of landscaping on 202. Emails for our township officials are included if you would like to voice your opinion.

Thank you,

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

Dear neighbors,

Below is an updated message concerning 202/landscaping sent to our public officials as well as current photos.  These officials represent us and have a responsibility to support us. Most of 202 highway has been landscaped very nicely. It is perplexing as to why our section has been left out.

Also below are these officials' email addresses. Your continued support will ultimately make the difference.

 

Board of Supervisors ; sgreenleaf@pasen.gov ; L. Comunale ; BEARLY@pa.gov ; kateharper@pahousenews.com

 

Best wishes,

Gwen Douse

 

MESSAGE TO OFFICIALS:

From: Gwen Douse

Sent: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 10:45 PM

To: Board of Supervisors ; sgreenleaf@pasen.gov ; L. Comunale ; BEARLY@pa.gov ; kateharper@pahousenews.com

Subject: update-202

 

As part of our efforts to keep you apprised of our situation with 202/landscaping, below are pictures taken this week. As you can see  Photos 1 and 2 show the deplorable entrance that has been left to us-(the abandon tire has still not been removed). Our Gwynedd Knoll sign was removed and never replaced, as well as our shrubs and flowers that graced our lovely entrance to Gwynedd Knoll, which is one of the larger neighborhoods in our township. Also the ivy that was promised has not yet been planted.

 

Photo 3 was taken in the adjacent neighborhood, on Hope Lane. As you can see, there is not only one row, but a double row of evergreens that were planted inside the wall for that small neighborhood, that few people even get to see or enjoy. Photo 4 is in the area of 202 and 63 where lovely shrubs and flowers were planted. Many of us have now taken rides up the 202 highway and above our area it is beautiful.

 

For all that has been done for others on this landscaping, we are asking that you find a way to complete the little bit that is left. Please find a way to improve the appearance of our entry way, by replacing the shrubs, flowers, and Gwynedd Knoll sign that was taken during construction. And please find a way (possibly Hope Lane could spare a few evergreens) to add the remaining trees along 202, adjacent to Gwynedd Knoll, north and south of Hancock.

 

Thank you for your continued concern and attention to this matter.

Best wishes,

Gwen Douse

neighborhood news - recycling

Dear neighbors,

Please see the attached document about a Hazardous Waste recycling opportunity this Saturday at Temple Ambler. Good chance to get rid of that nasty stuff hiding in your garage! The poster tells you what you can and cannot bring.

There is also Electronic Recycling At Montco Community College on Sat. June 29 - next week.

Hope you find these helpful.

Happy summertime!

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

Hazardous Recycling at Temple Amber Campus on June 22

neighborhood news

Dear neighbors,

Please see the update on the landscaping of 202 below...weeding is going to happen!

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

 

Dear neighbors,

Please see below from Kate Harper's assistant, a message sent from Brian Early, Penn DOT representative. Weeding will take place on Thursday along our stretch of 202 with special attention to Hancock entrance (our pictures did pay off!). No starting date for the ivy replacement that will occur as a result of ivy that was ripped out by the maintenance crew previously.

 

We have made a step in the right direction, but this is just a start. The attractive landscaping plan for our entrance and along the sound walls that was shown to us at one of our township meetings, then subsequently cut due to cut in budget, must be reinstated. We once had a lovely entrance at Hancock. Our entrance area shrubs and flowers were ripped out by Penn DOT when the highway was constructed. There were beautiful trees along 202 adjacent to Gwynedd Knoll which are now also gone due to that construction.  For the benefit of aesthetics to our neighborhood and passing motorists, as well as real estate value since first impressions do count when prospective buyers enter our neighborhood to look at a house, we must continue our efforts to restore the budget for landscaping.  The township and our elected officials need to take up our cause, just as seems to be evident in the lovely greenery and pathways along 202 bypass in the northern townships. I do agree with one neighbor's comment that our township officials' support would also make a difference. We were told in the fall about the possibility of the township using the township's tree bank, as well as a promise by the township that contact would be made to Rhoads Garden Center (possibly other local nurseries) for their help in supplementing the landscaping. No further information has been sent to date concerning these suggestions.

 

The more who make this continued effort to restore the landscaping plan at our Hancock entrance and along our stretch of 202, the louder our voices will be heard.  Again below are the email addresses for these individuals who we need to contact for their support.

 

Thank you,

Gwen Douse

 

TOWNSHIP:

 

Lower Gwynedd Board of Supervisors

supervisors@lowergwynedd.org

 

Township Manager-Larry Comunale

lcomunale@lowergwynedd.org

 

 

PENN DOT:

 

Brian Early/Penn DOT Rep

BEARLY@pa.gov

 

 

STATE REPRESENTATIVES:

 

State Rep. and Penn DOT Liaison-Kate Harper

kateharper@pahousenews.com

 

State Senator Stewart Greenleaf

sgreenleaf@pasen.gov

 

 

 

 

From: Kathy Ruschi
Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2013 2:38 PM
To: gdouse@comcast.net; linda1600@comcast.net
Cc: Kate Harper
Subject: Maintenance update

Good Afternoon –

 Rep Harper just heard back from PA DOT and will continue to work with Brian Early to ensure that the Ivy is planted as planned.

 

From Brian Early:

 

PENN DOT will have people out on Thursday (weather dependent) to cut and weeding along the entire project area.  They were told to pay special attention to the Hancock Road area.

 

As for the ivy – their landscaper informed them that it is out of season to plant the ivy.  They are discussing if it will be detrimental to plant now – they will get back to us with an answer asap.

 

 

 

Kathy Rusch

District Office Manager

Rep. Kate M. Harper, Esq.

610-277-3230

610-270-1677 (FAX)

 

The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you received this information in error, please contact the sender and delete the message and material from all computers.

neighborhood news

Dear neighbors,

I have received a couple of letters similar to the one below, suggesting taking pictures of the offending landscaping and sending them to the LG board and Kate Harper's office. Please go ahead and use your smartphone camera and send off a note if you are interested!

Please also see the notes below asking for Girl Scout manuals and tree pruners.

Thank you - hope your basements are staying dry in all this rain!

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


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Judith Lipson <jlmarzi@aol.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 11:01 AM
Subject: Re: neighborhood news
To: Gwynedd Knoll Garden Club <gwyneddknoll@gmail.com>


I suggest taking several photos of the areas of concern and sending them to Lower Gwynedd Township and Kate Harper, The entrance to Gwynedd Knoll at Hancock is the worst of the areas. It contains a disposed tire rim! I do not have the equipment to take the photos. "A picture is worth a thousand words".

Until the situation is resolved, it will be necessary to continue communicating with the state representatives and the township. I believe the Township plays a critical role in any resolution.

David Kunin

dhkunin@yahoo.com


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <linda1600@comcast.net>
Date: Jun 8, 2013 10:24 AM
Subject: Girl Scout Books Needed

I would appreciate borrowing the following Girl Scout books to use in creating activities & programs for Girl Scouts at my workplace, Pennypacker Mills: Daisies, Brownies, Cadettes, and Seniors. I would be happy to pick them  up from families and return them within a week. My email is linda1600@comcast.net or cell 215-206-0130.

Much thanks!

Linda Callegari

I was wondering if anyone knows of a decent tree pruner whose prices are not sky high?
Thanks
Virginia Samhouri
  vsamhouri@gmail.com

neighborhood news

Dear neighbors,
I received three notes below for you all to review. Several neighbors did write to Kate Harper about the 202 landscaping. She is posting a response from Kate and more. Please read and decide whether you want to take more action. Many thanks to those who have spoken up!

Secondly, this quick note from Jo-Anne Ward:
My son, Nicholas, just graduated from La Salle College High School and is looking for work.If anyone needs a babysitter, dog sitter, gardener, errand runner, etc, give him a call. Nicholas Ward 215-661-1303

Lastly, see the bottom note about a college application help company highly recommended.

Congrats to all the high school grads in the neighborhood!!

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

Dear neighbors,
Below is my response to the attached letter sent by Kate Harper, our representative. I find it unacceptable the way this highway has been left to us. Proceeding north of 63, the highway is beautiful, filled with lovely greenery, as well as nicely maintained. At our end, we literally and figuratively just hit a brick wall that is full of weeds, gravel, and sparse plantings lined along it. Now we are told there is no budget for us, yet the rest of the highway looks splendid. This situation affects us all. It is a deplorable entrance to our beautiful neighborhood and a black eye to our township.  At this point, I would appreciate a dialogue through this neighbor email on suggestions on how to proceed. We need to unite to solve this neighborhood problem. Petition? Meeting? All ideas are greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much!
Best wishes,
Gwen Douse

RESPONSE TO KATE


Dear Kate,
We thank you for you help with the 202 highway. Travelling on it north of 63
it is beautiful-lined with greenery, bike paths, maintained gardens. Once
you cross over 63 on the Lower Gwynedd side, we literally meet that brick
wall. There are weeds and very few shrubs. It saddens me what an eyesore it
is. Neighbors, lacking professional experience with highway landscaping,
trying to maintain that small strip along the wall could become involved in
a potentially dangerous situation.
Mr. Comunale had agreed to contact Rhoads garden center and consider the use
of township trees. We look forward to information about that. We greatly
appreciate your help and support, as well as Senator Greenleaf's, as our
elected representatives, in restoring the ivy lost as well as helping to
find the funds moving forward to restore the natural beauty to this section
of 202.
Thank you very much!
Best wishes,
Gwen Douse

-----Original Message----- From: Kathy Rusch
Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2013 12:38 PM
To: jlmarzi@aol.com ; gdouse@comcast.net ; donna.palmieri@redcross.org ; hartsmart@comcast.net ; cweiss@appirio.com ; hweaver@montcopa.org
Cc: pbeadling@pasen.gov ; bearly@pa.gov ; lcomunale@lowergwynedd.org ; Kate Harper
Subject: From Representative Harper

Good Afternoon

Representative Harper wanted to be sure to get back to each of you and provide as much complete information as possible.  Please see her correspondence attached.  (Bottom of this note)

Best

Kathy Rusch

College application help:

I got this note awhile ago from Julia recommending this company and a seminar they had at the library. Unfortunately that date has passed - my apologies - but you can contact the company at this website: http://myivyexperience.com/. See Julia's note below:

Hi Carol - the son of a friend of mine founded this company a few years back, and they do excellent work in college planning and prep.  My sister worked with Ivy for her daughter who goes to college next year, and he was very helpful - she is getting a free ride at the college of her choice!

 

This is a local event at the North Wales library, and I highly recommend The Ivy Experience to our neighbors.  For those with kids nearing that college planning stage, this would be a good jump start.  Thank goodness mine are still far away from that!

 

 Julia Wagner