Township of Whitemarsh

The Board of Supervisors meeting included a donation presentation of a Declaration of Independence broadside print, a proclamation for Pride Month, and updates regarding the 4th of July parade. Key discussion items included a land development waiver request for a flood mitigation project at Brooke Glen Hospital, the sale of township property, easement agreements, renaming of a road connector, an assessment appeal settlement, and waiver of permit fees for a renovation project. Additionally, the Board considered a resignation from the Environmental Advisory Board and reviewed financial reports for the month.

The board and commission participated in a guided tour of the Eagleview development to review concepts for a potential future development project in the township. The presentation and tour focused on a proposed 5.5-acre mixed-use, transit-oriented development and a major floodplain restoration project aimed at improving stormwater management and ecological habitat. Attendees explored various residential and commercial aspects of the existing development to evaluate features such as LEED-certified construction, net-zero emission buildings, and infrastructure techniques for groundwater recharge.

The committee discussed updates on completed treework and the upcoming bidding process for invasives removal, with plans to obtain pricing in late June. Progress regarding the sale and open houses of the Marple Lane property was shared, noting the bid opening and future coordination with the Board of Supervisors. Reports on history tours and the Juneteenth event were provided, including registration updates and promotional efforts. Additionally, an overview of the 501(c)(3) incorporation process and a presentation on the Corsson tract assessment and preliminary planning report were conducted, emphasizing rehabilitation standards for future site use.

The Commission held a public workshop to discuss proposed revisions to Chapter 55 Tree Protection Standards. Key discussion topics included refining definitions for woodlands, heritage trees, boundary trees, and invasive species; reviewing proposed changes to heritage tree thresholds and tree removal percentages; clarifying administrative review processes; establishing guidelines for tree protection fencing; and determining tree survey requirements for larger properties. The session aimed to gather public input to help inform future ordinance drafts.

The commission conducted public workshop discussions and regular meetings regarding Chapter 55 Tree Protection Standards, focusing on ordinance revisions such as heritage tree thresholds, mitigation procedures, and woodland definitions. Additionally, the commission reviewed various land development projects, including grading permits for residential additions and pole barn construction, granting waivers for tree protection and replacement specifications. Updates were provided on township-wide tree initiatives, including the Abolition Hall project, and procedural refinements for administrative approvals and tree survey plans were discussed.