Ambler Borough Eyeing Mattison Avenue Elementary

It's no secret—Ambler Borough wants Mattison Avenue Elementary for municipal use.

"The borough is interested in the building," Ambler Borough Manager Mary Aversa said after Wednesday night's council meeting. "We don’t know how its going to play out." 

A Montgomery County grant to pay for the proposed redesign and construction of Lindenwold parking lot has been put on hold, for now, as the borough continues discussions with Wissahickon School District in executive sessions.

"They are closing the school. It's a big property and we feel municipal use would be best for it," Aversa said. "It's very, very preliminary." 

Aversa said council has asked the county to extend the grant for the lot, as the borough will possibly build a new lot.

"The grant was to redo the parking lot. If the borough is in a position where it needs to make a large purchase, we don't know that both would be feasible. So, maybe, the grant funds could be used for something else," said Aversa.

Councilman Tom Kenney asked Aversa for an update on the grant.  

"Now, it's morphed into more complication because I explained to them the issue with Mattison Avenue and our intentions for the building," Aversa told council. 

She said the borough plans to meet with the school district on Tuesday.

"I think there's a bit of hesitation now moving forwad with both projects," she said. "We’re, again, at a bit of a stall, but I think (the state will be) willing to listen."

Resident Judy Baigis asked council what its intention was for the school.

"The borough has met with the school board to discuss the future use of the building," said solicitor Joseph Bresnan. "A lot of that is still an executive session topic because nothing has happened yet."

"Sounds serious," said Baigis. "Sounds like big stuff." 

Kenney told Baigis "it's all good."

"Unfortunately, the school is not here. But it's all good," Kenney said.

Kenney said council was not at liberty to discuss if someone had come forth for use of the building. 

 "Nothing will happen without it being brought out in a public meeting," said Bresnan. "Certain aspets are defined executive session topics, up to certain point when formal action is taken. It's too early to discuss right now."