Over $10 Million in Improvements Recommended for West Ambler

Whitpain Township consultants recommended a matrix of improvements for the revitalization for the West Ambler Neighborhood, which includes $2.6 million in Wissachickon Park Improvements and a possible Boys and Girls Club with a $5 million price tag.

Peter M. Simone, of Simone Collins Landscape Architecture, township manager Roman Pronczak and township supervisors Frederick Connor and Anthony Greco presented the “Revitalization and Action Plan for the West Ambler Neighborhood” to over 20 residents on Monday at the Daniel W. Dowling American Legion Post.

The main project goals revolve around flood mitigation and storm-water control, the Brownfield Superfund site reutilization, and neighborhood revitalization.

FLOOD MITIGATION & STORM-WATER CONTROL

Just under $250,000 in storm sewer infrastructure was recommended by consultants, with the first phase beginning in 2013.  Temporary park improvements depending on FEMA flood mapping were recommended, and additional Earthen embankments around reservoir perimeters for tree re-planting.

Most of the flood mitigation and storm water improvements are planned as short term goals, though flood mitigation and flood claims assistance, which includes a possible buy-out of properties located in floodway assistance to homeowners with flood-related repairs, and creation of storm-water and flood mitigation areas near Rose Valley Creek are long-term goals.

Brownfield/Superfund Site Reutilization

According to Pronczak, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s cleanup of the superfund site on the former Wissahickon is an important key to revitalization.

“The EPA has been working on that for several years now, they are now in the removal phase,” said Pronczak. “We want to plan for what comes after that. At some point EPA will be finished, and we want to be sure we have a plan in place as to what can be done with the Wissahickon Park property.”

Recommended improvements for Wisahickon Park after it is considered safe includes a park master plan for the entire superfund site, park improvements including a community building, wildlife preserve improvements, and improvements at The Pile.

NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION

According to the revitalization and action plan, the negatives affects of flooding and environmental contamination, along with other factors, have depressed the property and quality of life for West ambler residents and business owners.

Several improvements were recommended for revitalization, outside of the correcting the storm water and environmental issues, including traffic and stop signs, evaluation and revision of zoning, streetscape improvements, beech alley extension, residential infill development and a possible Boys and Girls Club.

FUNDING

“We’re chasing foundations grants,” said Connor. “Ultimately, it will take a public-private partnership overtime. Of homeowners making improvements, and potential for a developer to come in and bring a proposal to the community.

Simone said that there are various potential funding sources for many of these projects, including PennVest for storm-water, and the Commonwealth Finance Agency.

“We don’t say that Whitpain Township is responsible for raising all of the funds,” said Conner. “ We’re accountable for it, because it we’re accountable for this neighborhood.  The responsibility will lie with the agencies, the legislators, who are responsible for this community.”

Whitpain Township is soliticing resident input on this plan. The entire plan is available here, and comments should be submitted to William McManus at wmcmanus@whitpaintownship.org or mailed to Whitpain Township, 960 Wentz Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422.  All comments are requested by April 1.

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