Ridge Pike Corridor Project Tackles Zoning Issues

As part of the ongoing development of their Ridge Pike corridor revitalization project, the Lower Providence planning commission at its June 26 monthly meeting discussed amending the zoning map and text for the western section of the pike.

The Ridge Pike corridor is surrounded by seven different zoning districts and the new Ridge Pike district is an attempt to blend the standards and uses of those districts. The planning commission initiated the revitalization project in mid-2012 to develop and improve the area. 

The corridor is broken into three sections, the first being the western section that runs from Evansburg park to Perkiomen creek, the second being the central section that runs from Evansburg park to Eagleville Road, and the third being the eastern section that runs from Eagleville Road to Trooper Road. 

According to Commission chairman Adam Supplee, the corridor was built during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, when cars dominated the roads.  Now, the commission hopes the development will also make it easier for pedestrians and buses.

Montgomery County Planning Commission (MCPC) senior planner Sean Metrick presented the latest version of the western section draft ordinance to commission members, with some brief discussion over specific zoning and land uses issues.  Metrick told the commissioners that, after the meeting concluded, they should think about zoning and use, and what they wanted to prohibit.

There was some concern about certain types of industrial buildings.  Supplee indicated that the township laws about noise and pollution will prevent some kinds of industrial buildings.

The commissioners spoke about the possibility of mingling open spaces with other types of spaces, which would allow pedestrians to walk easily from space to space.

They also discussed tattoo parlors, go-kart facilities and bars.  “We’re trying to make a walkable family-oriented condition. Some bars fall under that description and some don’t,” said Supplee.

According to Metrick, something new in the Ridge Pike district will be mixing uses within the same structure, such as multi-family housing.  Some of the commissioners expressed the sentiment that it should not be tenement housing.

“In general my recommendation is for your uses to be very general,” said Metrick.

According to Metrick, after the commissioners have written the new standards, he will plot something substantial, such as a large building, out on paper to try to gauge whether their standards will hold up. Something else for his consideration is the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s (DVRPC) upcoming study about roadway design and access.  Traffic at that portion of Ridge Pike can be congested. 

From here, Metrick plans to consult with the township solicitor. Zoning for the two other corridors will be discussed, and, according to Metrick, they will likely move eastward across the map.

Both Metrick and Supplee encourage the public to be involved: “At the point, I’m excited about the process and would like to see more residents and businesses at meetings,” said Supplee.

A copy of the current June 26, 2013 document can be found here, on the township’s Website.  The matter will next be discussed at a July 24 planning commissioners meeting.  Read about the Ridge Pike corridor in Patch’s earlier coverage here.