Do we have any more room for additional places to shop? It seems as though we need no more homes in our area, just places to buy more material things for our homes.
In Collegeville, the shopping center is under way across from Wyeth. Other than that, is there any room left?
In Trappe, there's no room for large store areas, unless the Wismer's close down the farm (hopefully never). The only spaces available are luckily being turned into trail areas or parks. Revitalizing the Main Street area would be the only spot for business growth.
In Limerick, of course, there's plenty of room, if not, they'll make some. When it comes to empty open areas, Limerick's full of them. Across from the brand new Acme...you guessed it, another shopping center will be built. But it seems like there are already buildings there? Doesn't matter, that will be taken care of. I hear from the corner of Township Line Road to the former nursery will be taken out, though I'm not sure about Rental World.
In Linfield, there are hopes to use the old distillery property for an incinerator. Not the prettiest thing to look at, but at least we can get rid of all the boxes and packages from things we bought at the outlets.
In Spring City, revitalization of Main Street is about all the growth room they have left, and it's starting to look good down there.
In Royersford, plans are in the works for a Main Street revitalization starting next year. Which is good, because I remember when a new business moving onto Main Street, taking over space from the old faithfuls and nostalgia, wouldn't last 3 years. Hope things are starting to look better already. I read a story that mentioned a farm in Royersford. I didn't know Royersford had a farm left?
Revitalization of what we have is a great idea. Moving earth and slapping up buildings, well, let's say it's not my favorite alternative...
If anyone knows of any other empty spaces needing filled, please comment. I'm sure the developers would love to know where.
Limerick officials: Development key to keeping taxes down
By Michael Hays, mhays@pottsmerc.com
LIMERICK — As next year’s budget comes into focus, one thing remains constant: development fees and donations — not higher taxes — will pay for better services and capital improvements.
The Board of Supervisors met Thursday night to review a preliminary 2008 budget.
Total expenses are projected at $10,148,799. The general fund reserve account has grown by more than $1 million since January 2006, when it stood at $3.4 million.
Due to conservative projections on the revenue side, the board authorized the use of these reserves to offset a projected shortfall in funding, according to Township Manager Dan Kerr. But the reserve should not dip below its 2006 level of $3.4 million.
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At a budget work session last month, the board agreed to hold spending and services at current levels, and not raise taxes. Departmental requests would be fulfilled only as new revenues come in to pay for them.
Limerick officials fully anticipate that new development — particularly of the commercial type — will continue to come into the area.
Kerr wrote in the budget summary, “The board continued to foster a spirit of corporate citizenship with the business and development community which resulted in donations of approximately $22,750 to the township volunteer fire companies, ambulance services, and Emergency Management Department.”
Development along the Route 422 corridor, spurred in part by the newly opened Philadelphia Premium Outlets, is expected to continue, according to Kerr. But growth generates increased demand for everything from police response to traffic signals.
“This growth will require significant services from all parts of the township operation. The township will realize additional short-term revenues from this growth, but absent proper planning, funding deficits may occur if recurrent revenues do not match operational expenses,” Kerr wrote.
With more commercial traffic comes the need for road improvements. An “aggressive road improvement program” is planned that includes reconstruction of Reifsnyder, Benner, Old Mill, and Kuglar roads, as well as the installation of a new traffic signal at the Ridge Pike and Sunset Road intersection.
Other major items for next year include:
A rewrite of the township’s Comprehensive Plan by a consultant for a cost of $100,000.
Changing Parks and Recreation Director Karen Hegedus’ work status from part-time to full-time.
Continuation of design work for Lewis Road improvements.
New in 2008 is a five-year planning component. It will assist in future planning and covers the following areas: capital funding for the construction of a new police facility and renovation of the administration and public works departments; additional recreation fields for the parks and recreation department; additional parking for Limerick Community Park; trail improvements for the Kurylo property; and additional personnel for the police, public works and parks departments.
The township purchased the 81-acre Kurylo Farm, at 231 N. Limerick Road, for $2.8 million in May. Grants from Montgomery County and PECO, combined with local donations, covered more than 40 percent of the cost. Remaining funds came from open space and general fund reserves.
Final 2008 budget adoption is expected next month.
1 comments:
There is lots of land in East Vincent, Christine McNeil won the election here and is against more sprawl. It would be nice to have a decent shopping center though.
And the farm in Royersford might be Rettinger's, where there is a nursery and they have cows, chickens, pigs.
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