Borough of Hatboro

It's that time again! Our annual Winter Sip N' Shop is on Sunday, December 10th from 2pm-6pm at Pennypack - 130 Spring Ave. We ask that if you can, please bring can goods to donate! We will also have a special guest, Jack Skellington!! He will be available for family photos from 2:30 pm - 5 pm. Please use the Cheddar Up link below to secure your time slot! Slots are limited.

https://photo-with-jack-skellington.cheddarup.com

Weather update for Sunday:

Low pressure will develop along an approaching cold front on Sunday (12/10) and this storm will impact the region Sunday (12/10) through Monday (12/11). A Flood Watch and a Gale Watch are now in effect.

Rain is expected to overspread our entire area on Sunday and taper off Monday morning. River flooding may begin as soon as late Sunday or early Monday. Minor coastal flooding is also possible on Sunday.

Minor river flooding is most likely late Sunday through Monday. If rainfall is heavier than expected, isolated moderate river flooding may occur, particularly in some of the smaller, flashy river basins.

There is high confidence in a widespread rainfall of at least 1-3” on Sunday and Sunday night. Confidence in minor river flooding is increasing, but still depends on the exact placement of the heaviest rainfall.

Be weather aware. Stay tuned to news outlets and national weather service for updates.

Land Development Update: The Borough is receiving numerous questions regarding upcoming and ongoing Land Development projects. We would like to provide the following updates on the large projects taking place within the Borough:
- CVS Property: The CVS Project was issued Conditional Use and Land Development Approvals on Monday, November 27th. The developer is working on the next steps of filing agreements, posting financial security, etc.
- 21-23 & 37 N. York Road (Canalley Property): The Borough will be holding a conditional use hearing on Monday, January 22nd for the 21-23 & 37 N. York Road project.
- Victorian Village: The Victorian Village II project has been delayed for quite some time due to the cost of construction materials. They are beginning to perform more site work in preparation of construction and we should have additional information to provide in the coming months.
- Gamburg’s: The Borough has not received any applications pertaining to the Gamburg Property. If an application is received, it will be reviewed by the Planning Commission and the public will have ample time to provide comment and feedback on the project.
- 2 Home Road: The owners of 2 Home Road are working on finalizing plans for the new home to be constructed on the subdivided lot. We will continue to provide updates on this project as they are available.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that Hatboro Borough will be performing roadway improvements on Route 263 (York Road) in Hatboro Borough, Montgomery County, beginning Monday, December 11, 2023. This work is associated with pedestrian improvements being performed at York and Summit, York and Williams, and Jacksonville and Meadowbrook. Attached to this post are renderings of what the intersections will look like when work is complete. These renderings were previously presented at Borough Council meetings by the Borough Engineer and will greatly improve safety and accessibility throughout the Borough.

In their December 5, 2023 release, PennDOT advised motorists of the following travel restrictions:
•Monday, December 11, 2023, through Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, a weekday lane closure is scheduled on Route 263 (York Road) between Monument Avenue and Village Place; and,
•Monday, December 11, 2023, through Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, a weekday lane closure is scheduled on Route 263 (York Road) between Byberry Road and Moreland Avenue.

PennDOT issued their press release based on information submitted to them by the contractor. The form being used for PennDOT is very generic and PennDOT issued their release based off of the dates of the Highway Occupancy for the project and does not accurately reflect the traffic impact of this work. PennDOT’s generic notification was a notice to the public based on the duration of work to take place at the locations. The contractor notified residents and business owners that this work will begin taking place on December 11th; however, the contractor was not issued a notice to proceed until today, December 7, 2023.

PennDOT has extremely specific requirements for work taking place on state highways. As a result, any work affecting the flow of traffic (including lane closures, flagging, etc.) must take place between the hours of 9 AM and 3 PM on business days. No traffic restrictions are permitted outside of these hours unless in the event of an emergency. Residents and business owners are assured that one lane of York Road will not be continually closed from December 2023 through April 2024 despite what PennDOT’s press release indicates. The Borough does not know at this time specific dates where traffic restrictions will be necessary; however, we will do our best to communicate with residents and business owners throughout the project’s duration. The Borough cannot postpone this work due to time restrictions on grant funding and has requested the contractor minimize the impact to neighboring residences and business owners while work is taking place, especially during the holiday season.

When work does begin, motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the work areas because backups and delays may occur depending on what type of work is taking place each day. All scheduled activities are weather dependent.

The pedestrian flasher projects are being completed using grant funding awarded during the pandemic. Due to delays, supply chain issues, etc. these projects are finally coming to life and the Borough is able to make the much needed pedestrian improvements in these high traffic areas. These improvements have been requested by residents and business owners alike for years and we are excited to finally make these important safety upgrades to our main street.

The Borough recently received funding from the DCNR (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) for riparian buffers at Eaton Park, Hatboro Little League, and the Pennypack Property. Riparian buffers are strips of vegetation planted next to streams. Riparian buffers have many benefits, such as streambank stabilization, erosion and sediment control, filtration of nutrients and other pollutants, reduces the impact from floods, habitat and food for wildlife and pollinators, and they provide shade for streams. The locations of the riparian buffers were mainly selected to help stabilize the streambanks in those areas.

Residents may see the presence of green tubing in areas where the new trees were. This tubing is temporary to protect from wildlife and rough weather. The tubes will be removed by the DCNR when the trees are able stand on their own.

On Wednesday, November 29, 2023 a portion of Borough Administration Staff began the move back to Loller Academy (414 S. York Road). The move was successful and Loller Academy has been open for business Monday through Friday for the last week. Since most residents are accustomed to visiting Pennypack, a portion of Borough Staff remains at the Pennypack Offices to serve any residents that come into the office. We are working to determine a date to transition the remainder of staff back to Loller in the coming weeks and will announce a date once determined. For now, residents can visit Pennypack OR Loller for Borough business including but not limited to:

- Permits
- Licenses
- Property Maintenance
- Business Privilege Tax
- Use and Occupancy/Rental Inspections
- Fire Marshal Inspections

Please note that the Tax Collector will remain at Pennypack (130 Spring Avenue) and residents should not come to Loller with any real estate or school tax payments. Meals on Wheels offices also remain at Pennypack.

It is important to note the below office hours while we work to transition the remainder of staff back to Loller:
- Pennypack will be open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Loller will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (this will only be in effect until the remainder of staff relocates back to Loller. Once this happens, Loller will be open 7 AM - 4:30 PM)

Residents can also still dial the Borough Hall phone number (215-443-9100) and phones will ring in both locations. Staff will then transfer you to the appropriate personnel as needed.

We thank residents for remaining patient with staff throughout this process and we are excited to serve the community back at Loller Academy!

There will be no trash or recycling collection on Monday, December 25, 2023 and Monday, January 1, 2023. Please note, there is a special RECYCLING only collection on December 27th. Be sure to have them out in the morning prior to pickup! If you have questions, please call Borough Hall at 215-443-9100.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that Hatboro Borough will be performing roadway improvements on Route 263 (York Road) in Hatboro Borough, Montgomery County, beginning Monday, December 11, 2023. This work is associated with pedestrian improvements being performed at York and Summit, York and Williams, and Jacksonville and Meadowbrook. Attached to this post are renderings of what the intersections will look like when work is complete.
These renderings were previously presented at Borough Council meetings by the Borough Engineer and will greatly improve safety and accessibility throughout the Borough.

In their December 5, 2023 release, PennDOT advised motorists of the following travel restrictions:
•Monday, December 11, 2023, through Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, a weekday lane closure is scheduled on Route 263 (York Road) between Monument Avenue and Village Place; and,
•Monday, December 11, 2023, through Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, a weekday lane closure is scheduled on Route 263 (York Road) between Byberry Road and Moreland Avenue.

Please note, lane closures will not occur each day as the PennDOT notification states. These closures will be performed by the contractor as needed during the specified time period. The Contractor and PennDOT notified businesses/the public today; however, it is important to note that the contractor does not have an official notice to proceed from the Borough as of December 5, 2023. The Borough will provide notification once an official notice to proceed has been issued by the engineer to the Contractor and once work is officially permitted to start.

During the period of work, motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the work areas because backups and delays may occur. All scheduled activities are weather dependent. The Borough stresses that lane closures may not occur each day; however, motorists may wish to seek an alternate route regardless to avoid any delays. Contractors will work with motorists to ensure the safe flow of traffic (both vehicular and pedestrian) in work areas.

The Zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of Hatboro will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at 7:00 PM to hear the following application: Pennypack Mill Investments, LLC, 18 Horsham Road, Hatboro, PA 19040 in request of the following relief to allow a brewery/tap room at the property:
1. An interpretation from the Zoning Hearing Board that the manufacturing of beer is a is a normal part of and subsumed under the restaurant/tap room or similar establishment use under Section 27-1202.C of the Borough of Hatboro Code of Ordinances; or, in the alternative, an interpretation that manufacturing of beer on the premises could be considered conditional us under artisan manufacturing; or, in the alternative, a variance from Section 27-1202 of the Borough of Hatboro Code of Ordinances permitting the manufacturing of beer on the premises.
2. An interpretation that the required on-site parking can be reduced 50% due to the use being located in a historic structure per section 27-2009 of the Borough of Hatboro Code of Ordinances; or, in the alternative, a variance from section 27-2009 of the Code of Ordinances permitting the reduction of required onsite parking spaces required for the brewery/tap room use. This meeting will take place at the Hatboro Borough Municipal Building, 414 S. York Road, Hatboro, PA 19040. The public is invited to attend. Plans are available at Borough Hall (temporarily located at 130 Spring Avenue, Hatboro, PA 19040), Monday through Friday during business hours.

By order of Diane Hegele - Borough Manager/Secretary

Land Development Update: The Borough is receiving numerous questions regarding upcoming and ongoing Land Development projects. We would like to provide the following updates on the large projects taking place within the Borough:

- CVS Property: The CVS Project was issued Conditional Use and Land Development Approvals on Monday, November 27th. The developer is working on the next steps of filing agreements, posting financial security, etc.
- 21-23 & 37 N. York Road (Canalley Property): The Borough will be holding
a conditional use hearing on Monday, January 22nd for the 21-23 & 37 N. York Road project.
- Victorian Village: The Victorian Village II project has been delayed for quite some time due to the cost of construction materials. They are beginning to perform more site work in preparation of construction and we should have additional information to provide in the coming months.
- Gamburg’s: The Borough has not received any applications pertaining to the Gamburg Property. If an application is received, it will be reviewed by the Planning Commission and the public will have ample time to provide
comment and feedback on the project.
- 2 Home Road: The owners of 2 Home Road are working on finalizing plans for the new home to be constructed on the subdivided lot. We will continue to provide updates on this project as they are available.

Did you know the Borough releases a monthly Virtual Newsletter? The Borough Bulletin aims to keep residents up to date on what's happening in Hatboro, including meeting dates, important information, and more! To sign up for the virtual newsletter, please click here: http://eepurl.com/hwuim1

Each month the Borough is recognizing one of our wonderful small businesses for their constant dedication to serving the Hatboro community. This month’s business recognition is Lochel’s Bakery!

Lochel’s Bakery, located at 57 S. York Road, was started in 1942, in Philadelphia. Previously to their current location in Hatboro, the bakery was in Levittown, Pa. and sadly on Labor Day 1995, the bakery caught fire, and everything was destroyed. Only very little could be salvaged and saved, which was devastating to the family and customers, however they managed to fill their orders with help from a neighboring bakery, their good friends at Piazza’s Bakery. The Lochel family started over in Hatboro, Pa. in November 1995 and Rob and Kathy purchased the family bakery in 2005.

The Lochel family uses only the finest quality ingredients and works hard so the bakery is here for generations to come! They offer a large selection of products that are made from scratch daily including Buttercakes, Cookies, Danish, Decorated Cakes, Donuts, Miniature Items, Sugar Free Items, Tea Biscuits and much more. Their highly sought-after donuts, including Fastnacht’s (made only on Fat Tuesday) keep customers coming back and their custom decorated cakes for all occasions become a center of attention for many parties! They also offer some hard-to-find items like George Washington Cake, German Apple Cake, Bee Cake, Springerlee Cookies & Stollen at Christmas and on top of all that, we can’t forget to mention their “special treats” for Philly Sports and Presidential Elections! Customers near and far line up on the sidewalk daily to get their hands on some treats from the Sweetest Bakery in America where not only will you have a large selection to choose from, but also a hardworking, friendly staff to help you.

The Borough of Hatboro recognizes Lochel’s Bakery for their outstanding support of Hatboro Residents, Business Owners, and organizations. For almost 3 decades, this 3rd generation bakery continues to positively impact lives within Hatboro and neighboring communities on a daily basis. The Borough of Hatboro is extremely grateful for all of their work in making Hatboro a great place to live, work, and play.

Mother Nature doesn’t damper the holiday spirit in Hatboro. Thank you to everyone who made this event a success. Special thanks to our Public Works team for hanging the lights and making sure the tree shines brightly for all to see.

Happy Holidays Hatboro.

Drop off your letters for Santa!! Santa will be opening your letters on December 20th at 7pm via Facebook live!

Now through December 30th, free parking on Saturdays!!!

Union Library of Hatboro, 243 S. York Road- Tree Lighting, tonight 5:15 PM-8PM

The annual tree lighting festivities at the Union Library of Hatboro will occur this evening. S. York Road in the vicinity of the library will be closed around 6:15 PM for a short period of time while the guest of honor, Santa Claus himself, arrives at the event. Fire Police will be directing traffic in the area.

Motorists are asked to please drive with caution and be alert for additional pedestrians.

They're back in stock!!! The Hatboro Police Department (120 E. Montgomery Avenue, Hatboro) is selling plush versions of Hatboro’s favorite K-9, Louie! These adorable stuffed animals will be available for $20.00 each with all proceeds benefitting the Hatboro Police Canine Fund. Supplies are limited, so make sure to get them while you can!

Please see the below list of December Events at the Union Library of Hatboro!

The Hatboro Holiday Decorating Contest is back for this holiday season! Residents and business owners are welcome to to participate in this year's contest. Celebrate the holidays by decorating your home or business to win special prizes!

All residents and business owners participating in the contest must email photos of your holiday decorations to Danielle Pettinato at [email protected] on or before December 18, 2023 in order to be included in the contest. Please use the link below to fill out the required form to enter!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclO9IPlm3H3dkq2lTg_HwSqEpeE5cG3xdcBFAS4eGV-wPcLw/viewform?usp=sf_link

The Borough is currently in the process of moving part of the Administration staff back to Loller Academy (414 S York Road). During this time there will be periods where staff does not have access to internet, computers, phones, and certain files. We ask that residents and visitors remain patient as we begin this transition.

Select staff will remain at the Pennypack offices over the next few weeks and will be open 7 AM to 4:30 PM until residents become accustomed to visiting Loller for business.

Thank you for your understanding!

Join us this Friday for the Christmas Tree Lighting!
5:15pm - UMIS Band in the Children's room
6:00pm - Speeches and Carols on the Library Front Lawn
6:15pm - Santa's arrival and tree lighting!
Meet Santa after inside the library!

Just a reminder to all residents and property owners, Borough Hall will be closed and NO trash collection on the following days:
Thursday, November 23, 2023- Thanksgiving Day
Friday, November 24, 2023- Day after Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving!

HATBORO POLICE DEPARTMENT
120 East Montgomery Avenue
Hatboro, Pennsylvania 



PRESS RELEASE 11/23/23

RE: HOUSE FIRE - FAIRVIEW AVENUE HATBORO


On Thursday, November 23, 2023, at 3:26 A.M. the Hatboro Police Department and Enterprise Fire Company of Hatboro were dispatched to the 100 block of Fairview Avenue for a report of a house fire. An observant newspaper delivery driver contacted 9-1-1 after seeing flames coming from a second story window of the residence. Hatboro Police officers arrived on scene one minute later at 3:27 A.M. and reported heavy smoke coming from the home. Upon arrival, Sgt. Aaron Simon and Officer Robert McMahon made a forcible entry into the home through a rear door. After entering, Sgt. Simon and Officer McMahon began yelling to alert any occupants of the fire and made their way to the second floor of the residence where they encountered heavy smoke. They continued to yell and were successful in gaining the attention of the homeowner, a 97-year-old male, who was asleep in his bedroom and unaware his home was on fire. Battling heavy smoke, Sgt. Simon and Officer McMahon proceeded to carry the male out of the home to safety. He was subsequently transported to Jefferson Abington Hospital for evaluation and treatment by Second Alarmers Rescue Squad.

The Enterprise Fire company was assisted in their firefighting efforts by numerous local fire companies including Warminster, Horsham, Warrington, Upper Moreland, Bryn Athyn, Willow Grove, Hartsville, Abington, Wissahickon and Ft. Washington. Enterprise Fire Chief Alfred Zollers reported the fire under control at 4:02 A.M.

Initial investigation revealed the fire started in a back bedroom on the second floor of the home. The bedroom where the fire began was adjacent to the bedroom the homeowner was asleep in. The cause of the fire is undetermined currently but remains under investigation. As a result of the fire the house suffered significant damage to the second floor and heavy smoke damage throughout.

Due to the observant citizen who contacted 911 and the heroic actions of Sgt. Simon and Officer McMahon, a local family will be celebrating Thanksgiving with their father/grandfather today rather than mourning a tragic loss.

Thank you to the staff at Second Alarmers for their service to the Borough.

On behalf of Borough Council, Mayor Schultz, and staff we hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Thank you to all that have to be away from family and friends; Police, Fire, EMS, Dispatchers, Doctors, Nurses, hospital workers, Military, all those grocery store workers waiting to serve those who forgot food for family celebrations, and those working today to serve some of us that aren’t cooking, we are thankful for all of you.

Thank you to our own police department employees who have to work today to keep the Borough safe.

Just a reminder there is no trash and recycling collection today and the day after Thanksgiving.

Thank you to our all volunteer fire company. Many residents may have heard the sirens during the night. Many volunteers got up out of bed to respond and help a family in need.

Thank you Enterprise Fire Compamy of Hatboro and all the surrounding companies who came to assist.

The Hatboro Borough Fire Marshal is reminding everyone to check your smoke detectors and if you do not have one to please contact her office at 215-443-9100 or email at [email protected]. The Borough participates in the 6ABC smoke detector program and has these on hand for everyone who needs one. Smoke Detectors Save Lives.

While we are giving thanks today let’s hope our volunteers can enjoy thanksgiving with their families.