Taxpayer data debate | Inquirer Greater Abington
Plus, Glenside playground graffiti spurs an investigation.
Hi, Greater Abington.
A disagreement over data privacy is muddying Cheltenham’s plans to augment its business tax base. Also in the news this week, some Abington and Willow Grove shops are among dozens of Montco retailers charged with selling illicit THC products, and an investigation is underway after vandals spray-painted racist and antisemitic graffiti at a Glenside playground, which the Abington community banded together to start cleaning up on Saturday.
Plus, Cheltenham is considering terminating the controversial development contract for Conklin Pool.
— Laura Smythe (greaterabington@inquirer.com)
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Cheltenham is at odds with its independently run tax office and plans to absorb the entity that currently collects county, school district, and municipal taxes.
At the heart of the change is a disagreement with tax collector Melvin Pitts over his refusal to provide a list of the township’s private businesses, with Pitts citing taxpayer confidentiality regulations and data privacy concerns. Cheltenham officials say that’s made communication with the local business community challenging, particularly as the township seeks to pad its business tax base under its latest comprehensive plan.
Further complicating matters, township code would need to be amended in order for Cheltenham to reassign business license registration duties out from under Pitts.
The Inquirer’s Jess Rohan unpacks the dispute.
💡 Community news
Almost 50 Montgomery County businesses are facing felony drug charges for illegally selling strong THC products, including Abington Smoke Shop at 1621 Old York Rd., Eagle Smoke & Convenience Shop at 2401 Susquehanna Rd. in Abington, and Cloud 9 Smoke & Exotics 1 at 628 N. York Rd. in Willow Grove.
Abington police launched an investigation into racist and antisemitic graffiti found at Glenside’s recently renovated Weldon playground. Dozens of community members and officials gathered on Saturday to scrub off red, spray-painted swastikas and an anti-Black slur from fixtures including the “Cheese” playwall and a map mural. A unity rally will take place at the site on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
A special meeting will take place tonight as Cheltenham commissioners consider canceling the $4.5 million development contract for Conklin Pool, which has been delayed following a resident-filed lawsuit alleging the township disregarded public bidding rules. Residents can join online or at the township administration building at 5:30 p.m.
Cheltenham man Shawn Bell, 54, is one of 10 men accused of working with a Mexican drug cartel to traffick large amounts of cocaine to the region. He is charged with conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of the drug.
Multiple Peco projects are underway or forthcoming later this month in Abington Township, including on the Fairway, Washington Lane, and Rubicam Avenue. Here are the specifics.
Wild Ones, an art supply store and craft cafe, officially opened at 423 York Rd. in Jenkintown. Its October hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, and the concept plans to introduce Sundays beginning in November.
Abington Township Public Works Department is holding its second and final trash clean-out week of the year through Friday. Here’s what you can put out for collection.
Abington Township Public Library is soliciting resident feedback on plans for a new building, including potential additions such as 3D printers and a telehealth booth. Weigh in via its survey here.
🗺️ Other nearby news
Montgomery County voters could play a deciding role in which party takes control of the Pennsylvania Senate in November’s midterm elections, potentially paving the way for a Democratic Senate for the first time in more than 30 years.
Jenkintown-based Jewish school Gratz College recently opened its Bala Cynwyd campus at 382 Bala Ave., Main Line Times reports. Known as Gratz Commonspace, the project transformed and combined two properties with a double-story glass atrium.
🏫 Schools briefing
No classes will take place on Monday in Cheltenham in recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
College student Maya Lipscomb enrolled at Penn State Abington this fall after dropping out of Temple University after a single semester. She’s one of many students who left the North Philadelphia institution as it struggles with retention — similar to other area schools such as Ursinus College in Collegeville and Chestnut Hill College.
🍽️ On our plate
Lucatelli’s Pizzeria, a Doylestown favorite serving up pies crafted with a 72-hour fermented dough, is expanding to Montgomery County with a forthcoming spot in Jenkintown.
🎳 Things to do
🍁 Hometown Harvest Festival: Check out live music, a petting zoo, food trucks, kids activities, and goods from local vendors at this inaugural fall event. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (rain date: Saturday, Oct. 17) 💵 Pay as you go 📍 361 Highland Ave., Glenside
🌭 Wienerfest: Fill your belly in a hot dog-eating contest and, as a bonus, meet adoptable dachshunds. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 10, 1-5 p.m. 💵 $15-$35 📍 Ardsley Community Center, Abington
🥧 Keswick Village Fall Festival: This seasonal event will bring vendors, live entertainment, games, and food trucks to the neighborhood. ⏰ Sunday, Oct. 11, 1-6 p.m. (rain date: Sunday, Oct. 18) 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Keswick Village, Glenside
🏡 On the market
This 1969 Colonial in Elkins Park features a classic center hall with a curved entryway staircase, leading up to four of the home’s five bedrooms. On the first floor is an in-law suite complete with a private rear entrance. The house also has a finished basement and an in-ground saltwater pool surrounded by a patio. The property is a short drive from Alverthorpe Park.
See more photos of the house here.
Price: $699,000 | Size: 2,920 SF | Acreage: 0.35
🗞️ What other Greater Abington residents are reading this week:
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