A century-old bowling alley revival | Inquirer Greater Abington
Plus, SPS Technologies’ $5 million settlement.
Hi, Greater Abington. 👋
A local developer is revamping Glenside Lanes with plans that include a concert venue. Also on the radar this week, SPS Technologies agreed to a proposed $5 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit over the massive factory fire that roiled the area last year, Abington is exploring possible early exit routes from its remaining Flock contract, and a revered local writer and teacher died at age 99.
— Laura Smythe (greaterabington@inquirer.com)
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Before Glenside Lanes housed a yoga studio, coffee shop, record store, and other local businesses, the building at 2256 Mt. Carmel Ave. was once the site of an early-20th-century bowling alley and billiards hall. Soon, those once-bustling bowling lanes will welcome a concert and event space, too, further restoring the location to its original liveliness.
The driving force behind the micro-mall’s revival is Kevin Burke, a developer and Glenside native. His work is part of a national trend of investors seeking a blend of retail and experiential businesses to revitalize sleepy post-pandemic commercial spaces. He expects to open a similar multi-use project in Wyncote.
The Inquirer’s Jess Rohan has all the details.
💡 Community news
SPS Technologies reached a tentative $5 million settlement agreement last week in a class-action lawsuit that could bring payouts to those who were affected by the four-alarm fire at a former Abington Township factory last February. Eligible business owners, employees of impacted businesses, and homeowners can file claims through Dec. 3.
Abington Township is looking into how it might exit its remaining contract with Flock Safety early amid data concerns. The news comes after Gov. Josh Shapiro, an Abington resident, last week vocalized “real concerns” about how the technology affects privacy.
Longtime Abington resident Bennett Fairorth, a well-known writer and teacher, died this summer at age 99. Former students, including some who planned to celebrate his 100th birthday with him this month, have taken to social media to remember Fairorth, who regularly heard from past pupils during his retirement despite never owning a cell phone, computer, or answering machine.
🏫 Schools briefing
A Tuesday night school board vote considered whether the Cheltenham district would bring former superintendent Brian Scriven a payout in excess of $265,000. Scriven resigned last month amid Cheltenham High School’s football hazing scandal. Reporter Maddie Hanna has the latest.
Abington will have a school board meeting next Tuesday night.
🎳 Things to do
✨ Diamond in a Rhinestone World: Paint your own glittering ode to the late country music icon Dolly Parton. ⏰ Wednesday, Sept. 9, 7-9 p.m. 💵 $45 📍 Painting With a Twist, Jenkintown
🌭 Glenside Food Truck Festival: Fill your belly at this collaborative event from Downtown Glenside, Cheltenham Township, and Arcadia University. ⏰ Thursday, Sept. 10, 5:30-9 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Easton Road and Wesley and Glenside Avenues
🇺🇦 Ukrainian Fall Festival: Celebrate Ukrainian culture at this two-day fete offering food, live music, and kids activities. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 12, 3-11 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 13, noon-6 p.m. 💵 $15 on Saturday for those age 13 and up; free on Sunday 📍 St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church, Jenkintown
📚 Building Better, Stronger Relationships: Tune into this virtual author talk with conflict facilitator Priya Parker as she unpacks the conflict resolution techniques detailed in her new book The Art of Fighting: The Transformative Power of Conflict. ⏰ Tuesday, Sept. 15, 4-5 p.m. 💵 Free, registration required 📍 Virtual, sign up via Abington Township Public Library
🏡 On the market
This expansive Elkins Park estate dates back to 1925, offering classic details such as hand-carved moldings, French doors, exposed beams, and a window seat. The eight-bedroom, six-bathroom home has two fireplaces, plus a yard, patio, and courtyard.
See more photos of the property here.
Price: $950,000 | Size: 5,297 SF | Acreage: 0.52
🗞️ What other Greater Abington residents are reading this week:
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