These are the township’s potential priorities for 2026 | Inquirer Lower Merion
Plus, meet the Bala Cynwyd writer shaking up Passover with his creative cocktails.
Hi, Lower Merion! 👋
Township commissioners are considering their priorities for the year, from traffic calming to more electric vehicle charging. Here’s what’s up for consideration. Also this week, a Bala Cynwyd writer shakes up Passover with plague-inspired cocktails, the county DA has cleared the township officers involved in a fatal shooting earlier this year, plus a new Indian spot is opening in Narberth.
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Lower Merion’s 14 commissioners recently outlined some of their “big-picture objectives” for 2026, which will soon be ranked and released to the public, The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner reports.
In a recent meeting, the commissioners discussed a range of topics representing many of the township’s committees, prioritizing issues from affordable housing and economic development to public works and parks and recreation. Preserving the township’s aging tree canopy is another possible priority.
The commissioners also explored improving fire companies’ recruitment and retention efforts and cracking down on Kratom sales to minors, among other issues.
Read about each potential focus here.
Guests at David Kedson’s annual Passover Seders get a bit more than the traditional trappings for the Jewish holiday.
The Bala Cynwyd writer has penned a cocktail book inspired by the 10 plagues outlined in the Old Testament, which range from classic (minty and chocolatey Grasshopper, anyone?) to creative (like the Amphibian, a cucumber-forward gin drink inspired by frogs).
💡 Community News
The Montgomery County district attorney said last week that the Lower Merion police officers who fatally shot a former Delaware County cop accused of rape and other sex crimes involving children in February were justified in their actions. The officers involved said they believed they were being shot at when attempting to arrest Francis Collier outside his Bala Cynwyd home.
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across the region for No Kings protests on Saturday, including in Ardmore. The third iteration of the event denouncing President Donald Trump’s policies created a sense of pride for one Ardmore protester. “It’s great to see such a community,” Olivia Hayes said. “When you’re in your day-to-day life, and not around so many people, it can be hard to have hope.”
The Montgomery County Intermediate Unit’s board president announced last week that she’s forming an ad hoc committee to review the educational service agency’s practices and procedures after an Inquirer investigation found the organization’s executive director and assistant executive director spent about $40,000 in public funds for international travel, including an African safari, The Inquirer’s William Bender reports.
A Bala Cynwyd native and Friends’ Central School alum’s documentary, The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother Hillel, is now streaming on Netflix after premiering at the SXSW Film Festival last month. Ben Feldman’s locally made documentary focuses on the friendship between the band’s frontman, Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, and guitarist Hillel Slovak, who died of a heroin overdose in 1988 before the band reached its commercial peak. The Inquirer’s Dan DeLuca delves into what inspired the film.
Several area residents are among the wealthiest on the planet, according to the latest World’s Billionaires List, put out annually by Forbes. Bryn Mawr resident and Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin tops the list locally, ranking No. 362 for his net worth of about $9.6 billion. He’s followed by fellow Bryn Mawr residents Morgan Properties founder and CEO Mitchell Morgan (No. 684), whose net worth is about $6.1 billion, and John Middleton, the Phillies principal owner and managing partner (No. 984), who has a net worth of about $4.3 billion. Developer and Sixers minority owner David Adelman, who lives in Haverford, ranks No. 1,755 with a net worth of about $2.4 billion. And Universal Health Services founder and former CEO Alan Miller, a Lower Merion resident, ranks at No. 1,982 for his net worth of about $2.1 billion.
Artur Kirsh Hair Salon is opening today at 948 Montgomery Ave. in Narberth. The stylist previously operated out of Saks Fifth Avenue in Bala Cynwyd, which is currently winding down that location as part of its bankruptcy filing. Kirsh is planning a second salon at Boyds in Center City this fall.
In case you missed it, two Lower Merion communities are among the best places to live in the U.S., according to Niche’s 2026 rankings. Ardmore took the top spot locally at No. 7, followed by Penn Wynne at No. 9.
🏫 Schools Briefing
Spring break continues today and tomorrow, with classes resuming Monday. District offices are closed today and tomorrow, and the Lower Merion High School pool is closed today through Sunday. See the district’s full calendar here.
The prom boutique at Lower Merion High School will be open Tuesday from 3:30 to 7 p.m., when students can browse free apparel for the upcoming dance. There’s one more boutique day in mid-April.
🍽️ On our Plate
Two new restaurant openings are on the horizon this month. Lassan Indian Traditional is set to open its Narberth location in mid-April at 232 Woodbine Ave., where it’s taken over the former Margot spot. And beloved St. Davids restaurant 333 Belrose Bar & Grill is gearing up to reopen after a seven-month hiatus. Expect a fresh new look and an updated menu of American cuisine with international flair.
Food hall Wonder has added Indian cuisine thanks to the recent in-house creation of Dabba. The eatery launched in select locations last week, including in Ardmore, where it’s dishing up things like samosas, chicken tikka masala, paneer tikka roll, butter chicken, and lamb vindaloo.
🎳 Things to Do
🐑 Spring Sheep Shearing: See Harriton House’s resident sheep get their annual haircut. The event also includes a scavenger hunt and crafts. ⏰ Friday, April 3, 1-3 p.m. 💵 Free 📍Harriton House
🥚 Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt: Families can scour Ardmore for hidden surprises. There will also be balloon artists, temporary tattoos, music, and prizes. Registration is required. ⏰ Saturday, April 4, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 💵 Free 📍Schauffele Plaza
🎶 The Music of Bruce Springsteen and More for Kids: The Rob Tait Band will perform a kid-friendly set of The Boss’ music. ⏰ Saturday, April 4, 11:45 a.m. 💵 $20.44, free for kids 1 and under 📍Ardmore Music Hall
🪻 Spring Sweets: Bake and Create: This kid-friendly class includes egg decorating, apron tie-dying, and baking and decorating cookies. ⏰ Saturday, April 4, 2-4 p.m. 💵 $60 📍BodyX
🌵 Succulents 101: Learn all about succulents and how to care for them from the president of the Philadelphia Cactus and Succulent Society. ⏰ Thursday, April 9, 7-8:30 p.m. 💵 Free for Narberth Garden Club members, $5 for non-members 📍Narberth Municipal Building
🏡 On the Market
Built in 1910, this Wynnewood stone Colonial is a blend of past and present thanks to a number of updates over the years. Several rooms on the first floor have fireplaces, including a living room, office, and dining room. The renovated kitchen has two-tone cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, an island with additional seating, plus a pantry area with a wine refrigerator. There are five bedrooms upstairs, several of which have fireplaces. The home also has a finished basement, a deck, a patio, and a pool. There’s an open house Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m.
See more photos of the home here.
Price: $2.195M | Size: 5,001 SF | Acreage: 0.89
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