Township and residents will continue to tailor adopted Citv Avenue rezoning ordinance

Despite passing the City Avenue rezoning ordinance earlier this month in a 6-4 Board of Commissioners vote, Lower Merion Township and its residents still have plenty of work to do before it becomes effective April 30, 2012.

Two public workshops are tentatively scheduled for Jan. 23 and 24 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss an Official Map to further outline more specific placements of features, such as public gathering spaces, as well as incorporate the amendments proposed by the Neighborhood Club of Bala Cynwyd.

Prior to adopting the ordinance, Commissioner Brian McGuire of Ward 13 tried to get the board to include one an amendment to create a larger buffer between residential properties and indoor recreational facilities, but his motion failed.

Now, with time to adjust what's passed, the township, commissioners and community members will work together later this month to tie in amendments, such as the Belmont Avenue buffer previously proposed and a traffic fund.

"There is no mechanism in place to ensure traffic improvements would be funded if the already very difficult situation deteriorates," Neighborhood Club of Bala Cynwyd President Grugan said.

As is, the current ordinance calls for an initial traffic impact study to determine traffic impact fees as well as an updated study if land usage grows larger than expected or if development encourages more than 2,786 peak-hour afternoon trips.

A dedicated traffic improvement fund would ensure that if future upgrades were needed, they would be funded, Grugan said.

The public workshops will be held at the township building at 75 E. Lancaster Ave. in the second floor Board Room.