Lower Merion 'leading by example'

The Montgomery County Commissioners hit the road earlier this month to conduct routine business and hear from local officials in Lower Merion Township on topics including sustainability and affordable housing. 

“Lower Merion is leading by example,” Commissioner Jamila Winder said, “[They have] the courage to tackle what we know is a national crisis.” 

Her remarks followed an update from Township Planner Charlie Doyle about Ardmore House 2, which will break ground this summer on 48 apartments for low-income seniors (age 64 and older). In exchange for much needed affordable capacity on the Main Laine, Lower Merion sacrificed a parking lot near the Ardmore business district. 

Funding sources to make Ardmore House 2 happen are varied across sectors: 

• Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) - $13.2 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits 

• Montgomery County - $2 million 

• Federal ARPA funding - $3 million 

• Lower Merion Township - $1.7 million (Housing Trust Fund + township ARPA dollars) 

Lower Merion’s Board of Commissioners has an Ad Hoc Affordable Housing Committee, which meets monthly. Chaired by Commissioner Anthony Stevenson, this committee is also working on zoning code reform, housing needs assessments, and an action plan. 

Doyle and Stevenson were guest speakers at Montco 30% Project's policy forum early last year.