top of page

Two Additional Hearings Scheduled for Genny's Place

Writer's picture: Michael HaysMichael Hays

Last week, appeal hearings for Genny’s Place supportive housing in Lower Providence kicked off with an outburst that led to the zoning board taking a recess. In Colmar, all three Montgomery County Commissioners took part in a panel discussion that was equal parts gratitude for their recent actions on homelessness, as well as prodding to take even bolder actions. 




Commissioner Vice Chair Jamila Winder highlights recent accomplishments and what lies ahead.
Commissioner Vice Chair Jamila Winder highlights recent accomplishments and what lies ahead.


Over the course of one year, there has been a 42 percent increase in the number of people who have completed emergency housing intakes with Your Way Home, according to Mark Boorse, program director with Access Services. That reality, combined with the fact that there are only approximately 170 emergency “Code Blue” shelter beds in Montgomery County, necessitates the need for more housing across the board. 



(from left) Commissioner Tom DiBello, who lives in Limerick, said the county already has lots of affordable housing during the Jan. 30 event. Winder and Commissioners Chairman Neil Makhija listen.



That’s where Resources for Human Development (RHD) is hoping Genny’s Place can be part of the solution. 


Despite the Lower Providence Board of Supervisors tabling the proposal last April for up to 60 supportive housing units  – without taking any vote – RHD is proceeding with several public hearings before the township’s zoning hearing board. Two additional hearings are scheduled for Feb. 24 and March 24 at Arcola Intermediate School. These meetings are unrelated to the lawsuit RHD filed last summer against Lower Providence, which remains unresolved in federal court. 


At issue, in part, is whether or not Lower Providence Township is meeting its obligation under the Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) to allow for all legal land uses within its boundaries. By pulling RHD’s application for short-term, supportive housing near Eagleville Hospital, the plaintiffs are alleging that they are being deprived of an acceptable use within Lower Providence. 


At the Jan. 29 hearing, the primary objectives were to swear in witnesses and recognize official parties for participation. Municipal zoning hearing boards serve as quasi-judicial bodies that weigh evidence related to land use and zoning matters. Proceedings are complete with a court stenographer. 


In addition to Lower Providence Township, another key party in these hearings is Concerned Citizens of Lower Providence, a group of residents that staged protests against Genny’s Place. They hired an attorney, Michael Yanoff, who attempted to have 1,211 of its members admitted with official “party status.” If permitted, party status allows an individual to directly question witnesses and present evidence  – well beyond the usual public comment at the beginning or end of public meetings. 


Eric Fry, the township Zoning Hearing Board solicitor, was not about to let over 1,000 people enter that level of participation. The board cross-referenced the list of 1,211 people with the list of residents within 500 feet of the proposed site for Genny’s Place. These individuals were mailed advance notice of the hearings. 


**The 500 foot rule in Pennsylvania zoning hearings is a notification requirement for residents living within 500 feet of a property being considered for a zoning change. The rule ensures that residents have the opportunity to be informed of and participate in the hearing process. 


In the end, 15 residents were on both the Concerned Citizens list and the list of residents within 500 feet. And one of those left out was not happy. 


In an expletive-filled tirade at the podium, one resident questioned the logic behind the 500-foot rule. This led to a 10-minute recess. RHD attorney Marc Jonas objected to the party status of Keir Maloney, of the 100-block of South Grange Avenue. As one of the more vocal leaders of Concerned Citizens, he was also displeased. 


“I’m a taxpayer…I’m being discriminated against!” Maloney said. 


The writer was not able to attend the Jan 30 hearing.


Two things to watch for going forward: 


  • During the Jan. 29 hearing, the ZHB agreed to issue a subpoena for Township Manager EJ Mentry to come before the board at a future hearing. Jonas asked for his presence to learn more about township deliberations on the night of April 4, 2024. That was when a contentious public meeting before the Board of Supervisors took place. A second subpoena for Michael Clark of the township’s solicitor’s office could be issued as well. 

  • Another organization that was recognized with official party status is Streamlight Incorporated, an Eagleville-based manufacturer of tactical headlamps and flashlights. They are represented by attorney Joseph Bagley. It remains to be seen what their official position is on the proposal. 


If you go: The next two meetings are scheduled for Feb. 24 and March 24, 7 p.m., at the Arcola Intermediate School (4001 Eagleville Road).

6 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


 Powered and secured by Wix

Contact Email: 
montco30percent@gmail.com

bottom of page