Bethlehem Pike

There are a number of initiatives involving Bethlehem Pike and historic preservation amendments that all contribute toward the eventual goal of restoring a historic, walkable, commercial corridor on Bethlehem Pike.

• The Bethlehem Pike Vision Plan, sponsored by FEEA, has been adopted by the Township. It sets the course and is a guiding document for future planning.
• Bethlehem Pike Streetscape Master Plan (presented at the April 9, 2008 business meeting, televised) is a corridor master-planning document prepared by Michael Baker Engineers, partnered with Carter Van Dyke Associates. It is currently delayed awaiting new PennDOT guidelines.
• DVRPC Bethlehem Pike Taming Traffic Study: The goal is to "tame" traffic on Bethlehem Pike; to be engineered, and then executed by PennDOT.
  • Taming Traffic Study [draft, large pdf]
  • Problem ID [pdf]
  • "Before and After" pictures [mouse-overs]
• Mobilize to Thrive (underway): sponsored by DVRCP, involving Philadelphia, Whitemarsh, and Springfield. Use the transportation network in the region to encourage economic development.
• Flourtown-Erdenheim Community Gateways (approved by commissioners of both Springfield and Whitemarsh Townships) is a multi-municipal grant project funded through the Pennsylvania DOT Transportation Enhancements Program.
• Village Center Zoning District (referred to the Planning Commission): A proposed zoning district to replace the existing B-1 and B-2 zoning districts in the Flourtown and Erdenheim Villages delineated in the Bethlehem Pike Vision Plan. The ordinance promotes traditional, pedestrian-oriented main street development through a variety of design standards.
• Zoning Code Amendment for a 90-day Waiting Period (referred to the Planning Commission): Prior to the demolition of a historic building, the township can require a 90-day period to consider and recommend alternatives to demolition.
• Zoning Code Amendment for Historic Preservation (referred to the Planning Commission): This amendment provides a mechanism to define and protect historic assets of the township.
• LUPTAP Grant (applied for): The Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program provides financial assistance to municipalities and counties of the Commonwealth for the purpose of developing and strengthening community planning and implementation efforts. Springfield and Whitemarsh Townships have submitted a grant proposal to fund a study of existing zoning conditions along Bethlehem Pike, and to develop new ordinances for those areas located outside of the proposed Village Center Districts in Flourtown and Erdenheim.

Among the many stakeholders are the following groups:

• Board of Commissioners of Springfield Township
• Board of Supervisors of Whitemarsh Township
• Springfield Township Planning Commission
• Springfield Township Shade Tree Commission
• Bethlehem Pike Streetscape Committee
• Friends of Historic Bethlehem Pike
• Black Horse Inn Advisory Committee
• Springfield Township Historical Society
• Flourtown-Erdenheim Enhancement Association
• Flourtown Businesspersons Association
• Rotary Club of Springfield Township

The Pike has become a perilous place to drive, to park, and to walk. I am committed to taking back the Pike and making it ours again. Studies have shown that the time it takes to get from Church Road to the bend in the Pike at the Wheel Pump and beyond would be reduced if people drove at a more consistent speed.

A vision plan already exists that builds on the Pike's character as a centerpiece of our community. We are making some wonderful changes one streetlamp at a time, one pocket park at a time. I am committed to making the roadway safer and then working toward a full pedestrian-friendly corridor.

These efforts to calm and improve Bethlehem Pike do not have to be paid for by the Township. Numerous funding sources exist that have paid for similar efforts in other communities. I am committed to using the existing Vision Plan, getting the funding, and taking back control of Bethlehem Pike as an attractive, friendly, and safe place — a better place for our residents and businesses.

I am also committed to creating design guidelines that future development can use as guidance toward a more consistent look. And I am committed to creating a Historic Preservation Ordinance that will help us guide the Pike to a better future, respecting the historic past that gives it the local character we all cherish.

Bethlehem Pike Vision Plan