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. These are all guided by The Bethlehem Pike Vision Plan, sponsored by FEEA, and adopted by the Township.

Streetlights/Traffic Light Update: 48 streetlight locations have been wired and the foundations installed, wired and ready, awaiting the mast arms and poles. 20 locations will receive lights with this construction phase (over the next several months), and 28 others when funding is available. There are orange cones placed over the wired foundations, and these are provided for safety. Less conspicuous covers would be a potential tripping hazard.

• Flourtown-Erdenheim Community Gateways Completed. was a multi-municipal (Springfield and Whitemarsh) grant project funded through the Pennsylvania DOT Transportation Enhancements Program. The three locations are at Penn Oak & East Mill, Valley Green & Beth Pike, and near Cisco Park.
• Bethlehem Pike Streetscapes (presented 4/9/08 and 3/11/09, both televised) is a corridor master-plan to make improvements to sidewalks and the adjacent areas.
• Village Center Zoning District (under consideration): 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.
• Taming Traffic Study: The goal is to realign Beth Pike from 4 travel lanes to 2, with a turn-lane and alternating dedicated parking lane. Thanks to Congresswoman Schwartz, a Federal appropriation through the TCSP program will fund this project. We may possibly see this project completed by the end of 2010.
• Traffic Signal Improvement Project: Using Federal Stimulus money to cover the full costs, there will be improvements along Beth Pike at Mill Road, Wissahickon, and at Haws Lane. Plus, sidewalk ramps needing updates will be addressed.
• Mobilize to Thrive (underway): sponsored by DVRCP, involving Philadelphia, Whitemarsh, and Springfield. Use the transportation network in the region to encourage economic development.
• 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.

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 implementing 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.