Edge Hill Road / Tyson Avenue Reconstruction Update

Once again, the Edge Hill Road / Tyson Avenue Reconstruction project has been delayed. On October 7th, at a meeting with consulting engineering company Pennoni Associates, Inc., residents were let down once again when they were told the construction start date had been moved from 2015 to 2017.

The primary reason of the construction is to solve decades old drainage issues that flood streets, homes and yards on even the most mild rain storms. Polluted storm water runoff cascades down driveways and onto lawns and gardens, spreading leaked toxic auto fluids into the soil. The construction would also include sidewalks and curbs, which would solve the extreme perils of walking on these roads. Children trying to catch their school buses and commuters walking to the Ardsley Train Station are often fending for their lives to get from point A to B. Another big benefit of the construction is dedicated parking, which is sorely lacking and creates dangers for visitors and delivery personnel.

Immediately following the October 7th meeting, Tyson Avenue residents Carl Franke and Michael Jones began working on ways to unite and communicate with the jaded residents. A Facebook Page and a web site, FixAbingtonStreets.org, was set up so that residents could exchange the horrific photos, videos and stories of life on the treacherous state owned roads of Tyson Avenue and Edge Hill Road (between Jenkintown Road and Bradfield Road), in Glenside, PA.

An online petition was also established, where many residents gladly signed and commented on how the delayed project, dating back to 2002, has caused extreme safety issues. Many residents actually purchased homes on these roads after being told by both Pennoni Associates, Inc. and Abington Township that the construction start dates were definite. A Pennoni brochure from 2006 states that construction would start on the Spring of 2009.

In walking door-to-door with their wives and handing out fliers, Franke and Jones realized that many residents were ill-informed about the basics of the project and were delighted to provide insight. For example, some residents thought that Tyson Avenue would end up a one way street. Meanwhile, some residents on Edge Hill Road were under the impression that they would have to cross the busy street just to put their weekly trash out.

On October 31st, residents were sent a letter from Abington Township Engineer, Michael E. Powers, stating that PennDOT is ”estimating” that the construction start date will now be 2018. The sole reason for the lengthy delay is the Right Of Way Acquisition process, which PennDOT continues to claim will take three years for 220 homes involved.

Abington Commissioner Dennis Zappone and PA State Representative Madeleine have been extremely supportive to the residents needs and are committed to moving this project forward.

Next steps include a meeting on Tuesday November 18th 2014 at 7:00pm at the Ardsley Community Center, located at 2828 Spear Avenue in Glenside, PA.