Hatboro Survey: How Should Pennypack Be Used?

HATBORO, PA —A survey to get resident feedback on the future of the former Pennypack School has reopened.

The Spring Avenue school has served as the temporary home of the borough's government as it awaits renovations at the historic Loller Academy building and an expected return of borough business operations possibly next month.

Borough officials want to ensure that Pennypack can serve borough residents as a community center instead of just a place for borough council and other board meetings.

A survey was launched for several weeks in February but then was closed. Now the survey is being reopened to give those who didn't fill it out the first time the chance to provide some input, borough officials said.

"The Pennypack Steering Committee needs your help," the borough posted on Facebook. "In order to gain more feedback, the Pennypack Community Survey has been reopened."

Residents who have already taken the survey do not need to re-record their responses, officials said. Residents who have not previously taken the survey are encouraged to provide feedback on the building's future. Click here to fill out the survey.

The survey will remain open until June 15.

Councilwoman Nichole Shay, who is on the steering committee, has stated that plans call for using Pennypack as a multi-purpose facility and learning center.

"It's going to be a huge benefit for the community," said

She said borough officials are working with the police department, Montgomery County officials, and other agencies to use the building for training as well.

Borough officials said anyone who does not have a computer can pick up a paper copy of the survey at the Pennypack facility.

Before starting the survey, there is a notice at the top about the Pennypack property.

"We envision an ecologically responsible, fulfilling, and inclusive future for this property. The goal of this survey is to solicit community feedback on potential improvements to the property," officials said.

Borough officials said, however, pointed out several factors regarding legal and logistical limitations inherent in the improvement of a floodplain.

• The vast majority of the property is located within a FEMA-designated floodplain.
• Various ordinances limit the scope of construction allowed within a floodplain. (Click here for references)
• Some proposed property improvements may be contingent upon the findings of required feasibility studies.
• Areas shaded in orange or teal in the map below denote the current floodplain, while the property border is shown as a yellow line.
• Any recreational opportunities for the property will ultimately need to be compatible with future flood mitigation measures.
• The property is surrounded on all sides by residential neighborhoods.