Skippack Farmers Market Shopping for New Location

Betsy Gibbons--representative for the --is currently looking around town for a new location. Having submitted a request in February to use on Sundays for the market, the Board passed it to the Parks Commission for further review and subsequent denial of the permit for usage at that location.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Mark Marino stated that he likes the idea and that the township will support Gibbons' project, but detailed the reasons for rejecting this application. They included possible congestion along Hallman Avenue and the impact on the tight-knit community along that street.

Township Manager Ted Locker suggested that another site, ,  could be a better location to suit the growing needs of the market. Locker explained that the Church Road Park would have a better potential for growth and foot traffic to the market from local communities.

Gibbons' reasons for securing a new space are because of the expansion of the market and supplying adequate parking. Gibbons added, “The Skippack Farmers Market is an outdoor grower-producer market that is committed to bringing fresh produce and local foods to the Skippack community.” Visit the website for information about the market’s current location and hours.

Mensch Road opens by end of May. The road was closed because of the bridge rehabilitation work. Column Construction completed the work on the bridge. Skippack Township Engineer Timothy Woodrow stated that the work lagged over the winter due to conditions, but the crews have made considerable progress in the last couple of months. The bridge will be open by the end of May.

In the public comments, Pat Dalton, resident at Meadow Glen questioned the status of the funds held in escrow pending its current "for sale" status by owner David Erb. The township holds bonds for the continuing public improvements of the site, and Dalton was concerned about this fact. Marino answered, “We will make sure that the monies that are in escrow will be there to make sure that the improvements are completed on that job.”
Supporting that statement, Township Solicitor Jill Zimmerman added that “I have talked to Mr. Erb and he did confirm with me that the financial security is staying put and the public improvements will be completed."

Local residents questioned the status of the antique shop along the corner of Route 113 by Cressman Road. Early in March, that took multiple crews more than an hour to get under control. The building is currently under repair with an exposed second story roof. Public Works Foreman William Parkins Jr. speculated that there is currently litigation between the renters and the property owners.

Joe Springer of Creekwood Village asked about the current state of Montgomery County Park across from Creekwood Village where trucks have been clearing land to install new sewer lines. Springer stated that he and his neighbors are concerned about the project entering into the community. Woodrow explained the scope of the project and that there would be no impact to the development.