I attended the Council’s Administration and Finance Committee hearing meeting last Monday to discuss the budget, PennDOT’s Multi-Modal Fund, and to present this blog’s $25 Sidewalk proposal. First, the committee’s explanation as to why the projected 2014 $2.2 million budget carryover didn’t necessarily constitute a “surplus” did not clarify things much. As it was explained to me, Council budgets money so that they need to buy stuff for the next year. “So the […]
Latest News
Posted on:
13th heaviest property tax burden and no trash pickup (or sidewalks)
This is the average amount of residential property tax actually paid, expressed as a percentage of home value. Some states with high property taxes, like New Hampshire and Texas, rely heavily on property taxes in lieu of other major tax categories; others, like New Jersey and Illinois, impose high property taxes alongside high rates in the other major tax categories. Source: How High Are Property Taxes in Your State? | […]
Latest News
Posted on:
Jenkintown Borough Budget Here
Can Jenkintown afford its own sidewalks? Borough Council has repeatedly made the claim that property taxes, already too high by many measures, would only have to go higher if we expected them to pay for the work. I have my doubts, so naturally the first place we need to look is in the budget. For some reason, Jenkintown Borough only posts a summary of its budget on its website. I […]
Latest News
Posted on:
Pleased to meet you, Jenkintown
Louise and I have lived together in Jenkintown since late 2002, marrying a year later. The year before, Louise’s mom had passed away, and while she stood to inherit the house, she considered selling it and buying elsewhere. We didn’t much like the house at the time, mainly because of its tiny kitchen and lack of porch. After an exhaustive and frustrating search for a better house in a location as […]
Latest News
Posted on:
NBC10 shines a light on our sidewalks
It’s short and sweet, and barely scratches the surface of the real issues, but the region now has an inkling about what’s happening in our little Borough.
Latest News
Posted on:
Walkable Jenkintown branches out
We’re happy to announce that Walkable Jenkintown is now a part of the Streetsblog network. The website, which reports on national and regional developments pertaining to walkability and sustainability may feature our posts from time to time. Thank you, Streetsblog! Also, Louise and I want to thank everyone who spoke to use about their own particular sidewalk issues at last night’s Concert on the Square. Suffice to say, we got an earful […]
Latest News
Posted on:
August Council Meeting: What we learned
At last night’s council meeting, we attended with the plan to ask a few questions and then to observe. However, another resident who spoke after us brought up many additional concerns, which also received plenty of sympathy but no relief. Seeing an ally, we followed him out the door after he aired his concerns to compare notes. Last night, I had some specific questions: 1. When will the borough post all the […]
Latest News
Posted on:
Meet us in the Square
Look for Louise and me at tonight’s Concert on the Square. Between sets, we hope to meet with neighbors to hear their experiences with the borough’s sidewalk policies. See you tonight!
Latest News
Posted on:
They know how to email, at least
This past two weeks have brought up some interesting developments. First, after ten days, I finally received a reply from George Locke, Jenkintown Borough Manager to the questions I emailed him. Mainly, I asked Mr. Locke about what I can expect to happen if I cannot afford to effect the repairs and what, if anything, are my options. His reply in part: The provisions for remedy in Chapter 156-25 (the […]
Latest News
Posted on:
Council Meeting August 24: Please Attend
If you are unhappy about the borough of Jenkintown’s sidewalk maintenance policy, then I ask you to please attend this month’s borough council meeting on August 24. If you believe, as I do, that the current policy is unsustainable, inefficient, unsightly, and open to political abuse, please come and express yourself to the council. The board labors under the impression that the status quo suits you fine. Please stand with […]
Latest News
Posted on:
Is Jenkintown Borough Stonewalling?
I have made a concerted effort to maintain my sense of civility in addressing my sidewalk issues with Jenkintown Borough, my councilors, and our borough manager. Unfortunately, they have a nasty habit of ignoring my inquiries. Emails went out last Wednesday. I’ve yet to receive any replies. Correction: One councilor who told me about a “good neighbor fund” maintained by a local real estate agent did get back to me, […]
Latest News
Posted on:
Statement to the Jenkintown Borough Council Regarding Sidewalks
This is the transcript of the statement I read to the Borough Council this evening. My name is Randy Garbin, and I’m here with my wife Louise Garbin. I’m here to talk about the sidewalks. Yes, I have been notified three times about the work that needs to be done to bring the sidewalk abutting my property up to code. Yes, I am aware that Jenkintown ordinance requires property owners […]
You must be logged in to post a comment.