By Marcella Peyre-Ferry

Contributing Writer

At their June 7 meeting, the Penn Township Board of Supervisors voted to vacate and rescind motions passed at their May 3 and May 17 meetings. These resolutions would have required the Avon Grove School District to install a 96-space overflow parking lot at the new High School, as noted on the approved site plans.

The board also passed a resolution to defend the township or take action to settle two lawsuits filed by the school district contending that both of the original resolutions concerning the additional parking were made in violation of the state’s Sunshine Law. 

Because the resolutions have been rescinded, the school district’s lawsuits and the request for an injunction become unnecessary.

The township has received a variety of concerned reports about traffic and parking in connection with the new High School. There are reports of students parking in the shopping center lot on the opposite side of Route 796, which relates to an increase in student pedestrians crossing the road. The concern about safety prompted the supervisors to pass the initial resolutions.

“The Penn Township Supervisors started this process with the safety of school children first and foremost in their minds. As always, the Penn Township supervisors strive to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all,” the board stated in a press release.

According to the press release, the district has indicated that they are making additional parking spaces available.

Unrelated to the number of parking spaces, there have been complaints that the increased traffic at school opening and closing times is creating backups at the intersection of Baltimore Pike and Route 796.

In other business, David Payne, the new director off the Avon Grove Library was on hand to introduce himself to the supervisors and the audience.  The Avon Grove Library has been without a permanent director for some time. Payne had previously worked at the City of Baltimore Library. 

“We’re looking at getting engaged and offering something for everyone,” Payne said. He noted that the summer reading program will be starting soon, with its beginning and ending events held at the Penn Township Park. A story time and a movie night at the park are also planned.