schwenksville borough
TRANSCRIPT
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SCHWENKSVILLE BOROUGH
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
DRAFT - August 2005
SCHWENKSVILLE OPEN SPACE PLAN
SCHWENKSVILLE BOROUGH OFFICIALS MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MAYOR Carroll Rosenberger
BOROUGH COUNCIL MEMBERS H. Gilbert Williams, President
Donald Whitko, Vice-President
Gene Frantz
Barbara Slater Raymond Yeanish
OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE Barbara Augustine
Ellen Brinton
James Caprio
Crystal Gilchrist Melissa Kratz
Roy Miller
Joseph O’Neil
Wendi Rowley
Captain Samuel Schweigert
Richard Sheppard Jr.
H. Gilbert Williams
MANAGER F. Thomas Snyder
BOROUGH ENGINEER Adam Supplee
Centennial Street, Cover Background
Perkiomen Trail, Cover Foreground
Credit: Montgomery County Planning Commission and Carroll Engineering
Please note that maps in this document do not reflect the latest Borough street maps.
SCHWENKSVILLE OPEN SPACE PLAN
SCHWENKSVILLE BOROUGH
OPEN SPACE PLAN
AUGUST 2005
This report was partially funded by The Montgomery County Green Fields/Green Towns Program
Montgomery County Planning Commission
SCHWENKSVILLE OPEN SPACE PLAN
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TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 COMMUNITY PROFILE 1 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 4 REGIONAL SETTING 4 EXISTING LAND USE ANALYSIS 4 Residential 4 Commercial/Office 4 Industrial 5 Institutional 5 Parks/Recreation 5 Utilities 5 Agriculture 5 Undeveloped 5 Conclusion 5 COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS 8 Population 8 Population Projections 9 Household Types 9 Education 9 Age 10 Income 10 Special Needs Groups 10 Housing Types 12 Occupation 12 Employment Forecast 14 Major Employers in Schwenksville 14 STATUS OF RELEVANT PLANS
CHAPTER 2 GOALS & OBJECTIVES 17 THE 1996 OPEN SPACE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE PROTECTION PLAN 18 THE 2005 OPEN SPACE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE PROTECTION PLAN 19 2005 Goals and Objectives
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CHAPTER 3 EXISTING PROTECTED LAND 23 PERMANENTLY PROTECTED LAND 23 Municipal Open Space 24 Perkiomen Trail 24 TEMPORARILY PROTECTED LAND 24 Act 319 24 Act 515 24 Institutional 24 Homeowner’s Association Lands 24 CONCLUSION
CHAPTER 4 INVENTORY OF POTENTIALLY VULNERABLE RESOURCES 27 GEOLOGY 28 TOPOGRAPHY 28 Steep Slopes 29 Watersheds and Drainage Areas 30 SOILS 30 Hydric Soils 30 Alluvial Soils 30 SURFACE WATERS AND HYDROLOGY 30 Floodplain and Stream Corridors 29 Hydrology 31 VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE 31 Woodlands 32 SCENIC RESOURCES 32 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
CHAPTER 5 POTENTIAL OPEN SPACE LINKAGES
39 BENEFITS OF GREENWAYS 40 GREENWAY ELEMENTS 40 Stream Corridors 40 Woodlands 40 Steep Slopes 40 FEMA Floodplains 41 Wetlands 41 Hydric Soils 41 POTENTIAL LINKAGES 41 Potential Greenway Corridors 41 Existing County Trails 43 Proposed County Trails 43 Other Pedestrian Connections
CHAPTER 6 ANALYSIS OF UNPROTECTED RESOURCES 45 ANALYSIS OF VULNERABLE RESOURCES 46 PRIORITIZATION OF AREAS FOR PRESERVATION 46 Hydrologic Resources 46 Sensitive Upland Resources 46 Historic and Culturally Sensitive Resources
CHAPTER 7 EVALUATION OF GROWTH AREAS 49 POPULATION, HOUSING, AND EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS 49 SCHWENKSVILLE’S FUTURE GROWTH AREAS
CHAPTER 8 EVALUATION OF OPEN SPACE NEEDS 55 EVALUATING OPEN SPACE NEEDS
SCHWENKSVILLE OPEN SPACE PLAN
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56 PARK TYPES 56 OPEN SPACE NEEDS 57 LOCATIONAL NEEDS 59 GREENWAY DEVELOPMENT AND RESOURCE PROTECTION
CHAPTER 9 EVALUATION OF COUNTY AND ABUTTING MUNICIPAL PLANS 61 COMPARISON TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY LAND USE PLAN AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 62 RELATION TO PLANS OF ABUTTING MUNICIPALITIES
CHAPTER 10 RECOMMENDATIONS: PRESERVATION PRIORITIES 65 PARK DEVELOPEMENT 66 PASSIVE RECREATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION 67 GREENWAYS/TRAILS 67 EVALUATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS 67 ACQUISITION METHODS
CHAPTER 11 OPTIONAL PLAN ELEMENTS 73 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE 74 Revitalization Goals and Objectives 74 Park and Open Space Enhancement 75 Trees 75 Environmental Enhancement 75 HERITAGE RESOURCE CONSERVATION 75 Historic Resource Protection Goals 77 MUNICIPAL TRAIL AND PATHWAY DEVELOPMENT 77 Trail Plan Goals
CHAPTER 12 RECOMMENDATIONS: NON-ACQUISITION PROTECTION METHODS 83 INCENTIVE ZONING 83 NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION ORDINANCES 83 Floodplains 84 Stream Corridors 84 Wetlands 84 Groundwater 84 Steep Slopes 84 Woodlands 84 DONATIONS OF PROPERTIES FOR PERMANENT OPEN SPACE 85 REQUIRING OPEN SPACE IN DEVELOPMENTS OR A FEE IN LIEU OF OPEN SPACE 85 HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCES 85 SCHWENKSVILLE ACTIONS
CHAPTER 13 IMPLEMENTATION 87 BACKGROUND 91 FUNDING SOURCES 94 SOUTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA LAND CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS
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LIST OF FIGURES CHAPTER 1 COMMUNITY PROFILE 2 Figure 1 Regional Setting 3 Figure 2 Aerial of Schwenksville Borough 6 Figure 3 Existing Land Use 7 Figure 4 Existing Land Use: 2004 8 Figure 5 Population Classification 8 Figure 6 Population Projection 9 Figure 7 Household Types 10 Figure 8 Education Level 11 Figure 9 Age Profile 12 Figure 10 Income Levels (1999$) 12 Figure 11 Special Needs Groups 13 Figure 12 Housing Types 14 Figure 13 Labor Force by Occupation 14 Figure 14 Employment Forecast 15 Figure 15 Major Employers: 2005
CHAPTER 3 EXISTING PROTECTED LAND 25 Figure 16 Existing and Temporarily Protected Land
CHAPTER 4 INVENTORY OF POTENTIALLY VULNERABLE RESOURCES 28 Figure 17 Geology 29 Figure 18 Steep Slopes 30 Figure 19 Watersheds 31 Figure 20 Alluvial and Hydric Soils 32 Figure 21 FEMA Floodplains and Wetlands 33 Figure 22 Woodlands 34 Figure 23 Historic and Cultural Resources 35 Figure 24 Historic Resources
SCHWENKSVILLE OPEN SPACE PLAN
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CHAPTER 5 POTENTIAL OPEN SPACE LINKAGES 42 Figure 25 Greenway Elements 44 Figure 26 Potential Open Space Linkages
CHAPTER 6 ANALYSIS OF UNPROTECTED RESOURCES 47 Figure 27 Unprotected Resources
CHAPTER 7 EVALUATION OF GROWTH AREAS 50 Figure 28 Population Projection 50 Figure 29 Employment Forecast 51 Figure 30 Housing Types 52 Figure 31 Projected Housing Demand 53 Figure 32 Future Land Use Plan
CHAPTER 8 EVALUATION OF OPEN SPACE NEEDS 57 Figure 33 Minimum Open Space Needs 58 Figure 34 Open Space Needs
CHAPTER 10 RECOMMENDATIONS: PRESERVATION PRIORITIES 67 Figure 35 Proposed Open Space Preservation Priority 69 Figure 36 Existing Public Open Space and Proposed Open Space Preservation Priorities
CHAPTER 11 OPTIONAL PLAN ELEMENTS 74 Figure 37 Philadelphia’s Neighborhood Transportation Initiative Green City Strategy 76 Figure 38 Historic and Cultural Resources 78 Figure 39 Existing Sidewalks 81 Figure 40 Trail Plan
CHAPTER 13 IMPLEMENTATION 88 Figure 41 Implementation Timeline
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
CHAPTER 1 COMMUNITY PROFILE
COMMUNITY CONTEXT HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Schwenksville Borough was originally part of Perkiomen Township which was settled in the late 1600s.
Schwenksville has continued to grow throughout the past 300 years. George Schwenk is considered to
be one of the founding residents of the Borough, but it is his father, Hans Michael Schwenk, is for whom
the Borough is named. After the railroad reached Schwenksville, visitors came to Schwenksville to spend
time on the Perkiomen Creek. An observatory and amusement park were other attractions that drew
visitors to Schwenksville during this time period. In 1903, Schwenksville became an incorporated
borough. The majority of Schwenksville’s growth in population and land area has come in the past fifty
years. The Borough increased in size as a result of the sewer plant and also in 1972, when land was
annexed from Lower Frederick Township and when the Spring Mountain Summit Apartments complex
was constructed.
Schwenksville has an industrial past, as Pennsylvania’s first copper mine was operated here in the late 1600s, and
many of the buildings that are now apartments and stores were once mills. Some of these mills were dedicated
to grain grinding and others were devoted to textiles and manufacturing. The Pennypacker Mills, a historic and
cultural attraction, is one of the most famous local examples of early industry in Schwenksville. Proximity to
Philadelphia and other cities, strengthened by transportation links, have been catalysts for growth, creating a rich
context for Schwenksville to flourish. The prosperity of industrial structures made Schwenksville more of a
commercial rather than residential district. Schwenksville has been a part of the region early on when it was the
location of one of the first joint school districts which included Lower Frederick, Perkiomen, and Schwenksville.
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Figure 1 Regional Setting
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
0 800 1,600400 Feet
MC
PC
MontgomeryCountyPlanningCommissionMontgomery County Courthouse - Planning CommissionPO Box 311 Norristown PA 19404-0311(p) 610.278.3722 (f) 610.278.3941www.montcopa.org/plancom
Base map August 2004
This map is based on 2000 ortho photography and official sources. Property lines were compiledfrom individual block maps from the Montgomery County Board of Assessment Appeals, with no verificationfrom the deed. This map is not meant to be used as a legal definition of properties or for engineering purposes.
¯
Figure 2 Aerial of Schwenksville Borough
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
REGIONAL SETTING Occupying less than one square mile,
Schwenksville is a small borough in Montgomery
County. Originally part of Perkiomen Township,
Schwenksville became an incorporated
municipality in 1903. The Borough is surrounded
by the townships of Perkiomen, Upper Salford, and Lower Frederick, and part of the Perkiomen
Trail runs through the southeastern portion of
Schwenksville. This trail was developed on the
former rail tracks of the Reading Railroad and
opened in late 2003. As a railroad, it was once a
major transportation link throughout the region
that ceased to provide passenger services in 1960. Now, the trail reconnects Schwenksville with other
communities making the Borough a gateway to
the Perkiomen Trail.
The Borough grew in size in 1972 when the
Highland Terrace residential development was
annexed from Lower Frederick Township. This
development is in the northwestern potion of
Schwenksville and constituted a sizable land
addition, as well as population growth.
Schwenksville’s primary transportation link is Route
73/29, which provides a connection to Route 422, allowing residents to reach Pottstown, King
of Prussia, and other major roads such as
Interstates 76 and 276. These links help
Schwenksville residents access Allentown,
Philadelphia, and Reading, all of which are within
a 35 mile radius. Schwenksville residents are
thereby linked to major shopping centers and have access to development and employment
centers in the county and beyond.
Together with the municipalities of Collegeville,
Lower Frederick, Perkiomen, Trappe, and Upper
Frederick, Schwenksville is a part of the Central
Perkiomen Valley Regional Planning Commission.
These municipalities work together to determine
areas of growth and preservation in an effort to
fight sprawl and to save open space.
Most of the land in Schwenksville has mostly been
developed, with minimal remaining open space. Open space that does remain in Schwenksville is
generally owned by Montgomery County, vacant
residential lots, or community open space
belonging to residential developments. However,
with the addition of the Perkiomen Trail,
Schwenksville Borough has retained more open
space through rail-to-trail redevelopment.
EXISTING LAND USE ANALYSIS The Existing Land Use Analysis is the second part
of the Community Profile Chapter for the
Schwenksville Open Space Plan. This analysis
focuses on the current land uses within the
municipality, enabling a more in-depth focus of municipal land use patterns. In addition to the
Existing Land Use Map (Figure 3), Figure 4 details
the acreage of each category. These numbers are
useful in understanding changes in land use
patterns and help to identify potential open space
and/or recreational needs.
RESIDENTIAL
The majority of land in Schwenksville is devoted to
residential uses, encompassing most types of
residential development. An estimated 60 percent
or 140 acres of land are used for residential uses.
Schwenksville has long been a residential
community with minimal-to-moderate amounts of land being used for commercial and industrial
uses and this data supports that trend.
Schwenksville maintains a diversity of
residential housing units, although the majority
are multifamily buildings of at least five units
and single-family detached units. The largest
clusters of residential development are in the
northern area of the Borough, off Summit
Avenue and in the center of the southern area, below Centennial Street.
COMMERCIAL/OFFICE
Commercial and office land uses in Schwenksville
occupy a minimal amount of land. Most of these
uses are clustered around Main Street (Route 29),
and account for just 6 percent of all land uses in Schwenksville. The Perkiomen Trail runs through
the heart of the commercial district.
The 14.94 acres that constitutes all commercial
and office developments in Schwenksville
constitutes all retail, office, and mixed uses within
the Borough.
INDUSTRIAL
Industry is Schwenksville’s smallest land use, accounting for less than one percent of the total
land use within the Borough. Roughly 0.72 acres
comprise the industrial uses, all of which are
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
clustered along the eastern corridor of the Borough. In the past fifty years,
Schwenksville’s industry has sharply declined as
many of its former mills have been converted
into offices or apartments.
INSTITUTIONAL
At just under 31 acres, institutional land use is the
second most common land use in Schwenksville,
accounting for approximately 13 percent overall.
Much of this land belongs to area churches and
the Perkiomen Valley School District. All
institutional land is clustered in the central and
southern portions of the Borough, with general proximity to Second Street.
PARKS/RECREATION
Accounting for 8 percent of all land use in
Schwenksville are parks and recreational areas.
Since the last plan, Schwenksville has gained
significantly in terms of park and recreation lands through the Perkiomen Trail, part of which
threads through Schwenksville.
UTILITIES
Utilities account for 2 percent of land in
Schwenksville—approximately 6 acres. These
parcels are owned by entities such as Bell Atlantic and Philadelphia Electric Company. Other parcels
of land for utilities use are owned by the
Schwenksville Borough Authority. In addition,
there are four cell towers in the Borough (on
Borough Authority land) including one tower
which is part of Montgomery County’s 911
communication system.
AGRICULTURE
Agricultural lands are clustered along the western
edge of Schwenksville, bordering with Perkiomen
Township. These lands account for 11 acres (5
percent) of all the land uses within the Borough.
UNDEVELOPED
In Schwenksville, there are roughly 11 acres of
unutilized land. These lands, which account for 5
percent of all land uses in the Borough, are
scattered throughout the community. Most of the
undeveloped category are vacant residential lots
that are privately owned. One of the most
significant parcel in this category is the Clemens tract on Centennial Street.
CONCLUSION
By breaking down the land uses in
Schwenksville, it paints a picture of a Borough
that is primarily residential, with limited commerce and industry, and of one that is has
developed the majority of its land. Institutional
lands, belonging to religious institutions and
the school district, show that the residents of
Schwenksville are connected to a greater
community that extends beyond their borders.
Although Schwenksville has developed most of its
lands, open space is also important to the
residents, as there is a considerable amount—8 percent of all land is dedicated to parks and
recreation. Additional open space exists in the
Borough in the form of undeveloped land
(although minimal), and agricultural land,
bringing the total of open space lands in
Schwenksville to approximately 18 percent.
In the past one hundred years, the population of
Schwenksville has grown astronomically—from
350 residents at the time of municipal
incorporation to nearly 1,700 at present. As a result of development, there are minimal vacant
lands left in the Borough, and any new
development would be primarily in the form of
redevelopment, as Schwenksville is making strides
to protect what open space it already has.
COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS The Community Demographic Analysis consists of
information relating to Schwenksville’s population,
housing, and economic conditions. With few
exceptions, the source of the information is the
decennial U.S. Census and Montgomery County
Census Reports.
Demographic characteristics provide insight when
planning for open space preservation and
recreational development. They can assist in determining not only how much land should be
preserved, but also where. Additionally, this
information can further assist a municipality in
determining what type of recreational facilities, if
any, should be placed in the preserved land.
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GAME FARM RD
4TH ST
3RD
ST
CENTENNIAL ST
CHURCH
PARK AVE
MO
UN
TAIN
VIEW
AVE
WALNUT ST
HILLCREST AVE
2ND
ST
HIGHLAND AVE
PERKIOMEN AVE
PLEASANTVIEW AVE
CLEARFIELD AVE
MAI
N S
T
MAPLE AVE
SUM
MIT AVE
WOODLA
ND AVE
MINE HILL RD
4TH ST
0 800 1,600400 Feet
MC
PC
MontgomeryCountyPlanningCommissionMontgomery County Courthouse - Planning CommissionPO Box 311 Norristown PA 19404-0311(p) 610.278.3722 (f) 610.278.3941www.montcopa.org/plancom
Base map August 2004
This map is based on 2000 ortho photography and official sources. Property lines were compiledfrom individual block maps from the Montgomery County Board of Assessment Appeals, with no verificationfrom the deed. This map is not meant to be used as a legal definition of properties or for engineering purposes.
¯
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Institutional
Utilties
Undeveloped
Open Space
Agriculture
Water
Figure 3 Existing Land Use
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
Figure 4 Existing Land Use: 2004
Land Use 2004
Acres % Total Residential 139.72 60%
Commercial/Office 14.94 6%
Industrial 0.72 0%
Institutional 30.81 13%
Parks/Recreation/OS 17.63 8%
Utilities 5.64 2%
Agriculture 11.11 5%
Water N/A
Total Developed 220.57 95%
Total Undeveloped 10.59 5%
Total Acreage* 231.16 100%
Source: Montgomery County Planning Commission Land Use Maps. * Discrepancies due to digitization of parcel information.
2004 Land Use
0%
13%
60%
6%
2%
5%
8%
5%Residential
Commercial/Office
Industrial
Institutional
Parks/Recreation/OS
Utilities
Agriculture
Undeveloped
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
POPULATION
The rate of municipal population change (relative
population increase or decrease) is an important
measure of the magnitude of population change that has occurred over time. Figure 5 shows
population trends in the Borough.
Between 1990-2000, the Borough experienced a
population increase of about 350 people, or an
average of 35 new residents each year. This trend
has been continuing since 1960, when
population began to increase steadily, starting at
620 and reaching the current population of just
under 1,700.
In the course of the next 20 years, the population is projected to continue increasing incrementally.
In fact, if projections hold true, the population
would basically stabilize around 1,700 people. In
general, projections are based on several factors,
including past levels of development, recently
proposed development, proximity to employment centers, available land, and public facilities
(particularly sewers).
POPULATION PROJECTIONS
Schwenksville’s population has grown since the
1990 Census, defying projections made in 1996
that the population would experience minor
Figure 5 Population Classification
Population Type 1990 2000 % Change
Number % Total Number % Total 1980 to 1990
Household Population 1,273 96.0% 1,332 78.7% 4.6% Group Quarters Population 53 4.0% 361 21.3% 581.1% Total Population 1,326 100% 1,693 100% 27.7%
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Census of Population and Housing, 1990, 2000.
0
500
1000
1500
2000
1990
2000
2005
*
2010
*
2015
*
2020
*
2025
*
Figure 6 Population Projection
Year Population 1990 1,326 2000 1,693 2005* 1,690 2010* 1,690 2015* 1,690 2020* 1,690 2025* 1,700
Source: U.S. Census Bureau; Census of Population and Housing, 2000; DVRPC projections.
* Projected population
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Figure 7 Household Types
Household Types 1990
% Total 2000
% Total % Change
Number Number 1990 to 2000
Married Couples with Children 142 27.8% 108 17.3% -23.9%
Married Couples with No Children 141 27.6% 130 20.8% -7.8%
Single Parent 34 6.7% 54 8.6% 58.8%
Other Family 21 4.1% 35 5.6% 66.7%
1 Person Non-family Households 137 26.8% 251 40.1% 83.2%
2+ Person Non-family Household 36 7.0% 48 7.7% 33.3%
Total No. of Households 511 100% 626 100% 22.5%
Average People per Household 2.49 2.13 -14.6%
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Census of Population and Housing, 1990, 2000.
declines from 1990 to 2020, when it was
projected that the population would remain
between 1,200 and 1,300 people. From 2000 to
2025, the Borough population is expected to stabilize around its current population. Figure 6
further illustrates this.
At present, Schwenksville’s population is hovering
around the 1,700 mark. It is projected that this
population will remain roughly the same for the
next twenty years.
HOUSEHOLD TYPES
In the past fifteen years, there have been significant changes to household types in
Schwenksville as shown by Figure 7. Nationally,
traditional households of married couples with or
without children have been declining, while the
number of single parent and non-family
households have been steadily increasing.
In a direct correlation to Schwenksville’s
population increases, the total number of all
households within the municipality has increased by 22.5 percent according to the 1990 and 2000
Census Reports.
The household type that has seen the greatest
increase is the household of a single individual.
This demographic nearly doubled in ten years,
with Schwenksville gaining 114 individual
households during this time period.
EDUCATION
As Schwenksville’s population grew in the period of
time between 1990 and 2000, its population became
better educated overall. During this time period, the
percentage of residents with less than a ninth grade
education declined by 37 percent, and the number
of college graduates rose by 11 percent.
However, there was a rise in the number of
individuals who have a high school education but
have not received a graduating degree—an increase of 15 percent. Those that have
graduated from high school, but did not go on to
higher education are the sound majority of
Schwenksville’s residents, comprising 38.2 percent
of the population according to the 2000 Census.
While high school graduates are the majority,
roughly one quarter of the residents have
obtained a higher-education degree of some
kind—associate, bachelor, graduate or professional, strengthening Schwenksville’s
resident worker pool. Specific figures can be
viewed in Figure 8.
AGE
Population changes were reflected in the
Census breakdown of resident age, as shown in Figure 9, as the age demographic of 1-24
more than tripled between 1990 and 2000,
making this age group the dominant
demographic bracket within the Borough.
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During this time period, most age brackets grew in size, but two demographics declined
significantly. The number of newborns and
toddlers (ages 0 to 4) within Schwenksville
dropped by nearly half in the period of time
between censuses. Also experiencing a
substantial decline was the 25-34 demographic, which also declined by roughly 40 percent in the
same amount of time.
The influx of younger adults is countered by residents of 45 and older, all of whom account for
a combined 28.3 percent of the population,
although the median age remained at age 30.
INCOME
Median household incomes in Schwenksville rose by 28 percent, or just under $10,000 as
determined by the two latest census reports. Per
capita income also rose over the ten year period
by a margin of 33 percent. These figures are
further illustrated by Figure 10.
These changes in income levels may be indicative
of the greater numbers of Borough residents
holding degrees of higher education and of a
labor force that is more highly skilled, as the
numbers of residents without a high school diploma or equivalent have declined overall.
SPECIAL NEEDS GROUPS
The number of special needs individuals in
Schwenksville has increased since 1990 by
approximately 27 percent. While some statistical data is missing from both the 1990 and 2000
censuses, there are now more individuals with
disabilities and special needs in the Borough.
Overall, the numbers of elderly (ages 65 and
older) with special needs has increased by 46
percent between 1990 and 2000. While the
number of special needs individuals under the age
of 18 has declined by nearly 8 percent in the
same time frame, this age bracket is still the largest cohort of all the special needs demographics. The
special needs figures are illustrated by Figure 11.
HOUSING TYPES
Schwenksville has a fairly diverse mix of housing
types, encompassing single-family and multifamily
homes, as represented by Figure 12. Multifamily houses accommodating five or more families are
the most prevalent housing type within the
Borough, accounting for 41 percent of all housing
according to the 2000 Census.
Single-family homes are the second most
common type of housing in Schwenksville,
accounting for nearly 33 percent of the
Figure 8 Education Level
Educational Level 1990 2000 % Change
Number % Total Number % Total 1990-2000
Less than 9th grade 54 6.2% 34 3.6% -37.0%
9th through 12th grade, no diploma 104 12.0% 120 12.7% 15.4%
High school graduate (includes equivalency) 349 40.3% 360 38.2% 3.2%
Some college, no degree 144 16.6% 188 19.9% 30.6%
Associate degree 53 6.1% 54 5.7% 1.9%
Bachelor's degree 127 14.6% 141 15.0% 11.0%
Graduate or Professional degree 36 4.2% 46 4.9% 27.8%
Total Pop. 25 years and older 867 100% 943 100% 8.8%
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Census of Population and Housing, 1990, 2000.
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
Figure 9 Age Profile
Age 1990
% Total 2000
% Total %Change
Number Number 1990-2000
0-4 136 10.3% 78 4.6% -42.6%
5-17 189 14.3% 222 13.1% 17.5%
18-24 134 10.1% 449 26.5% 235.1%
25-34 340 25.6% 201 11.9% -40.9%
35-44 172 13.0% 264 15.6% 53.5%
45-54 111 8.4% 162 9.6% 45.9%
55-64 92 6.9% 95 5.6% 3.3%
65-74 70 5.3% 91 5.4% 30.0%
75+ 82 6.2% 131 7.7% 59.8%
Total 1,326 100% 1693 100% 27.7%
Median Age 30.4 30.2
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Census of Population and Housing, 1990, 2000.
Age/Sex Pyramid
300 200 100 0 100 200 300
0-4
18-24
35-44
55-64
75+
Ag
e G
rou
ps
2000 Female
2000 Male
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
housing stock as calculated by the most recent Census.
Between 1900 and 2000, the number of single-family attached houses has declined by 5.7
percent and the number of mobile home units
went from five to zero.
OCCUPATION
The breakdown of occupational positions held
by Schwenksville residents is fairly diverse. The majority of Schwenksville’s resident work force
are employed in clerical, office, and
professional sectors, accounting for a
combined 41 percent of all employed residents
(shown in Figure 13).
Other occupations, such as construction, the service
sector, and production all account for at least ten
percent of the workforce population. Farming
accounts for the fewest employed residents.
Slightly under half of Schwenksville’s residents are
employed, which can be explained by the fact
that significant portions of the Borough population are of retirement age or are under
working age.
More of Schwenksville’s residents are working in
white-collar jobs, possibly on account of more
Borough residents receiving levels of higher
education and that increasing numbers of
residents are graduating from high school.
However, traditionally blue-collar jobs are still
prominent occupations throughout the Borough.
EMPLOYMENT FORECAST
The rate of employment throughout the Borough
is expected to stabilize alongside the population
during the next twenty years. While there are
significant numbers of younger residents that will reach working age during this time period, this
will be countered by older residents retiring from
their jobs and leaving the work force. This
forecast is provided by the Delaware Valley
Regional Planning Commission. However, the
current work force is smaller than predicted,
Figure 10 Income Levels (1999 $)
Income 1989 1999 % Change
Per Capita $14,794 $19,679 33.0%
Median Household $34,828 $44,514 27.8%
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Census of Population and Housing, 1990, 2000.
Figure 11 Special Needs Groups
Special Needs Group 1990 2000 % Change
Number % Total Number % Total 1990-2000
Persons 16-64 with Disabilities 194 11.5% N/A
Persons 16-64 with Mobility and Self Care Limitations 15 1.1% N/A
Over 65 Years of Age 152 11.5% 222 13.1% 46.1%
Under 18 Years of Age 325 24.5% 300 17.7% -7.7%
Income Below Poverty Level 64 4.8% 71 4.2% 10.9%
Total Population 1,326 1,693 27.7%
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Census of Population and Housing, 1990, 2000.
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
Figure 12 Housing Types
Housing Types 1990 2000 % Change
Number % Total Number % Total 1990-2000
Single-family Detached 194 35.7% 217 32.8% 11.9%
Single-family Attached 70 12.9% 74 11.2% 5.7%
Multifamily (2-4 Units) 74 13.6% 98 14.8% 32.4%
Multifamily (5 or More Units) 200 36.8% 273 41.2% 36.5%
Mobile Home/Trailer/Other 5 0.9% 0 0.0% -100.0%
Total Housing Units 543 100% 662 100% 21.9%
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Census of Population and Housing, 1990, 2000.
Housing Types Comparison
35.7%
13.6%
36.8%
12.9%
0.9%
11.2%
14.8%
41.2%
32.8%
0.0%0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
Single-
family
Det
ached
Single-
family
Atta
ched
Mult
ifam
ily (2
-4 U
nits)
Mult
ifam
ily (5
or M
ore U
nits)
Mob
ile H
ome/
Traile
r/Oth
er
1990
2000
14
SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
showing a small decline from 1990 levels. These figures are shown in Figure 14.
MAJOR EMPLOYERS IN SCHWENKSVILLE
The top ten major employers in the Borough are
indicated in Figure 15. The largest employer is the
Colonnade of Schwenksville followed by the
Perkiomen Valley School District.
STATUS OF RELEVANT PLANS CENTRAL PERKIOMEN VALLEY REGIONAL PLAN
Schwenksville is a member of the Central
Perkiomen Valley Regional Planning Commission
which adopted their regional comprehensive
plan in June 2005. The region in addition to Schwenksville includes: Collegeville Borough,
Figure 13 Labor Force by Occupation
Occupation 2000
Number % Total Management 80 11.0% Professional 143 19.8% Sales 72 9.9% Clerical/Office 154 21.3% Construction 83 11.5% Production/Transportation 100 13.8% Farming 3 0.4% Services 89 12.3% Total 724 100%
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Census of Population and Housing, 2000.
Figure 14 Employment Forecast
Year Total Employment
1990 747
2000 750
2005* 750
2010* 750
2015* 750
2020* 750
2025* 750
*Source: DVRPC Forecasts
745746747748749750751
1990
2000
2005
*
2010
*
2015
*
2020
*
2025
*
15
SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
Lower Frederick Township, Perkiomen Township, Trappe Borough, and Upper Frederick Township.
A major goal of the regional comprehensive plan
is to encourage investment in open space. The
plan also indicates a focus on the Perkiomen Trail
and the creation of additional regional trail
linkages, as well as to develop and improve existing parkland and to develop active and
passive recreational opportunities in the region.
ZONING ORDINANCE
Schwenksville recently adopted a Natural
Resource Protection Standards ordinance that will
help limit development on important natural features. Schwenksville also has a Floodplain
Conservation District. In addition, Schwenksville
has two village commercial districts for its main
street area that helps protect the historic structures
in the Borough. The community’s open space
areas are zoned for recreation.
JOINT OPEN SPACE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE PROTECTION PLAN
Schwenksville and Upper Salford Township joined
together to develop their open space plan in
accordance with the Montgomery County Open
Space Program guidelines in 1996. Jointly the two communities purchased the Spring Mountain
House property. More discussion of the plan
occurs in Chapter 2 as well as throughout this
planning document.
SWAMP CREEK STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
Schwenksville is participating in the Act 167
Stormwater Management Plan with Lower Frederick,
Upper Frederick, Limerick, Lower Pottsgrove, Upper
Pottsgrove, New Hanover, and Douglass, and seven
communities in Berks County.
REVITALIZATION PLAN
Schwenksville created a Revitalization Plan in
accordance with Montgomery County Community
Revitalization Program in 2002. The plan entitled
“Schwenksville: Gateway to the Perkiomen Trail:
Pennsylvania’s First Greenway Community”
indicates that the Perkiomen Trail is the centerpiece for the community and its economic
development. Schwenksville later trademarked
that logo for the community. The revitalization
plan discusses trail gateways and access locations
throughout the Borough, trailhead parking,
Figure 15Major Employers: 2005
Employer Industry Employees
1 Colonnade of Schwenksville Retirement Community 160
2 Perkiomen Valley School District Education 80
3 Liberty Ministries Charity 42
4 PMA Medical Specialist Medical Practice 25
5 Jerusalem Lutheran Nursery Education 22
6 Louis P. Sigel & Son, Inc. Insurance 15
7 Medical Component, Inc. Manufacturing/Distribution 12
8 Schwenksville Borough Authority Infrastructure 11
9 Robert Slater, Inc. Excavating 10
10 Univest Corporation Bank 7
Schwenksville Borough Logo
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
directory signage, and linkages to the Perkiomen
Trail including a pedestrian bridge from the
Borough to Pennypacker Mills. One of the major
focuses of the plan, in addition, is the creation of a Perkiomen Trailhouse a mix of retail and residential
uses on the former lumberyard property site,
which would cater to trail users as well as draw
area residents.
DRAFT MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Montgomery County is currently updating its
comprehensive plan. The last plan was adopted
in 1979. The adopted Vision Plan discusses revitalizing main streets, creating greenway
systems, developing a county network of
interconnected trails, providing park facilities to
meet the public recreation’s needs, protecting
scenic viewsheds, and protecting historic
resources and cultural landscapes. The remaining
comprehensive plan elements is scheduled for adoption in Fall 2005.
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
CHAPTER 2 GOALS & OBJECTIVES
The Goals and Objectives Chapter of the Schwenksville Open Space Plan provides a discussion on the
1996 Open Space and Environmental Resource Protection Plan’s goals and objectives. The chapter also
provides a series of new goals and objectives for the 2005 plan.
THE 1996 OPEN SPACE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE PROTECTION PLAN The Borough of Schwenksville completed the
Open Space and Environmental Resource
Protection Plan in 1996. At that time, a series of goals and objectives were developed to
address issues regarding the preservation of
open space and the protection of
environmental resources. As a part of the
update process required by the Montgomery
County Open Space Program, Schwenksville
has evaluated its previous goals and objectives to address whether the goals are still valid and
to evaluate why some of the last plan's
recommendations were not implemented.
Below are listed the previous goals and
objectives with accompanying explanation of
their status.
SCHWENKSVILLE’S GOALS
• Identify, Protect, and Preserve Vulnerable
Natural Resources
Working with Montgomery County, lands up and downstream from the Borough park and along the Perkiomen Creek were acquired by the County through fee simple or conservation easement for the creation of the Perkiomen Trail. The Perkiomen Trail opened in the Borough in fall of 2003. In addition, the Spring Mountain House property was purchased with Upper Salford Township with a 2000 grant from the Montgomery County Open Space Program. A 7-acre portion of the Spring Mountain House property, in Perkiomen Township, has not been acquired. This portion of the property contains some important natural features and Schwenksville Borough would support acquisition of this property by Perkiomen Township or by some other means.
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
• Explore Recreation Opportunities
The Perkiomen Trail has added to the
recreation opportunities in the Borough.
Additionally, the Borough has explored grant
opportunities for the creation of a park on Centennial Street. The Borough would also
welcome future trail connections to the
Perkiomen Trail such as the Sunrise Trail and
the Evansburg Trail. Schwenksville is currently
exploring a pedestrian connection linking
Pennypacker Mills to the Borough.
• Identify, Preserve, and Enhance Scenic
Resources in the Borough
Schwenksville recently passed a Natural
Resource Protection Standards Ordinance
which will help to protect the scenic resources
in the Borough.
• Identify and Preserve Historic Structures and Sites
An inventory of historic structures and sites
has been completed for Schwenksville.
Additionally, the Borough created two zoning
districts, Village Commercial 1 and Village Commercial 2 which will help protect the
historic structures within the community.
JOINT GOALS
As a part of the last plan, Schwenksville and Upper
Salford Township developed joint goals described
below.
• General (related to natural resources)
Schwenksville is participating in the Swamp Creek Watershed Stormwater Plan with Lower Frederick, Upper Frederick, Limerick, Lower Pottsgrove, Upper Pottsgrove, New Hanover, and Douglass, and seven communities in Berks County. The community also adopted the Natural Resources Protection Standards Ordinance to limit development on important natural features in the Borough.
Schwenksville will look into other regulations
that will help protect its natural features.
• Join with Adjacent Communities to Increase
Protection of Natural Areas
Schwenksville coordinated with Montgomery County in the development of the Perkiomen
Trail. The Spring Mountain House property was purchased with Upper Salford Township with a 2000 grant from the Montgomery County Open Space Program.
In addition, Schwenksville is a member of the
Central Perkiomen Valley Regional Planning
Commission which includes the communities
of Collegeville, Lower Frederick, Perkiomen,
Trappe, and Upper Frederick.
• Conduct Community Education for
Preservation of Open Space Resources
As a part of the municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4) requirements, Schwenksville will be educating its residents about stormwater runoff.
Schwenksville will embark on efforts to
educate its residents about open space
preservation through the open space plan
update process.
THE 2005 OPEN SPACE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE PROTECTION PLAN The Open Space Committee has evaluated the goals and objectives of the previous plan and
revised them to reflect what was discussed
during the audit process. This chapter will
serve as the framework for Schwenksville’s
plan for open space preservation and
protection of natural resources. Goals are
provided regarding development, retention of open space, and protection of environmental
features followed by a series of objectives and
Spring Mountain Woods near Spring Mountain House site
19
SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
action steps. These goals are for a time horizon of ten years. The specific action items
are defined further throughout this plan and
their estimated start and completion date as
well as priority can be found in Chapter 13.
ENHANCE THE PERKIOMEN TRAIL THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY AND ENCOURAGE CONNECTIONS TO OTHER TRAILS.
OBJECTIVES:
• Continue to implement the Perkiomen
Greenway.
• Enhance connections to Meadow Park from
the Perkiomen Trail.
• Create new connections to the Perkiomen
Trail.
• Encourage a regional trail network with
connections through Schwenksville.
Action Steps:
Create a master plan for Meadow Park that increases the usability of the park for Borough residents and Perkiomen Trail users.
Establish gateways for the Perkiomen Trail through Schwenksville from parks, businesses, and surrounding municipalities.
Explore a pedestrian connection to Pennypacker Mills.
Create a Spring Mountain House connection
to the Perkiomen Trail and Spring Mountain.
EXPLORE FURTHER ACTIVE AND PASSIVE RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES.
OBJECTIVES:
• Ensure a sufficient supply of active and
passive recreation areas for Borough
residents.
Action Steps:
Explore funding opportunities for the acquisition of additional open space.
Create opportunities for direct boating access to the Perkiomen Creek.
Acquire land for Centennial Street Park.
ENHANCE ACCESS AND VISIBILITY OF CURRENT OPEN SPACE.
OBJECTIVES:
• Ensure Meadow Park is safe, accessible,
and useable.
Action Steps:
Develop a master plan for Meadow Park
addressing access, drainage issues, and views
of the Perkiomen Creek.
PROTECT THE NATURAL FEATURES OF BOROUGH.
OBJECTIVES:
• Revise the zoning and subdivision ordinances
to address natural feature protection.
• Explore land acquisition opportunities along
the Perkiomen Creek .
• Undertake natural feature protection measures.
• Explore land acquisition opportunities that
would protect vulnerable natural resources
and/or expand existing open space.
Action Steps:
Adopt a riparian corridor ordinance and landscaping ordinance with tree preservation and tree replacement standards.
Execute a stream bank restoration program.
Work with Montgomery County on acquiring through fee simple or conservation easement lands along the Perkiomen Creek in order to add to the Perkiomen Greenway through Schwenksville.
Consider acquisition and protection methods
for the Boyer Run Greenway and the area
adjacent to Boulevard Avenue.
ENHANCE THE PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIONS IN THE BOROUGH.
OBJECTIVES:
• Explore sidewalk network and off-road trail
connections to the Perkiomen Trail, Schwenksville Elementary School, and Main Street.
• Connect open space areas in the Borough.
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
Action Steps:
Sidewalk connections to the Schwenksville
Elementary School are a short term priority,
while future connections to surrounding
communities are a longer term priority.
REGREEN THE BOROUGH STREETSCAPES.
OBJECTIVES:
• Evaluate the Borough’s streets for
streetscape improvements.
Action Steps:
Adopt a landscaping ordinance which updates the street tree requirements.
Initiate and implement an overall streetscape program for the Borough.
Create a shade tree advisory committee to
monitor Borough streetscape
improvements.
WHERE OUT PARCELS EXIST NEAR PUBLIC OPEN SPACE, ACQUISITION WOULD BE APPROPRIATE.
OBJECTIVES:
• Evaluate out parcels adjacent to open space
for future acquisition.
Action Steps:
Coordinate with the County on the parcel
adjacent to Memorial Park.
PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION OF HISTORIC STRUCTURES.
OBJECTIVES:
• Continue the updating of the historic
structure inventory.
• Evaluate methods of historic preservation
that would be appropriate for Schwenksville Borough.
• Encourage volunteer participation in historic
restoration work and educate the public
about ongoing projects.
Action Steps:
Relocate and restore the historic Schwenksville Post Office.
Begin an archaeological excavation of Schwenksville’s ice houses and mill houses and encourage volunteer participation.
Restore ice pond on Centennial Street as a part of Centennial Street park development.
Establish a signage program for historic
structures and sites.
CONTINUE THE MAINTENANCE AND RESTORATION OF SCHWENKSVILLE’S PARKS.
OBJECTIVES:
• Continue the upkeep of existing parks.
• As new parks are acquired, pursue a long-
term maintenance strategy.
Action Steps:
Develop and implement a master plan for Meadow Park.
Enhance the Perkiomen Creek adjacent to Meadow Park through stream bank restoration.
Following acquisition of additional open space, develop master plans for these
areas.
JOIN OTHER COMMUNITIES IN PARK AND RECREATION PROGRAMMING.
OBJECTIVES:
• Pursue joint park and recreation
programming with adjacent municipalities.
Action Steps:
Create joint park and recreation programming with adjacent communities.
EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT SCHWENKSVILLE’S NATURAL FEATURES, HISTORIC SITES, AND OPEN SPACE AREAS
OBJECTIVES:
• Educate the public about the open space
and natural feature preservation efforts in the Borough.
• Educate the public about the historic
structures and sites within the Borough.
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
Action Steps:
Establish an interpretative signage program for the historic sites in the Borough and create an historic walking tour.
Establish names for the unnamed tributaries of the Perkiomen Creek and establish a signage program for those creeks.
Establish a signage program for Meadow Park and future open space areas.
Utilize newspaper resources, the
Schwenksville website, and Schwenksville
mailings to inform the public about open
space efforts.
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
CHAPTER 3 EXISTING PROTECTED LAND
A key component of the open space plan is a review of existing protected land. An inventory of existing
conditions, along with an assessment of future needs, is necessary for formulating many of the plan's
goals and objectives. Existing protected land refers to land preserved for active or passive recreation use
and/or for environmental conservation purposes. In addition to municipally-owned areas, it can include
land preserved by private conservation groups, farmland, schools sites, and private open space preserved
as part of residential or non-residential development.
This chapter identifies existing open and recreational land Schwenksville and separates it into two
categories of protection - permanently and temporarily protected land. The latter category makes an
important contribution to the overall recreation base of a community by preserving open space,
conserving significant natural features, and/or providing recreation facilities that do not require municipal
involvement in maintenance. However, temporarily protected land can easily be lost. In evaluating open
space needs, this distinction is important, as is the goal of increasing the amount of permanently protected
land so that future generations can also benefit from open space.
PERMANENTLY PROTECTED LAND There is a total of 12.78 acres of public open
space in the Borough. This land is owned by
Montgomery County and by Schwenksville
Borough.
MUNICIPAL OPEN SPACE
Schwenksville's Meadow Park, is the Borough’s
only park. Meadow Park is 6.47 acres and is
owned by the Borough. The park offers access to the Perkiomen Creek, has a play area, lawn area,
and pavilion.
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
PERKIOMEN TRAIL
The Perkiomen Trail adjoins Main Street in
Schwenksville and adds extensively to the open
space within the Borough. Montgomery County owns 7.62 acres of the trail through the
Borough and the remainder of the trail is via
conservation easements that property owners
gave to the County.
TEMPORARILY PROTECTED LAND ACT 319
The Pennsylvania Farmland and Forest Land
Assessment Act was created to preserve land
devoted to agricultural use, agricultural reserve, or
forest reserve. This preferential tax assessment
gives landowners a small incentive to keep the
their parcel intact (a minimum 10 acres are required to qualify for an agricultural or forestry
use). If a breach occurs, the landowner must pay
roll-back taxes for the previous seven years plus
interest. With the high demand for land, this
penalty is not a significant deterrence, and
therefore Act 319 provides minimal land protection. Schwenksville has one property that
extends into Lower Frederick and Perkiomen
Township that falls under Act 319. The portion of
the property within the Borough is 1.86 acres.
This property is approximately 17 acres in total.
ACT 515
The Pennsylvania Open Space Covenant Act was
created to stabilize open areas through the use of
real estate tax assessment techniques. It allows
certain counties to covenant with landowners for
preservation of land in farm, forest, water supply
or open space uses. Some eligible lands can be as
small as ten acres and must be consistent with the county or municipal open space plan. Unless
properly terminated, covenants require the
landowner to pay roll-back taxes for the previous
five years plus interest. Act 515 provides little to
no long-term land protection. Schwenksville has
no properties with Act 515 covenants in place.
INSTITUTIONAL
Schwenksville has 30.81 acres of institutional land.
The Perkiomen Valley School District owns 18.45
acres of this institutional land. The remainder is
owned by religious institutions, the library, the
Schwenksville Borough Authority, and Schwenksville Borough. Public schools provide
much open space in the form of playing fields,
basketball courts, and open fields.
These open spaces differ from the municipally
owned spaces because they may not remain open
forever and that they are not all accessible to the
public. Because land use decisions for public
schools are not made by the municipality, there is
the potential for these spaces to be lost. Despite their temporary nature, these sources of open
space are still important to Schwenksville as they
offer residents a greater range of choices to meet
their recreational needs. They also add an
aesthetic quality to the Borough by opening up
views and providing some relief to the largely developed landscape.
HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION LANDS
The private open space in the Borough is owned
by two entities: Spring Mount Summit Condo
Association and High Pointe Condo Association.
This area is 4.85 acres in size.
CONCLUSION In total, Schwenksville has a significant amount of
open space, with 50.30 acres being either
permanently or temporarily protected. This land
provides Schwenksville residents with many opportunities to enjoy all that open space can offer --
recreation, tranquility, beauty, and a sense of
community. However, some of this open space could
be lost to development in time if the land owners or
land use changes. If the Borough acquires more
open and recreational land, residents can be assured
that Schwenksville will be able to offer them the same or greater level of active and passive open space as
they enjoy today.
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
GAME FARM RD
4TH ST
3RD
ST
CENTENNIAL ST
CHURCH
PARK AVE
MO
UN
TAIN
VIE
W A
VE
WALNUT ST
HILLCREST AVE
2ND
ST
HIGHLAND AVE
PERKIOMEN AVE
PLEASANTVIEW AVE
CLEARFIELD AVE
MAI
N S
T
MAPLE AVE
SUM
MIT AVE
WOODLAND AV
E
MINE HILL RD
4TH ST
0 800 1,600400 Feet
MC
PC
MontgomeryCountyPlanningCommissionMontgomery County Courthouse - Planning CommissionPO Box 311 Norristown PA 19404-0311(p) 610.278.3722 (f) 610.278.3941www.montcopa.org/plancom
Base map August 2004
This map is based on 2000 ortho photography and official sources. Property lines were compiledfrom individual block maps from the Montgomery County Board of Assessment Appeals, with no verificationfrom the deed. This map is not meant to be used as a legal definition of properties or for engineering purposes.
¯Other LandAgriculture
Undeveloped
Temporarily Protected Land
Private Open Space
Institutional
Act 319
Existing Protected Land
Public Open Space
Figure 16 Existing and Temporarily Protected Land
26
SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
27
SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
CHAPTER 4 INVENTORY OF POTENTIALLY
VULNERABLE RESOURCES
This chapter presents information on Schwenksville Borough’s potentially vulnerable resources, such as
geology, soils, streams, and woodlands. While the Borough is almost completely developed, these
resources create unique features in the Borough. The impact of development affects scenic quality, water
quality, and aquifer recharge. Through protection of these natural resources, important environmental
functions will be preserved as well as scenic quality.
GEOLOGY The Borough’s bedrock geology, while mostly
unseen except for surface outcrops, defines the
character of all the overlying natural features.
Bedrock geology, and the way it interacts with the
hydrologic cycle, is responsible for changes in
elevation, steep slopes, the location of watercourses, and soil characteristics. For
example, the Brunswick Formation consists of red
shale, mudstone, and siltstone. The weathering of
these moderately hard rocks generally result in
somewhat shallow reddish brown soils. Due to
lower clay content, these rocks tend to produce
soils with good surface drainage.
Bedrock geology and it’s unique composition is
also a primary indicator for groundwater yields.
For example, geologic formations having a higher clay content are less likely to have soils that
provide significant infiltration and groundwater
yields, while formation resulting in soils with
higher sand content will have higher rates of
infiltration and groundwater recharge. Also
harder rocks, including those that have cooled from liquid rock or magma, will be less likely to
form fractures and joints that can contribute to
higher groundwater yields. In Montgomery
County, the difference in groundwater yields
ranges from several gallons per minute (gpm) to
over 100 gpm.
Montgomery County is located in the Triassic
Lowland and Piedmont Upland section of the
Piedmont Physiographic Province. Four formations comprise the Triassic Lowlands: the
28
SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
Stockton, Lockatong, Brunswick, and Diabase formations.
The bedrock geology that underlies Schwenksville consists of three formations: Diabase, Brunswick,
and Lockatong. This is quite a common mix and is
frequently found throughout the entire county.
Diabase: This material is formed from the cooling
of magma (rock in its liquid form), and is referred
to as igneous rock. Diabase is typically found in
association with the Brunswick formation. It was
formed when magma seeped through large
cracks within and around the Brunswick formation. Within these cracks the magma cooled
into narrow bands of rock that is very resistant to
erosion, weathering, water infiltration, and
groundwater movement. Diabase is notorious for
low well yields and difficulty in excavation. Most
areas of diabase are steeply sloped and wooded
with numerous surface rocks and boulders. Since diabase is formed from magma, which is typically
high in mineral content, soils derived from this formation can yield quite unique and rare plant
species. This formation is found under the
northernmost part of the Borough, along its
boundary with Lower Frederick Township. This
area is contains areas of sleep slopes and
woodlands. The Diabase formation extends across the Perkiomen Creek into Upper Salford in
the Spring Mountain vicinity.
Lockatong: This sedimentary formation lies in the southern end of the Borough from south of
Perkiomen Avenue to the southern boundary.
This formation is resistant to weathering and often
forms ridges that are prevalent throughout the
county. Generally, the Lockatong formation
exhibits low groundwater yields.
Brunswick: This sedimentary formation underlies
most of the northwestern half of the county. The
Brunswick formation sustains moderate groundwater yields in most locations. The yields
may vary and secondary openings such as joints
and fractures are the key to adequate water flow.
This formation results in the flat or gently rolling
topography that is found throughout the county.
In addition, the Brunswick formation includes harder and more resistant rocks called hornfels.
The hornfels resulted when the red shale of the
Brunswick was super heated by the hot magma of
the diabase intrusions through a process called
metamorphosis. The Brunswick formation extends
as Hornfels from the Diabase around Woodland
Avenue to just south of Highland Avenue. From there, it extends as typical Brunswick shale to the
Lockatong formation south of Perkiomen Avenue.
The importance of the underlying geology is centered upon the availability of groundwater and
the stability of the bedrock for supporting roads
and building foundations. The geological
formations also add to the scenic quality that is
found within an area because of the hills and
valleys that are a result of weathering.
TOPOGRAPHY STEEP SLOPES
Steep slopes within Schwenksville Borough have
been caused by the erosion of bedrock geology
through the action of wind, rain, and chemical
breakdown. As water flows over the landscape, it will break away portions of the "ground" and
carry it elsewhere. Steep slopes are natural
GAME FARM RD
4TH ST
3RD
ST
CENTENNIAL ST
CHURCH
PARK AVE
MO
UN
TAIN
VIE
W A
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WALNUT ST
HILLCREST AVE
2ND
ST
HIGHLAND AVE
PERKIOMEN AVE
PLEASANTVIEW AVE
CLEARFIELD AVE
MAI
N S
T
MAPLE AVE
SUM
MIT AV
E
WOODLA
ND AVE
4TH ST
MINE HILL RD
Lockatong Formation
Diabase FormationHornfels
Brunswick Formation
Figure 17 Geology
29
SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
features of the landscape which cause limitations to development, provide scenic
resources, and are environmentally sensitive.
The degree of steepness and the existing soils
found on steep slopes are a result of the
precipitation, vegetation, and underlying
geology. Maintaining the proper vegetative
cover, along with minimizing development, on
steep slopes will greatly reduce the risk to the
public health, safety and welfare. Generally speaking, as the slope increases (for example
from 15% to 20%), the depth of the topsoil and
the ability of the soil to support structures
decreases. It is for this reason that maintaining
a vegetative cover on most, if not all, steep
slopes, while at the same time minimizing the impervious covers on slopes (roofs, drives, etc.)
is a Borough priority.
The steep slopes shown in Figure 18 are derived from the Montgomery County Soil
Survey, which classifies soils by slope. As the
map shows, there is a small area of extensive
slopes (25% or greater) located at the
boundary with Lower Frederick and slopes of
15 percent or more are found throughout the Borough around the tributaries of the
Perkiomen Creek and Mine Run.
WATERSHEDS AND DRAINAGE AREAS
Water is arguably a community's most valuable
resource. It is consumed by people and
industry, enjoyed for recreation, employed in
the assimilation of treated sewage, and integral
to the scenic landscape. The average
precipitation in the county is approximately 46 inches per year. Of this amount (which can
vary) roughly 25% becomes runoff, 50%
evaporates or is transpired by plants, and 25%
replenishes groundwater supplies.
The area that contributes water to any given
water course is called a drainage basin.
Schwenksville Borough contributes to three
types of drainage basins: Mine Run, Swamp
Creek, and Perkiomen Creek. The Perkiomen Creek is considered to be a major basin, which
is one of more than 25 square miles, drained
by a prominent stream, with a significant
number of branch streams. The Swamp Creek
is considered to be a minor basin which is one
that has an area of 10 square miles, with the
principle stream tributary to the stream of a major basin (in this case the Perkiomen Creek).
Mine Run is a sub-basin (in this case to the
Perkiomen Creek) which is one that is more
than 2 square miles but less than 10 and the
principal stream is a tributary to the stream of
either a major or minor basin.
As the water finds its way through the Borough it
erodes the land, carries soil sediment, affects
vegetation communities, and replenishes the groundwater. The topography of any community is
a result of the interaction between the geology and
the surface water as it makes its way across the
landscape. The plants that are found in an area differ
depending upon their location and the "wetness" of
the soil. Finally, as water flows across the land it also
enters the underlying aquifers by filtering through the soil and into the underlying bedrock.
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Steep Slopes > 15%Steep Slopes > 25%
Figure 18 Steep Slopes
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The major surface waterways that run through the Borough are the Perkiomen Creek (which
includes the Boyer Run and Creamery Run
tributaries) and Mine Run.
Groundwater behaves much like surface water,
flowing like a stream, only much slower.
Groundwater is tapped as a source of drinking
water and for industrial purposes. The
replenishment of groundwater occurs slowly as
precipitation and, in some cases, stream water seeps through the soil, down into the underlying
aquifer. For this reason, open, undisturbed land is
essential to groundwater recharge. Undisturbed,
vegetated land retains precipitation and allows it
to soak into the soil rather than running off the
surface. In turn, impervious surfaces (roofs, driveways, etc.) from development prevent the
infiltration of water into the aquifer and speed up
the run-off potential.
SOILS HYDRIC SOILS
These are periodically wet soils in an undrained
condition that often support the growth of wetland vegetation. In an undisturbed,
undrained condition, hydric soils are almost
always wetlands, with a seasonal high water table
at or near the surface, and therefore are subject
to regulation by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
and the PA Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP). Since not all hydric soils are found in undrained conditions, not all hydric soils
exhibit wetland vegetation. Hydric soils that have
been drained for agricultural use is an example.
Other soils that have hydric components are
found in depressions, bottomlands, swales,
drainageways, and alluvial soils. These types of
soils usually have a high water table and frequently pond. These soils should not be
developed for obvious reasons such as erosion
potential, seepage from septic systems into the
groundwater, and the inability to build solid
foundations.
ALLUVIAL SOILS
These soils are frequently, but not always,
located within a floodplain. They have been
deposited by flowing water and are not stable
because of their texture and composition. The
presence of alluvial soils is only one indicator of
a floodplain. Changes in tributary drainage areas or slope of the adjacent stream may
create a floodplain that is either larger or
smaller than the area of alluvial soils. An
important aspect of alluvial soils is the fact that
they are often aquifer recharge areas. These
soils should not be developed because of their
lack of stability, the potential for groundwater contamination, and aquifer recharge.
SURFACE WATERS AND HYDROLOGY FLOODPLAIN AND STREAM CORRIDORS
Water is a valuable resource, consumed by people
and industry, enjoyed at recreation facilities,
employed in the assimilation of treated sewage,
and integral to the landscape. As previously noted, of the 46 inches per year of rainfall
expected 25 percent becomes direct runoff, 50
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Perkiomen Creek
Mine Run
Swamp Creek
Mine Run
Swamp CreekPerkiomen Creek
Figure 19 Watersheds
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floodwater. The most extensive floodplain areas are found along the Perkiomen Creeks and Mine Run.
Generally, the floodplain has been respected within
the Borough although there has been development
along Mine Run.
In addition to carrying floodwater, the floodplain and
stream corridors are important in minimizing erosion
and water pollution, protecting water quality
(temperature and velocity), and providing animal
habitats and recreational opportunities. Well vegetated "buffers" along stream corridors will filter
out "non-point source" pollutants, shade the stream,
and provide wildlife habitat. Wetlands that filter and
impede stormwater are frequently found along
stream corridors. Unconsolidated gravel and stone
deposits (soils) are also found along stream corridors and these areas allow for groundwater recharge.
Schwenksville recently passed a natural resource
protection ordinance which addresses the protection of streams, watercourses, wetlands, and ponds. The
ordinance requires the protection of stream corridors
by a stream corridor setback of 75 feet from the
centerline of the watercourse.
These riparian areas also protect one of the essential
aquifer replenishment areas, the hydric and alluvial
soils that are often found along streams.
Because basins are usually larger than one
community, an interrelationship exists whereby
municipalities that are upstream contribute surface
water flow to Schwenksville, while those downstream receive the Schwenksville's flow. With this in mind,
the Borough should aim to maintain the natural
conditions of its drainage system, such as through
preservation of open space along watercourses.
VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE WOODLANDS
The original vegetation of Montgomery County
was a dense forest of hardwoods which covered
over 99 percent of the county. Oaks were the
dominant species, but chestnut, tulip poplar,
hickory, ash, red maple, and dogwoods were also present. Several hundred years of clearing and
cultivation, and in more recent times the rapid
development of houses and commercial facilities,
have reduced woodlands to a shadow of their
former extent. The principle types of woodlands
remaining in the county are:
percent evaporates or is transpired by plants, and 25 percent replenishes groundwater. The surface
water that falls on or is carried through
Schwenksville affects the topography, soils,
vegetation, and groundwater and comes from
two natural sources: direct runoff and
groundwater. A third, manmade source, may also contribute to stream flow: effluent from
sewage treatment plants, which tends to reduce
the variation between high and low flow periods.
HYDROLOGY
Of particular importance is the 100 year floodplain.
This is a hydrological feature that effects the health, safety, and welfare of Schwenksville’s residents.
Much of the time the floodplain is dry, but during
storms the floodplain conveys and stores excess
floodwater. Development within this area reduces
the carrying capacity of the watercourse and
increases the height and destructive ability of
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Hydric SoilsAlluvial Soils
Figure 20 Alluvial and Hydric Soils
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Red Oak - About 60% of all remaining woodlands. Northern Red Oak is predominant, but Black, Scarlet
and Chestnut Oak are also abundant.
Ash/Maple/Elm - About 19% of all woodlands. Local
mixtures will vary, and include minor species, such as
the Slippery Elm, Yellow Birch, Black Gum, Sycamore,
and Poplar.
Eastern Red Cedar - 18% of the county's
wooded acres are covered with this species
and associated species: Gray Birch, Red Maple,
Sweet Birch, and Aspen.
Sugar Maple/Beech/Yellow Birch - The remaining
three percent of woodlands is comprised of this
association. Associated species include Red Maple, Hemlock, Northern Red oak, White Ash, and Tulip
Poplar.
Woodlands and hedgerows serve many purposes,
both functional and aesthetic. Woodlands prevent
erosion, provide habitat for wildlife, provide buffers for creeks, and offer recreational opportunities for
residents. Hedgerows and wooded corridors prevent
erosion also, and provide cover for wildlife
movement, shelter, and migration.
The distribution of woodlands in Montgomery
County can be described in three different
patterns. Small, widely scattered stands can be
found east of the central county ridge, often
strung along alluvial soils. Long, linear stands along streams and on alluvial soils are typical in
the central part of the county. Large forested
blocks of land, often hundreds to thousands of
acres in size, are found on ridges in the central
and northern areas of the county.
Major concentrations of woodlands in the
Borough are found along the Perkiomen Creek,
and tributaries of the Perkiomen Creek as well as
areas adjacent to Lower Frederick and Perkiomen Townships. However, with the exception of
portions of woodlands along the Perkiomen Trail,
no permanent preservation of these areas exists.
While all woodlands are important, some of the
most significant woodlands are those found along
the streams. These riparian woodlands help absorb rainfall, shade the stream, provide food for
aquatic organisms, and minimize the addition of
sediment into the waterways.
In terms of water quality, the Perkiomen Creek and
the Mine Run are classified as trout stocking
according to the Pennsylvania Code, Title 25, Chapter
93, “Water Quality Standards.”
SCENIC RESOURCES Scenic quality of viewsheds is associated with
waterbodies, woodlands, and unique landforms.
These views can add significantly to a
community’s sense of place. Besides woodlands and and the scenic qualities of creeks and streams,
roadways can contribute to a community’s open
space system because they provide a way to view
its scenic resources. The County’s Comprehensive
Plan identifies Route 29 as an “aesthetically
unique” scenic road.
HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES In the 1700s grist mills were built in the area and became famous as the Pennypacker Mills during
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FEMA FloodplainNWI Wetlands
Figure 21 Floodplains and Wetlands
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the Revolutionary War. However, significant settlement of the Borough did not begin until the
early to mid-1800s. Early businesses included a
store in 1818, and a hotel in 1845, opened by
Jacob Schwenk, the great-grandson of the
original settler. Other early businesses included
ice houses, a creamery, and the Bromer clothing factory. Attempts to incorporate as a
borough began in 1889, and were finally
successful in 1903.
Important transportation improvements in the
1800s include the 1832 Perkiomen Creek bridge,
Gravel Pike from Collegeville to Sumneytown in
1846 and the railroad in 1874 that connected the
Schuylkill River Valley with the Lehigh Valley.
The Schwenksville Creamery was established circa
1880 as a farmers association. Around 1890, it
became a private enterprise and was in operation
until 1946. The creamery served as a milk collection point for local farmers. Butter and
cheese were manufactured and cheese was dried out and sold as casein to paper manufacturers. In
addition, butter and eggs were kept cool under
the ice and shipped by rail, later by truck, to the
Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia.
Chickens, turkeys, calves, and hogs were killed
and processed at the creamery also.
An inventory of historical structures was done by
the Clio Group in the mid 1980s throughout
Montgomery County. This study catalogued 43 sites in Schwenksville of local importance and one
site that was identified as eligible for individual
listing on the National Register. The one site
indicated as eligible for listing is the 1874
Industrial Hall at 100 Main Street, built for clothing
manufacturer Albert Bromer. This building provided manufacturing space on the first floor, a
community meeting hall on the second floor, and
fraternal lodge meeting rooms on the third floor.
Two other Bromer buildings are identified on the
list. One building is his residence, built around
1870, and the other is one of Bromer’s shops,
which is now used as Schwenksville Borough Hall.
The Central Perkiomen Valley Historical Society
conducted a historic inventory as a part of the open space planning process. The Borough’s
buildings have been categorized and can be
viewed in Figures 23 and 24.
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Riparian WoodlandsWoodlands
Figure 22 Woodlands
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C39
A4
D10
C29C28
D3
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D4
E49E41
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C30
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E44
D16
A13
E13
C15
A1
E31
E48
A3
E1
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A7
E30
E5
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E37E34
C33
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B11E40
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A12
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E27
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E20E22
C31
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C6
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C32
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C22
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C46
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B2
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B5
C14
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C8
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E19
B13
B6
A15
B1
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B9
C42
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A8
A14
E28
B4
B12
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C7
D8
D11
B14
E17
C44 C45
C43
E10
C5
C36
C12
B8
B3
D14
E45
B7
B15
A16
E33
C35
A17
C19
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0 800 1,600400 Feet
MC
PC
MontgomeryCountyPlanningCommissionMontgomery County Courthouse - Planning CommissionPO Box 311 Norristown PA 19404-0311(p) 610.278.3722 (f) 610.278.3941www.montcopa.org/plancom
Base map December 2004
This map is based on 2000 ortho photography and official sources. Property lines were compiledfrom individual block maps from the Montgomery County Board of Assessment Appeals, with no verificationfrom the deed. This map is not meant to be used as a legal definition of properties or for engineering purposes.
¯
Building Ages
21st Century
1946 - 2000
1919 - 1945 (E)
1895 - 1918 (D)
1877 - 1894 (C)
1871 - 1876 (B)
Earlier than 1870 (A)
Figure 23 Historic and Cultural Resources (Provided by the Central Perkiomen Valley Historical Society)
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Figure 24 Historic Resources
Map ID Address Date Category A1 131 State Game Farm Road Earlier than 1870
A2 130 State Game Farm Road Earlier than 1870
A3 729 Main Street Earlier than 1870
A4 700 Main Street Earlier than 1870
A5 51 Park Avenue Earlier than 1870
A6 637 Main Street Earlier than 1870
A7 623 Main Street Earlier than 1870
A8 626 Main Street Earlier than 1870
A10 595 Main Street Earlier than 1870
A11 585 Main Street Earlier than 1870
A12 565 Main Street Earlier than 1870
A13 549/551 Main Street Earlier than 1870
A14 541 Main Street Earlier than 1870
A15 519 Main Street Earlier than 1870
A16 566 Main Street Earlier than 1870
A17 365 Main Street Earlier than 1870
A18 209 Main Street (149 Maple Street) Earlier than 1870
A19 140 Main Street Earlier than 1870
A20 128 Main Street Earlier than 1870
A21 115 Main Street Earlier than 1870
A22 91 Main Street Earlier than 1870
A23 49 Main Street Earlier than 1870
B1 636 Main Street 1871 - 1876
B2 576 Main Street 1871 - 1876
B3 180 Centennial Street 1871 - 1876
B4 160 Centennial Street 1871 - 1876
B5 140 Centennial Street 1871 - 1876
B6 337 Main Street 1871 - 1876
B7 293 Main Street 1871 - 1876
B8 279 Main Street 1871 - 1876
B9 251 Main Street 1871 - 1876
B10 100 Main Street 1871 - 1876
B11 96 Main Street 1871 - 1876
B12 84 Main Street 1871 - 1876
B13 85 Main Street 1871 - 1876
B14 78 Main Street 1871 - 1876
B15 70/68 Main Street 1871 - 1876
B16 60 Main Street 1871 - 1876
C1 719 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C2 646/656 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C3 616 Main Street 1877 - 1894
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Figure 24 (continued) Historic Resources
Map ID Address Date Category
C4 556 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C5 546 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C6 536 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C7 487 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C8 449/451 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C9 351 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C10 233 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C11 250 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C12 192 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C13 176 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C14 187 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C15 163 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C16 139 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C17 77 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C18 75 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C19 65 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C20 63 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C21 55 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C22 39/41 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C23 54 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C24 48 Main Street 1877 - 1894
C25 61 Montgomery Avenue 1877 - 1894
C26 73 Montgomery Avenue 1877 - 1894
C27 150 Second Street 1877 - 1894
C28 170 Second Street 1877 - 1894
C29 188 Second Street 1877 - 1894
C30 251 Perkiomen Avenue 1877 - 1894
C31 109/111 Second Street 1877 - 1894
C32 227 Second Street 1877 - 1894
C33 243 Second Street 1877 - 1894
C34 224 Second Street 1877 - 1894
C35 259 Second Street 1877 - 1894
C36 275 Second Street 1877 - 1894
C37 300 Second Street 1877 - 1894
C38 350 Second Street 1877 - 1894
C39 350 Third Street 1877 - 1894
C40 280 Centennial Street 1877 - 1894
C41 420 Centennial Street 1877 - 1894
C42 440 Centennial Street 1877 - 1894
C43 341 Cherry Street 1877 - 1894
C44 C45 251 Centennial Street/280
Walnut Street 1877 - 1894
C46 220 Walnut Street 1877 - 1894
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Figure 24 (continued) Historic Resources
Map ID Address Date Category
D1 709 Main Street 1895 - 1918
D2 693 Main Street 1895 - 1918
D3 679 Main Street 1895 - 1918
D4 609 Main Street 1895 - 1918
D5 526 Main Street 1895 - 1918
D6 315/317 Main Street 1895 - 1918
D7 265 Main Street 1895 - 1918
D8 79 Montgomery Avenue 1895 - 1918
D9 150 Perkiomen Avenue 1895 - 1918
D10 251 Perkiomen Avenue 1895 - 1918
D11 151/153 Second Street 1895 - 1918
D12 190 Second Street 1895 - 1918
D13 150 Third Street 1895 - 1918
D14 291 Second Street 1895 - 1918
D15
D16 250 Centennial Street 1895 - 1918
D17 340 Centennial Street 1895 - 1918
D18 360 Centennial Street 1895 - 1918
D19 380 Centennial Street 1895 - 1918
E1 1005 Main Street 1919 - 1945
E2 1003 Main Street 1919 - 1945
E3 1001 Main Street 1919 - 1945
E4 991 Main Street/Boulevard
Avenue 1919 - 1945
E5 989 Main Street/Boulevard
Avenue 1919 - 1945
E6 987 Main Street/Boulevard
Avenue 1919 - 1945
E7 983 Main Street/Boulevard
Avenue 1919 - 1945
E8 929 Main Street/Boulevard
Avenue 1919 - 1945
E9 925 Main Street/Boulevard
Avenue 1919 - 1945
E10 737 Main Street/Boulevard
Avenue 1919 - 1945
E11 733 Main Street 1919 - 1945
E12 735 Mountain View Avenue 1919 - 1945
E13 814 Mountain View Avenue 1919 - 1945
E14 93 Woodland Avenue 1919 - 1945
E15 94 Woodland Avenue 1919 - 1945
E16 95 Woodland Avenue 1919 - 1945
E17 97 Woodland Avenue 1919 - 1945
E18 110 Woodland Avenue 1919 - 1945
E19 920 Summit Avenue 1919 - 1945
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Figure 24 (continued) Historic Resources
Map ID Address Date Category
E20 913 Summit Avenue 1919 - 1945
E21 908 Summit Avenue 1919 - 1945
E22 906 Summit Avenue 1919 - 1945
E23 904 Summit Avenue 1919 - 1945
E24 902 Summit Avenue 1919 - 1945
E25 808 Summit Avenue 1919 - 1945
E26 Borough Authority 1919 - 1945
E27 100 Highland Avenue 1919 - 1945
E28 710 Mine Hill Road 1919 - 1945
E29 720 Mine Hill Road 1919 - 1945
E30 722 Mine Hill Road 1919 - 1945
E31 Borough Authority/809
Mine Hill Road 1919 - 1945
E32 131 Walnut Street 1919 - 1945
E33 145 Walnut Street 1919 - 1945
E34 415 Main Street 1919 - 1945
E35 421 Centennial Street 1919 - 1945
E36 460 Centennial Street 1919 - 1945
E37 480 Main Street 1919 - 1945
E38 390 Main Street 1919 - 1945
E39 160 Main Street 1919 - 1945
E40 97 Main Street 1919 - 1945
E41 31 Main Street 1919 - 1945
E42 80 Second Street 1919 - 1945
E43 191 Second Street 1919 - 1945
E44 211 Second Street 1919 - 1945
E45 250/252 Second Street 1919 - 1945
E46 272 Second Street 1919 - 1945
E47 111 Third Street 1919 - 1945
E48 171 Third Street 1919 - 1945
E49 300 Perkiomen Avenue 1919 - 1945
E50 315 Perkiomen Avenue 1919 - 1945
E51 345 Perkiomen Avenue 1919 - 1945
E52 375 Perkiomen Avenue 1919 - 1945
E53 121 Fourth Street 1919 - 1945
E54 666 Main Street 1919 - 1945
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CHAPTER 5 POTENTIAL OPEN SPACE LINKAGES
An important aspect of open space is the accessibility of that space to community residents and to the
region as a whole. This section of the plan identifies potential open space linkages/greenways that can tie
together open space sites within the Borough and to open space in adjacent communities. Such
connections help form a more comprehensive open space system for residents and contribute to the
creation of a more effective and enjoyable regional network.
A greenway is a linear open space established along a natural corridor, such as a stream valley or
ridgeline, or a built feature, such as a railroad right-of-way or canal. Greenways connect parks, preserved
areas, cultural resources, or historic sites with each other and to populated areas through a natural
landscaped corridor. In this way, greenways provide the foundation for creating a system of connected
open space. Connected open spaces have greater value than independent open space and provide
increased opportunities for wildlife habitat, biodiversity, recreation, and transportation. The primary
purpose for maintaining and creating greenways is to protect sensitive natural features, natural processes,
and ecological integrity. However, since a greenway links places of public interest, it is also a logical
location for trail development.
BENEFITS OF GREENWAYS While the fundamental objective of the
greenway network is conservation oriented, greenways serve many other local and regional
needs. The DCNR publication, Pennsylvania’s
Greenways—An Action Plan for Creating
Connections from 2001, identifies the following
specific benefits of greenways:
• Greenways enhance the sense of place in a community or region.
• Greenways accentuate the scenic beauty and majesty of our state.
• Greenways protect our state's water resources by buffering non-point sources of pollution.
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
• Greenways provide opportunities to protect and manage wildlife, forests and ecological systems.
• Greenways provide recreation opportunities for families and individuals of all ages and abilities.
• Greenways provide alternatives to automotive transportation, reducing traffic congestion.
• Greenways add positively to our economic climate.
• Greenways are a core component of strategies to foster health and wellness, especially as our population ages.
GREENWAY ELEMENTS
The most significant greenway in Schwenksville
Borough is the Perkiomen Greenway.
Montgomery County’s Draft Open Space, Natural
Features, and Cultural Resources Plan considers
the Perkiomen Greenway a “primary greenway.” The Perkiomen Trail threads through this
greenway system. Schwenksville’s focus on the
Perkiomen Greenway is indicated with its
trademarked logo, “Schwenksville: Gateway to the
Perkiomen Trail, Pennsylvania's First Greenway
Community.” Other stream corridors within the
Borough also are important as greenways.
STREAM CORRIDORS
Schwenksville’s network of stream corridors forms
the spine of the greenway system. However, a
number of other environmental amenities are
located within stream corridors, making these
areas particularly valuable.
WOODLANDS
The most significant natural amenity within stream
corridors is woodlands. A healthy riparian corridor
will contain woodlands and a dense vegetative
groundcover. Wooded riparian corridors have
been scientifically shown to benefit water quality. The trees and vegetative cover will slow runoff
flowing through the corridor, filtering out
sediment and nutrients. In addition, the root
system of the trees and ground vegetation
increase the infiltration capacity of the soil,
trapping and utilizing nutrients before reaching
the stream. The large root systems of the trees along the stream banks act as an armor, more
effectively holding the soil in place. The trees also
drop leaves and twigs into the streams, providing
food for aquatic organisms. The presence and
variety of aquatic organisms increase the possibility of fish propagation and is a primary
indicator of water quality. Tree canopy also
shades and cools the stream, maintaining
higher levels of oxygen for fish and other
aquatic organisms.
Wooded riparian areas also provide food and
shelter for land animals and serve as “wildlife
highways” connecting large open space
together. Maintaining a wooded riparian corridor also causes development to be setback
from the streams, minimizing the threat and
damage of flooding.
STEEP SLOPES
Steep slopes are the result of geology and hydrology, and therefore are closely aligned
with stream corridors. Steep slopes are often
easily eroded, as the depth of topsoil typically
decreases as slopes increases. This means
susceptibility to erosion and mass movement of
soil may be greater than on nearby less-sloping
areas. Maintaining a vegetative cover on steep slopes is important to minimizing erosion.
Erosion, and the resulting sedimentation of
streams, reduces water quality and can
contribute to downstream flooding by
reducing the carrying-capacity of the streams.
Steep slopes also support unique plants and
wildlife that are part of the regions biodiversity.
FEMA FLOODPLAINS
The Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) maintains maps of designated
floodplains. Floodplain protection is important
since development of the floodplain reduces
the carrying capacity of a stream, increasing the downstream height and destructive ability
of floodwater, and prevents groundwater
recharge. Development within the floodplain
also poses a danger to property and human
life. Therefore, preservation of stream corridors
in a natural state is essential to flood protection
efforts. Preserved floodplains can also offer opportunities for trails and other forms of
recreation. Given that the Perkiomen Trail and
Meadow Park lie within the floodplain, there is
limited development of the floodplain.
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
within 75 feet of a stream. The areas of convergence indicate the highest priority greenways.
EXISTING COUNTY TRAILS
The proposed and existing County trails are
mapped on Figure 26 with the potential
greenway corridors.
PERKIOMEN TRAIL
The Perkiomen Trail was completed in 2003. This
22.5-mile rail-trail follows the Perkiomen Creek
from Upper Providence Township to Upper Hanover Township. The Trail follows the whole
length of Schwenksville Borough. This trail will
connect to the Sunrise Trail and Evansburg Trail in
the Schwenksville vicinity.
WETLANDS
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for
maintaining the National Wetland Inventory
(NWI). The NWI as a reference tool provides quick and easy identification of wetland areas, including
the habitat classification. Wetlands provide
important benefits by filtering sediment, nutrients,
and other pollutants from water. Wetlands also
help with flood control by limiting development
adjacent to steams and retaining large amounts of
water during storms. They also provide significant natural habitat for numerous plants and animals,
including many species that are threatened or
endangered. The wetlands within Schwenksville
are found along the Perkiomen Creek.
HYDRIC SOILS
Hydric soils are periodically wet soils, in an undrained condition, that often support the
growth of wetland vegetation. Since only
some hydric soils are found in undrained
conditions, not all hydric soils exhibit wetland
vegetation. Hydric soils that have been
drained for agricultural use are one example of
this. Soils with major hydric components are a conservative indicator of wetlands. Other soils
have hydric components in limited settings,
such as depressions, swales, and alluvial soils.
Given the water purifying and habitat benefits
of wetlands, the value of protecting these
areas is well established.
Steep slopes and woodlands are visible features of
greenways and provide specific environmental
benefits. Figure 25 shows the location of woodlands and slopes in excess of fifteen percent
throughout the Borough. Floodplains, wetlands,
and hydric soils, while less visible, are also
important environmental amenities worth of
protection within greenways. Figure 25 also
shows the location of floodplains, wetlands, and
hydric soils within Schwenksville Borough.
POTENTIAL LINKAGES POTENTIAL GREENWAY CORRIDORS
While the location of the environmental
amenities previously discussed is spread
throughout the Borough, those located in the proximity of streams are the most significant for
greenway identification. Figure 25 shows the
relationship of the natural features to all areas
Perkiomen Trail through Schwenksville
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MC
PC
MontgomeryCountyPlanningCommissionMontgomery County Courthouse - Planning CommissionPO Box 311 Norristown PA 19404-0311(p) 610.278.3722 (f) 610.278.3941www.montcopa.org/plancom
Base map January 2005
This map is based on 2000 ortho photography and official sources. Property lines were compiledfrom individual block maps from the Montgomery County Board of Assessment Appeals, with no verificationfrom the deed. This map is not meant to be used as a legal definition of properties or for engineering purposes.
¯
Steep Slopes
Woodlands
Floodplains, Hydric Soils, Wetlands
Stream Corridor (75 foot buffer)
Figure 25 Greenway Elements
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
PROPOSED COUNTY TRAILS
EVANSBURG TRAIL
The proposed 17-mile trail will utilize trails within
Evansburg Park and proposed trails within Lower
Salford Township. Additional connections will be made along the Skippack Creek and the East
Branch of the Perkiomen Creek. Of significance to
Schwenksville, the trail will go through the
Pennypacker Mills Historic Site and connect to the
Perkiomen Trail.
SUNRISE TRAIL
The proposed 5-mile Sunrise Trail follows the
Swamp Creek valley between the Sunrise Mill
Historic Site and the Perkiomen Trail at the
confluence of the Perkiomen and Swamp Creeks.
OTHER PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIONS
Pedestrian connections are briefly described below.
For a more detailed discussion of Schwenksville’s trail
plan, please refer to Chapter 11.
PEDESTRIAN CONNECTION TO PENNYPACKER MILLS HISTORIC SITE
The Schwenksville Revitalization Plan suggests a
proposed pedestrian connection from Meadow
Park to the Pennypacker Mills Historic Site.
SPRING MOUNTAIN HOUSE TRAIL
CONNECTION
Public access to the Spring Mountain House site
could be coordinated with Upper Salford Township and Perkiomen Township so that
trails to the site and to Spring Mountain are
further established.
SIDEWALKS
Future sidewalk connections that will connect to
the Perkiomen Trail, Main Street, and the
Schwenksville Elementary School are a priority for
the Borough.
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
GAME FARM RD
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MC
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MontgomeryCountyPlanningCommissionMontgomery County Courthouse - Planning CommissionPO Box 311 Norristown PA 19404-0311(p) 610.278.3722 (f) 610.278.3941www.montcopa.org/plancom
Base map January 2005
This map is based on 2000 ortho photography and official sources. Property lines were compiledfrom individual block maps from the Montgomery County Board of Assessment Appeals, with no verificationfrom the deed. This map is not meant to be used as a legal definition of properties or for engineering purposes.
¯Steep Slopes, Woodlands, Floodplains, Hydric Soils, Wetlands
Stream Corridor (75 foot buffer)
Perkiomen Trail
Future County Trails
Figure 26 Potential Open Space Linkages
45
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CHAPTER 6 ANALYSIS OF
UNPROTECTED RESOURCES
The inventory of vulnerable resources in Chapter 4 details the extensive coverage of lands underlain by
bedrock with poor aquifer characteristics, steep slopes, wetlands, hydric and alluvial soils, prime and
statewide important agricultural soils, woodlands, historic resources, and viewsheds. These cultural and
environmental features are mapped as individual features without showing their overlapping,
interconnected relationships. Together the resources of the inventory contribute to the whole of
Schwenksville’s environmental and scenic integrity, and suggest priorities for protection. The following
narrative briefly describes the significance of the individual resources, and its relationship to the Borough’s
goals and priorities.
ANALYSIS OF VULNERABLE RESOURCES In order to analyze the relationship between
the Borough’s vulnerable resources and
existing protected land, a composite of all the
natural features needs to be developed. For the purposes of creating a composite map, only
the most vulnerable elements of the individual
resources will be used. In addition, several
resources that display similar vulnerabilities,
such as alluvial soils and floodplain, were
combined for the purposes of analysis.
The resources are focused around Schwenksville's creeks and along Main Street. This composite map
shows the importance of having good resource
protection ordinances in place so that as future
development takes pace the resources are
afforded some level of protection. However, the
Borough may wish to provide more comprehensive protection by having control over
the management of resource lands in certain
situations. For example, there are instances where
two, and sometimes more, of the resources
overlap and the Borough could protect multiple
resources within one property. Protection of
46
SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
resource lands may also complement land preservation for other purposes. This may occur
when a property that the Borough may be
considering for active recreation also has a
concentration of significant resources worthy of
protection.
Therefore, we need to be able to compare the
natural resource values between two pieces of
property. For example, a property that has three
resources overlapping (i.e. alluvial soils, woodlands, buffer area) will have a greater relative
value than a piece of property that contains only
floodplain. This analysis should also take into
account the fact that the Borough does not value
all resource land equally.
PRIORITIZATION OF AREAS FOR PRESERVATION A map of unprotected resource priorities was
developed (Figure 27), combining the vulnerable
resources discussed in Chapter 4. The resources
are broken down into three categories: hydrologic
resources, sensitive upland resources, and historic
and cultural sensitive lands. These areas should be
protected through either acquisition or land use regulations. Areas with overlapping sensitive
resources are the most vulnerable.
HYDROLOGIC RESOURCES
Hydrologic resources include stream corridors and
their floodplains, alluvial soils, hydric soils, and
wetlands. The protection of these resources would minimize pollution and help with
groundwater recharge. Additionally these areas
are the first choice for passive recreation, trail
linkages, and greenway corridors.
SENSITIVE UPLAND RESOURCES
The sensitive upland resources include woodlands and steep slopes. Woodlands are particularly
important for surface water quality and provide
critical habitat for wildlife.
HISTORIC AND CULTURALLY SENSITIVE RESOURCES
While historic and culturally significant properties
are not part of the natural environment, they are
essential to Schwenksville’s community character.
Creamery Run near Centennial Street
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MC
PC
MontgomeryCountyPlanningCommissionMontgomery County Courthouse - Planning CommissionPO Box 311 Norristown PA 19404-0311(p) 610.278.3722 (f) 610.278.3941www.montcopa.org/plancom
Base map February 2005
This map is based on 2000 ortho photography and official sources. Property lines were compiledfrom individual block maps from the Montgomery County Board of Assessment Appeals, with no verificationfrom the deed. This map is not meant to be used as a legal definition of properties or for engineering purposes.
¯
Hydrologic Resources
Sensitive Upland Resources
Historic and Culturally Sensitive Lands
Figure 27 Unprotected Resources
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49
SCHWENKSVILLE OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
CHAPTER 7 EVALUATION OF GROWTH AREAS
In addition to establishing open space preservation areas, it is important to identify areas that will
accommodate the projected community growth. While much of the Borough is built-out, there is room
for infill development. The Borough will have to consider where it is appropriate for infill development
and where preservation areas are appropriate. This chapter examines the amount of population and
employment growth that is expected in Schwenksville and assesses whether the Borough can
accommodate that growth under current zoning.
POPULATION, HOUSING, AND EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS By the year 2025, Schwenksville is projected to
have a residential population of 1,700 persons.
In addition, the Borough is projected to have
750 persons employed. The projections for population and employment indicate a slight
increase in the number of persons and
employed people. In 2000, the Borough had
662 total housing units, which was a 21.9
percent increase from 1990. The Borough’s
projected housing demand for 2025 is 19
housing units. For more information on these projections and totals, please see Figures 28–
31. Given the slight increases in projected population and employment, the Borough can
easily accommodate such growth.
SCHWENKVILLE’S FUTURE GROWTH AREAS While there is a slight increase expected in
employment and population, there is some room
in the Borough for further development. In recent years in fact, the Borough has seen a number of
submissions for the subdivision of larger lots into
smaller lots. According to the draft Central
Perkiomen Valley Regional Plan, Schwenksville
50
SCHWENKSVILLE OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
0
500
1000
1500
2000
1990
2000
2005
*
2010
*
2015
*
2020
*
2025
*
Figure 28 Population Projection
Year Population 1990 1,326 2000 1,693 2005* 1,690 2010* 1,690 2015* 1,690 2020* 1,690 2025* 1,700
Source: U.S. Census Bureau; Census of Population and Housing, 2000; DVRPC projections.
* Projected population
Figure 29 Employment Forecast
Year Total Employment
1990 747
2000 750
2005* 750
2010* 750
2015* 750
2020* 750
2025* 750
*Source: DVRPC Forecasts
745746747748749750751
1990
2000
2005
*
2010
*
2015
*
2020
*
2025
*
51
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Figure 30 Housing Types
Housing Types 1990 2000 % Change
Number % Total Number % Total 1990-2000
Single-family Detached 194 35.7% 217 32.8% 11.9%
Single-family Attached 70 12.9% 74 11.2% 5.7%
Multifamily (2-4 Units) 74 13.6% 98 14.8% 32.4%
Multifamily (5 or More Units) 200 36.8% 273 41.2% 36.5%
Mobile Home/Trailer/Other 5 0.9% 0 0.0% -100.0%
Total Housing Units 543 100% 662 100% 21.9%
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Census of Population and Housing, 1990, 2000.
Housing Types Comparison
0.9%
12.9%
36.8%
13.6%
35.7%
0.0%
32.8%
41.2%
14.8%
11.2%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
Single-
family
Det
ached
Single-
family
Atta
ched
Mult
ifam
ily (2
-4 U
nits)
Mult
ifam
ily (5
or M
ore U
nits)
Mob
ile H
ome/
Traile
r/Oth
er
1990
2000
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SCHWENKSVILLE OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
Borough is considered a growth area. The designation for the Borough is called “Borough
Conservation Area.” The Borough Conservation Area
is characterized in the regional plan as an area which
is primarily developed with a mix of land uses, existing
public infrastructure, and a variety of housing types at
varying densities. Any future development in the Borough Conservation Area will be in the form of infill
development that is compatible with the character of
the area and regional heritage.
With any new development, the preservation of
natural features is important. In terms of future
residential development, areas in the western part
of the Borough could see some infill development.
While there are some smaller areas of vacant land
available, some areas in the Borough have the potential to be subdivided into smaller lots. The
vicinity of Cherry Street and 4th Street in particular
have the potential for further development. This
area is zoned for R-1 Residential development.
In terms of nonresidential growth, the Main Street
commercial core may see an influx of business
establishments as Schwenksville’s revitalization
plans become a reality. The creation of the Trail
House would bring additional retail and restaurant uses with a residential component.
This proposal for the lumberyard property in the
Borough was originally discussed in
Schwenksville’s Revitalization Plan. Currently, a
sketch plan is being discussed which would entail
the creation of a three-story atrium structure with
two floors of retail and condominiums on the third floor. An adjacent restaurant building would
be built in addition. The concept of the Trail
House is to draw area residents and Perkiomen
Trail users to dine and shop in Schwenksville
Borough. Many of the uses would be tailored to
trail users.
Figure 31 Projected Housing Demand
Residential Number
2025 Projected Population 1,700
2025 Projected Group Quarters 357
2025 Projected Population in Households 1,343
2025 Average Household Size 2.1
2025 Occupied Housing Units 646
2025 (2000) Vacancy Rate 0.05
2025 Total Housing Units 681
2000 Total Units Built 662
Estimated Number of Housing Units Remaining to be Built by 2025 19
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MontgomeryCountyPlanningCommissionMontgomery County Courthouse - Planning CommissionPO Box 311 Norristown PA 19404-0311(p) 610.278.3722 (f) 610.278.3941www.montcopa.org/plancom
Base map August 2004
This map is based on 2000 ortho photography and official sources. Property lines were compiledfrom individual block maps from the Montgomery County Board of Assessment Appeals, with no verificationfrom the deed. This map is not meant to be used as a legal definition of properties or for engineering purposes.
¯
Borough Conservation Area
Figure 32 Future Land Use Plan
54
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55
SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
CHAPTER 8 EVALUATION OF
OPEN SPACE NEEDS
This chapter will discuss the existing and projected recreational and open space needs for Schwenksville
Borough. The availability of facilities in relation to existing and projected population growth will be
analyzed. National and regional standards for public recreational land will be reviewed and applied to
Schwenksville Borough. Needs will be assessed for the present and the year 2025.
PLANNING GOAL
Explore further active and passive recreation opportunities.
Explore funding opportunities for the acquisition of additional open space.
Create opportunities for direct boating access to the Perkiomen Creek.
Acquire land for Centennial Street Park.
EVALUATING OPEN SPACE NEEDS A 1983 guide by the National Recreation and Park
Association (NRPA), Recreation, Park and Open
Space Standards and Guidelines, provided
strategies for calculating the acreage needs of
municipal park systems. These guidelines suggested a municipal park system include 6.25 to
10.5 acres of land per 1,000 people. These
standards, as well as standards from Delaware
Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), have been used to calculate park needs for a
majority of the open space plans completed in
Montgomery County. This publication, however,
has been replaced due to the expanded role parks
and open space play in local communities.
The newest publication by the National Recreation
and Park Association and the American Academy
for Park and Recreation Administration titled Park,
Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
was produced in 1996. The new title without the word “standards” is indicative in the shift of
looking at open space. The more recent
publication shifted its philosophy to provide
guidance only, ultimately allowing the amount of
park, recreation, and open space to be defined by
individual communities. The 1996 publication emphasizes a systems approach to park,
recreation, open space, and greenway planning
that focuses on local values and needs rather than
strict formulas.
This new systems approach looks at the level of
service provided to the users of the facilities
rather than the size of the facilities based upon
population. This method reflects, in part, the
dual function of municipal parkland: providing recreation opportunities (passive and active)
and protecting important natural features.
Municipal parks often contain a significant
amount of environmentally sensitive land that
prevents much of the acreage from being
utilized for active recreation. Under these
guidelines a 5-acre municipal park that contains few significant natural features and is fully
developed may provide the same level of
service as a 35-acre park that provides
recreation and also protects important
woodlands, wetlands, and other environmental
amenities. The difference hinges upon the
individual goals of the municipality and not an arbitrary per capita acreage figure.
However, in order to conduct a meaningful level of service analysis, the Borough would need to compile
detailed user surveys and facility inventories. While this
is a key element for a borough recreation plan, it is
not necessary for characterizing the general recreation
opportunities within Schwenksville Borough. This is
especially true given the Borough’s access to the
Perkiomen Trail and Meadow Park. Therefore, the per capita acreage figures will be used only to confirm the
Borough has the absolute minimum acreage needed
for active park land. Both the low and high ratios are
used to create a range for evaluating existing
conditions. Figure 33 shows the results of applying
the NRPA’s old acreage standards.
PARK TYPES Parks and open space can be classified into
three general categories based upon the acreage, recreation potential, and natural
resources of each park. Miniparks serve more
densely developed areas, such as apartment or townhouse complexes, generally providing
playground opportunities that can not be
provide on smaller individual lots. Miniparks are
classified as between 2,500 square feet to 3
acres in size and should be located within a
1/4 mile radius of a residential development. A Neighborhood Park generally includes lands
between 3 and 20 acres having a service area
up to ½ mile. These parks may provide
playground equipment, or tot lots, but also
contain larger areas for athletic fields to allow
for both informal and organized recreation.
Meadow Park is considered to be a neighborhood park.
The second classification is Community Parks, which includes lands of 20 acres or more in size
that serve multiple neighborhoods within a mile
and a half of the park. Community parks generally
contain numerous athletic fields or hard courts for
a variety of sports, serving as a center of
recreational activity within the community, and
provide a central gathering place for special events. Schwenksville does not have any
community parks.
In addition to those categories, there are lands
that are primarily used for passive recreation and
the protection of natural resources. The Spring
Mountain House site in Upper Salford (which is
jointly owned with Schwenksville) would be
within this category. The Perkiomen Trail and
land in the vicinity of the Perkiomen Creek should also be mentioned as important land in terms of
passive recreation and the protection of natural
resources. Much of the land for the Trail involved
the purchase of easements from private land
holders and Schwenksville Borough. It should be
noted that some of the land used for the Trail is
under unknown ownership and these lands would be important to be protected in the future.
While not available for active recreation use these
lands protect natural resources and serve as a
node of passive open space within the county-
wide greenway system.
OPEN SPACE NEEDS Figure 33 shows the results of applying the
NRPA’s old acreage standards to Schwenksville
Borough. Using the Borough’s 2000 population and existing park land, the Borough currently
meets the standards for a neighborhood park.
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
The Borough currently does not have a community level park and does not meet those
standards. Once again, it must be stressed that the
Borough only exceeds the minimum acreage
standards for neighborhood parks and that the
Borough generally has the capacity to meet the
residents recreational needs. It does not imply that the level of recreation service supplied to Borough
residents is sufficient since that determination
would involve more detailed surveys and
inventories. In addition, meeting the minimum
standard does not mean the Borough should not
add additional recreation lands. As Figure 33
indicates, the Borough will only exceed the minimum standard for neighborhood parks by 2
to 4 acres in 2025. The Borough should
consistently look for opportunities for expansion of
the Borough park system, through both the
creation of new parks and expansion of existing
parks, in order to comfortably exceed the
minimum NRPA standards and provide for a diversity of recreation opportunities. Given that the
Borough does not have a park adjacent to the High Pointe and Spring Mount Summit complexes,
a park would be appropriate in that area. Also,
adding to the area along the Perkiomen Creek,
while not providing opportunities for ballfields or
playgrounds, will satisfy the Borough’s objective of
providing direct boating access to the creek and will protect important natural features. Lastly, it
will also be necessary to exceed the minimum
NRPA acreage standards in order to ensure parks
are accessible to all residents.
LOCATIONAL NEEDS The systems approach to defining open space
needs utilizes a level of service analysis that
measures how the park facilities meet the
demands of the users. However, the systems approach still recognizes the need to provide
open space within a uniform proximity of all
residents. While there are many factors to consider
when acquiring land for open space, identifying
Figure 33Minimum Open Space Needs
2000 2010* 2025*
1693 1690 1700
Range From To From To From To
Recommended Acreage**
Community 8 14 8 14 9 14
Neighborhood 2 4 2 4 2 4
Total 11 18 11 18 11 18Existing Acreage
Community
Neighborhood
Total
Difference
Community -8 -14 -8 -14 -9 -14
Neighborhood 4 2 4 2 4 2
Total -4 -11 -4 -11 -4 -11
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; MCPC; NRPA
* Projected Population
** Recommended Acreage - Range per 1000 persons as follows:
Community Level = 5.0 - 8.0 acres; Neighborhood Level = 1.25 - 2.5 acres
Total = 6.25 - 10.5 acres
0
6.47
6.47
0
6.47
6.47
Projected Population*
0
6.47
6.47
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GAME FARM RD
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4TH ST
0 800 1,600400 Feet
MC
PC
MontgomeryCountyPlanningCommissionMontgomery County Courthouse - Planning CommissionPO Box 311 Norristown PA 19404-0311(p) 610.278.3722 (f) 610.278.3941www.montcopa.org/plancom
Base map August 2004
This map is based on 2000 ortho photography and official sources. Property lines were compiledfrom individual block maps from the Montgomery County Board of Assessment Appeals, with no verificationfrom the deed. This map is not meant to be used as a legal definition of properties or for engineering purposes.
¯
Meadow Park
1/2 Mile Service Area
Public Open Space
Figure 34 Open Space Needs
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
those areas of the Borough outside the basic service area of existing park land may help to
further prioritize potential acquisitions.
Overall, the service area analysis indicates that the
many residents are within a reasonable proximity
to Meadow Park. The only areas underserved for
Meadow Park are located in the northernmost
area of the Borough. While there are no
community level parks in the Borough,
Schwenksville also has the Perkiomen Trail, Schwenksville Elementary School playground and
ball fields, Memorial Park (located in Schwenksville
and Lower Frederick Township on Park Avenue),
as well as access to Central Perkiomen Valley Park,
Pennypacker Mills, and Spring Mount via the
Perkiomen Trail.
GREENWAY DEVELOPMENT AND RESOURCE PROTECTION The NRPA does not have acreage standards for
greenways that provide for passive recreation or
for protection of sensitive natural resources, such
as wildlife or riparian corridors. Obviously, the
physical characteristics of communities can vary
greatly, as can the quality of existing environmental resources. Consequently, resource
protection goals are very difficult to quantify.
Greenways should ultimately connect both
regional natural resources and recreational sites,
such as Green Lane Reservoir and Upper
Perkiomen Valley Parks, and Evansburg Park.
Coordination with adjoining municipalities and
regional plans is important for both resource
protection and greenway design. The County’s Perkiomen Trail protects an important stream
corridor that is a central feature of the Borough’s
greenway network linking the Borough to
regional resources.
Schwenksville’s Revitalization Plan highlights
Schwenksville as a greenway community and the
1996 Open Space Plan identified the preservation
of sensitive natural features and scenic resources
as overall Borough goals. One of the key elements of this plan is to enhance the Perkiomen Trail and
encourage connections to other County trails
throughout the Borough.
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CHAPTER 9 EVALUATION OF COUNTY AND
ABUTTING MUNICIPAL PLANS
The preceding chapters investigated the resources, needs, and opportunities that exist within Schwenksville. With
this information, recommendations can be made to effectively to serve Borough residents. However, the land
use decisions that the Borough makes affect the larger region just as decisions made in neighboring municipalities
affect Schwenksville. Therefore, this open space planning effort should not be performed in the vacuum of
municipal borders, but consider surrounding planning efforts.
This chapter compares the recommendations of this plan with those in the County Comprehensive Plan
and the comprehensive, open space, and revitalization plans of abutting communities. The intent is to
prevent conflicts between plans and to encourage collaboration of efforts. By gaining an understanding
of how Schwenksville’s plan will fit into the larger open space and trail linkage picture, partners can
optimize both the quantity and quality of future open space preservation and management.
COMPARISON TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY LAND USE PLAN AND OPEN SPACE PLAN In 2001, Montgomery County began updating its
Comprehensive Plan. With adoption expected in
2005, this plan will help guide the growth of housing, transportation, economic development,
and natural & cultural resource management,
through 2025 and beyond. Each of these factors
could potentially bear great significance on open space needs and opportunities in Schwenksville.
The County’s recently adopted Vision Plan sets up four issues as the highest priority for action:
• Controlling sprawl
• Controlling traffic congestion
• Preserving open space/natural areas
• Revitalizing older boroughs and townships
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Schwenksville’s Open Space Plan addresses all of these issues by setting a future course for wise
land use, increasing linkages and accessibility, and
preserving open space.
The draft version of the Comprehensive Plan lists
48 goals that describe and expand upon the vision
of the County in 2025. Several of these goals
parallel those in this Open Space Plan, adding
strength to the recommendations set forth here.
APPLICABLE COUNTY GOALS LAND USE
• Direct Development to Designated Growth Areas
• Enhance Older Developed Areas
• Preserve and Create Community Identity and a Sense of Place
OPEN SPACE, NATURAL FEATURES, AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
• Protect and Manage Wetlands, Streams, Steep Slopes, Woodlands, and Natural Habitats
• Create a Greenway System along Rivers, Creeks, and Other Sensitive Natural and Historic Features
• Develop a Countywide Network of Interconnected Trails
• Provide Park Facilities to Meet the Public's Recreation Needs
• Protect Scenic Roads, Vistas, and Viewsheds
• Protect Historic Resources and Cultural Landscapes
TRANSPORTATION
• Increase Opportunities to Take Public Transit, Walk, Ride a Bike, or Other Nonautomotive Transportation Means
WATER RESOURCES
• Protect Water Quality
• Effectively Manage Flooding
• Create Attractive Stormwater Facilities that Control Flooding, Recharge Groundwater, and Improve Water Quality
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
• Attract and Retain Business by Maintaining a High Quality of Life
• Revitalize the County's Downtowns and Main Streets
• Adaptively Reuse Vacant and Underutilized Industrial Sites
More specifically, the County Comprehensive Plan
identifies a number of priorities relevant to Schwenksville. Several trails discussed in the plan
run through Schwenksville. These trails are
discussed further in Chapter 5 of this plan. The
County Comprehensive Plan indicates the
Perkiomen Greenway as a primary greenway.
The Spring Mountain Natural Area is also
highlighted as an important area of focus for the county. In addition, Route 29 is indicated as an
aesthetically unique scenic road.
RELATION TO PLANS OF ABUTTING MUNICIPALITIES Three townships abut Schwenksville. The current
zoning map, open space policies, and other
pertinent information of each township are summarized below. Adjacent, yet incompatible,
land uses may result in conflicts while potential
linkages could lead to cooperative partnerships
between municipal neighbors.
As a result of the Montgomery County Open Space
Program of 1993, these municipalities developed an
Open Space Plan soon thereafter. In the past ten
years since the last update of open space plans,
parcels have been preserved, trails proposed and
developed, and the needs of the community have changed. It is therefore vital that Schwenksville keeps
abreast of the continually evolving planning efforts of
its neighbors and the county.
PERKIOMEN TOWNSHIP
Perkiomen adopted its Open Space Plan in 1994. The two communities share the Perkiomen Trail.
In addition, the proposed Evansburg Trail, which
will connect Pennypacker Mills to Evansburg State
Park, is located near Schwenksville and will tie into
the Perkiomen Trail.
Perkiomen is embarking on their new open space
plan. The Township recently passed an open
space referendum for the preservation of open
space. The referendum, which increased the
Township’s earned income tax to help pay for open space preservation efforts, passed by about
70% of the voting population.
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Currently, informal discussion is underway with Perkiomen Township Supervisors about a
pedestrian connection to Pennypacker Mills and
protection of the Boyer Run. Additionally, a 7 acre
portion of the Spring Mountain House site, located
in Perkiomen Township, has not be acquired.
Additional discussions will be required with Perkiomen Township in order for the trail
connection to Spring Mountain House, the
pedestrian connection to Pennypacker Mills, and
protection of Boyer Run projects to occur.
Additional descriptions of these efforts are found
throughout this plan.
LOWER FREDERICK TOWNSHIP
Lower Frederick adopted its Open Space Plan in
1995. Their last plan discussed the Perkiomen Trail
and Sunrise (Swamp Creek) Trail connections. The
Sunrise Trail location will be of particular interest to
Schwenksville as it begin in the vicinity of Park
Avenue and connect to the Perkiomen Trail. Lower Frederick’s last plan did not discuss any
proposed change to the Memorial Park area which
is in both Lower Frederick and Schwenksville.
Lower Frederick is currently embarking on their
new open space plan.
UPPER SALFORD TOWNSHIP
Upper Salford adopted its Open Space Plan jointly
with Schwenksville Borough in 1996. Together
the two communities bought the Spring Mountain
House Site. There are currently no formal plans for
the site. However, the Spring Mountain Area
Conservation Plan prepared by the Natural Lands
Trust in 2001, discusses the Spring Mountain House site as a part of the overall publicly-owned
Spring Mountain Natural Area. There has been
informal discussion with Upper Salford Supervisors
regarding a trail connection to the Spring
Mountain House site. Additional conversations will
be necessary for this project to proceed.
Upper Salford wrote a draft trail plan entitled,
“Crossroads and Greenways: A Community
Connections Plan for Upper Salford Township, dated May 2003. This plan’s recommendations
has been incorporated into their new open space
plan which Upper Salford is currently updating.
The Community Connections Plan looks at
greenway connections, connections within
villages, and greenway connectors. One of the
focus areas is around Spring Mountain.
Connections are discussed from the Perkiomen Trail to Upper Salford Township Park and along
tributaries of the Perkiomen Creek connection to
the East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek.
REGIONAL PLAN The Central Perkiomen Valley Regional Plan
was adopted in June 2005. This plan involves
the communities of Collegeville, Lower
Frederick, Perkiomen, Trappe, and Upper Frederick. The plan highlights the importance
of investment in open space and regional
economic development. Specifically, some of
the plan’s objectives include: preserving and
protecting the environmentally sensitive areas
and natural resources in the region,
coordinating open space and recreational opportunities between the member
municipalities, encouraging linkages between
public open space and the Perkiomen Trail,
and developing active and passive recreational
opportunities in the region.
REVITALIZATION PLAN Schwenksville’s Revitalization Plan was adopted in
2002. The plan entitled “Schwenksville: Gateway
to the Perkiomen Trail: Pennsylvania’s First Greenway Community” indicates that the
Perkiomen Trail is the centerpiece for the
community and its economic development. The
plan discusses trail gateways and access locations
throughout the Borough, trailhead parking,
directory signage, and linkages to the Perkiomen
Trail including a pedestrian bridge from the Borough to Pennypacker Mills. A main focus of
the plan is on the creation of a Trail House which
would cater to Perkiomen Trail users and visitors of
nearby attractions.
SWAMP CREEK STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN Schwenksville is participating in the Act 167
Stormwater Management Plan with Lower Frederick, Upper Frederick, Limerick, Lower
Pottsgrove, Upper Pottsgrove, New Hanover, and
Douglass, and seven communities in Berks
County.
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REGIONAL COOPERATION One of Schwenksville’s goals is to work with
adjacent communities on park and recreation
programming. This coordination will enhance the
region’s park and recreation opportunities. There
is also opportunity for coordination between communities on trail and pathway connections
(through sidewalks or off-road trails).
Furthermore, as a part of Schwenksville’s
participation in the Central Perkiomen Valley
Planning Commission, the Borough will continue
to discuss its open space efforts with the member
municipalities.
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CHAPTER 10 RECOMMENDATIONS:
PRESERVATION PRIORITIES
This chapter discusses proposed target areas for the acquisition of new public open space. The areas
mentioned are areas that the Borough believes should be protected. A number of acquisition methods
are available to the Borough in addition to outright purchase (fee simple ownership), such as easements
and leasing which are discussed in more detail in this chapter. The Borough will explore funding
opportunities for the acquisition of open space and coordinate with neighboring communities and the
county to implement these recommendations.
PARK DEVELOPMENT The purchase of land for Centennial Street Park
would protect important natural features in the
Borough as well as provide active recreation
opportunities for Schwenksville’s residents. The
site contains steep slopes, woodlands, and a
tributary of the Perkiomen Creek. The lower portion of the site could include walking trails and
a restored ice pond. The ice pond was used to
store ice for an adjacent creamery and for cold
storage on the Reading Railroad’s “dairy run” to
Reading Terminal in Philadelphia. The trails could
have interpretative signage explaining the ice
pond’s former history. The upper portion of the site, adjacent to the High Pointe and Spring
Centennial Street Park site
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Mount Summit communities, would be developed as a playground. The Borough has
been pursuing grant opportunities for the
acquisition of the property and continues to
view this property as its highest priority.
been purchased by the county but the majority of the trail right-of-way is by
easement rather than fee simple. In
order to add to the Perkiomen
Greenway and follow through with the
recommendations from the last plan, the
lands under unknown ownership could
PASSIVE RECREATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION • Out parcel near Memorial Park
From an environmental preservation
perspective the out parcel adjacent to
the county-owned Memorial Park
should be acquired if possible. This
property is within the floodplain. If the county is unable to acquire this property,
the Borough is willing to pursue it,
depending on availability of funding.
• Lands along the Perkiomen Creek to add to
the Perkiomen Greenway and for boat
launch access.
As a part of the Perkiomen Trail, some
lands along the Perkiomen Creek have
be acquired under quiet title and other unused land along the creek that is
bisected by the Perkiomen Trail could
also be acquired. Not only would this
land add to the continuation of the
Perkiomen Greenway but it would also
allow for the creation of boat launch access.
• Land adjacent to Gravel Pike and Boulevard Ave.
Land adjacent to the Boulevard Avenue
properties and Gravel Pike is under
unknown ownership. This should be
clarified so that maintenance issues (such
as downed trees) could be addressed but also because this property contains
significant woodlands in the Borough.
• Lands that enhance existing open space in the
Borough and/or protect vulnerable resources.
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The Borough will consider acquisitions that will add to existing open space and
that also protects vulnerable resources.
GREENWAYS/TRAILS • Protection of Boyer Run
Boyer Run, a tributary of the Perkiomen
Creek, would be an important greenway in the Borough. Protection of Boyer
Run could be attained through an
easement or other methods discussed in
this chapter. In addition to protecting
the riparian corridor, this area could be
appropriate for a walking path that would tie into Centennial Street and
allow further access to the Perkiomen
Trail. There also is a potential for
stormwater management in the vicinity
of Boyer Run to address flooding issues.
The majority of stormwater flows from
Perkiomen Township. Schwenksville will coordinate with the Township in this
effort more formally to address
stormwater management as well as
preservation of the corridor and on any
proposed walking path.
• Spring Mountain House Site Access
There is an opportunity for a loop trail
from the Spring Mountain House site to
Spring Mountain and to the Perkiomen
Trail. Schwenksville should work with
Upper Salford Township and Perkiomen
Township to develop this further. This
concept is discussed in more detail in Chapter 11.
EVALUATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS The properties discussed have been evaluated based on the following and are inventoried and
mapped shown in Figures 35-36:
• Location
• Distribution
• Balance of Types
• Diversity
• How it meets the needs and goals
• Creation of an overall network or system
• Linkages with the municipality and to outside
• Ability to acquire or protect.
• Current vulnerability.
ACQUISITION METHODS There are a number of ways a municipality can obtain land for open space. An overview of these
alternatives is provided here to serve as a guide for
the Borough’s future open space acquisition efforts.
In the long term, all of these could conceivably be
used by the Borough, although at any given time
one or more may be more appropriate than others for acquiring a specific site. More generally, however,
they indicate that the Borough can be flexible in its
approach to implementing the plan’s goals. The
choice of the appropriate acquisition method often
depends on the sellers needs, the open space
preservation goals, and the requirements of the
funding sources.
FEE SIMPLE ACQUISITION
This option is the most direct way to acquire
open space because it simply involves
negotiating with a private landowner to arrive
at a mutually acceptable purchase price and
then completing the deal. The municipality then has free and clear title to the property, or
fee simple ownership. Because it is usually a
straightforward transaction, municipalities
often prefer this approach, particularly for
establishing a community park.
Figure 35Proposed Open Space Preservation Priority
Name Map ID
Centennial Street Park A
Perkiomen Creek Greenway and Boat Launch Access B
Boyer Run Greenway C
Spring Mountain House Trail Connections D
Land adjacent to Boulevard Avenue E
Outparcel near Memorial Park FAcquisition of lands that enhance existing open space in the Borough and/or protect vulnerable resources
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INSTALLMENT BUYING
With this method, the municipality agrees to
purchase a set number of acres annually until the
full parcel is acquired. In return, the full site is removed from the tax rolls when the initial
agreement is signed. The owner may choose to
remain on his/her land until it is completely sold
and paid for. The advantage of this method is
that benefits accrue to both the municipality and
the landowner. For a municipality with limited
funds, installment buying spreads the cost over a period of time. The landowner in the meantime is
relieved of real property responsibilities when the
agreement is signed.
LONG TERM LEASE WITH OPTION TO BUY
This method involves the negotiation of a lease
price with a property owner and includes
conditions for use and possible purchase of the
property. The primary advantage is that it permits flexibility; if the property is not needed in the
future for open space, it returns to the owner.
MANDATORY DEDICATION
The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code
(Act 247) enables municipalities to require that
residential development dedicate land or fees in lieu of land for public recreation. In order to do
this, municipalities must have an adopted
recreation plan and an adopted ordinance
relating to mandatory dedication before land or
fees can be accepted. The amount of land
required must be related to the demand for
recreation land typically created by new development. The required fee should reflect the
fair market value of the land.
PURCHASE AND LEASE-BACK
Purchase and lease-back results in buying land
and leasing it back to the owner in accordance
with agreed-upon policies for the use and protection of the land. Its primary advantage
is that it permits purchase of property before
prices rise or before the property is lost to
development. It also permits flexibility because
once the land is purchased it can be used for
another public purpose, sold, or exchanged for
another parcel.
PURCHASE AND RESALE
This method is similar to purchase and lease-back,
except that the land is purchased with the sole intent
of reselling it under conditions or restrictive covenants. If the land is acquired at a low cost, the
resulting profits help repay initial purchase costs and
can be used to acquire additional land. Another
advantage is that after resale, the municipality is
relieved of ownership and maintenance
responsibilities and the land is taxable.
LEASING
This method is a popular, relatively inexpensive
way to acquire open space, especially if the land
is unlikely to be developed (for example, reservoirs
and utility land). The term of the lease usually
ranges form 20 to 50 years; at a minimum, a
period should be established that is long enough to finance anticipated capital improvements. The
owner of the leased land prescribes conditions
and terms under which the land can be used and
the lessee is required to carry liability insurance
covering personal injury and property damage.
EASEMENTS
Easements are a successful way to save public
funds, yet receive open space benefits. An
easement is a limited right over land owned by
another person (often a government entity or
land trust). Legally, a person has the right to use
his property subject to zoning laws, subdivision
regulation, etc; however, the owner may sell his/her right to use the land in specific ways.
Conservation easements are used to preserve land with relatively low cost (without acquiring the
whole property). The land remains privately
owned and the easement involves the property
owner voluntarily agreeing to donate or sell the
right to develop the land. The property has a
deed restriction on the property that is binding for
future owners. It may require that there be no new buildings constructed or woodlands will be
preserved and can result in tax breaks for owners.
Pedestrian easements allows access for the public to
walk, hike, and ride bicycles along a specific area.
EMINENT DOMAIN
Eminent domain is the condemnation of land for
a public use by due process of the law. It must
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SCHWENKSVILLE OPEN SPACE PLAN
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involve the determination of a fair market value for the property and a clear definition of the
public purposes for which it is being condemned.
Before exercising the right of eminent domain, a
municipality should study the necessity of
obtaining the particular site and the feasibility of
acquiring it by other acquisition methods. Only if all other methods fail and the property is essential
to an open space system should eminent domain
be considered.
LAND TRUSTS AND CONSERVANCIES
Land trusts and conservancies are private, non-
profit tax exempt trusts, usually organized by a
citizen supported, non-profit agency. The funds
can be used to provide open space and to
preserve natural resources such as stream valleys. Administration and management of the land are
the responsibility of the service agency. Private
non-profits have an advantage in that they can
often move faster to acquire property than can a
government agency. Frequently a public-private
partnership is formed whereby the private agency
acquires land and then resells it to a government agency at a later date.
There are a number of existing conservation groups what will work with private
landowners to conserve their land. However,
such situations may or may not include
provisions for public access. Because of this, a
municipality should work closely with these
organizations and landowners where public
access is a goal. In this way, conservancies can function as an alternative method of
acquiring open space.
LAND EXCHANGES
This method involves the trading of land between
one owner and another to obtain mutual
advantages. An arrangement can be made between landowners to exchange land that
serves their interests.
VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS
Voluntary agreements can be established
between government agencies and owners of
agricultural lands, industrial holdings, and utility lands for various purposes. They are strictly
voluntary, with permission to use the land for
public enjoyment in clearly specified ways. For example, a utility company might permit trail use
of a power line right-of-way.
PURCHASE OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS
If the municipality is only interested in protecting
land or designated features of a property without
gaining the right for public access, then this
method of acquisition of partial interests rather
than full fee title in land is available. In essence, a municipality could preserve significant natural,
scenic, historic, or cultural resources by
purchasing a landowner’s right to develop the
property or otherwise alter the character of the
features that are deemed worthy of protection.
RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL AND PURCHASE OPTION
These methods involve establishing an agreement
which specifies that the land may be acquired by
the municipality at a future date. A right of first refusal provides the municipality with the option
to match an offered purchase price within a
specified time period should a landowner receive
a legitimate offer to sell. A purchase option is
simply a right that the municipality holds to
purchase the land by a specified date at a specified price. Both rights of first refusal and
purchase option can be either donated or sold to
the municipality.
LIFE OR TERM ESTATES
This technique involves the acquisition of land
with certain restrictions attached to the deed. A municipality may be better able to negotiate the
purchase of property if certain interests in the land
are reserved for the benefit of the landowner. For
example, a municipality could purchase land with
all rights of ownership conveyed except the right
to occupy a house or a portion of the full property
for a specified term (usually 25 years) or until the death of the landowner.
DONATIONS AND BARGAIN SALES
These methods of acquisition involve obtaining
land at less than its full market value. Receiving
donations of the full value of land is the least
expensive way for a municipality to obtain land and can, in some instances, be a wise approach
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
for a landowner to take to directly benefit from tax incentives and the shelter effects of charitable
deductions. If a full donation of land is not
possible or if the landowner has an immediate
need for cash through sale, then a partial
donation and bargain sale might be a prudent
alternative. By selling land at a price that is less than its full value, a landowner can still receive tax
benefits based on the difference between the fair
market value of the land and its actual sale price.
The primary benefit to these techniques is that a
municipality acquires land at a lower cost while
the seller obtains tax deductions.
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CHAPTER 11 OPTIONAL PLAN ELEMENTS
This chapter addresses the optional plan recommendations for Schwenksville related to green
infrastructure, heritage resource conservation, and municipal trail and pathway development. These
elements are particularly important because they will contribute to Schwenksville’s revitalization as a
“Gateway to the Perkiomen Trail.”
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE Communities with limited opportunities to acquire
large vacant tracts of land have the opportunity to
improve their “green infrastructure” under the 2003
Green Fields/Green Towns Program. Green
infrastructure may include the creation of safe, usable open space, recreation areas, or public spaces
through the demolition of dilapidated property or the
restoration of older industrial sites to parks, plazas,
trails, or natural areas. Landscaping or improving
existing open space and recreation areas are also
included in this category.
The importance of green infrastructure is that it
helps create a sense of place. Schwenksville’s
revitalization goals support this effort such as the trail gateway and Trail House concepts.
One of aspect of green infrastructure is street trees. Street trees give relief to the urban
landscape and help create a more livable,
walkable environment. When strategically
placed and maintained in redevelopment
areas, commercial districts, parking lots, and
neighborhoods, they add aesthetic appeal, filter air, provide shade, and generally improve
property values.
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Green City Strategy is a model program currently used
by Philadelphia’s Neighborhood Transformation
Initiative. The program focuses on abandoned
or underutilized tracts, bringing green space
and gardens into urban districts. The NTI
Green City Strategy is shown in Figure 37. Many of the concepts applied and lessons
learned in Philadelphia are applicable to the
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efforts of Schwenksville to maintain its green canopy over its streets and to further its
revitalization goals.
Also, when coupled with regulation concerning
façade treatments, public amenities, and
building design standards, a complete
streetscape aesthetic can be created. This adds
continuity to a district, especially when
standards are periodically reviewed. To ensure
long term viability of street trees, species diversity should be part of planting considerations.
Schwenksville's green infrastructure strategies are discussed below in relationship to its revitalization
goals and objectives.
REVITALIZATION GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Schwenksville's Revitalization Goals are as follows:
• Regreen the Borough’s Streetscapes.
• Continue the Maintenance and Restoration of Schwenksville’s Parks.
• Enhance the Pedestrian Connections in the Borough.
PARK AND OPEN SPACE ENHANCEMENT MAINTENANCE OF EXISTING AND FUTURE PARKS
In order to continue the upkeep of existing
parks (and new parks), Schwenksville will
develop long-term maintenance strategies for
its open spaces. Following the acquisition of
Centennial Street Park, Schwenksville will adopt and implement a master plan for the site.
MEADOW PARK
A master plan for Meadow Park will be
developed to make it safe, useable, and accessible through repairing the drainage
issues to allow the park equipment to be used,
ensuring adequate and safe access to the park,
and developing a plan to embellish the park
further. The Borough will undertake a stream
bank restoration program in Meadow Park's vicinity and open new views to the Perkiomen
Creek. An important feature of the planning
process will be to enhance visual connections
to Meadow Park.
SPRING MOUNTAIN HOUSE SITE
Schwenksville will create a master plan with Upper
Salford Township and Perkiomen Township that
addresses the site’s accessibility and use as a scenic
area. This could include further trail connections
to the county trail system.
Figure 37 Philadelphia’s Neighborhood Transportation Initiative Green City Strategy
Investments in greening and in vacant land management can increase property values by as
much as 30%.
The Determinants of Neighborhood Transformation in Philadelphia, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania's Real Estate Department, November 2004.
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
resources. A heritage resource property primarily includes the land that provides an appropriate
setting for the historic building.
Schwenksville’s heritage resource protection goals
are discussed below.
HISTORIC RESOURCE PROTECTION GOALS
The Borough’s Historic Resource Protection goals
are as follows:
• Continue updating of historic structure inventory.
• Evaluate methods of historic preservation that would be appropriate for Schwenksville.
• Encourage volunteer participation in historic restoration work and educate the public about ongoing projects.
Schwenksville will enact the following measures
related to historic resources:
• Relocate and restore post office.
The restored post office will be an
important historical venue. It can be
used to describe the history of the postal
system in Schwenksville and also as a
place for information on trails throughout the community. The Central
Perkiomen Valley Historical Society will
provide the research for the descriptions
and assist in the restoration. Recently,
the Historical Society has stabilized the
building from further deterioration. A
local bank has agreed to assist in financing the restoration.
TREES
The Borough will evaluate its streets for
improvements. In particular, the Borough will
adopt an overall streetscape program which will evaluate where street trees are appropriate.
Streetscape enhancements will be concentrated
around the village commercial districts and
pedestrian corridors that have connections to the
Perkiomen Trail. In order to implement these
measures a shade tree advisory commission will
be formed and a tree inventory will be conducted. A landscaping ordinance will add regulations to
the Borough's codes and will include
specifications for indigenous trees. Currently there
is an ordinance that prohibits shade trees from
blocking street lights. The codes will be evaluated
to ensure that the desired outcomes are achieved.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT
One opportunity for environmental enhancement
is to restore the former ice pond on Centennial
Street as a part of the Centennial Street Park
development. This tributary of the Perkiomen
Creek is currently channelized.
HERITAGE RESOURCE CONSERVATION Under the 2003 Green Fields/Green Towns Program, communities have the option for
acquisition and limited stabilization of heritage
Meadow Park
Old Schwenksville Post Office
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MontgomeryCountyPlanningCommissionMontgomery County Courthouse - Planning CommissionPO Box 311 Norristown PA 19404-0311(p) 610.278.3722 (f) 610.278.3941www.montcopa.org/plancom
Base map December 2004
This map is based on 2000 ortho photography and official sources. Property lines were compiledfrom individual block maps from the Montgomery County Board of Assessment Appeals, with no verificationfrom the deed. This map is not meant to be used as a legal definition of properties or for engineering purposes.
¯
Building Ages
21st Century
1946 - 2000
1919 - 1945 (E)
1895 - 1918 (D)
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Figure 38 Historic and Cultural Resources (Provided by the Central Perkiomen Valley Historical Society)
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• Pleasantview Avenue
• Centennial Street to the Borough Line
• Walnut Street
The goal is to ensure access to Schwenksville
Elementary School and Main Street. These
connections will also make it easier to get to Main
Street and the Perkiomen Trail. Schwenksville will encourage coordination with surrounding
municipalities for new sidewalk connections as
new development occurs.
ENHANCE CONNECTIONS TO MEADOW PARK.
Entrances to Meadow Park will be enhanced to
make the park easily accessible from the
Perkiomen Trail and from Main Street.
CREATE A PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE CONNECTION TO PENNYPACKER MILLS.
View of Schwenksville from Pennypacker Mills
• Conduct an archaeological excavation of ice and mill houses using volunteer participation.
• Create a signage program for historic structures and sites.
• Develop an historic walking tour.
MUNICIPAL TRAIL AND PATHWAY DEVELOPMENT Under the 2003 Green Fields/Green Towns
Program, communities have the option for
acquisition of trail corridor land and the
development of a pathway system that
connects to or extends the planned county trail
system. Schwenksville’s trail plan goals are
discussed below.
TRAIL PLAN GOALS EXPLORE SIDEWALK NETWORK AND OFF-ROAD CONNECTIONS TO THE PERKIOMEN TRAIL, SCHWENKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, AND MAIN STREET.
Figure 39 indicates existing sidewalk connections
and sidewalk priorities. In some cases, sidewalk
on one side of the street may be sufficient where
there is not room for sidewalk on both sides of the
road. The ultimate goal of sidewalk connections is
to enable residents to access one end of the
Borough to the other safely. Priority connections to be made include:
• North side of Perkiomen Avenue from 3rd to 4th Streets
• North side of Hillcrest Avenue from Summit Avenue to Mine Hill Road
• East side of Main Street over to Route 73
• West side of Forest Lane from Centennial Street to Pennypacker Drive
• South side of Perkiomen Avenue from 2nd Street to Main Street
• West side of Mine Hill Road from Highland Avenue to Woodland Avenue
• Summit Avenue from Mine Hill Road to Woodland Avenue
• State Game Farm Road, from Mine Hill Road to the Borough line
• Second Street from Perkiomen Avenue to the Borough line
• Highland Avenue from Summit Avenue to Pleasantview Avenue
• Clearfield Avenue
This pedestrian connection could be via a bridge from Meadow Park to Pennypacker Mills or access
to the historic site could be via the 73/29 bridge
connection. This pedestrian connection would
enhance the connection between Meadow Park
and Pennypacker Mills. The concept would
supplement the county efforts to connect the Spring Mountain focus area and the Pennypacker
Mills focus area. This greenway corridor (opposite
Schwenksville) will include a nature trail that will
link Pennypacker Mills through the riparian
woodland and floodplain on that side of the
Perkiomen Creek, to Park Ave, and then to the
Perkiomen Trail. A pedestrian connection from Meadow Park or via a revised 73/29 bridge would
create a loop trail from the Borough to
Pennypacker Mills. In order to determine the
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
appropriate location for such a bridge (either as a new bridge from Meadow Park or a reconstructed
bridge at 73/29), the Borough will look at the
feasibility of such crossings and determine how
best to link the Borough to Pennypacker Mills.
The Borough has discussed this concept with
Perkiomen Township and it is hoped that Perkiomen Township will support this application.
ESTABLISH GATEWAYS TO THE PERKIOMEN TRAIL THROUGHOUT SCHWENKSVILLE.
Schwenksville will establish gateways at 73/29,
Meadow Park, and Park Avenue as indicated in
Figure 40. Schwenksville is designing the
gateway at 73/29. Funding for this gateway is
from the Montgomery County Revitalization Program. The proposed improvements include
safety lighting at the entrance, banner signs,
decorative paving, and landscaping.
Schwenksville is also working with area
businesses to create access to the trail from
their establishments.
SPRING MOUNTAIN HOUSE TRAIL CONNECTION
Public access to the Spring Mountain House site could
be coordinated with Upper Salford Township and
Perkiomen Township so that trails to the site and to
Spring Mountain are further established. This concept
would utilize the existing Cedar Road entrance and
existing footpath. A master plan of the Spring Mountain House site would determine the public
access to the site and its linkages to the Perkiomen
Trail and to the trails on Spring Mountain. This effort
would supplement the county priority of a greenway
and pathway link between Spring Mountain and
Pennypacker Mills. In order for this concept to move
forward, more formal conversation with Perkiomen and Upper Salford Townships will be required.
SUNRISE TRAIL
Schwenksville will coordinate with the county
and Lower Frederick Township on the location of the Sunrise Trail. The conceptual trail
alignment indicates that the trail will start at
Park Avenue along the edge of Memorial Park
and continue along this county owned land
adjacent to Route 29 before it crosses to follow
the Swamp Creek. This alignment will create
easy access to the Perkiomen Trail and also reintroduce Memorial Park.
SCHWENKSVILLE OPEN SPACE PLAN
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CHAPTER 12 RECOMMENDATIONS:
NON-ACQUISITION PROTECTION METHODS
While acquisition of open space is a priority for Schwenksville, there are other ways that land can be maintained
as permanent open space without relying on funding sources. The techniques described in this chapter involve
zoning or subdivision ordinance provisions that would protect natural features or add additional open space. The
chapter concludes with a discussion of what Schwenksville could include in its ordinances.
wetlands, groundwater, steep slopes, and woodlands.
FLOODPLAINS
Floodplain ordinances (which exist in Montgomery County municipalities) restrict or prohibit
development within floodplains, especially
development within the 100-year floodplain. There
are typically three types of floodplain restrictions in
the county. One type, often common in the
boroughs, allows development within the
floodplain provided that buildings are floodproofed. Many ordinances do not allow
building within the floodplain. This type of
ordinance protects properties from flood damage,
INCENTIVE ZONING
Communities can encourage developers through
incentive zoning to provide open space, recreation
facilities, trails, and parkland. The incentives are placed in specific zoning districts, and might allow a
developer to get a higher density than permitted, or a
smaller lot size in exchange for providing preserved
open space areas. The ordinances should be crafted
so that the cost of providing the amenity does not
exceed the benefit received from the incentive.
NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION ORDINANCES
The ordinances discussed below protect natural
features such as floodplains, stream corridors,
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protects the environment within the floodplain, and also reduces the possibility of raising the flood
level. A third type of ordinance not only restricts
development within the floodplain but also
requires a minimum setback from the edge of the
floodplain. This type of ordinance protects the
unique wooded habitat, or riparian woodlands, of the floodplain.
STREAM CORRIDORS
Stream corridor protection ordinances go
beyond floodplain ordinances to protect the water quality of the stream in addition to plant
and animal habitats. These ordinances have a
minimum setback requirement from the stream
bank where no development can occur. A
minimum setback of 75 feet from the stream
bank, for example, will help stabilize the stream
bank, control sediment, remove nutrients that would pollute the stream, moderate stream
temperature, and preserve wildlife habitat. The
area within the setback should be left in its
natural state.
WETLANDS
In addition to federal and state governments,
municipalities can regulate development that
occurs on wetlands. Municipalities can prohibit
development on wetlands and require wetlands
to be shown on development plans. While developers can locate homes right next to
wetlands (after receiving all the federal and state
permits needed), such location might lead to
future problems. Homeowners might decide to fill
in the wet areas behind their home to have a
more usable back yard. To prevent this, local
municipalities can require a minimum building setback from wetlands. While federal and state
regulations address only the filling of wetland and
not the destruction of vegetation within the
wetlands, municipalities can take the extra step
and require the replacement of destroyed
wetlands vegetation.
GROUNDWATER
Wellhead protection ordinances can help protect
groundwater quality. Stormwater ordinances
which include provisions for groundwater
recharge also help protect groundwater quality, non-point source pollution, and the impact on
stream temperatures.
Wellhead protection areas are identified by a number of methods, such as a hydrogeologic
survey. Wellhead protection ordinances can
restrict certain uses such as gas stations, limit
the intensity of development (such as limiting
the density of single-family detached homes
with individual septic systems), and/or by controlling how a land use activity occurs (such
as farming with specific types of pesticides and
other chemicals) within wellhead protection
areas. A municipality can also impose design
standards that would not allow, for example,
hazardous materials containment structures or
large impervious areas such as parking to limit potential groundwater pollution.
STEEP SLOPES
Development on steep slopes, which are typically
slopes of 15 percent or more, can be restricted or prohibited through steep slope ordinances.
Development often is permitted on slopes of 15
percent to 25 percent if the minimum lot size is
increased and/or the percent of the lot disturbed
is limited. Some steep slope ordinances prohibit all
development, although typically development is
prohibited on extremely steep slopes such as 25 percent or more.
WOODLANDS
Protection of existing trees and woodlands can be accomplished with woodland preservation
ordinances. Some ordinances provide minimum
standards that must be followed during
construction for trees that will remain. Other
ordinances, when existing trees are preserved,
allow developers to put up fewer street trees,
buffers, or individual lot trees. Tree replacement is another requirement of some ordinances.
DONATIONS OF PROPERTIES FOR PERMANENT OPEN SPACE
Landowners can preserve their land by donating
the full title of their property or by donating their
development rights to a nonprofit land
conservation group. These two methods
permanently preserve open space.
Landowners who donate development rights
receive tax benefits and their land must be
permanently restricted from future development.
Land conservation groups that operate within Montgomery County and who receive donations
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include: Montgomery County Lands Trust, the Brandywine Conservancy, the Natural Lands Trust,
the Nature Conservancy, the Conservancy of
Montgomery County, and the Wissahickon
Watershed Association.
Some land conservation groups can also help local
landowners to develop some of their land while
keeping the majority of the land open and deed-
restricted. This approach ensures that land is
developed in a sensitive manner yielding the landowner some monetary compensation, while
also preserving the most important environmental
amenities on the site.
REQUIRING OPEN SPACE IN DEVELOPMENTS OR A FEE IN LIEU OF OPEN SPACE
Municipalities can require developers to provide
open space through their zoning and/or the
subdivision ordinance.
An open space requirement when placed in the
zoning ordinance must be located in specific
zoning districts (for example the high-density
residential district). The zoning ordinance can
specify the percentage of required open space, for
example between 15 and 20 percent, and other criteria relevant to the maintenance of common
open space. The municipality can not require the
open space to be dedicated or open to the public
or to include specific recreational facilities.
However, the community can require that the
land meet specific standards such as being flat,
open land suitable for playing fields.
The subdivision ordinance can also require
developers to provide open space but it also allows further provisions. The ordinance can
require the land to be dedicated to the township
or borough. If a developer does not want to
provide the land, the ordinance can require fees in
lieu of land. An adopted recreation plan must be
in existence in order to have this requirement and
must follow the provisions within the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. A community needs
to make a decision of whether fees in lieu of
should be accepted so as to create larger central
parks for a number of neighborhoods or if there
should be smaller scale open space within
developments. Requiring developments to provide
open space allows municipalities to meet the needs of new residents without building
additional municipal parks. The provision of
requiring open space or a fee in lieu of allows for a community to have flexibility in establishing their
open space priorities.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCES
While not directly related to open space
preservation, historic preservation ordinances
help save historic properties that add to the
character of an area. There are a number of
techniques that communities can use for historic preservation.
One possibility is that communities can amend their building codes to require a review before
demolition permits are issued. This method
delays demolition and allows for community
input. Communities can also amend their
zoning ordinance to encourage historic
preservation. One way of encouraging historic
preservation is the creation of a village ordinance that gives development bonuses for
preserving buildings or restricts the uses within
the district. Incompatible uses with historic
areas, such as gas stations, are not permitted in
these districts. The zoning ordinance can also
encourage historic preservation by allowing
historic buildings to have more uses than normally permitted in a particular district. For
example, apartments, bed and breakfast
establishments, or offices might be permitted in
historic homes located in a single-family
detached residential district.
A third possibility is that communities can create
historic districts with approval of the Pennsylvania
Museum Commission. This approach is more
restrictive than the previous approaches discussed. Once a historic district is created, townships or
boroughs have stringent control over design and
preservation of facades. A township or borough
architectural review board is required to be created to
review all proposed changes to historic buildings.
SCHWENKSVILLE ACTIONS
Schwenksville recently passed the Natural Resource
Protection Ordinance that includes regulations for
steep slopes, woodlands, streams, watercourses,
wetlands, and ponds. The steep slope section of the
ordinance deals with steep slope disturbance limits,
grading, and filling, among other measures.
Wetlands can not be filled, woodlands can not be
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reduced by 20% in the R-1 and R-2 Districts and can not be reduced by 50% in all other districts. In
addition, the ordinance requires that a stream corridor
setback of 75 feet measured from the centerline of the
watercourse shall be maintained. Also, no more than
20% of pond shorelines can be altered or filled.
Of the measures discussed in this chapter,
Schwenksville will adopt a landscaping ordinance
and riparian corridor ordinance. Schwenksville will
also embark on a stream bank restoration program for the Borough’s creeks and also correct the
drainage issues that make Meadow Park unusable
at times.
In addition, Schwenksville will evaluate methods of
historic preservation that would be appropriate for the
Borough. Currently the Borough has two village
commercial districts in its zoning for Main Street (VC-1
and VC-2) that is intended to preserve the historic
character of the Borough. In these districts, alterations and/or removal of existing buildings
and new construction can only be done through
a conditional use process. Additions can only be
made to the rear of the building and removal of
existing buildings can only be made if the building
is structurally unsound or can not be reasonably converted for handicapped accessibility or for the
proposed use. Should a building be removed
there are a number of other standards required,
for example that the new building should be
constructed in the same location as the previous
building and shall be similar in appearance, size,
scale, and bulk. Schwenksville is currently embarking on a more detailed historic inventory
that will help to ascertain whether an historic district
for the Borough is appropriate.
Schwenksville will also embark on a public
education program to educate residents about its
open space and historic resources. The Borough
will also pursue joint park and recreation
programming with neighboring municipalities.
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CHAPTER 13 IMPLEMENTATION
BACKGROUND Implementation is perhaps the most important part of the plan. Having identified and examined the open space
issues important to the Borough, a timeframe for implementation is established here to guide the Borough
toward achieving its goals. In the near term (Phase One), implementation principally involves acquiring open
space using the remainder of the Borough's funding allocation under the County open space program; basically,
this means doing so over the next three years (2005 through 2007). It also means taking other, non-acquisition
actions for open space preservation and recreation facility planning and development. In the longer term (Phase
Two), implementation will build upon these earlier efforts. For each proposed action, primary responsibility is
proposed among the following Borough groups:
• Borough Council
• Planning Commission
• Park Board
• Historic Society
• Open Space Committee
Schwenksville’s action items can be viewed in Figure 41. The type of protection techniques include acquisition, easements, planning (ordinances, studies, etc.), and program implementation.
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Figure 41Implementation Timeline
ActionProtection Technique
Agency Responsible
Estimated Start Date
Estimated Completion
DatePriority
Acquire land for Centennial Street Park
Acquisition
Borough Council, Planning Commission, Park Board
2005 2006Short Term - Highest Priority
Acquire outparcel adjacent to Memorial Park
AcquisitionCoordination with Montgomery County
2005 2006 Short Term
Create long term maintenance strategies for Schwenksville's parks
Planning Park Board 2005 2006 Short Term
Protect Boyer Run vicinityPlanning, Easements/Acquisition
Borough Council, Planning Commission, Coordination with Perkiomen Township
2005 2007 Short Term
Acquire land adjacent to Boulevard Ave
AcquisitionCoordination with Montgomery County, PennDOT
2005 2007 Short Term
Create a shade tree commission
Non-acquisition Borough Council 2005 2007 Short Term
Update the landscaping ordinance
PlanningPlanning Commission, Borough Council
2005 2007 Short Term
Adopt a riparian corridor ordinance
PlanningPlanning Commission, Borough Council
2005 2007 Short Term
Relocate and restore post office
Program Implementation
Historic Society, Coordination with Montgomery County
2005 2007 Short Term
Implement gateways to the Perkiomen Trail
Planning and Implementation
Borough Council, Planning Commission, Park Board
2005 2007 Short Term
Adopt and implement a Meadow Park master plan which addresses the park's safety, accessibility, and, usability
Planning and Implementation
Borough Council, Planning Commission, Park Board
2005 2008Short Term/ Long Term
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
Figure 41 (continued)Implementation Timeline
ActionProtection Technique
Agency Responsible
Estimated Start Date
Estimated Completion
DatePriority
Enact a stream bank restoration program for the Perkiomen Creek
Program Implementation
Coordination with Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy
2005 OngoingShort Term/ Long Term
Initiate and implement streetscape program for the Borough
Program Implementation
Borough Council 2005 OngoingShort Term/ Long Term
Create a signage program for historic structures and sites, open space, and creeks
Program Implementation
Historic Society 2005 Ongoing Long Term
Create an historic walking tourProgram Implementation
Historic Society 2005 Ongoing Long Term
Public education about open space areas and historic resources
Program Implementation
Park Board, Historic Society
2005 Ongoing Long Term
Construction of sidewalk connections
Program Implementation
Planning Commission, Borough Council
2005 Ongoing Long Term
Spring Mountain House master plan and trail connection
Planning and Implementation
Coordination with Perkiomen Township, Upper Salford Township, Montgomery County
2006 2007 Short Term
Create a pedestrian connection to Pennypacker Mills
Planning and Implementation
Planning Commission, Borough Council, Coordination with Montgomery County, Perkiomen Township, Delaware Bridge Authority, PennDOT, Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy
2006 2008Short Term/ Long Term
Add to the Perkiomen Creek greenway and create boat launch areas
Acquisition/Easement
Borough Council, Coordination with Montgomery County
2006 2008Short Term/ Long Term
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
Figure 41 (continued)Implementation Timeline
ActionProtection Technique
Agency Responsible
Estimated Start Date
Estimated Completion
DatePriority
Adopt and implement a Centennial Street Park master plan which addresses the park's safety, accessibility, and usability
Planning and Implementation
Borough Council, Planning Commission, Park Board
2006 2008Short Term/ Long Term
Restore ice pond on Centennial Street as a part of Centennial Street Park
Program Implementation
Park Board, Planning Commission, Borough Council, Historic Society, Coordination with Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy
2007 2008Short Term/ Long Term
Implementation of park maintenance strategy
Implementation Park Board 2006 OngoingShort Term/ Long Term
Acquisition of lands that enhance existing open space in the Borough and/or protect vulnerable resources
Acquisition/Easement
Planning Commission, Borough Council, Park Board, Coordination with Perkiomen and Lower Frederick Townships
Ongoing Long Term
Undertake an archaeological excavation of ice and mill houses through volunteer participation
Program Implementation
Historic Society, School Departments
Ongoing Long Term
Update the historic resources inventory and pursue methods of preservation
Planning and Implementation
Historic Society, Planning Commission, Borough Council
Ongoing Long Term
Continue Open Space Committee
Program Implementation
Borough Council, Open Space Committee
Ongoing Long Term
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FUNDING SOURCES In addition to the funds allocated through the County Open Space Program, Schwenksville is
eligible for funds from a variety of sources
including grants, general revenue funds, bond
issues, and donations (of cash, materials, or labor).
Schwenksville will pursue other grants
available from Montgomery County, The
Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources (DCNR), and others. These grants
can be used in conjunction with the County’s Open Space grants to help defray the cost of
the Borough’s match. A sampling of possible
grant sources is described below.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY OPEN SPACE GRANTS (MCOS)
In 2003, a referendum to fund open space and
green infrastructure projects was passed in
Montgomery County. Know as the Green Fields/
Green Towns Program, this funding was allocated
to municipalities, private non-profit conservation
organizations, and the county to preserve more
open space and enhance the livability of existing communities throughout the county.
Schwenksville is eligible to receive a total of $612,139 for open space acquisition and
enhancement. This grant requires matching
funds equal to 20% of project costs from the
municipality. The county grants come with
several conditions. The most important
condition is that any land purchased with grant
money must be permanently preserved as open space or for active recreation. Another
condition is that Schwenksville must complete
and adopt its Open Space Plan. This plan must
be approved by the County’s Open Space
Board before grant money can be disbursed.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION PROGRAM (MCRP)
Initiated in 2000, this program is intended to
create a strategic, economic development
program that will strengthen and stabilize the
county’s older communities for the long term. It
helps these communities become more vibrant, livable, and attractive places. Funding from this
competitive program is used for projects consistent
with the Borough’s Community Revitalization Plan.
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES (DCNR)
DCNR manages a variety of grant and technical
assistance programs concerned with a variety of issues . DCNR annually awards about $30 million
in planning, acquisition, and development grants
for parks, recreation, rivers conservation, trails,
greenways, and protection of open space and
critical natural areas. Most DCNR grants require a
50/50 match. DCNR also provides pre-application workshops to assist applicants in the preparation
of their application forms.
A priority goals of the these programs is to develop and sustain partnerships with communities, non-
profits, and other organizations for recreation and
conservation projects and purposes. With this in
mind, the Community Conservation Partnerships
Program (C2P2) was established. It is a
combination of several funding sources and grant programs, including the Commonwealth’s
Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund
(KEY 93, described below), the Environmental
Stewardship and Watershed Protection Act
(Growing Greener, also described below), Act 68
Snowmobile and ATV Trails Fund, the Land and
Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and the Recreational Trails component of the
Transportation Equity Act for the Twenty-First
Century (TEA-21).
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (DEP)
The Growing Greener program has funded efforts to clean up Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams,
reclaimed abandoned mines and toxic waste sites,
invested in new alternative energy sources,
preserved farmland and open space, and
developed watershed restoration programs. Thus
far, Growing Greener has generated nearly $1.50 in matching funds for the environment for every
$1.00 in state money. As the Growing Greener
program evolves, it will focus on brownfield
redevelopment, farmland and open space
preservation, water quality improvements,
enhanced state and community parks, and an
upgraded fish and wildlife infrastructure. Growing Greener II will
accomplish these goals while making critical
investments in community revitalization and the
promotion of the use of clean energy.
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KEYSTONE RECREATION, PARK, AND CONSERVATION FUND
The Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation
Fund Act was signed into law in 1993. It directs a
portion of the state’s Real Estate Transfer Tax to the
Keystone Fund, establishing a dedicated and
permanent funding sources for recreation, parks,
conservation, and other programming. Grants from this program require a minimum 50% match
from the recipient municipality or nonprofit
organization. As of 2002, $144 million had been
granted to more than 2,100 projects. The
demand on the Keystone Fund already outstrips
resources by a 4 to 1 margin.
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (DCED)
The mission of DCED is “To foster opportunities for
businesses and communities to succeed and thrive in
a global economy, thereby enabling Pennsylvanians
to achieve a superior quality of life.” Therefore there are several assistance and grant programs available to
Pennsylvania municipalities. Often, local economic
and community revitalization efforts are supported by
the implementation of green infrastructure and open
space plans. Below is a list of programs offered by
DCED through which revitalization funds may flow to
implement the recommendations described in this open space plan.
• Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) - Provides grant assistance and technical assistance to aid communities in their community and economic development efforts.
• Community Revitalization Program (CR) - Provides grant funds to support local initiatives that promote the stability of communities.
• Main Street Program - This program provides assistance for revitalization planning and projects.
• Elm Street Program - Grant funds for planning, technical assistance and physical improvements to residential and mixed use areas in proximity to central business districts.
• Industrial Sites Reuse Program - Grant and low-interest loan financing to perform environmental site assessment and remediation work at former industrial sites.
PENNSYLVANIA HISTORICAL & MUSEUM COMMISSION (PHMC) Many communities value their historic resources and work to preserve them for future generations. These resources can then be integrated into the open space network and cultural amenities of that
community to enhance local image and aesthetics. The PHMC offers several programs that aid municipalities in these efforts.
• Certified Local Government Grant Program - Provides funding for cultural resource surveys, national register nominations, technical and planning assistance, educational and interpretive programs, staffing and training, and pooling CLG grants and third party administration.
• Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program - Funding for preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation.
• Pennsylvania History and Museum Grant Program - Funding under this program is designated to support a wide variety of museum, history, archives and historic preservation projects, as well as nonprofit organizations and local governments. There are 10 types of grants.
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (PENNDOT) SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL
This category includes projects for bicyclists and
pedestrians that permit safe passage for children
to walk or bike to school. This includes activities that enhance the transportation system through
the construction of new facilities or the
improvement of existing facilities to make them
more usable for pedestrians and bicyclists. Some
examples of eligible activities include: sidewalk
improvements, pedestrian/bicycle crossing
improvements, bike lanes, traffic diversion improvements, off-street bicycle and pedestrian
facilities. In addition, this program may fund traffic
calming measures to slow the speed of cars such
as the following: curb extensions, bulb-outs, traffic
circles, raised median islands, speed humps,
textured or raised crosswalks. Funds cannot be
used for bicycle and pedestrian facilities that are solely for recreational use.
HOME TOWN STREETS
This category includes a variety of streetscape
improvements that are vital to reestablishing our downtown and commercial centers. These will
include activities undertaken within a defined
"downtown" area that collectively enhance that
environment and promote positive interactions
with people in the area. Projects may include
sidewalk improvements, planters, benches, street
lighting, pedestrian crossings, transit bus shelters, traffic calming, bicycle amenities, kiosks,
community "gateway" plantings, signage and
other visual elements.
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DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION (DVRPC) TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
The TCDI program is intended to assist in
reversing the trends of disinvestment and decline in many of the region's core cities and
first generation suburbs by:
• Supporting local planning projects that will lead to more residential, employment or retail opportunities;
• Improving the overall character and quality of life within these communities to retain and attract business and residents, which will help to reduce the pressure for further sprawl and expansion into the growing suburbs;
• Enhancing and utilizing the existing transportation infrastructure capacity in these areas to reduce the demands on the region's transportation network; and
• Reducing congestion and improving the transportation system's efficiency.
CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CMAQ)
This program seeks transportation-related projects
that can help the region reduce emissions from highway sources and meet National Clean Air Act
standards. The program covers the DVRPC region
of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and
Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania; and,
Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer
counties in New Jersey.
TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (TE)
Transportation Enhancements is a set-aside of
Federal highway and transit funds, mandated
by Congress in the Transportation Equity Act for
the 21st Century (TEA-21) for the funding of
"non-traditional" projects designed to enhance
the transportation experience, to mitigate the impacts of transportation facilities on
communities and the environment, and to
enhance community character through
transportation-related improvements.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE RIVERS, TRAILS, AND CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The program offers technical assistance only to
nonprofit organizations, community groups, and
local or state government agencies. Rivers and
Trails technical staff offers the following types of
assistance for recreation and conservation projects:
• Building partnerships to achieve community-set goals
• Assessing resources
• Developing concept plans
• Engaging public participation
• Identifying potential sources of funding
• Creating public outreach
• Organizational development
• Providing conservation and recreation information
PECO ENERGY GREEN REGION OPEN SPACE GRANT PROGRAM
PECO Energy, a subsidiary of Exelon, is
currently involved in several environmental
partnerships including “TreeVitalize,” with DCNR, clean water preservation with The
Nature Conservancy, and environmental
education initiatives with the Schuylkill Center
for Environmental Education and Green Valleys
Association. Green Region grants are available
to municipalities in amounts up to $10,000.
The grants can be used with other funding sources to cover a wide variety of planning and
direct expenses associated with development
and implementing open space programs,
including consulting fees, surveys,
environmental assessments, habitat
improvement, and capital improvements for
passive recreation.
GENERAL REVENUE FUNDS AND BOND ISSUE
Schwenksville has the option of using general revenue funds for open space and recreation
purposes. It also has the option of issuing a bond
to pay for the capital costs of parkland acquisition
and development. The decision to pursue these
options rests with Borough Council after being
advised by the administration.
DONATIONS
Schwenksville should encourage donations
from individuals, businesses, and groups to
help pay for parkland acquisition, development,
and tree planting. The donations may be cash,
materials, or labor. Schwenksville could organize special days during which local
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citizens and groups could gather to participate in implementing open space projects.
SOUTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA LAND CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS BRANDYWINE CONSERVANCY PALTA MEMBER
PO Box 141
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Counties where acquisitions completed: Bucks,
Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery,
Philadelphia
Mission: The mission of the Brandywine
Conservancy's Environmental Management Center
is to conserve the natural and cultural resources of
the Brandywine River watershed and other selected areas with a primary emphasis on
conservation of water quantity and quality.
Founded: 1967
Phone: (610) 388-2700
Email: [email protected]
www.brandywineconservancy.org
CONSERVANCY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY PALTA MEMBER
PO Box 28
Ambler, PA 19002-0028
Counties where acquisitions completed: Montgomery
Mission: The business and purpose of this
organization shall be to advocate the preservation
of historic and natural resources in Montgomery County to ensure their protection for future
generations. The main functions of the
organization shall be to identify and protect
historic structures, open space and natural
resources; sponsor educational preservation
programs; conduct survey and planning studies;
promote, assist with and accept conservation easements; and provide an information network
and clearinghouse for preservation information for
county residents, businesses, schools,
municipalities and organizations.
Founded: 1990
Phone: (215) 283-0383
Email: [email protected]
HERITAGE CONSERVANCY PALTA MEMBER
85 Old Dublin Pike
Doylestown, PA 18901
Counties where acquisitions completed: Bucks,
Montgomery, Susquehanna, York Counties where acquisitions anticipated:
Northampton
Mission: Heritage Conservancy is a nonprofit
organization dedicated to preserving our
natural and historic heritage. Founded in 1958,
it was concern for the rapid loss of open space
in Bucks County which led to the formation of
the Bucks County Park Foundation, known
today as Heritage Conservancy.
Founded: 1958
Phone: (215) 345-7020 Email: [email protected]
www.heritageconservancy.org
LOWER MERION CONSERVANCY PALTA MEMBER
1301 Rose Glen Rd.
Gladwyne, PA 19035
Counties where acquisitions completed: Delaware, Montgomery
Mission: The Lower Merion Conservancy acts to
protect our area's natural and historic resources, open space, and watersheds for area residents and
future generations. Through education, advocacy,
and research, the Conservancy promotes collective
responsibility for these resources.
Founded: 1991
Phone: (610) 645-9030
Email: [email protected]
www. lmconservancy.org
MONTGOMERY COUNTY LANDS TRUST PALTA MEMBER
PO Box 300
Lederach, PA 19450 Counties where acquisitions completed:
Montgomery
Mission: It is the mission of Montgomery County
Lands Trust to permanently preserve land and to
foster the wise stewardship of open space of our
county by: Acquiring easements and encouraging
donation of land to appropriate stewards. Helping
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
to facilitate the creation of open space and natural amenities in existing communities. Promoting
environmentally sensitive, sustainable
development which preserves open space,
significant natural resources and our unique sense
of place. Providing educational programs that
strategically advance its mission.
Founded: 1993
Phone: (215) 513-0100
Email: [email protected] www.mclt.org
NATURAL LANDS TRUST PALTA MEMBER
1031 Palmers Mill Rd.
Media, PA 19063
Counties where acquisitions completed: Bucks,
Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia
Mission: Natural Lands Trust is a non-profit,
regional land conservation organization working
to protect the most critical remaining open lands in the greater Philadelphia region.
Founded: 1961
Phone: (610) 353-5587 Email: [email protected]
www.natlands.org
NORTH AMERICAN LAND TRUST PALTA MEMBER
PO Box 1578
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Counties where acquisitions completed: Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery
Founded: 1992
Phone: (610) 388-3670 Email: [email protected] [email protected]
www.nalt.org
PENNYPACK ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION TRUST PALTA MEMBER
2955 Edge Hill Rd.
Huntington Valley, PA 19006
Counties where acquisitions completed:
Montgomery
Mission: The mission of the Trust and its
membership is to protect, restore and preserve the
lands of the central Pennypack Creek valley so that
they * remain an enhancement to the quality of
visitors’ lives, * remain a vibrant and diverse natural landscape supporting native plant and
animal life, and * become the standard of
excellence for innovative restoration and
stewardship practices to be shared with other
individuals and organizations joined in common
commitment to the environment.
Founded: 1970
Phone: (215) 657-0830
Email: [email protected] www.libertynet.org/pert
PERKIOMEN WATERSHED CONSERVANCY PALTA MEMBER
1 Skippack Pike
Schwenksville, PA 19473
Counties where acquisitions completed:
Montgomery
Mission: The Perkiomen Watershed
Conservancy is a nonprofit organization
founded in 1964 by local citizens to combat
pollution in the Perkiomen Creek and its
tributaries. The Conservancy provides an integrated approach to environmental issues of
the Perkiomen Watershed area through
environmental education, Watershed
stewardship and conservation programs.
Founded: 1964
Phone: (610) 287-9383
Email: [email protected]
www.perkiomenwatershed.org
WISSAHICKON VALLEY WATERSHED ASSOCIATION PALTA MEMBER
12 Morris Rd.
Ambler, PA 19002 Counties where acquisitions completed:
Montgomery
Mission: Since 1957, the Wissahickon Valley
Watershed Association has been the leader in
protecting the open space of the Wissahickon Valley,
in enhancing its water quality, and in educating
people of all ages about environmental concerns.
Founded: 1957
Phone: (215) 646-8866
Email: [email protected]:
www.wvwa.org
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SCHWENKSVILLE DRAFT OPEN SPACE PLAN - AUGUST 2005
08/05 Prepared by the Montgomery County Planning Commission