Hi, Greater Abington. đ
The Abington Township Police Department is ending its contracts with controversial surveillance company Flock Safety after data was leaked about searches from Abington â and Cheltenham, too. The township will decide Thursday whether to replace the Flock network with a five-year contract with Axon Enterprise, another surveillance vendor.
Also this week, under-the-radar Jenkintown alley Yorkway Place is experiencing an unexpected business boom, and Willow Grove Park Mall is in the process of being sold to a group of New York-based buyers.
â Laura Smythe (greaterabington@inquirer.com)
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The Abington Township Police Department is ending its contracts with surveillance startup Flock Safety after thousands of its searches leaked to the public. Additional Flock searches went public from Cheltenham â where law enforcement doesnât hold Flock contracts, but can access the national network through subscriptions held by local businesses.
Flock cameras log license plates and vehicle features such as bumper stickers for every passing car, and employ AI to identify cars that often travel together. The network of public and private cameras enables police to search for vehicles by behavior rather than plate number.
Now, as surveillance regulations face national scrutiny, Abington will vote Thursday on whether to replace Flock with a five-year contract with Axon Enterprise, another surveillance camera system.
đĄ Community news
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Yorkway Place, the secluded, 1930s Tudor-lined alley in the heart of Jenkintown, is experiencing a business renaissance thanks in part to a meadery there.
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Cheltenham residents voiced concerns at last weekâs commissionersâ meeting over their lack of input in the townshipâs Melrose pool project, which a private company is developing. New plans for the controversial $4.5 million mixed-use development indicate more than two dozen more houses than originally proposed.
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A group of New York firms is buying the Willow Grove Park Mall. The pending deal is among the latest shakeups to greater Philadelphiaâs 17 malls amid the retail sectorâs 21st-century evolution.
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SEPTAâs new bus network is officially here. Check out our tool to figure out how the system update will impact your next jaunt around the region.
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A casino cleaner looking to support his daughter, a home health aide trying to pay rent, and a Philadelphia police officer were among recent plasma donors at the Wyncote location of B Positive Plasma, which is on track to see a record year as area residents try to make ends meet.
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The fifth-annual Montco Jazz Fest will bring outdoor concerts to parks across the county next month, including in Wyncote.
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A lane will be closed through Friday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Church Road between Township Line Road and Route 73 in Cheltenham Township for paving. During the same time frame, utility adjustments and milling will close a lane along Ashbourne Road, Montgomery Avenue, and Central Avenue between Washington Lane and Route 73, and again between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
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Cheltenham police are advising residents to keep small pets indoors after multiple reports of an aggressive coyote in Wyncote. They also say to avoid the animal if seen.
đ« Schools briefing
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The 2026-27 academic years for the Cheltenham and Jenkintown school districts begin Monday.
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In case you missed it, the Cheltenham school board appointed veteran administrator Chris McGinley as interim superintendent through the end of the 2026-27 school year.
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Five of the people criminally charged in relation to two assaults in Cheltenham Highâs locker room last year face a preliminary hearing on Thursday.
đœïž On our plate
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Fast-growing chain 7 Brew Coffee is seeking Montgomery Countyâs approval for two proposed locations: one in Wyncote at 1000 S. Easton Rd. and another in Willow Grove at 1130 Easton Rd.
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Speaking of 7 Brew, investors in the food and beverage space are keen to pinpoint the next category that could rise to the level of popularity of the Arkansas-based coffee chain, and bagels might just check that box, The Inquirerâs Michael Klein writes. He takes a look at the âbagel boomâ hitting greater Philadelphia as a PopUp Bagels franchisee scouts potential Montgomery County locations.
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Rob Woloshin, owner of Mannyâs Deli Stop in Willow Grove, talked to Klein about visiting Steve Steinâs Famous Deli â which closed in Northeast Philadelphia over the weekend after more than 60 years â as a child. The stalwart deli informed his own shopâs business model.
đł Things to do
đż Best of the 2000s: Britney Spears, burning CDs, Juicy Couture tracksuits ⊠If these aughts buzzwords piqued your interest, consider joining this trivia night for a dose of nostalgia. â° Wednesday, Aug. 26, 7 p.m. đ” Pay as you go đ Kingâs Corner Pub, Jenkintown
đ”ïž High Altitudes and High Stakes: Join this virtual discussion with thriller author Lucy Foley about her newest book, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel, which comes out next month and will revive Agatha Christieâs iconic Miss Marple character for the first (authorized) time in 50 years. â° Thursday, Aug. 27, 2 p.m. đ” Free đ Virtual, sign up via Abington Township Public Library
đ¶ So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience: Robert Neary, a Broadway, television, and film icon, performs a two-hour tribute to the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter. â° Thursday, Aug. 27, 8 p.m. đ” $41.71-$116.25 đ Keswick Theatre, Glenside
đș Battle of the Breweries: Sample âCheltenham-inspiredâ beers from local breweries and cast your vote for the champion at this event, which is part of the Cheltenham Celebrates America 250 lineup. â° Sunday, Aug. 30, 4 p.m. đ” Pay as you go đ Gimbel Field, Elkins Park
đ Philadelphia Flyersâ Community Caravan: Beloved mascot Gritty will make an appearance at the Jenkintown stop of the teamâs 10th annual event, complete with giveaways and bites from local vendors. â° Monday, Aug. 31, 5:30-7:30 p.m. đ” Pay as you go đ Jenkintown Square
đĄ On the market
Five bedrooms plus a dedicated office space give space for options in this Abington abode, constructed in 1966. It features two full bathrooms, two half bathrooms, a loft-style gym complete with the equipment, and a four-vehicle driveway plus a garage. Vaulted ceilings in the kitchen and living room create an open feel, and out back, thereâs s a covered lower deck.
See more photos of the property here.
Price: $600,000 | Size: 2,786 SF | Acreage: 0.29
đïž What other Greater Abington residents are reading this week:
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