Hi, Lower Merion!
As data center proposals proliferate throughout the region, the township is looking to restrict where they can be built. Here’s what that could look like. Also this week, a new Verizon telephone pole is in the works in Narberth, Gladwyne Fire Company’s model is being used elsewhere to recruit volunteers, plus a new taco joint has opened at Ardmore Farmers Market.
— Lisa Dukart (lowermerion@inquirer.com)
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Lower Merion officials are looking to put guardrails in place for any future data center proposals, restricting their development to a former industrial corridor in Bala Cynwyd.
While there aren’t any data center proposals currently, the township wants any future ones to be limited to the light industrial zoning district along part of the Schuylkill River and a section of Righters Ferry Road.
The planning commission voted Monday to recommend the proposed draft ordinance, albeit with two changes for consideration. Rather than having data centers be approved by special exception, they suggested requiring conditional use approval. They also wanted to revise the definition of a data center to make it clear that certain telecommunications infrastructure isn’t included.
💡 Community news
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A new telephone pole is slated to go up at the corner of Haverford and Forrest Avenues in Narberth early next year, pending approvals. It’s intended to alleviate Verizon customers’ longtime frustrations with spotty service in the borough.
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Montgomery County fire departments are grappling with more calls and fewer volunteer firefighters, forcing some, like Gladwyne Fire Company, to get creative with their recruitment efforts. Recognizing the high cost of living in the community, the company has purchased multiple properties to offer reduced rent to its firefighters. It’s also added a gym in the station. Its model is now being duplicated elsewhere nearby, The Inquirer’s Jess Rohan reports.
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Main Line Health, which owns Lankenau Medical Center and Bryn Mawr Hospital, is no longer accepting cash or checks for any transactions, including patient copays and gift shop purchases. Here’s why.
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Gov. Josh Shapiro’s campaign stopped in Narberth Monday ahead of the Tuesday election, when he overwhelmingly defeated opponent Stacy Garrity. Shapiro said that the borough “symbolizes a place of kindness, a place where people from all different walks of life come together, a place where we respect one another, and where we try and lift up our neighbors.”
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The township is expected to release its proposed 2027 budget this week, with the first presentation Wednesday.
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Starting Monday and continuing through Nov. 18, Harriton Road will be closed between Old Gulph Road and Morris Avenue for bridge repairs on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Work on Wynnedale Road is scheduled to begin today, with possible intermittent closures near its intersection with Shady Lane.
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Ardmore plant and gardening shop Plant 4 Good recently moved half a block from its home at 100 Cricket Ave. to 123 Cricket Ave. Its new space will debut Saturday.
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Maeve, Anthropologie’s popular in-house brand, is opening a standalone store in Ardmore’s Suburban Square today.
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A Kobe Bryant jersey that the NBA All-Star wore during his tenure with the Aces sold at auction last week for roughly $2.2 million, making it the highest-ever price tag for a high school jersey sale, according to Bleacher Report.
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Have unwanted election signs? You can drop them off at Lower Merion Transfer Station through Nov. 12 for recycling.
🗺️ Other nearby news
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As data center proposals crop up across the region, Radnor Township is considering a zoning amendment that would limit their development to two office park districts and set other limitations.
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Developer Brian O’Neill, who was seeking to build a nearly 5-million-square-foot data center campus in King of Prussia, is suing township officials again after they rejected his proposal. This time he’s also seeking monetary damages.
🏫 Schools briefing
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Lower Merion is among the best school districts in Pennsylvania for 2027, according to the latest ranking from data firm Niche. The district came in number five in the state and got an “A+” grade.
🍽️ On our plate
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Popular New York joint Magnolia Bakery is entering the Philadelphia market. While the first locations will be in Mount Laurel and Rittenhouse Square, the franchisees are eyeing Ardmore and other parts of the Main Line for further expansion.
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South Philadelphia eatery Taco Heart has soft opened for walk-up service at the Ardmore Farmers Market.
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Popular Philadelphia cafe Rival Bros. is expanding to the suburbs, with plans to open a cafe at Wayne’s Eagle Village Shops.
🎳 Things to do
🎸 Eggy: The jam band will perform for two nights. ⏰ Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 7, 8 p.m. 💵 $35.67-$72.42 📍 Ardmore Music Hall
🐉 How to Train Your Dragon: Catch a screening of the 2010 animated film. ⏰ Saturday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m. 💵 $6.75-$7.75 📍 Bryn Mawr Film Institute
🔎 Narberth Scavenger Hunt: Gather your team and follow clues on an adventure throughout the borough. ⏰ Saturday, Nov. 7, 6-9 p.m. 💵 $25 per person 📍 Throughout Narberth, events kick off and end behind Greeks Next Door
🏡 On the Market
Built in the late 1800s, this Bryn Mawr estate was once home to railroad magnate Martin W. Clement, the late president of the Pennsylvania Railroad, according to its listing. Known as Crefeld, the home features original architectural details like lattice-style millwork, crown moldings, and chair rails. Designed for entertaining, the first floor features a large living room, a hall, a family room, a sunroom, and a kitchen with an adjoining butler’s pantry. The home has seven bedrooms as well as an in-ground pool and terrace. There are open houses Nov. 14 from 1 to 3 p.m. and Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon.
See more photos of the property here.
Price: $2.195M | Size: 8,279 SF | Acreage: 1.98
🗞️ What other Lower Merion residents are reading this week:
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