PWCA Neighbor Update

Dear Penn Wynne Neighbors,

We wanted to share some recent developments regarding the expansion plans at Penn Wynne Elementary School (PWES) that we feel are moving in a positive direction. This past week, Penn Wynne Civic Association (PWCA) representatives and PWCA’s attorney, Carl Weiner, met with the Lower Merion School District (LMSD) Director of Operations and LMSD’s attorney with a goal of developing a solution that would be acceptable to LMSD, the Township, neighbors and families. After a productive conversation, we all agreed that it was in everyone’s best interest to postpone the related Zoning Hearing Board meeting that had been scheduled for October 22nd to allow more time for discussions. With the hope that an agreement can be reached in the next few months, LMSD has been granted an extension on the three proposed expansion plans, as well as the requested modulars extension, through April 30, 2021. 

With the support of our Commissioner, Rick Churchill, we will continue meeting with LMSD, Township Commissioners and staff to work toward a plan that addresses the concerns of PWES neighbors while balancing the needs of the school district. The PWCA stands firm in protecting the Trent Road field and supporting a pedestrian-safe solution that places additional parking as needed in the front along Haverford Road. Ideally, this parking would be kept in reserve (held but not built) so that the need can be reassessed after the fifth graders move to the new middle school in the fall of 2022. 

Thank you to everyone who supports the PWCA by speaking up, showing up, and making donations. Unfortunately, we need legal assistance to adequately represent our interests in preserving the PWES field, constraining further expansion of the school building, and minimizing traffic and safety hazards. Though we are making every effort to limit attorney fees, we need significant assistance to cover the costs.

We ask Penn Wynne neighbors to donate as generously as possible to our Legal Assistance Fund. 

Please go to https://www.pwcivic.org/give to donate.   

Regardless of your ability to donate, we will continue to keep the community apprised of any developments regarding PWES and always welcome feedback from the community on our ongoing efforts.

Please also consider joining us for our Annual Meeting this upcoming weekend:

Sunday, November 1st

Wynnewood Valley Park

1:00 p.m. Gathering (socially distanced)

1:30 p.m. Update, Election and Vote

Our regular monthly meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m (via Zoom). Everyone is welcome!

Sharon Weinstein and Shelby Sparrow

PWCA Co-Presidents