Strong cold front: strong winds 40-50 mph | Montgomery County Initiative: $50k for Home Repairs

In Today’s Huntingdon Valley Insider:

📅 Wednesday, February 28, 2024
•Strong cold front: strong winds, gusts of 40-50 mph
•Montgomery County Initiative: $50k for Home Repairs
•Jenkintown Residents Rally: Disband Local Police
⛅️ Weather + 🎭 Events + 🏈 Sports

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New Montgomery County Initiative Offers $50,000 Grants for Home Repairs

Montgomery County has introduced the Whole Home Repairs Program (WHRP), a significant initiative designed to support low- and moderate-income households in making essential repairs to both owner-occupied and rental properties. This program is set to provide up to $50,000 per owner-occupied unit in grants, aimed at addressing a variety of habitability and safety concerns to ensure homes are safe, secure, and healthy environments for residents.

Allowable Repairs

The WHRP covers a comprehensive range of repairs and services, including:

• Environmental Remediation: Lead paint, asbestos, and mold.

• Heating and Water Systems: Replacements for heaters, furnaces, and hot water heaters.

• Weatherization: Improvements like air sealing and insulation installation.

• Structural Repairs: Fixes to roofs, floors, ceilings, stairs, and foundations.

• Utility Repairs: Plumbing and electrical system repairs.

• Health and Safety Assessments: Healthy Homes assessments.

• Septic Systems: Repairs to septic systems.

• Accessibility Improvements: Bathroom modifications, ramps, lifting devices, and installation of grab bars/handrails.

• Security Enhancements: Replacement of exterior doors and windows.

• Municipal Compliance: Lateral connections to water and sanitary sewer extensions as required by local authorities.

• Other Repairs: Corrections necessary to address code violations or to ensure homes are fit for habitation and free from hazardous conditions.

The application window for the WHRP opened on February 22 and will remain open until April 12, offering a critical window for eligible homeowners to apply for support. To qualify, applicants must own and reside in a home within Montgomery County that requires repairs, and their household income must not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), adjusted for household size.

This initiative not only aims to improve living conditions for individual households but also to enhance the overall quality of housing within Montgomery County. By addressing a wide range of repair needs, the WHRP is a step towards ensuring all residents have access to safe and comfortable living environments.

For further details or to apply for the program, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the WHRP website.

Jenkintown Residents Rally Against Proposal to Disband Local Police

Montgomery County is at a crossroads with a contentious proposal to disband the Jenkintown Police Department, sparking significant community backlash. During a recent meeting that drew a crowd beyond capacity, residents voiced their deep concerns and frustrations over the potential loss of their local law enforcement agency. The bond between the community and its police force, characterized by personalized and preventative policing, is at the heart of the debate.

Jonathan Hong and Steve Walsh, both Jenkintown residents, encapsulated the sentiment of many attendees. Hong emphasized the personal connection the community has with its police force, highlighting the integral role officers play in the local fabric. Walsh pointed out the effectiveness of the police in both crime prevention and maintaining the safety of this close-knit community.

The proposal under consideration involves dissolving Jenkintown's 11-officer force as a cost-saving measure, with plans to outsource law enforcement duties to neighboring Abington and Cheltenham townships. This move has been met with strong opposition from residents who fear it will compromise their safety and the quality of policing. The idea of relying on state police was dismissed due to logistical challenges, further limiting the borough's options.

The overwhelming turnout at the meetings, including last week's session in the small borough council chambers and the recent gathering at Jenkintown High School's auditorium, underscores the community's investment in this issue. Despite the larger venue, space was still insufficient to accommodate all concerned citizens, reflecting the high level of engagement and concern over the proposed changes to their police services.

A strong cold front is forecast to bring strong winds with gusts of 40-50 mph

Residents across Pennsylvania, are being advised to brace for potentially disruptive weather conditions as a powerful cold front is expected to move through the region on Wednesday. This meteorological event is forecasted to bring with it strong winds, particularly pronounced during the evening hours, with wind gusts ranging between 40 to 50 miles per hour.

Such intense wind speeds can lead to various hazards, including the displacement of unsecured outdoor items and the possibility of isolated power outages. Homeowners and residents are encouraged to secure any loose objects that could be affected by the wind to prevent damage or injury. Additionally, preparing for potential temporary power outages by having essentials on hand can help mitigate the impact of these windy conditions.

This weather alert underscores the importance of staying informed and ready to act on weather advisories to ensure personal safety and the protection of property. Follow local weather updates for the most current information and take necessary precautions to safeguard against the expected windy weather conditions.

Wed Feb 28
Family Feud, Time Out On Pine
Coffee with a Cop
Main Stages, Spring Theater

Thu Feb 29
Weekly Tai Chi Classes, HV Library
Latin Night, Time Out on Pine

Fri Mar 1
Full Moon Fever, The Drake Tavern
Karaoke, Time Out On Pine
DJ Kev, Steam Pub

⚾️ Philadelphia Phillies Predicted to Land Four-Time All-Star at Trade Deadline

🏀 Injuries pulverized the Philadelphia 76ers leading up to the NBA All-Star break, but they're getting closer to full strength.

🏒 The Philadelphia Flyers and Tampa Bay Lightning were playing at the Wells Fargo Center partially in the dark on Tuesday. With the Flyers leading 1-0 and 13:43 remaining in the first period, a section of the building lost power and the game was stopped.

Complete Local Sports Schedules:
Lower Moreland H.S. Schedule
Upper Moreland H.S. Schedule
Abington Senior H.S. Schedule
HVAA Updates
Bryn Athyn College Schedule
ANC Secondary Schools Athletics

The key ingredient to the perfect breakfast, this February 28,  get yourself a mouth-watering stack toward heaven because it’s National Pancake Day! Celebrated annually in Spring, and since beginning its first celebration in 2006, IHOP restaurants have raised over $24 million to support charities in the communities in which they operate.

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