Bethlehem Pike

In the News

• New shops flourish on Bethlehem Pike in Flourtown June 8, 2011 [Barbara Sherf, Chestnut Hill Local]
• Township gives residents a peek at the pike March 12, 2009 [Nick Malinowski, Springfield Sun]
• Traffic report envisions a new pike August 13, 2008 [Nick Malinowski, Springfield Sun]
• Board OKs gateway bid for pike April 16, 2008 [Nick Malinowski, Springfield Sun]
• Traffic calming on the pike seems within reach February 14, 2008 [Joe Barron, Springfield Sun]

Additional Resources

• Comprehensive Plan [pdf, 9-16-08]
• Dan Helwig's Powerpoint of Issues on and around Bethlehem Pike
• Reduction from 4 travel lanes to 2

Related Issues Pages

• Black Horse Inn
• Historic Preservation
• Traffic Calming

NOTE: Currently there is an application in front of the Zoning Hearing Board to place two highway-sized billboards on Bethlehem Pike.
I am 100% opposed to them. More information

There are a number of initiatives involving Bethlehem Pike and historic preservation amendments that all contribute toward the eventual goal of restoring a historic, walkable, commercial corridor on Bethlehem Pike. These are all guided by The Bethlehem Pike Vision Plan, sponsored by FEEA, and adopted by the Township.

Green check marks () indicate projects that have been completed since I took office. The blue arrows ( ) indicate projects we're still working on.

• Traffic Signal Improvement Project: Using Federal Stimulus money to cover the full costs, improvements have been made along Beth Pike at Mill Road, Wissahickon, and at Haws Lane. Plus, sidewalk ramps have been updated.
• Streetlights: 48 decorative pedestrian-scale streetlights have been installed, making the Pike a friendlier place for pedestrians and a nicer looking stretch of road for motorists.
• Flourtown-Erdenheim Community Gateways: a multi-municipal (Springfield and Whitemarsh) grant project funded through the Pennsylvania DOT Transportation Enhancements Program. The three locations are at Penn Oak & East Mill, Valley Green & Beth Pike, and near Cisco Park. More.
• Bethlehem Pike Streetscapes: corridor improvements to sidewalks and the adjacent areas. Including stamped crosswalks, trees, and cobblestone strips. More.
• Reduction from 4 travel lanes to 2 (underway, in discussions with PennDOT): The goal is to realign Beth Pike from 4 travel lanes to 2, with a turn-lane and alternating dedicated parking lane. Thanks to Congresswoman Schwartz, a Federal appropriation through the TCSP program will fund this project.
• Village Center Zoning District (awaiting Board of Commissioners consideration): A proposed zoning district to replace the existing B-1 and B-2 zoning districts in the Flourtown and Erdenheim Villages delineated in the Bethlehem Pike Vision Plan. The ordinance promotes traditional, pedestrian-oriented main street development through a variety of design standards.
• Zoning Code Amendment for Historic Preservation (awaiting Board of Commissioners consideration): This amendment provides a mechanism to define and protect historic assets of the township.
• Zoning Code Amendment for a 90-day Waiting Period (referred to the Planning Commission): Prior to the demolition of a historic building, the township can require a 90-day period to consider and recommend alternatives to demolition.
• Mobilize to Thrive: sponsored by DVRCP, involving Philadelphia, Whitemarsh, and Springfield. Use the transportation network in the region to encourage economic development. More.

Among the many stakeholders are the following groups:

• Board of Commissioners of Springfield Township
• Board of Supervisors of Whitemarsh Township
• Springfield Township Planning Commission
• Springfield Township Shade Tree Commission
• Bethlehem Pike Streetscape Committee
• Friends of Historic Bethlehem Pike
• Black Horse Inn Advisory Committee
• Springfield Township Historical Society
• Flourtown-Erdenheim Enhancement Association
• Flourtown Businesspersons Association
• Rotary Club of Springfield Township

The Pike has become a perilous place to drive, to park, and to walk. I am committed to taking back the Pike and making it ours again. Studies have shown that the time it takes to get from Church Road to the bend in the Pike at the Wheel Pump and beyond would be reduced if people drove at a more consistent speed.

A vision plan already exists that builds on the Pike's character as a centerpiece of our community. We are making some wonderful changes one streetlamp at a time, one pocket park at a time. I am committed to making the roadway safer and then working toward a full pedestrian-friendly corridor.

These efforts to calm and improve Bethlehem Pike do not have to be paid for by the Township. Numerous funding sources exist that have paid for similar efforts in other communities. I am committed to using the existing Vision Plan, getting the funding, and taking back control of Bethlehem Pike as an attractive, friendly, and safe place — a better place for our residents and businesses.

I am also committed to implementing design guidelines that future development can use as guidance toward a more consistent look. And I am committed to creating a Historic Preservation Ordinance that will help us guide the Pike to a better future, respecting the historic past that gives it the local character we all cherish.