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Whitpain May Flip Offices Into Homes
Wiss Now's weekly newsletter
James Kratch
February 12, 2025
Welcome back to Wiss Now’s weekly newsletter! Montgomery County is seeking volunteers for this year’s Montco Senior Games, which run May 5-9. You can learn more here.
In This Week's Email:
📆 Upcoming Nearby Events
❤️ Valentine’s Day Acoustic Show | Well Crafted Beer Co. in Lansdale | 8 p.m., more details here
Saturday, Feb. 15
🕵️♂️ Murder Mystery Dinner | William Penn Inn in Gwynedd | 7 p.m., more details here
🎤 Vic DiBetetto | The Keswick Theatre in Glenside | 7 p.m., more details here
Saturday, Feb. 15-Sunday, Feb. 16
❄️ Winterfest Weekend | Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown | 10 a.m., more details here
You can find a calendar of events for the towns in the Wiss Now region by following these links: Ambler | Lower Gwynedd | Upper Dublin | Whitemarsh | Whitpain | Regional calendar
👷♂️ Whitpain examines office space overhaul
Courtesy of Whitpain Township
Some of Whitpain Township’s empty office space may eventually be converted for residential use.
The Board of Supervisors has begun the process of considering a proposal — initially part of the township’s Comprehensive Plan update in 2024 — to create a zoning overlay district in a part of the township that contains office parks. No more than 1,000 new dwelling units would be permitted and the projects would need to adhere to certain requirements, including parking availability, green space and outdoor recreation offerings.
No decisions have been made but a draft ordinance could be coming soon. The board is also considering whether any projects within the overlay would be subject to an attainable housing component.
Also in Whitpain: The zoning board has rejected a township smoke shop’s request to amend regulations involving business signs.
Smoker’s Destiny owner Viral Patel sought relief to install a 70-square-foot facade outside his Swede Road location in the Blue Bell section of the township — the site of the former 7-Eleven. The current zoning code allows for a 20-square-foot sign. Whitpain Township Solicitor Andrew Glassman said the exception would have impacted residential neighbors and “be a violation of the public health welfare, morals, and safety code of the township.”
😷 Atmospheric anomaly causes a big stink
Emergency dispatches throughout Montgomery County received calls last Saturday about unpleasant smells in the area, including some reports of chemical or burning plastic scents.
Officials said a temperature inversion was to blame, not a leak or fire. That is a temporary condition in which air temperature increases with height and a warm air mass sits atop the inversion, preventing air below it from rising and trapping smog, smoke and other pollutants close to the ground.
Wapner Newman: We Have Our Clients’ Backs
Victims of medical malpractice and other catastrophic injuries often have only one chance to right the wrong done to them. Wapner Newman understands this and tirelessly fights for the compensation our clients need so they can make the most of this opportunity. Our clients matter deeply to us. We make it a priority to ensure they get the high-quality, award-winning support they deserve, whenever they need it. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
🗞️ News links
🍽️ New restaurant opens in Lower Gwynedd
Courtesy of Chewy’s
A popular food truck in the area now has a permanent residence.
Chewy’s Restaurant recently opened in the Spring House section of Lower Gwynedd. The brick-and-mortar location is located on Bethlehem Pike at the site of the former Rich’s Other Place. The eatery is currently only open for dinner on Wednesday through Saturday from 4-8 p.m., but breakfast and lunch service is planned in the future. You can find the full menu here.
🚔 Youth sports fraud arrest in Montgomery Twp.
A former Montgomery Township Baseball and Softball Association official is accused of stealing over $43,000 from the non-profit organization.
Christopher Mark Pekula, 49, a certified public accountant and the association's ex-vice president of finance, faces several felony charges. He served in the role from Oct. 2018 to Oct. 2023; his successor then uncovered bookkeeping discrepancies, leading to an eventual criminal investigation.
Police alleged Pekula committed fraud through cash withdrawals and false self-reimbursements involving expenses like new uniforms. Pekula is also accused of false claims about pandemic relief loans. Pekula is free on $25,000 bail, but has been fired from his job at Kreischer Miller, a Horsham-based accounting and tax firm.
Philly Fans: It’s Your Time To Decide!
The moment has arrived — our Authentic Philly Fan Contest has entered the voting round, and we need YOUR help to choose the winner! These fans live and breathe Philly, but only one can take home $5,000. Click here to check out the incredible entries and cast your vote. Voting closes on February 16 -- don’t wait!
📰 In other nearby news
To keep up with news outside the Wiss Now area, make sure to subscribe to the weekly newsletters for our siblings sites — North Penn Now and Central Bucks Now — and our daily sports newsletter from On Pattison.
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🏡 On the market in Blue Bell
Courtesy photo
463 Holly Road in Blue Bell, listed by Nicole Miller-DeSantis: This contemporary split-level home offers over 3,500 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed space. The light-filled, walk-out lower level features a full in-law suite with a kitchenette, wet bar, wood-burning stove, and full bath—ideal for multi-generational living, guests, or a private retreat.
Upstairs, the Primary Suite includes an en-suite bath, while three additional bedrooms share an updated hall bath. One bedroom is currently a home office, and the washer/dryer is conveniently on the second floor but can be relocated to the basement. Natural light enhances the warmth of the field-finished hardwood floors throughout.
The eat-in kitchen boasts a center island, stainless steel appliances, beadboard ceiling, and direct access to the sunroom—a perfect spot for relaxing. The formal dining room and sunken family room with a stone gas fireplace provide inviting spaces for gatherings. Step outside to the rebuilt flagstone patio and expansive 1.15-acre lot, offering endless possibilities for outdoor enjoyment.
* — sponsored content
🐶 Rescue of the Week
James Short | Wiss Now
Meet Jewel, a two-year-old Labrador Retriever being fostered through Home At Last Dog Rescue.
She made her way to the area from South Carolina and is the perfect mix of medium energy and love. Jewel loves to meet new people, walks well on a leash and is crate- and house-trained. She does great with other dogs and would fit well in a home with older kids.
If you are interested in adopting Jewel or would like more information, you can reach out to Home At Last Dog Rescue at [email protected] or visit the group's website.
🏟️ Play ball
📊 This week’s poll
Are you planning to go to the parade?Let us know! |
Last week’s poll: Who will win Super Bowl LIX?
Eagles (100%)
Thanks for reading! See you next week. Be sure to follow Wiss Now on Facebook.