The Sanatoga Post

Current Headlines In The Post

Joe Zlomek — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:35:24 +0000

Sanatoga Project Faces Limerick Zoning Decisions
The Limerick Zoning Hearing Board could issue critical rulings this week that will affect the future of The Gateway At Sanatoga shopping complex, proposed to be built just east of the Lower Pottsgrove township line.
What They Sold For
A weekly review of top prices paid for real estate in Lower Pottsgrove (PA) Township and surrounding municipalities.
You’d Need 2 Forms Of Plastic To Buy Gas Here
If and when it opens, a Costco fueling station in The Gateway At Sanatoga would be very particular about who could purchase gasoline there, and with what.
Home Depot Offers Discounts To Veterans
Former and current members of the U.S. armed services, and their families, earn a bonus through Veterans Day at the Lower Pottsgrove store.
The Post Week In Review
For Nov. 1-7, 2009
Also, In The Limerick Post
- What They Sold For … In Limerick
- Outback Offers Free Items To Veterans
Ahead On The Calendar
Local events by the day, week or month. Got an event to add? E-mail The Post.
Tomorrow’s AccuWeather Forecast
At look at what the next day could be like, provided by AccuWeather.
Today’s Food For Thought
Help others, without it costing a cent. Visit DontAlmostGive.org.

County Cancels Flu Clinics In Vaccine Shortage
Free flu shot clinics that were scheduled in Pottstown and Trappe will NOT be held next week as planned. Montgomery County’s Health Department ran out of vaccine, and its supplier hasn’t delivered more.
Colonial Sewing Demonstrated Next Saturday
Costumed historians and skilled craftspeople will demonstrate plain and fancy stitchery of the 1700s and 1800s at historic Peter Wentz Farmstead.
Coventry Mall Borders Stays Open; 200 More Closing
DJ-Powered Dance Nov. 13 At Sunnybrook
A dance for adults, with adult music and a happy hour too, coming to Sanatoga.
Want To Help Plan A Park? Here’s Your Chance
Public comments on the future of Snell and Norton Park, on Lower Pottsgrove’s east side, are being sought in six different meetings as the township plans its layout, uses, and future.
Rafferty Plans Veterans’ Breakfast In Sanatoga
As they did last year, hundreds of veterans are expected to attend a breakfast-and-speaker event being sponsored next week by Lower Pottsgrove’s state senator. The registration deadline is Monday.
Pottsgrove Legionnaires Perform At Veterans’ Tributes
The Sanatoga-based American Legion Post is scheduled to conduct three-volley salutes next week at three different Veterans’ Day ceremonies.
PennDOT Offices Will Close Veterans Day
The local licensing office will be closed Wednesday for the federal holiday. You can still do some business online, though.
Swing, Big Band Concert Set For Sunnybrook
Local swing and big band performers will give a concert next week in the Sanatoga venue where history for such music was made.
Blood Drives At Three Area Locations
Got a few spare minutes? Your time, and a pint of your blood, could save a life.
Still Hope For Sunnybrook Grant Township Rejected
Behind-the-scenes efforts by several people have renewed hope that Sunnybrook Ballroom can still claim an $80,000 grant from Montgomery County, months after Lower Pottsgrove sent the money back.
Bound For Center City? Don’t Handle A Cell
Be forewarned: Philadelphia’s new cell phone prohibitions took effect this week. Violators get warnings now, tickets and fines next month.
Local Orchards Benefit From Apple Promotions Grant
Pennsylvania apple growers won money Wednesday to better promote their product. Montgomery County orchards, including one in Lower Pottsgrove, are among the intended beneficiaries.
More Foreclosures Seen Ahead; Township Not Immune
A Pennsylvania real estate trade group predicts tougher times are ahead. That’s reflected in foreclosure sale listings of properties in Lower Pottsgrove Township, too.
No Surprises In Magisterial, Lower Pottsgrove Elections
Except for the three-way township commissioners’ race – won by the two Republicans – seats were uncontested.
Neiffer Led In School Board Voting
The Pottsgrove School District Board of School Directors’ president topped the vote count among the four incumbents.
Two One-Act Melodramas Staged At Pius
Cheer the good guys. Boo the villains. Audience participation is encouraged during the entertainment coming to the private high school in Lower Pottsgrove.
Local Pols Credited For Rail Hub Expansion
Congressmen representing Lower Pottsgrove, Limerick, and other suburban areas get credit for bringing new investment to the Philadelphia Naval Yard.
Extensions Granted For Two New Housing Plans
Projects proposed for Pruss Hill Road, involving more than 50 single-family homes, have been given more time for completion by Lower Pottsgrove commissioners.
Four Re-Appointed By Township Commissioners
Volunteers recently were named to new terms on Lower Pottsgrove municipal boards.
Construction Set To Begin At Coventry Schools
With song, celebration, and local dignitaries, the private school officially broke ground for its events center on the Lower Pottsgrove campus.
Celestial Bodies Workshops Return To PMMC
What’s said to be the most popular annual event of the hospital’s Healthy Woman lecture series returns this month.

Joe Zlomek, Managing Editor
Your comments are welcomed on any story. Got news for us? E-mail ‘The Post.’

Posted in News Tagged: Front Page

Sanatoga Project Faces Limerick Zoning Decisions

Joe Zlomek — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:34:49 +0000

LIMERICK PA – A Costco Wholesale Corp. requirement to own the land on which its new warehouse store would be built within the O’Neill Properties Group “Gateway At Sanatoga” project, and its insistence on relocating a petroleum pipeline now buried beneath the land’s surface, are expected to receive attention this week from the Limerick (PA) Township Zoning Hearing Board.

The most recent layout available for The Gateway At Sanatoga. The Costco portion was the subject of an Oct. 28 Limerick zoning hearing.

The project, formerly known as “Sanatoga Springs,” is immediately adjacent to the Lower Pottsgrove (PA) Township southeastern boundary line, and within the U.S. Route 422 interchange district at Sanatoga PA on which both townships have agreed to coordinate future planning and zoning efforts.

Limerick’s zoning board normally meets only on the fourth Wednesday of every month. But at its last meeting, on Oct. 28 (2009), Chairman Mark John said he expected his board’s decision on the Costco issues, which require zoning approval, possibly could be issued this week in advance of Thursday’s (Nov. 12, 2009) meeting of the Limerick Board of Supervisors.

The supervisors made an unusual move on behalf of Costco during the retailer’s Oct. 28 zoning hearing. They sent township Solicitor Joseph McGrory to both represent them and advocate for a Costco-favorable ruling from the zoners. McGrory’s appearance so surprised John that he made a special note to ensure it was entered into the hearing’s minutes as authorized by the supervisors.

“This is a project the township wants,” McGrory acknowledged. “The Board of Supervisors believes it would be beneficial, and we are here in support of zoning relief” for Costco, the attorney said.

Costco proposes to build a 140,000-square-foot open-to-the-public warehouse store, and an accompanying members-only gas station, on a portion of 65 acres presented as the first phase of the O’Neill development. The complex would sit just west of the Philadelphia Premium Outlets on West Lightcap Road, and would front Evergreen Road at the Sanatoga interchange entrance to 422’s eastbound lanes.

A pipeline owned by petroleum refiner Sunoco Inc. currently crosses a portion of the property.

O’Neill’s initial plans called for Costco to be part of a condominium ownership agreement for The Gateway At Sanatoga. The retailer now wants to own and be responsible for its property, according to Heidi Macomber, Costco regional director of development. The company also doesn’t want to accept a risk of problems with the pipeline, and so is insisting it be relocated. Technical matters to be decided by the zoning board primarily revolve around both issues.

The zoning decision takes on added urgency this week because Limerick supervisors, during their Thursday meeting, apparently want to decide on a request to grant “blanket cross-easements” that would subject Costco to requirements similar to those of other companies still participating in the condominium agreement. Supervisors can’t act, however, McGrory said, until the zoning board issues its rulings.

O’Neill is “basically on the same page” and in agreement with the supervisors’ plans, its attorney, also at the hearing, agreed.

During the hearing, zoning board member questions focused on a proposal by O’Neill engineers to move the 10-inch plastic pipeline from crossing the parking lot in front of Costco to a path that roughly follows the project property line and then reconnects to the original pipe near the interchange’s eastbound entrance. Civil engineer Tim Stout of Langan Engineering and Environmental Services testified the proposed changes would have “no adverse effect on traffic, safety, or the public health or welfare.”

The zoning board met briefly and privately following the Oct. 28 hearing, and then returned to have John announce it would be unable to make a ruling that night. It could, John added, have a decision by Tuesday (Nov. 10, 2009).

Related (to Sanatoga interchange development):

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Posted in Business, Government, Health, Law, Real Estate, Safety Tagged: 19464, 19468, Collegeville, Limerick, Limerick Board of Supervisors, Linfield, O'Neill Properties Group, Oaks, Pennsylvania, Phoenixville, Pottsgrove, Pottstown, Royersford, Sanatoga, Sanatoga Springs, Spring-Ford, The Gateway At Sanatoga, Trappe

What They Sold For

Joe Zlomek — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:33:18 +0000

They paid how much?

POTTSTOWN PA – The top price paid for real estate within the township from Aug. 20-25, 2009, was $250,000, the Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper reports. The property is located at 2276 Bradley Way.

This week’s top reported prices were listed Sunday (Nov. 8, 2009) in “The Top 50,” the newspaper’s weekly review of highest prices paid for real estate sold within the city of Philadelphia and townships in its surrounding counties.

By contrast, during the same period, the top real estate sales price in Pottstown PA Borough, immediately to the west was $215,000; Limerick PA Township, east, $284,000; New Hanover PA Township, northeast, $229,000; Upper Pottsgrove PA Township, west, $322,195; and in North Coventry PA Township, south, none listed.

Posted in Business, Personal Finance, Real Estate Tagged: 19464, Pennsylvania, Pottsgrove, Pottstown, Sanatoga

You’d Need 2 Forms Of Plastic To Buy Gas Here

Joe Zlomek — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:33:03 +0000

You'll need to be a member, and no cash is allowed.

LIMERICK PA – Two cards: one membership, one credit or debit. That’s what drivers would need if, after construction is finished – maybe in 2010 or beyond – they want to buy gasoline at Costco Wholesale Corp.’s proposed fueling station in The Gateway At Sanatoga shopping complex.

The retail center, still only in the planning stages, is proposed for West Evergreen Road, just east of the Lower Pottsgrove (PA) Township border. In considering potential traffic flow there, the Limerick (PA) Township Zoning Hearing Board has taken particular interest in how the gas station, which Costco would install and own next to a warehouse store it also wants to build on the site, will operate.

Only Costco store members could access its pumps, and they would be authorized by using a membership card, the company’s regional director of development, Heidi Macomber, explained to the Limerick board during an Oct. 28 (2009) hearing. Moreover, no cash transactions would be possible, she said; purchases would be by credit or debit card only.

Limerick zoners also learned the pumps would open about two hours before the store did, and close about one hour later. Macomber said the fueling station’s hours were tentatively set at 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Mondays though Fridays; 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, and 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays.

Costco documents distributed to investors have indicated that adding fueling stations at store sites tend to increase their profitability. Costco operates a store without a fueling station in King of Prussia PA, 18 miles east of the proposed new construction. The Costco closest to Limerick with a fueling station is in Lancaster PA, according to company information.

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Posted in Business, Government, Infrastructure, Personal Finance, Transportation Tagged: 19464, 19468, Collegeville, Limerick, Linfield, Oaks, Pennsylvania, Phoenixville, Pottsgrove, Pottstown, Royersford, Sanatoga, Spring-Ford, Trappe

Home Depot Offers Discounts To Veterans

Joe Zlomek — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:30:33 +0000

Veterans Day 2009.

POTTSTOWN PA – The Home Depot home improvement retail store in Lower Pottsgrove (PA) Township will continue that company’s annual tradition of honoring U.S. armed services veterans, active duty military personnel and their families by offering them a 10-percent discount on all purchases of up to $2,000 made today through Veterans’ Day (Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009), corporate spokeswoman Jean Niemi said.

To qualify, individuals must present a valid military identification when checking out. Discounts will be taken at the register. The Lower Pottsgrove store is located at 295 Armand Hammer Blvd., Pottstown PA.

Home Depot also makes similar discount offers annually on Memorial Day and Independence Day, Niemi said.

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Posted in Business, Government, Holidays, Military Tagged: 19464, Home Depot, Pennsylvania, Pottsgrove, Pottstown, Sanatoga

Today’s Food For Thought

Joe Zlomek — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:28:06 +0000

There are dozens of ways we can help others. Without it costing a cent.
Visit DontAlmostGive.org.

Published as a public service by The Sanatoga Post

Posted in Public Service Tagged: Ad Council, Campaign: Give, PSA

The Post Week In Review

Joe Zlomek — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:30:57 +0000

Saturday, Nov. 7

County Cancels Flu Clinics In Vaccine Shortage
Free flu shot clinics that were scheduled in Pottstown and Trappe will NOT be held next week as planned. Montgomery County’s Health Department ran out of vaccine, and its supplier hasn’t delivered more.
Colonial Sewing Demonstrated Next Saturday
Costumed historians and skilled craftspeople will demonstrate plain and fancy stitchery of the 1700s and 1800s at historic Peter Wentz Farmstead.
Coventry Mall Borders Stays Open; 200 More Closing
DJ-Powered Dance Nov. 13 At Sunnybrook
A dance for adults, with adult music and a happy hour too, coming to Sanatoga.
Also, In The Limerick Post
- Berman Collection Adds Wilson Artworks
- Blood Drive Coming Nov. 14 To Limerick

Friday, Nov. 6

Want To Help Plan A Park? Here’s Your Chance
Public comments on the future of Snell and Norton Park, on Lower Pottsgrove’s east side, are being sought in six different meetings as the township plans its layout, uses, and future.
Rafferty Plans Veterans’ Breakfast In Sanatoga
As they did last year, hundreds of veterans are expected to attend a breakfast-and-speaker event being sponsored next week by Lower Pottsgrove’s state senator. The registration deadline is Monday.
Pottsgrove Legionnaires Perform At Veterans’ Tributes
The Sanatoga-based American Legion Post is scheduled to conduct 21-gun salutes next week at three different Veterans’ Day ceremonies.
PennDOT Offices Will Close Veterans Day
The local licensing office will be closed Wednesday for the federal holiday. You can still do some business online, though.
Swing, Big Band Concert Set For Sunnybrook
Local swing and big band performers will give a concert next week in the Sanatoga venue where history for such music was made.
Blood Drives At Three Area Locations
Got a few spare minutes next week? Your time, and a pint of your blood, could save a life.
Also, In The Limerick Post
- Visiting Team Studies Ursinus Diversity
- Sew The Colonial Way Next Saturday At Wentz

Thursday, Nov. 5

Still Hope For Sunnybrook Grant Township Rejected
Behind-the-scenes efforts by several people have renewed hope that Sunnybrook Ballroom can still claim an $80,000 grant from Montgomery County, months after the township sent the money back.
Bound For Center City? Don’t Handle A Cell
Be forewarned: Philadelphia’s new cell phone prohibitions took effect this week. Violators get warnings now, tickets and fines next month.
Local Orchards Benefit From Apple Promotions Grant
Pennsylvania apple growers won money Wednesday to better promote their product. Montgomery County orchards, including one in Lower Pottsgrove, are among the intended beneficiaries.
Stuff To Do This Weekend
A members’ art show in Pottstown. Antique weapons in Sanatoga. Plays at St. Pius High, and a musical in Phoenixville. Wine tasting at the Pottstown library. And holiday craft shows and meals. Hey, let’s go!
Also, In The Limerick Post
- Limerick Yard Waste Drop-Off Nov. 14
- Limerick Plans Trips To Radio City, Longwood
Also, In The Pottstown Post
- Seminar Teaches Youth About Homelessness
- Oldies Music Show Benefits Athletics

Wednesday, Nov. 4

More Foreclosures Seen Ahead; Township Not Immune
A Pennsylvania real estate trade group predicts tougher times are ahead. That’s reflected in foreclosure sale listings of properties in Lower Pottsgrove Township, too.
No Surprises In Magisterial, Lower Pottsgrove Elections
Except for the three-way township commissioners’ race – won by the two Republicans – seats were uncontested.
Neiffer Led In School Board Voting
The Pottsgrove School District Board of School Directors’ president topped the vote count among the four incumbents.
Two One-Act Melodramas Staged At Pius
Cheer the good guys. Boo the villains. Audience participation is encouraged during the entertainment coming to the private high school in Lower Pottsgrove.
Also, In The Limerick Post
- Limerick Prepares Saturday For Its Budget
- If Ya Gotta Go, Better Hurry …
Also, In The Pottstown Post

Tuesday, Nov. 3

Today Is Election Day; Your Vote Matters
Local Pols Credited For Rail Hub Expansion
Congressmen representing Lower Pottsgrove, Limerick, and other suburban areas get credit for bringing new investment to the Philadelphia Naval Yard.
Extensions Granted For Two New Housing Plans
Projects proposed for Pruss Hill Road, involving more than 50 single-family homes, have been given more time for completion by Lower Pottsgrove commissioners.
Four Re-Appointed By Township Commissioners
Volunteers recently were named to new terms on Lower Pottsgrove municipal boards.
Construction Set To Begin At Coventry Schools
With song, celebration, and local dignitaries, the private school officially broke ground for its events center on the Lower Pottsgrove campus.
State Revenues Fell Short In October
Millions of dollars short, in fact, even though some of us (we’re not saying who) did more than the state Revenue Department expected.
Celestial Bodies Workshops Return To PMMC
What’s said to be the most popular annual event of the hospital’s Healthy Woman lecture series returns this month.
Also, In The Limerick Post
Also, In The Pottstown Post
- Steak And Shrinp Night In Monacacy
- Gallery Hosts Fall Members Art Show

Monday, Nov. 2

What They Sold For
A weekly review of top prices paid for real estate in Lower Pottsgrove (PA) Township and surrounding municipalities.
Pottsgrove Falcon Sports For Nov. 2-8, 2009
Who they’ll play, where, and when this week.
Limerick Routine Siren Test This Afternoon
The first-Monday-monthly event ensures the nuclear plant’s emergency alert system in adjacent Limerick Township is working … just in case.
Ca-Ching! Weatherization Funds Due Today
A county organization will receive millions over three years to help the needy ensure their homes are sealed up weather-tight.
Landscape Waste Pick-Up Scheduled Today
Leaves only, please, and appropriately bagged, too, and Lower Pottsgrove will haul ‘em away.
Will You Be Watching The Game Online?
A Temple University professor says computers are beating the tube in the digital multimedia war. It’s evident among World Series watchers, he adds.
Also, In The Limerick Post
Also, In The Pottstown Post

Sunday, Nov. 1

The Post Week In Review
For Oct. 25-31, 2009
Will You Be Watching The Game Online?
A Temple University professor says computers are beating the tube in the digital multimedia war. It’s evident among World Series watchers, he adds.

Posted in News Tagged: The Post Week In Review

County Cancels Flu Clinics In Vaccine Shortage

Joe Zlomek — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:34:07 +0000

POTTSTOWN PA – A shortage of seasonal flu vaccine, caused by the combination of a delay in shipments and heightened public demand, has caused the Montgomery County (PA) Health Department to cancel flu vaccination programs it originally scheduled for next week (Nov. 9 and 13, 2009; Monday and Friday) in Trappe and Pottstown, respectively.

“Seasonal flu clinics have been canceled until further notice,” the county announced Thursday (Nov. 5, 2009) on its website, because the department said it “has exhausted its available supply of the injectable vaccine and has not received additional … vaccine from our supplier at this time. We have administered seasonal vaccine more quickly this year than in the past.”

Clinics would be re-scheduled, the department said, if more vaccine arrived.

The canceled clinics were scheduled for Monday (Nov. 9, 2009) at St. Luke’s United Church of Christ, 200 W. Main St., Trappe PA, and Friday (Nov. 13, 2009) at Pottstown Health Center, King Street, Pottstown PA. They will NOT be held.

At its most recent free public flu shot clinic, the county said it administered more than 700 doses of vaccine in both injectable and nasal spray form. Since clinics began in early October, the department added, more than 4,000 vaccines have been administered.

Seasonal flu is not yet known to be circulating in Montgomery County, the department’s announcement noted. Most flu cases currently being reported, it added, were of the H1N1 (swine flu) variety.

Consequently, the department said, seasonal flu is unlikely likely to be a widespread problem until after the start of the new year. “Individuals are advised to continue checking with their personal health care providers,” its announcement said, “as well as community retail partners regarding availability of seasonal vaccine and scheduled community clinics.”

Editor’s note: This article updates an earlier story by The Post about the former availability of seasonal flu clinics. Although that story is archived on the web, its content is no longer accurate.

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Posted in Government, Health, Personal Finance, Weather Tagged: 19464, 19465, 19468, Amity, Collegeville, Douglass, Douglassville, flu vaccine, Gilbertsville, Limerick, Linfield, Montgomery County Health Department, North Coventry, Oaks, Pennsylvania, Phoenixville, Pottsgrove, Pottstown, Royersford, Sanatoga, Spring-Ford, Stowe, Trappe, vaccination

Colonial Sewing Demonstrated Next Saturday

Joe Zlomek — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:32:58 +0000

WORCESTER PA – Different types of Colonial hand sewing, typical of the late 18th through early 19th centuries, will be demonstrated by local living history specialists Nov. 14 (2009; Saturday) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in a program being conducted at Montgomery County’s historic Peter Wentz Farmstead, 2100 Shearer Rd., Worcester PA, 16 miles southeast of Sanatoga village center.

This event has been added to The Post calendar.

Visitors can try their hand at basic sewing stitches, fancy needlework, and quilting techniques demonstrated by costumed interpreters located throughout the Wentz farmhouse. Each trained craftsperson will also discuss traditional uses of the needlework techniques that date from the late 1700- early 1800s.

“Many museum collections showcase the beautiful needlework commonly performed by colonial woman. We hope visitors will take the opportunity to see women actually using these techniques to reproduce similar items,” Wentz educator Kimberly Boice said.

On exhibit at the house also will be vintage samplers, quilts, and everyday textiles from the museum’s collection. The restored 18th century Pennsylvania German historic site is owned and operated by the county and receives support from the Peter Wentz Farmstead Society.

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Posted in Arts, Government, Non-Profit, Recreation Tagged: 19464, Montgomery County historic site, Pennsylvania, Peter Wentz Farmstead, Pottsgrove, Pottstown, Sanatoga

DJ-Powered Dance Nov. 13 At Sunnybrook

Joe Zlomek — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:30:46 +0000

SANATOGA PA – Disc Jockey “Enchanted Midnight” will play recorded hits from the 1960s through the ’80s during an adult dance and mixer scheduled next Friday (Nov. 13, 2009) from 7-11 p.m. in Sunnybrook Ballroom, 50 Sunnybrook Rd., Sanatoga PA.

This event has been added to The Post calendar.

A happy hour event and karaoke entertainment will be held from 7-8 p.m. A $5 admission fee will be charged at the door. Proceeds benefit the Sunnybrook restoration fund.

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See our galleries for photos that appear in The Post. Got news for us? E-mail The Post.

Posted in Food, Non-Profit, Recreation Tagged: 19464, Pennsylvania, Pottsgrove, Pottstown, Sanatoga