UPPER POTTSGROVE — Tensions are rising in Upper Pottsgrove as residents push back against what they describe as a sudden and aggressive shift toward high-density development under the township’s newly seated Board of Commissioners. During the April 29th meeting, development dominated the proceedings—from a packed agenda to an overwhelming share of public comment. For many residents, the volume and pace…
The Upper Pottsgrove Journal
UPPER POTTSGROVE — The newly elected Board of Commissioners in Upper Pottsgrove Township is now facing a significant operational challenge: the lack of a permanent public meeting space following the abrupt halt of a long-planned municipal complex project. The situation goes back to a lawsuit filed before the most recent election (2025 local elections) by current Commissioners Al Leach,…
UPPER POTTSGROVE — New details have emerged regarding renewed discussions surrounding the previously halted Kummerer Road development project (400 units), prompting concern among residents and raising questions about the township’s direction on growth and zoning. In a prior report, the Upper Pottsgrove Journal cited accounts that Commissioners Elwood Taylor and Cathy Paretti have been meeting in closed-door sessions with developers about potentially…
After nearly a decade of successfully limiting large-scale building projects, the new Upper Pottsgrove Board of Commissioners is moving to undo years of legal and policy victories that guarded against overdevelopment. For approximately eight years, the township—under the leadership of former Board President Trace Slinkerd—consistently pushed back against high-density housing proposals. Through a combination of zoning enforcement, legal challenges,…
After eight years of actively limiting large-scale residential growth, signs now suggest that major development may be returning to Upper Pottsgrove Township — despite repeated public opposition to additional large housing projects. That shift can be traced through statements made at public meetings since the new Board of Commissioners took office in January. In January, when asked directly about…
In Upper Pottsgrove Township—a First Class Township—the residents elect five individuals to represent them on the Township Board of Commissioners. The elections are held every two years, with the residents electing either two or three commissioners to serve on the five-member board. Last year, the residents elected three commissioners who will serve a four-year term; the other two commissioner seats are…
In another round of political and legal maneuvering, the new Upper Pottsgrove Board of Commissioners (BOC) voted to remove the current Township Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) solicitor and replace that solicitor with one of their own choosing—a choice that is not theirs to make. The move to change the ZHB solicitor came without notifying the ZHB or the administrative…
The Upper Pottsgrove Board of Commissioners voted unanimously last week to hire Dan Weand as interim township manager, replacing longtime and popular manager Michelle Reddick. The vote came swiftly. Discussion did not. Weand will be paid $100 per hour — a rate approved without public debate, comparison to other candidates, or explanation of how it was determined. In fact,…
The Upper Pottsgrove new Board of Commissioners is moving toward hiring a financial advisor after key administration leadership left the Township following the election of three members of the new Board: Al Leach, Elwood Tayor and Tyrone Robinson. The move to hire an adviser seems to indicate that the new Board has challenges in understanding basic financial matters, including audits…
UPPER POTTSGROVE—The Upper Pottsgrove Board of Commissioners met on Monday, February 2, with one issue dominating much of the evening’s discussion: reopening the adopted 2026 budget which currently includes no tax increase. However, this could change. Commissioner Elwood Taylor repeatedly framed the discussion around the township donations to outside organizations and the need for residents to “pay their fair…