Cheltenham residents have been sharply divided on the best way to address aging infrastructure in the township including libraries, pools, and community centers, writes Kenny Cooper for WHYY.

When the township presented its initial ideas, three of the proposals called for the consolidation of community services on two campuses.

The plans drew a strong reaction from residents who were divided on whether the aging buildings should simply be renovated or if community services should be moved to a more centralized location.

The township’s board of commissioners as a result came up with a compromise.

“The team has now developed a hybrid vision that optimizes and centralizes certain functions while maintaining community services that continue to honor a sense of place in our individual neighborhoods,” said Matthew Areman, president of the Cheltenham Township Board of Commissioners.

The new plan called Concept E calls for some services will be moved to one of the centralized campuses on Breyer Estate or Wall Park while others to stay in the current neighborhoods or only be partially incorporated at one of the campuses.

The Glenside and Conklin pools will be reconstructed and the township’s three community centers, La Mott, Rowland, and Glenside will also be redeveloped.

So far, the response to the new, hybrid proposal has been positive.

Read more about the ongoing debate on how to resolve Cheltenham’s aging infrastructure at WHYY.

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