During the August 20th meeting of Ambler’s borough council, the council members voted to advertise a proposed ordinance that could result in more apartments in the area of Ambler Train Station, including the station’s parking lot.

This proposed ordinance originates from Montgomery County and SEPTA. As AroundAmbler.com reported in 2021, Montgomery County has been actively encouraging municipalities with transportation hubs to create density around the stations. This was followed by a 2023 decision by SEPTA to seek to redevelop its parking lots and unused parcels near stations with apartments over retail in an attempt to increase ridership. Ambler is one of a handful of communities SEPTA is focusing this effort on through a pilot program.

Montgomery County’s suggested ordinance was on display during an open house held by SEPTA in Ambler on December 13, 2023. During the August 20th meeting, members of Ambler’s council stressed that SEPTA or any other developer that seeks to develop in the impacted zoning district would have to follow the ordinance. What needs to be noted is that the proposed ordinance was written with Montgomery County and SEPTA’s goals for redevelopment in mind.

A vote to advertise does not mean adoption. As noted during the August 20th meeting, the hearing date will be scheduled for September 17th. After the hearing is closed, council can decide whether to adopt or deny the proposed amendment.

You can read the proposed ordinance here (starting page 4).