Upper Dublin bus depot proposal denied by zoning board

The Upper Dublin Zoning Hearing Board voted 4-1 to deny four variances sought by the Upper Dublin School District in its proposal for a 10,517 sf school bus depot behind the Fort Washington Elementary School, Mainline Media News reported.

The district was planning to park its school buses and construct a maintenance facility behind the school between Fort Washington and Loch Alsh avenues, the story said. The site was to be used for vehicle maintenance, parts storage and office space, and infrastructure for future purchase of electric vehicles. Plans called for 118 parking spaces for 50 school transportation vehicles, 10 grounds department vehicles and 58 staff.

The school district issued a statement Tuesday morning saying it appreciated the “Zoning Hearing Board’s extensive review of the requested variances for the district’s proposed transportation facility.”

“This outcome will prompt further discussion and consideration of our next steps in securing a facility that meets the critical needs of our transportation team and enables them to provide the best possible services for the 3,500 students and their families who rely on them,” the statement says.

The full message is below: