The Perkasie Borough Council has agreed to take over the management of the annual Pennridge Memorial Day Parade and Service.
The event has long been managed by the American Legion. But at the Wednesday, Sept. 18 council meeting, Assistant Borough Manager Linda Reid announced that the organization can no longer manage the event due to its aging membership. The Legion will maintain its management role in a smaller capacity, however, coordinating the participation of veterans as well as the service speakers, said Reid.
Council member Bomboy noted that the parade is the borough’s oldest event, dating back to 1882.
“I think we should keep the tradition going,” said Bomboy.
The parade’s location alternates between Perkasie and Sellersville, with Perkasie set to host the event in 2025. But while Perkasie holds the event on Memorial Day, Sellersville holds the event on the Saturday before the holiday. Council member Dave Worthington suggested moving the event to Saturday for consistency purposes. Reid responded that Commander Paul Clymer of Post 280 “is perfectly happy” with moving the event.
Arch Street parking ban
Council approved a parking ban on the south side of Arch Street from a distance of 30 feet east of the Arch Street and Ninth Street intersection. The change is part of the borough’s Arch Street area improvement project.
Ridge Road housing development
Council agreed to approve a land development resolution for a new Ridge Road housing development at its next meeting. Located at 414 S. Ridge Road, the project proposes eight single-family homes and one new road, Jordan Lane. The homes will include decks and driveways, while the new road will include curbing and sidewalks.
Six homes will be located in Perkasie, with the remaining two in East Rockhill. The East Rockhill Board of Supervisors has already granted final approval for the project.
Community Garden appraisal
Council approved a second appraisal of the Perkasie Community Garden. The move follows an offer by the current owner, Kenneth Kratz Real Estate Company, to either lease or sell the property to the borough. Council, however, has repeatedly voiced unease about the leasing/purchasing costs. Some council members have pointed to grants or additional amenities on the property to help recoup some of the costs.
The appraisal amount was not made public due to the ongoing negotiations, officials said.
Pennridge Senior Center
East Rockhill Supervisor Dave Nyman gave a presentation on the Pennridge Senior Center. The center offers a range of activities, programs and resources for seniors, including health screenings, tax preparation, insurance counseling, in-house lunches, educational forums, blood drives, library services and more. Nyman said that the bulk of the center’s funds come from local municipalities and fundraisers. He added that membership is $20 per year but that anyone over 55 can access the center.
Local business news
Reid announced that Haasis Gluten Free Bakery was recently named the third best gluten free bakery in the United States. Reid said that the bakery’s business has “skyrocketed” since the news, with orders coming in from across the country. She added that the business is considering setting up mail orders.
Reid also informed council that Arch Street Deli is under new ownership. The new owners have renamed the shop “Stewart’s Arch Street Deli,” while maintaining most of the old deli’s breakfast sandwiches and menu items.
Council also approved the Pennridge Crop Walk event on October 13 from 1 to 2 p.m. A national event, the walk helps raise funds for hunger relief.
The next Perkasie borough council meeting is on October 7 at 7 p.m. For more information, visit perkasieborough.org.
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