Upper Dublin board discontinues appeal of zoning decision on proposed transportation facility; residents urge industrial‑park solution

The Upper Dublin School District Board of School Directors voted to discontinue its appeal of the Upper Dublin Township Zoning Hearing Board decision dated Jan. 27, 2025, concerning a proposed transportation facility, a motion moved by Mr. Sirota and seconded by Mr. Warshauer and approved by the board.

Mr. Sirota opened the item by saying, “As discussed in detail last week at the finance committee meeting, I would like to make a motion to discontinue the appeal of the Upper Dublin Township Zoning Board hearing decision, dated 01/27/2025, regarding the proposed location for transportation facility.” The motion was seconded by Mr. Warshauer and carried on a voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Several residents spoke during the meeting’s public comment period to urge the district not to pursue locating a bus depot in residential neighborhoods or near elementary schools. Jenny Vitello Ambler said she was “very unsettled” by talk of a legislative solution and argued that a depot should be in an industrial park, not near schools. Janice Samberg told the board, “It doesn't belong in a residential district. It's too dangerous, too congested,” and warned that proposing changes to township zoning would prompt wider community opposition.

Superintendent Dr. Smith told the board the district’s solicitor had advised that, based on current zoning, “there is not a space in our, Upper Dublin Township that the zoning currently allows for what it is that we want,” and that a written debrief recommended the district seek a legislative option or resolution. Dr. Smith said the district has not decided on specific placement and that any final solution should be in a non‑residential area.

Board member Mr. Held said the district is also exploring real‑estate options inside the district: “The other thing that we're looking at is engaging a real estate agent to look at all the properties within the district,” he said, adding the district is not “looking at a residential area” but at properties that might meet the criteria for a transportation facility.

Procedural note: the board’s motion used the legal term “discontinue” to end the appeal; the chair clarified for the public that discontinuing the appeal means the appeal has been withdrawn and the matter is ended at this stage. The district indicated it will pursue next steps — potentially a legislative approach and a property search — and that details will be reported in future committee meetings.