A February 17, 1960, article titled “U. Merion Planning Report State Need of a Hospital” reported on the recommendation for a large rotary pattern at Route 202 and 23 (today’s Gulph Rd); improvements of roads and intersections, parks and new roads. Upper Merion was divided into 11 neighborhoods with Town Center right in the center.
“The Neighborhood” report was designed to carry decisions and recommendations into further detail in a manner which brings the individual citizen in closer contact with Township problems. (sound familiar)
The recommendations for Town Center were:
“…a bridge over Abrams Run on Crossfield Rd., more adequate provision of sidewalks leading to school; purchase of land park and recreation purposes adjacent to Abrams Run and the Turnpike; improvement of the Henderson Rd., and Route 202 intersection, (all within two years).”
As for a hospital, the article had this to say:
“The Valley Forge neighborhood, where Cabot, Cabot, and Forbes’ Industrial Park will locate, has been recommended as the area for location of a hospital. Upper Merion needs hospital facilities and according to the U.S. Department of Health Standards, the Township’s population of more than 15,000 requires provisions of 68 hospital beds. The Port Kennedy area, adjacent to Valley Forge Park, and convenient to a proposed County Lind Road extension, and the Valley Forge Rd. interchange, would be a desirable location for a hospital, says the Commission.”