Autism Nonprofit Hopes to Make Old Fort Washington Elementary Home

The historical building is a burden to the township, but that could change soon.

For four decades, Upper Dublin Township has owned a little old historic schoolhouse that sits on Madison Avenue. The former Fort Washington School building has seen various incarnations, from its namesake use as an educational institution to its current status as a venue for model train conducting. From 1971 to 2006, the building, located at 319 Madison Ave. in the township’s Fort Washington section, was home to the New Horizon’s Montessori School, an alternative learning program that got life out of the building on the cheap. The Greater Abington Township Society of Model Engineers similarly has a good deal: It only pays the township 50 bucks a month in rent. It has been headquartered in the basement of the school building since 1975. Now…

June 15: Five Things to Know Today

Check out 'Five Things' for events and information.

1. Tonight is the big night for the Upper Dublin School Board—the deadline to pass a budget for the 2011-12 school year. The current number stands at a 4.83 percent tax increase, but that could very well change during discussion and voting tonight. Last week, several members, originally in favor of a 4.83 increase or higher, made comments that suggested they might be prepared to go lower. The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. Check back tomorrow for a full story. 2. Or, if music is more your thing, you'll definitely want to check out the Ambler Symphony performing a concert on the Hope Lodge Lawn. Things kick off at 7 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to "bring a lawn chair or blanket, and a snack or picnic …

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