It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Hatboro Main Street gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Hatboro, PA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Dave and his staff go above and beyond with their care. They all take”
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“Dave and his staff go above and beyond with their care. They all take special interest with their clients. Also a very helpful resource in future planning and current ideas. Trust your parents to these people - they will not let you down.”
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Hatboro Memorial Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Pasta Fazool or visit Hatboro Historical Commission, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Hatboro, PA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Hatboro, PA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Hatboro, PA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Fred Powell built a business niche after taking over Powell's Electric. He was recognized at a recent Hatboro Borough Council meeting.Dino Ciliberti, Patch StaffHATBORO, PA —Fred Powell has carved out a niche for a business his father started in 1922.Nearing his 103rd birthday, Powell was presented with a proclamation by Mayor Tim Schultz for his "longstanding business and contributions" to the...
Dino Ciliberti, Patch Staff
HATBORO, PA —Fred Powell has carved out a niche for a business his father started in 1922.
Nearing his 103rd birthday, Powell was presented with a proclamation by Mayor Tim Schultz for his "longstanding business and contributions" to the community at the recent Hatboro Borough Council meeting.
"I, Mayor Tim Schultz, do hereby congratulate Mr. Fred Powell on his upcoming 103rd birthday and Powell’s Electric Service on their positive impact on Hatboro and our neighboring communities. The Borough of Hatboro is extremely grateful for all their hard work in making Hatboro a better place to live, work, and play for generations to come," the mayor said in reading the proclamation.
Powell's father and great-uncle opened their first store on Byberry Road in 1922 called Powell’s Electric Shop, which sold electric appliances and also offered electrical upgrade services for customers’ homes to accommodate these new appliances.
After Powell's honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, he joined the family business and took the reigns in the 1950s, working alongside his father before eventually purchasing the business and expanding it further.
His dedication to Powell’s Electric Shop laid the foundation for the company’s success.
In 1990, after nearly 40 years of leadership, he passed the torch to his son, Doug, who changed the business name to Powell’s Electric Service.
As a trusted family-owned business, the Powell family has created a lasting legacy in Hatboro and the surrounding communities.
Powell’s are full-service electrical contractors, and they handle everything from small residential repairs to large commercial installations.
After installation, Powell’s assists their customers in maintaining everything they install. Powell’s is large enough to handle big jobs, but not too big to lose the family-owned “personal touch” with all the services they provide.
Powell’s prides themselves on a job well done, performing work in a timely manner, and most importantly ensuring customer satisfaction. These core values have remained Powell’s top priority for decades.
Powell said a few words to the audience. He also received a gift basket from the borough, presented by Council Vice President Nicole Reichner.
(Dino Ciliberti/Patch)
PECO will replace natural gas equipment and install new underground piping in the area of Warminster Road.Dino Ciliberti, Patch StaffHATBORO, PA —PECO will perform work in the borough starting at the end of the month which is expected to last for two months.PECO will be replacing natural gas equipment including the installation of new underground piping in the area of Warminster Road between Byberry Road...
Dino Ciliberti, Patch Staff
HATBORO, PA —PECO will perform work in the borough starting at the end of the month which is expected to last for two months.
PECO will be replacing natural gas equipment including the installation of new underground piping in the area of Warminster Road between Byberry Road and Tanner Avenue starting on Dec. 30.
The work will take place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PECO is currently expecting work to be completed by February 2025.
While work is taking place, drivers can expect delays on and around Warminster Road.
Drivers should seek alternative routes to avoid the work area when work is taking place.
The work will be performed by Riggs Distler, a qualified PECO contractor. If you have any questions or to schedule an appointment, please contact John Jester of Riggs Distler at 609-828-8919.
Most of the work will be performed outdoors, but to safely connect your property to the new natural gas main, PECO or a PECO contractor will need to turn off the natural gas service and then enter your property to relight your appliances after the connection.
PECO will need access to the natural gas appliances or equipment in your home so they can perform this work and later that day to restore service and relight any appliances.
At this time, PECO will also be relocating any indoor natural gas meters to the exterior of the building to a location that is above-ground and is as close as practical to the existing indoor location.
This relocation work is necessary for the safety of PECO employees, contractors, customers, and communities and is mandated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
Before work begins, customers should mark any customer-owned facilities present on the property.
Examples of customer-owned facilities include, but are not limited to, water services, sewer laterals, septic tanks, underground cables, drainage pipes, security lines, private lighting, dog fences, and sprinkler systems.
The work may occur in roadways as well as on sidewalks and potentially on your property. PECO will also work closely with local officials to minimize the impact on traffic and pedestrians whenever possible.
Any areas impacted on your property will be repaired, the streets will be repaved, and all areas will be restored to their original condition.
If you have any other questions about this work and/or would like to provide any supplemental information, please call PECO Work Inquiries at 610-832-6420 or email [email protected].
Grant funding was secured by Aqua to remove "forever chemicals" while minimizing customer costs, officials said.Dino Ciliberti, Patch StaffHATBORO, PA — Aqua Pennsylvania has completed a PFAS treatment system at its Hatboro well station in Montgomery County, the fifth facility updated to meet national drinking water standards.State Reps. Nancy Guenst (Hatboro) and Melissa Cerrato (Horsham Towns...
Dino Ciliberti, Patch Staff
HATBORO, PA — Aqua Pennsylvania has completed a PFAS treatment system at its Hatboro well station in Montgomery County, the fifth facility updated to meet national drinking water standards.
State Reps. Nancy Guenst (Hatboro) and Melissa Cerrato (Horsham Township) were among the dignitaries and officials to attend a recent ceremony.
“PFAS chemicals are a silent danger in everyday products, and taking action to eliminate themis essential to safeguarding our community's health,” Guenst said. "I am dedicated to addressing this issue head-on and ensuring our region becomes a safer, healthier place for everyone.”
The treatment became fully operational on Monday.
"Every community deserves access to clean, safe drinking water, and the installation of this PFAS treatment system is a critical step in protecting public health,” Cerrato said. “By addressing these harmful contaminants, we’re ensuring a healthier future for residents and reaffirming our commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being."
The new system removes PFAS —known as forever chemicals —from drinking water sources from two wells serving nearly 13,000 people in the Hatboro area.
“The treatment at these Hatboro wells is the culmination of years of work on PFAS including laboratory testing to identify the presence of these chemicals, setting an internal aggressive removal target before most regulations existed, installing treatment to remove PFAS from drinking water in the Pennsylvania communities we serve, and now continuing as leaders to meet state and federal regulations,” Aqua Pennsylvania President Marc Lucca said.
Aqua Pennsylvania secured $5.5 million in grant funding through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to construct the facility at no direct cost tocustomers.
New chemical storage and feed equipment, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, instrumentation monitoring, and control systems will also be integrated with the treatment building.
“Aqua Pennsylvania is doing everything possible to ensure customers are not saddled with thecost of construction for PFAS removal,” Lucca said. “We have and will continue to aggressivelyseek grants and low-interest loans to keep these necessary improvements from becoming afinancial burden for our customers.”
State officials were also on hand to highlight the importance of removing PFAS from drinkingwater in the Commonwealth.
“It is an accomplishment to be proud of. I know that I am proud to stand here today knowing theyears of work that went into this from our Southeast regional staff and Aqua,” said JessicaShirley, Acting Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. "We areready to help other drinking water systems statewide get PFAS out of people’s water.”
Aqua Pennsylvania serves about 1.5 million people in 32 counties throughout the Commonwealth. Visit AquaWater.com for more information or follow @MyAquaWater on Facebook and X .
(State Rep. Nancy Guenst)
Longtime businesses complain about high permit fees, trash costs, and vacant stores in Hatboro.Dino Ciliberti, Patch StaffHATBORO, PA —Bob Wipplinger is ready to throw in the towel.The longtime owner of Village Hardware joined a chorus of business owners to express their frustration with doing business with the borough."I've had it," a visibly upset Wipplinger told the council at a recen...
Dino Ciliberti, Patch Staff
HATBORO, PA —Bob Wipplinger is ready to throw in the towel.
The longtime owner of Village Hardware joined a chorus of business owners to express their frustration with doing business with the borough.
"I've had it," a visibly upset Wipplinger told the council at a recent meeting, speaking right after Ross & Co. owner Bob Ross threatened closure for getting a lack of support from officials.
Wipplinger and others were at the recent Hatboro Borough Council meeting to complain about borough fees, garbage costs, vacant buildings, business closures, and the stress of trying to succeed.
"Times are changing," Wipplinger said. "It's a different time. People can't afford things. They also go on Amazon to buy things. Hatboro is a drive-through. Do something with Gamburg's. Cut it in half."
Wipplinger and Ross were referring to the boarded-up Gamburg's furniture store, which closed after being a retail landmark in the borough for more than 90 years.
"As far as Gamburg's, we can't just buy it," Council President George Bollendorf said. The property has remained stagnant a year after closing with no development plans introduced to borough officials.
Wipplinger also said that borough permit fees are way too high. He said he paid $3,000 in fees for the property he borough next to the McDonald's on York Road when it should have been $400.
Bollendorf stated that a lot of borough permit fees are based on square footage and that a lot of the laws were written a while ago.
Borough Manager Diane Hegele said that the borough examines the fee schedule at the end of every year and makes adjustments.
Business owners said they are not getting support from the council and borough officials. Some mentioned a business directory that listed misinformation.
"We're down to the bare minimum in Borough Hall," Hegele said, adding that the borough is dealing with staffing shortages due to high expenses. "There's not enough of us."
Hegele said business owners could reach out to her and the borough has posted on Facebook that officials have been working to update and add businesses.
Wipplinger's daughter Jaclyn expressed her frustrations with the trash fees and the distinction between what a resident pays and what a business pays.
"This is the first year people have complained about it," Bollendorf said.
The borough is one of the few towns in the Philadelphia region that picks up trash twice a week.
The council president said that officials revised the trash ordinance after receiving feedback from the public. The borough has mentioned cutting back to once-a-week pickup to shave costs, but residents have balked at that idea.
"Bob Ross, if he closes, will obviously be a major problem for the borough. It's not our job to reach out to you to get guidance. It's about you saying, 'I'm a resource.'"
She suggested that council members go around to borough businesses and ask about their concerns as she does in working for her father and a real estate business.
"I hear what Bob (Ross) is saying. It's a trend of people not getting what they need," she said.
"We're eight people," Councilwoman Amanda Jacobus said.
"We're paid $200 a month," Bollendorf said.
"Bob is one of the newer owners and he's talking about leaving," Jaclyn Wipplinger said. "I'd be upset as a council member that I'm not doing something immediately. It's disappointing and upsetting."
Bollendorf said the borough recently had a business mixer and "no one showed up."
Jaclyn Wipplinger even offered her services to the borough, saying that a Trunk or Treat she helped organize received 11,000 eyeballs on social media.
As she spoke, Wipplinger got agitated at Councilwoman Nicole Shay, who was giggling with Bollendorf.
"You guys are showing a poor representation," her father Bob stated. "I don't feel warm and fuzzy here. I felt like I was part of the community, It's not the same. I'm ready to hang it up. I live in Jamison and I don't want to drive here anymore."
"I genuinely care about the community," Jacobus said. "I grew up in Hatboro. I support local businesses. My husband cares about the community. We try to promote it. I'm trying to do everything I can."
That brought a comment from Dan Dempster, the owner of Dempster's Quality Car Care, who said he tried to give away four cars a year but can't in his own community because the borough does nothing to promote his efforts.
"I've not given away one in Hatboro," he told the council. "And I've been here for 30 years."
Following the meeting, council members and Mayor Tim Schultz made efforts to repost Dempster's contest on Facebook and social media.
For Bob Wipplinger, though, any effort may be too late.
"I'm done," he said. "I don't want to spend any more money in town."
HATBORO, PA —It was supposed to be a crown jewel, a "Cheers" for a community where everyone knows everybody's name in a community trying to get its footing in a transformation from past to present.But six months after opening, the owner of Ross & Co. is threatening to shutter its operations if he doesn't get some help from borough officials."Gamburg's is boarded up. You're going to have a second boarded-up business soon," Bob Ross told the Hatboro Borough Council at its Nov. 18 meeting.Ross ...
HATBORO, PA —It was supposed to be a crown jewel, a "Cheers" for a community where everyone knows everybody's name in a community trying to get its footing in a transformation from past to present.
But six months after opening, the owner of Ross & Co. is threatening to shutter its operations if he doesn't get some help from borough officials.
"Gamburg's is boarded up. You're going to have a second boarded-up business soon," Bob Ross told the Hatboro Borough Council at its Nov. 18 meeting.
Ross appeared to complain that he has received little assistance from borough officials in trying to establish the business he opened in May to replace the home of the former Bernie's restaurant at 58 S. York Rd.
"A businessman told me I was a fool to open here," Ross said. "I'm a highly successful businessman who purchased a restaurant in Ambler during the pandemic. But this has been more difficult than that. I chose this location thinking that it would be a win."
Several borough council members responded that they support the business with Councilwoman Nicole Shay saying that she even held a family gathering there.
Ross has 45 years in the restaurant business, including 19 years with TGIF.
Ross took over the GypsyBlu Amber location in June 2020 during the pandemic and has the business thriving, winning numerous Best of Montgomery County restaurant awards.
He said, though, that borough permits and fees are 10 times what he paid in Ambler.
"I paid $1,500 for a hearing that lasted seven minutes for a liquor license," Ross stated. "Your lawyers charged me $3,000 for a proposal that was written by my lawyer."
Ross said no one from the borough has reached out to him about helping a new business.
Shay told Ross that she has visited Ross & Co. several times in person and that he could reach out to her at any time.
Ross said when he first opened, he employed 122 people. Now he's down to 78 employees.
He also said there's little foot traffic in the downtown district.
"We can't order people to go to your restaurant," Council President George Bollendorf said.
Bollendorf and Shay said that foot traffic would increase once apartments are built along York Road.
"It's terrible," he told the council. "There's no reason to be in this town. I was part of Ambler's revitalization."
"We want Hatboro to grow and thrive," Councilwoman Amanda Jacobus said. "But we are not Ambler."
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