The future of Dreams Ice Cream, a local favorite in Glenside located at 33 E Glenside Avenue, is hanging in the balance as owner Lamar Smith navigates potential challenges with the property’s lease. Smith’s lease is set to expire this year, and earlier this week, property management informed him that he may not be able to renew due to a major construction project in the area.
Plans for the demolition of multiple parcels, including those at 29, 35, 105, and 115 E Glenside Avenue, were first introduced in 2022. The project aims to replace these buildings with a single new structure.
Cheltenham Township’s director of zoning, Henry Sekawungu, confirmed that the project has been delayed. “The applicant was granted an extension by the Zoning Hearing Board in 2023 and has until December 2026 to submit land development plans,” Sekawungu stated in an email. He added, “I am not anticipating a submission anytime soon.”
Smith, taking the situation day by day, recently met with Cheltenham Township commissioners to discuss the project’s potential impact on his business. Despite the uncertainty, the meeting left him cautiously optimistic.
“They said the paperwork associated with the project is going to take some time,” Smith said. “It was a positive meeting. We’re just going day to day, month to month for now.”
In response to the possible disruption, a fundraiser titled “KeepDreamsIceCreamAlive” has been launched to support the business in case relocation becomes necessary. At the time of this writing, $1,390 has been raised.
“If we have to relocate, we want to stay in the Glenside area,” Smith expressed, noting the overwhelming community support. “The outpouring has been amazing. You feel the impact you have. It’s a beautiful thing.”
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