|
|
 Haverford Township February 14, 2010
4th Ward Commissioner
Dan Siegel |
4th Ward News & Information
|
|
|
Quick Links
(Just click on a link for more information)
|
|
"Developments"
The best way to describe recent (non-snow-related) Township news is with the term, "Development." On February 1st, the Board of Commissioners viewed the architect's proposed plans for the Recreation Center at Haverford Reserve (the former Haverford State Hospital site). One week later, in my role as chair of the Commissioners Township Property Committee, I presented our analysis of the current condition of Township facilities. In addition, there is exciting news about Freedom Playground. Finally, the Township's legal counsel provided an update on the status of the YMCA at the former Bubble Gum factory site on Eagle Road. Thus, this is an exciting time for the Township.
 Haverford Reserve - Recreation Center
At our February 1st work session, the architectural firm of Kimmel/Borgrette presented its preliminary design for a Community Recreation & Environmental Center at Haverford Reserve. The design, based on the Request for Proposal that the Board approved in 2008, includes the following components:
-
Double gymnasium - For basketball, indoor soccer, summer camps and special events
-
Walking Track
-
Community Rooms - For wellness programs, after-school activities, and use (as a rental) for family parties, civic events and other community gatherings
- Environmental Nature Area - For classes and programs about nature and the environment, as well as field trips for local schools and other groups
The building will be a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified green building, which will save energy, reduce operating costs, and be a component of the Township's Climate Action Plan. It will have an outdoor area designed to take advantage of the beautiful setting and scenery.
The Board of Commissioners has NOT approved the final design of the Recreation Center; thus, this is a preliminary design subject to revision, etc. by the Board. I will keep you apprised of further developments.
Township Facilities
The Township Property Committee, which I chair, has been analyzing the condition of Township facilities, and I made a presentation summarizing the Committee's findings to the Board at the February 8, 2010 meeting. We have concluded, consistent with the 1988 and prior Comprehensive Plans, that the Township Building, Police Station, and Public Works Yard, are all inadequate. The Township Building and Police both fail to meet various Codes and other requirements, and each requires 100 percent more space for staff, etc. Although we have not made any formal recommendations to the Board, we plan to do so at future meetings.
Freedom Playground - Build Date
Mark Your Calendar for April 20-25, 2010
Freedom Playground, a custom-built playground at the Haverford Reserve, will be built from April 20-25, 2010. The Haverford Township Civic Council and Freedom Playground are asking for volunteers to work 4 hour shifts to help build the playground. The shifts are 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m., 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The organizers estimate that they will need more than 4,000 volunteer hours to assemble the playground equipment and to build its wonderful architectural features.
Maria Pardini is the Volunteer Coordinator for Freedom Playground; please contact her at maria.pardini@gmail.com with any questions. For more information, visit http://www.freedomplay.org. Freedom Playground is asking civic or church groups to volunteer to host lunches and dinners for the playground volunteers. Please contact Food Coordinator, Brigette Cuffia at brigettecuffia@gmail.com if your group is interested in doing so.
Bubble Gum Factory/YMCA Update
Special counsel, Dave Brooman, Esquire, updated the Board at the February 8, 2010 meeting. Mr. Brooman explained that the negotiations are progressing, but that, because the economy has made fundraising more difficult, the Y has requested additional time to complete construction after the contract is signed. The Y has agreed to additional terms, and would, for example, pay for demolition of the abandoned factory, even if it was unable to complete construction.
I will keep you apprised of further developments. |
|
Blue Route (I-476) Ramp Meters to Become Operational |
| The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has announced that it will activate ramp meters at 14 ramps leading to the Blue Route (I-476) in Delaware and Montgomery counties in February and March to enhance travel and safety along the highway.
Meters at the MacDade Boulevard, Baltimore Pike and Route 1 interchanges in Delaware County will be operational during February 2010. In late February, PennDOT will activate the ramp meters at the Route 1, Route 3 and Route 30 interchanges. In March, the interchanges at Ridge Pike, Chemical Road and Germantown Pike will be turned on.
For more information on I -476, visit www.476blueroute.com.
Click here to read the PennDOT release about the ramp meters. |
|
|
|
Snow Update |
| The blizzards of 2009-2010 have taken a toll on the Township and our budget. The Public Works crews have done an excellent job plowing and salting under very, very difficult conditions. Generally, the Township's roads have been in far better condition than those of many of our neighboring communities. Thank you to the Public Works crews!
However, the storms continue to cost all of us a lot of money. Last Wednesday's storm cost the Township approximately $129,600.00, not including overtime for this weekend, and the attendant gasoline and maintenance costs. Township Manager Larry Gentile, who has worked tirelessly during the storms, estimates that the Township is approximately $370,000.00 over budget for snow removal costs. If we get more snow this week, those figures will increase.
Reminder: 4th Ward trash will be collected on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 (Township offices are closed on Monday for Presidents' Day), and both trash and recycling will be collected on Thursday, February 18, 2010. |
|
|
|
Visit the Website for 4th Ward Residents |
| When you have a question about the Township, please visit the Haverford Township 4th Ward Constituent Service Center at www.4haverford.com. The site features copies of various documents, including meeting agendas, police/crime reports, and other information. The site also has links to other websites of interest to residents, including the Haverford Township website at www.haverfordtownship.com. |
|
|
|
How to Contact 4th Ward Commissioner Dan Siegel |
By Email: dansiegel@4haverford.com
By Mail:
1705 Marilyn Drive
Havertown, PA 19083
By Phone:
(610) 446-1117 (Constituent Phone Line)
(610) 446-3457 (Office) |
|
| |
|
