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 Haverford Township February 27, 2011
4th Ward Commissioner
Dan Siegel |
Upcoming Commissioner Meetings
March 7, 2011, 7:00 p.m. (Monthly Work Session)
March 14, 2011, 7:30 p.m. (Regular Meeting) |
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 Constituent Meeting Scheduled for March 30th
 My semi-annual Constituent Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the Quatrani Building located behind the Township Building at 2325 Darby Road in Havertown. As in the past, this is your opportunity to ask questions, voice your concerns, and to speak directly with Township officials. Township Manager Larry Gentile, Assistant Township Manager Lori Hanlon-Widdop, Police Chief Carmen Pettine and District Justice Elisa Lacianca are expected to attend. I have also invited other Township officials, who have not yet confirmed their availability to attend. |
The Cost of Snow
This winter's snowfalls have generated more calls and emails than last season's. It is important to understand, however, that the Township plows all roads, but must first assure that major  thoroughfares are plowed and safe. This is an extensive effort that takes time, and costs money.
An "average" snow storm requires approximately $32,000 (500 tons) of salt, $14,500 in salaries (straight time), $3,500 in fuel, and $2,000 for equipment repairs and breakdowns -- totaling $52,000 per "average" snowfall. Of course, when we have a more significant snowfall, as we have had the past few years, the cost of each storm increases dramatically. Costs also increase when a storm occurs at night or on weekends.
Last year, the Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency and received $150,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to offset some of the $500,000 in costs we spent on the storms of 2009-2010. While not as overwhelming, this year's storms have also taxed our budget. At our February 14, 2011, the Board of Commissioner declared a state of emergency relating to the January 26, 2011 snow storm, so that the Township could apply for any funds available from either the state or federal government. All Commissioners, except Commissioner McGarrity, voted in favor of declaring the state of emergency. |
Commissioner Siegel Requests That Township
Televise Zoning and Planning Board Meetings
At the February 14, 2011 meeting, I requested that the Township  begin to televise the meetings of the Zoning Hearing Board and Planning Commission on the Township's public access channels. Because these boards make decisions important to the community -- such as billboards, new construction, property development, etc. -- I believe it is important for residents to be able to view these boards and to understand better what they do.
It is my hope and expectation that these meetings will begin to be televised shortly. I will keep you informed about this issue.
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Eagle Road - Havertown YMCA Update
Demolition has begun on the former bubble gum factory on Eagle Road, which will become home of the Havertown YMCA. Contractors  have begun removing and separating interior material and fixtures that require special handling and/or disposal as hazardous material. Plans for a January demolition were delayed because of the need for special permits relating to the site's status as the Havertown PCP Superfund Site.
Land development plans are still pending review by PennDOT, the Township's Planning Commission, and the Township engineer. Finally, we have been notified by officials from the Y that it has been awarded a $3 million grant by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in addition to the $500,000 sponsored by State Senator Daylin Leach.
For up-to-date information about the Y, please visit my website at http://www.4haverford.com/havertown_ymca.html. I will also include updates in future newsletters. |
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Superfund Site Update | |
The EPA plans to investigate "vapor intrusion" problems that have been detected at the Superfund site near Eagle Road. The EPA has  disclosed concerns that a volatile organic compound, trichloroethylene, may be entering residents' homes, through cracks in basements and foundations, utility conduits or other means. The EPA has sent letters to approximately 14 residences in the target area -- Rittenhouse Circle and Lawrence Road -- requesting permission to do air sampling. Test results will determine what actions, if any, EPA will recommend.
The EPA recently held a public meeting to discuss the issue.
In the past, communication with EPA has not always been consistent and residents and public officials have not always been informed of meeting dates. As a result, I have requested that the EPA advise me of further meetings and of any updates relating to the Superfund site so that I can keep residents informed.
Click here to view a copy of the EPA's February 16, 2011 presentation. More information is also available from the EPA on-scene coordinator, Ruth Scharr, at (215) 756-7897 or scharr.ruth@epa.gov. Scharr said that she plans to begin posting information and future results on the EPA website. I will continue to post information and relevant links on my Haverford Township Information Center website at http://www.4haverford.com/havertown_superfund_site.html. | |
Llanerch Quarry Development
The former quarry on Township Line Road adjacent to the Kohl's department store is the site of a proposed 223,722 square foot shopping center, currently under review by the Township's Planning Commission. The owners are designing the facility with stone facades as a distinctive tribute to the facility's past and in keeping with the stone-faces of many surrounding homes. Recently, the developer announced that leases have been signed for a Lowe's home improvement store and a Giant supermarket, the retail anchors for the site. Giant will feature a gas fueling kiosk with discounts tied to patron purchases. Other facilities planned but not finalized include a free-standing restaurant and bank with drive-thru services; adjoining the Giant will be a restaurant with an outdoor seating area and several smaller retail shops.
The review process will take several months and will be followed by several months of permit reviews by both state and local agencies. 
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Commissioners Approve
Anti-Discrimination Ordinance
After multiple meetings, and after receiving extensive public comment, the Board of Commissioners on February 14, 2011 voted to approve an ordinance that bans discrimination in the Township  based upon a person's sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The ordinance is virtually identical to the ordinance approved unanimously by the Lower Merion Township Board of Commissioners.
The Commissioners voted 5-4 to approve the ordinance. Commissioners Oliva, Trumbull, Holmes, Wechsler and Siegel voted in favor of the ordinance; Commissioners D'Emilio, McGarrity, Connell and Heilmann voted against the ordinance. Below are links about the ordinance:
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Visit the Haverford Township Information Center
Created by Commissioner Dan Siegel | | When you have a question about the Township, please visit the Haverford Township Information Center at www.4haverford.com. The site, created by Commissioner Siegel, is updated regularly and 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. |
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 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) | |
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