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 Haverford Township November 20, 2011
4th Ward Commissioner
Dan Siegel |
Upcoming Commissioner Meetings
November 21, 2011, 7:00 p.m. (Special Budget Meeting)
December 5, 2011, 7:00 p.m. (Work Session)
December 12, 2011, 7:30 p.m. (Regular Meeting) |
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YMCA Update
On November 10, 2011, the Township Planning Commission  approved the preliminary land development plans for the new Haverford YMCA, to be built at the site of the former bubble gum factory on Eagle Road. The YMCA will feature two swimming pools: a 25 yard, 6-8 lane competitive lap pool, and a recreation pool with zero-depth entry to accommodate enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. The new facility will also include a whirlpool, steam room and sauna.
There will also be multi-purpose rooms to accommodate community groups and programs for preschool-aged children, youths, teens and adults, including Child Watch babysitting services for members. The Health and Wellness Center will house various types of modern fitness equipment; a double gym will provide space for basketball and athletic programs, and will be encircled by a track for walking, jogging and running. Click here to visit the YMCA page and view a drawing of the proposed facility.
YMCA Traffic Issues
At the Planning Commission meeting, the Y discussed plans to address the traffic the facility will generate. In particular, the Y intends to install a traffic signal at Hillcrest Avenue, and is hoping to widen and upgrade the intersections of Eagle and Lawrence Road and Eagle and Darby Road to alleviate some of the anticipated traffic. I voiced concerns -- which have been expressed to me by numerous residents -- about the impact of traffic leaving the facility and traveling across Eagle Road directly onto Hillcrest and into the Paddock Farms and other nearby neighborhoods. Because the Y did not address this concern sufficiently to me in its materials, I urged the Planning Commission to take action to address the residents' concerns and to do whatever possible to prevent further traffic into the residential neighborhoods.
As a result of my comments, the Planning Commission is requiring the Y (as a condition of approval) to conduct a traffic study showing the current patterns of traffic on the streets in that area (essentially the area bordered by Ellis Road, Darby Road, Lawrence Road, Hillcrest Avenue and adjacent streets), to conduct a study 6 months after the facility is open -- and to compare the results. The Y will then be required to report to the Township its findings and to either remediate any additional traffic or make recommendations to the Township for how to do so. This is essentially the same requirement the Planning Commission imposed on the developers of the Quarry Shopping Center on Township Line Road to address the concerns of residents in that neighborhood. I will continue to monitor the situation and to do what I can to keep non-residential traffic off of residential streets.
Click here to read the News of Delaware County article about the Planning Commission meeting. |
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Please Support Toys for Tots
Every year, the Township actively supports the Toys for Tots program.
The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
I am proud to announce that my law office -- located at 66 West Eagle Road -- is a Toys for Tots drop-off location. Just leave your donations in the box in my waiting area. The area is unlocked, so you can drop off your toys at your convenience.
Click here for a list of other Toys for Tots drop-off locations in Haverford Township. |
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Oppose the State's Proposed
Redistricting of Haverford Township
The plan calls for Wards 1 and 9 to move from the 166th Legislative District to the 163rd Legislative District, which Republican Nicholas Micozzie represents. Rep. Vitali believes it is important that the Township remain in one legislative district because it fosters better communication between both Township residents and local officials and their state representative. It also fosters single community identification, and is consistent with the State Constitution.
The preliminary plan was approved on Monday, October 31, 2011. There is a 30-day public comment period that ends November 30th.
The plan does not need action by the legislature or governor to become final, but is subject to legal challenges after a final vote by the reapportionment commission. The plan is available on the Legislative Reapportionment Commission website, www.redistricting.state.pa.us. For further information, you can also contact Rep. Vitali directly by email: gvitali@pahouse.net of by phone at 610-789-3900.
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Board to Consider 2012 Budget
At our meeting on November 21, 2011, the Board will consider the 2012 Haverford Township budget. Totaling $36,866,723, the budget -- as proposed by the Township Manager -- calls for an 8.3% tax increase (there was no tax increase in 2011). Despite holding the line on spending, the budget factors in a number of issues, including:
- A $688,000 increase in contributions to the police and non-uniform personnel pension plans
- Gasoline price increases (in 2011 the cost of gas and diesel fuel was $2.12.16; the cost of gas is now $3.1133 and the cost of diesel fuel is $4.1199)
- Insurance coverage increases
- Litigation costs, including the cost of opposing billboards
- The cost of emergency repairs to the Township's aging sanitary and storm water sewer systems (more than $3 million over the past 3 years)
- The difficult economy, which has resulted in decreasing revenues
Click here to read the proposed 2012 budget.
I will continue to do whatever possible to avoid any tax increases and to make certain the Township is acting in as fiscally responsible a manner as possible. |
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RHM Sewer Authority Proposes
New Sanitary Sewer Overflow Tank Design
The Radnor Haverford Marple (RHM) Sewer Authority has proposed a different location and design for a storage tank designed to address the problem of sanitary sewer overflows in the Township. The latest plan calls for the construction of a below ground tank in the area where the volleyball courts are located at Merry Place on Glendale Road.
Click here to view diagrams of the proposed tank. |
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Applications Accepted for
Township Boards & Commissions
Applications are now being accepted for positions on various Township Boards and Commissions. To view the various available positions, click here.
The deadline for applications is Thursday, December 1, 2011. |
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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. | |
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 & Free Notary) | |
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