Dan Siegel's PhotoHaverford Township                             March 11, 2012 
4th Ward Commissioner
Dan Siegel
4th Ward Newsletter
Upcoming Commissioner Meetings

 

March 12, 2012, 7:30 p.m. (Regular Meeting)

Read the Agenda

Quick Links
YMCA Update
Billboards Turned Down
U.S. Open News
Short-Term Borrowing
Reapportionment
Commuter Parking Issues
Contact Dan Siegel
YMCA Update

 

YMCA LogoProgress continues on the YMCA, which is slated to be built at the site of the former bubble gum factory on Eagle Road. According to officials from the YMCA, construction bids were due on March 6, 2012, and site work is scheduled to begin in late April or early May 2012. The Groundbreaking Ceremony will be either May 8 or May 10, 2012, and construction should start by July 4, 2012. Construction is scheduled to be completed by September 2013. I will continue to keep you updated on the status of the YMCA. Please also visit my YMCA page on my website.

Zoning Board Rules Against Billboards

 

On February 16, 2012, the Haverford Township zoning Hearing Board denied the application by Bartkowski Group to erect billboards in the Township, and also upheld the Constitutionality of the ordinance that restricts the construction of billboards in the Township. NO Billboards

 

The billboard company has the right to appeal the decision within 30 days of the date of the formal notice of the decision, February 17, 2012. Click here to read the Notice to the Applicant denying the request.

 

I am pleased with the Zoning Board's decision, although I anticipate that the applicant will appeal the decision to the Court of Common Pleas in Media, as is its right.

U.S. Open News

 

  

US Open 2013Merion Golf Club in Ardmore (Haverford Township) will host the 2013 U.S. Open June 13-16, 2013. This will be the fifth Open held at Merion Golf Club. The Township is eagerly preparing for this event. Click here to visit the US Open page on my website.

 

 

Purchasing Tickets


Weekly passes only (three practice rounds on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and four competition rounds on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) went on sale March 1, 2012 to USGA members only. Daily tickets for each of the seven rounds are expected to go on sale to the general public through the USGA website (www.usga.org) sometime in June 2012.

 

There will be approximately 10,000 fewer tickets sold to the 2013 US Open because of the very limited space on the golf course, so this is guaranteed to be a sold out event.

 

To purchase the weekly passes on March 1st, you need to first become a member of the USGA and get a Membership ID. It costs only $10 to join (apply at www.usga.org), which gives you the ability to purchase up to four weekly passes ($450 each). After joining, go to the USGA website with the Member ID # and purchase the tickets. These passes are for the seven individual daily rounds so they are easily transferable, which means the cost of the weekly package can be split between friends, co-workers, or family members.

 

Volunteer Opportunities

 

The most inexpensive and best way to attend the 2013 U.S. Open will be as a volunteer. For more details, please apply online at http://2013volunteers.usga.org/merion. The USGA is seeking approximately 4,800 volunteers to serve on a variety of committees and they have already recruited almost 2,000 to date, so this unique opportunity for Haverford Township residents will probably close quickly. The cost to become a volunteer is $165, which includes two logoed golf shirts, golf jacket, and a hat or visor (provided by Polo Ralph Lauren) and, best of all, tickets for each of the three practice rounds on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and the four championship rounds on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (the tickets alone are a $450 value). A volunteer must commit to working four shifts (4-6 hours each depending on the committee assigned), but when the shift is completed, the volunteer may become a spectator that day, or any other day of the championship.

 

Commissioners Consider
Short-Term Borrowing

 

At our meeting on Monday, March 12, 2012, the Commissioners will consider a proposal to borrow $6 million for infrastructure and other repairs, while deferring a decision to incur long-term debt not only to fund these projects, but also to allow for construction of a new Township Administration and Police facility, as well as an upgrade to the Public Works Yard. The matter was discussed at our February 27, 2012 work session (click here to read the agenda or click here to view the video of the meeting). The short-term financing, most likely at .73% interest, would permit the Township to pay for:

  • Road resurfacing ($1.75 million)
  • Park improvements ($2 million)
  • Completion of the Naylors Run and other sewer repairs that are already underway ($2 million)
  • Purchase of parks and Public Works equipment ($250,000)

While some commissioners have suggested scaling back theSewer Repairs proposal, or even eliminating it, I believe that it is essential that we move forward. First, we must pay for the sewer repairs, which are already under way as a result of system failures caused by a general lack of maintenance in the past. Second, the parks are in need of major repairs and improvements so that they can continue to provide the level of services needed, and to help maintain a system so critical to our residents. Finally, it is unlikely, as our advisors have explained, that the Township will ever be able to borrow funds for a lower cost than less than 3/4ths of a percent.

Reapportionment Update

 

On February 3, 2012, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a decision that reversed the statewide reapportionment plan proposed by the Reapportionment Commission, which made dramatic changes to the legislative map and would have split Haverford Township into two legislative districts. As a result, (1) the proposed plan was vacated, (2) the Reapportionment Commission must issue a revised plan more consistent with the Pennsylvania Constitution, and (3) the 2012 primary elections will be held under the old electoral maps.

 

RedistrictingAlong with most observers, I was very surprised (but pleased) by the Supreme Court's decision (Click here to read the decision), which did not address the objections filed by Haverford Township residents. Consequently, it remains unclear whether the Commission's new plan must unify the Township or may retain the divided structure.

 

In any event, I will keep you informed as developments occur with reapportionment.

Septa/Commuter Parking Update

 

Parking WarsOne of the issues that has been presented to the Board of Commissioners for many months is the inadequate parking near Septa commuter stations. In particular, the Board has approved bans on parking near certain stations as the result of the demands of neighbors, who havecomplained about commuter parking and its impact on them. On the other hand, the commuters, who are also taxpayers, feel disenfranchised and believe that there should be parking near the stations.

 

As a result, the ban on parking near some stations has led to complaints by commuters, and has merely moved the problems from one block to another. I have strongly supported creating a more "global" solution while some of my colleagues have resisted, and instead believe that the views of the adjacent homeowners are always paramount. My calls for hearings or further discussion have not been heeded.

 

This is a heated issue, and I urge residents - no matter what your perspective - to contact me (and other commissioners) so that we can determine the severity of the problem and work, I hope, to foster a more unified solution. 

WebsiteVisit 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.
contactHow to Contact  4th Ward Commissioner Dan Siegel
By Email: [email protected]
 
By Mail:Contact Dan Siegel
1705 Marilyn Drive
Havertown, PA 19083
 
By Phone:
(610) 446-1117 (Constituent Phone Line)
(610) 446-3457 (Office & Free Notary)