Dan Siegel Haverford Township
4th Ward Commissioner
Dan Siegel 

June 29, 2014                      E-Newsletter No. 134 (Since 2009)
In This Newsletter
Walgreens Zoning Update
Celebrate July 4th at Paddock Park
Yard Waste Collection Increases With New Schedule
Municipal Facilities Update
Cable TV Channel Undergoing Upgrades & Adding Content
Caring for the American Flag
Flag
  

Happy July 4th


 
America is much more than a geographical fact. It is a political and moral fact - the first community in which men set out in principle to institutionalize freedom, responsible government, and human equality.

 

Adlai Stevenson
 
Upcoming Commissioner Meetings

 

Monday, July 7, 2014, 7:00 p.m. (Work Session)
Monday, June 14, 2014, 7:30 p.m. (Regular Meeting)
About Walgreens' Zoning Application
To Build a Store at Darby & Eagle Roads 

 

On June 19, 2014, the Haverford Township Zoning Hearing Board approved the application by Walgreens for construction of a new store on the site of the Sharro gas station at Darby and Eagle Roads. The Zoning Board is appointed by the Board of Commissioners, but its decisions are not made in consultation with the Board. This decision is only the first step in the process, and does not mean that the new store will, or will not, be built.

 

There is a 30-day period during which the adjoining landowner, who opposed the application, may appeal the Zoning Board's decision to the Court of Common Pleas in Media.  "Aggrieved parties" may also file an appeal at this stage, although this rarely occurs.  In addition, the Board of Commissioners is permitted to file an appeal from this decision, although the Board rarely files such an appeal (I believe we have done so once since I became a Commissioner).

 

If an appeal is filed, the Court will determine whether the Zoning Board acted appropriately or abused its discretion in granting the application - the Court's decision examines whether the Zoning Board's decision complied with the applicable laws, not whether the decision is good or bad for the community. Any party dissatisfied with the Court's decision is also permitted to file an appeal to the Commonwealth Court.

 

If there is no appeal from the Zoning Board's decision, then Walgreens must present its land development plans to the Haverford Township Planning Commission. Walgreens could also do so while an appeal is pending to the Court of Common Pleas, but if it did so, Walgreens would essentially be assuming that the Court would uphold the Zoning Board's decision.

 

In the land development process, Walgreens must submit its plans to Penndot and to the Delaware County Planning Department. In addition, Walgreens must present its plans to the Planning Commission. The developer is required to mail written notices of the first meeting before the Planning Commission to certain interested parties, as defined by the Township Code. If multiple hearings are scheduled, or if the matter is continued, notices of the Planning Commission's meetings are listed on the Township website. The Planning Commission meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays each month (it only meets once in August).

 

Finally, assuming the plan is approved by all of the Boards, etc., Walgreens will present its final plans to the Board of Commissioners for land development approval. Because this is an agenda item, residents may comment on the proposal at the meeting during the public portion of the meeting (called the "Citizen's Forum").  

 

My view on the Walgreens

 

Because the Commissioners may ultimately vote on this proposal, and because it is unclear what the final proposal will be, it would be premature for me to state a position, and then be subject to a claim that I had prejudged the application. That said, at this time, I have not been presented with any evidence that would persuade me to support the application. As a business person who operates two businesses on Eagle Road, I am well aware of the issues the Walgreens raises.

 

I will keep you apprised of future developments.


Celebrate July 4th at Paddock Park 

 

Paddock FarmsJoin other 4th Ward residents at Paddock Park as we celebrate July 4th this Friday. The festivities, which begin at 10:30 a.m., will include a parade, a fire engine, pony rides, a moonbounce, face painting, a balloon artist, field games, best-decorated awards, temporary tattoos, food, water ice and music from by DJ Joe D!

 

The parade begins in Merrybrook Circle (Merrybrook and Colfax) at 10:30 a.m. At 10:45 a.m., the Oakmont Fire Company will lead the parade into the park via Colfax and Woodleigh Roads. The following is the agenda for July 4th: 
 
Celebration Agenda:
 
10:30 a.m.: Gather in Merrybrook Circle (Merrybrook and Colfax); American Flags handed out
10:45 a.m.: Parade begins; children follow Oakmont Fire Truck to the park
11:00 a.m.: Flag Raising, Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem; "Best Of" awards announced
11:00 a.m.: Shack opens for food/drink sales, all attractions open
11:45 a.m.: Field Games begin; candy drop to follow, for kids
1:00 p.m.: Attractions close   

The Paddock Farms Civic Association still needs volunteers. Sign up at: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0A48A5AB23A4F85-4thofjuly.

   

The Shack will be selling hot dogs, chips and beverages. Please bring cash, because the pony rides and moonbounce are paid activities. The face painter and balloon artist will be set up at the pavilion. For more information, visit the Paddock Farms Civic Association website.

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Paddock Playground Bathroom Completed 

 The new Paddock Park "Comfort Station," commonly known as the "bathroom," has finally been completed and will be operational on July 4th. The bathroom will be in use during the summer camp program and is available to groups using the park. For information, contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (610) 446-1000.  
Change in Trash Schedule a Success

 

As you know, the Township revised the trash, recycling and yard waste collection schedule with a goal of encouraging residents to separate their yard waste. After the first few weeks, the program has been a success, with the amount of yard waste collected approximately triple the amount collected with the old schedule.

 

By separating your yard waste, and using our single-stream recycling program, you help save tax dollars. Every pound of yard waste and recycling that is diverted from the trash reduces our County-imposed trash dumping fees, saves money, and helps the environment. Thank you for your cooperation.


Municipal Facilities Update

 

 As I have reported previously, the Board of Commissioners is evaluating the construction of new Township facilities to replace our aging Administration Building, Police Station and Library. At the request of the Board, the Township retained a variety of experts, including architects, engineers, financial experts, and a construction manager to provide various options for the Board's consideration. The Board saw the presentation and was given information at our June 2nd work session. Click here to view the presentation. 

 

The public may comment on the various options at our July 14th meeting. The Board has not determined when it will vote on a preliminary plan, but I will keep you informed of the progress of our deliberations.

 

Cable TV Upgrades In Progress

 

The Township Cable Committee has been working hard to improve the quality and content of the information on the station, which broadcasts on Comcast (Channel 10) and Verizon (Channel 38). Recently, the cable software was upgraded to re-introduce the crawl at the bottom of the screen. The Township has used and will continue to use the crawl to provide timely updates and breaking news (such as a declaration of a snow or other emergency).

 

In addition, the Cable Committee, which I chair, has recommended that the Township begin providing informational programming. As a result of the Committee's efforts, the channel is showing (1) an interview with Township Manager Larry Gentile and Public Works Director Richard Dougherty about the reasons for the change in trash, recycling and yard waste schedules, (2) a public service video about ways residents can protect their homes better, and (3) a public service video about the benefits of single stream recycling. We plan to add monthly interviews with Township officials about topics relevant to residents, and welcome suggestions. If you have any suggestions, or would like to attend a Cable Committee meeting, send me an email at [email protected].

 

You can also click here to view the home protection video and click here to view the recycling video

 

Because of issues with the connections provided by both Comcast and Verizon, the channel may not appear as clear as we all prefer, but the Township is working with both companies on ways to improve the quality of the broadcasts. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve the quality of information provided to Township residents.

 

Caring for the U.S. Flag

 

Because I regularly receive questions about caring for and disposing the American flag, I have added a U.S. flag page on my website. The web page answers common questions about caring for the flag, provides a link to a video about how to fold the flag, and explains how to dispose of the flag.

 

In particular, when disposing of a flag, do not throw it out. Take it to an American Legion post. Click here to find a nearby American Legion post. You may also burn it. Click here for information from the Veterans of Foreign Wars about how to burn your flag with the proper decorum.

 

Finally, the following American Legion posts are in Havertown:
    • Nunan-Slook, Post 338
      2200 Grasslyn Avenue
      Havertown, PA 19083
        
    • Manoa, Post 667
      1112 Steel Road
      Havertown, PA 19083
      Phone: (610) 446-9986 

Thanks to those residents who requested that I provide this information.


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) 446-1000 (For Township Emergencies)