June, 2020
Welcome to the Lansdowne Borough eNews! Bringing timely and relevant Lansdowne Borough news to your inbox every month.
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A Letter From Benjamin Hover, President, Lansdowne Borough Council
Dear Neighbors,
Welcome to summer! This past spring in Lansdowne has been challenging for our community's residents and businesses with the numerous closures and changes required by quarantine procedures caused by the pandemic. As we move into the summer months, much of Lansdowne will be opening back up as we transition from the yellow phase to the green phase.
Because of the restrictions, many of the hallmarks of Lansdowne life have been cancelled or restricted to few participants. While the Memorial Day parade was cancelled, Vice President Magda Byrne and I joined with American Legion Post 65 to honor the sacrifices made by local Lansdowne heroes.
Click here to read the full letter
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Read the Lansdowne Borough Resolution commemorating Juneteenth as an Annual Celebration of Black Economic Liberation
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A Letter From the Borough on Recent Protests:
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Dear Neighbors,
We pride ourselves in Lansdowne Borough as being a community that values the diversity of all of our residents--a community comprised of individuals of many different religions, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds. We are dedicated to the belief that our community fosters relationships between neighbors. Although we may differ in beliefs, interests, or backgrounds, we are joined together as fellow residents who respect our neighbors, share our common spaces, and value the close-knit nature of our community.
The diversity in our community is a strength in which we are all proud. Yet, despite our best efforts to foster a feeling of community, Lansdowne Borough cannot help but be affected by the tragic deaths of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery or even the explicit bigotry targeting Christian Cooper in a public park. Bearing witness to these crimes has revived for many residents the real traumatic memories of past incidents, reminders of the systemic racism affecting our nation, and kindled the righteous indignation at the injustice visible in the videos played repeatedly in the media.
Click here to read more.
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Joint Statement of Unity in the Fight Against Racism
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On June 11, 2020 Lansdowne Borough, Yeadon Borough, the William Penn School District, and Borough Police Chiefs issued a Joint Statement of Unity in our Fight Against Racial Adversity and Injustice. Click here to read the statement or view the video here.
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Borough Council Meetings:
June 17, 2020:
Borough Council discussed:
- Establishing a sewer lateral (clearing/flushing) policy
- Lansdowne Borough was awarded a Transportation and Community Development Initiative grant to lead Eastern Delaware County municipalities (Yeadon, East Lansdowne, and Upper Darby) through a bicycle route planning and prioritization study.
- Logistics for the second food drive to be held on June 20th behind Dunkin in conjunction with Delaware County Department of Human Services, Congresswoman Scanlon, Senator Tim Kearney, and Representative Margo Davidson
- The general terms and understanding of dissolvement of the sale of DELCORA to Essential Utilities.
- Establishing an ad hoc committee to move forward with policies and practices focused on advancing measures of inclusion and diversity in the Borough in partnership with surrounding municipalities.
- General aspects of the My Brother’s Keeper Program.
Borough Council acted to:
- Pay bills for the period
- Accept a letter of resignation from Catherine Martsoff from the Environmental Advisory Council
- Appoint Catherine Martsoff to the Planning Commission
- Execute an amendment to the Farmers Market Agreement
- Adopt Resolution 2020-13 regarding recognizing June 19th as Juneteenth Independence Day
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Public Borough Meetings:
Please see the Borough Calendar for a complete list of meeting locations and details.
Until further notice many of the previously scheduled meetings listed here will not take place. The website calendar will provide virtual attendance directions for those meetings that are taking place.
- Complete (Census) Committee- June 18 at 5:30 pm
- Code Appeals Board- June 18 at 7:00 pm
- Human Relations Commission- June 22 at 6:30 pm
- Parks Recreation and the Environment Committee Meeting- June 22 at 5:30 pm
- Infrastructure Committee Meeting- June 22 at 6:30 pm
- Civil Service Commission- June 25 at 7:00 pm
- Historic Architecture Review Board- June 25 at 7:00 pm
- Zoning Hearing Board- June 25 at 7:00 pm
- General Borough Council Meeting- July 1 at 7:00 pm
- Environmental Advisory Council- July 3 at 6:30 pm
- Lansdowne Landing Board- July 6 at 7:00 pm
- Finance Committee Meeting- July 6 at 5:30 pm
- Community Relations Committee Meeting- July 7 at 6:30 pm
- Planning Commission Meeting- July 8 at 7:00 pm
- Tree Advisory Board- July 8 at 7:15 pm
- Economic Development Meeting- July 8 at 6:00 pm
- Board of Health- July 14 at 6:30 pm
- Lansdowne Arts Board- July 14 at 7:00 pm
- General Borough Council Meeting- July 15 at 7:00 pm
- Code Appeals Board- July 16 at 7:00 pm
- Park and Recreation Board- July 20 at 7:00 pm
- Civil Service Commission- July 23 at 7:00 pm
- Historic Architecture Review Board- July 23 at 7:00 pm
- Zoning Hearing Board- July 23 at 7:00 pm
- Human Relations Commission- July 27 at 6:30 pm
- Parks Recreation and the Environment Committee Meeting- July 27 at 5:30
- Infrastructure Committee Meeting- July 27 at 6:30 pm
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Lansdowne Borough Coronavirus Website Page:
Lansdowne borough has created a page for all residents to stay updated on the COVID-19 Pandemic. Lansdowne Borough has been updating this site with the latest information as it is received. In addition please find the following resources below: |
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Tax Information
- Earned Income Tax: The Earned Income Tax of 0.5% is administered by Keystone Collections Group. As in years past, local EIT filing deadlines always aligned with the Federal and State filing deadlines. Accordingly, 1st Quarter 2020 estimate payments are due July 15, 2020. Click here for more information
- State and Federal Taxes: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the filing due dates for both the state and federal governments has been extended to July 15, 2020.
- Click Here for information on PA State tax filing information
- Click Here for Federal tax filing information
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 Permitting and licensing for Community Development activity is available online at: Lansdowne Borough Permit Portal. Most major credit cards are accepted. In addition, remote/virtual inspections can be scheduled to move forward new and ongoing construction activity, business operations, and real estate transactions. Reminder that working or operating without a permit or license will result in penalty and/or fines.
Regular maintenance of a property is an important component to the Borough’s community development efforts. While the Borough enforces its Property Maintenance Code the Borough benefits most when property owners conduct routine maintenance by managing vegetation and the exterior appearance of the house and other  structures. Properties not in compliance with standards such as excessive lawn growth and obstructive vegetation will be subject to processing under the Property Maintenance Code.
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On May 28th the Board of Directors of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission awarded Lansdowne Borough an $85,000 grant under the Transportation Community Development Initiative (“TCDI”).
Lansdowne was one of three Delaware County grant recipients. This grant will support bicycle route planning and prioritization within four municipalities in eastern Delaware County including Yeadon, Upper Darby and East Lansdowne, and Lansdowne.
Click here to learn about all of the special projects that Lansdowne is working on now!
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Any Lansdowne resident who seeks assistance for food necessities, please contact the Interfaith Food Cupboard at 610 622-0800, Option 4. The Interfaith Food Cupboard also seeks Food Donations of canned proteins. Please call the above number to give donations. The Interfaith Food Cupboard also has need of monetary donations. Please make out checks to: The Interfaith Food Cupboard. Mail the checks to Lansdowne Presbyterian Church, 140 N. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne, PA, 19050.
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The Chester County Health Department’s website now includes a new “Progress to Green” icon. Residents can click on the icon to view data that is being used to measure Delaware County’s progress towards entering the Green Phase of Governor Wolf’s three-phased approach to determine when counties and/or regions are ready to begin easing some restrictions on work, congregate settings, and social interactions. The data outlines the metrics that indicate an ability to move to the Green Phase.
On June 5, Delaware County was moved into the Yellow Phase of the Governor’s phased reopening. Council reminds residents to continue to follow the guidance issued for the Yellow Phase, which ensures protecting the health and safety of the entire community. We must remain vigilant to ensure we don’t trigger further outbreaks. The new data can be found here.
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While we are in the yellow phase of coronavirus recovery, residents are reminded to follow the guidelines during this phase. Click here to see details on the yellow phase restrictions and openings.
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The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers to guard against tax fraud and other related financial scams related to COVID-19.
In the last few months, the IRS Criminal Investigation division (CI) has seen a variety of Economic Impact Payment (EIP) scams and other financial schemes looking to take advantage of unsuspecting taxpayers. CI continues to work with law enforcement agencies domestically and abroad to educate taxpayers about these scams and investigate the criminals perpetrating them during this challenging time. Click here to learn more.
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While Delaware County remains in the "yellow phase" of recovery, we ask that you maintain social distancing guidelines while visiting Lansdowne Borough's parks. The playground equipment remains closed in the current phase. Click here for Pennsylvania parks and recreation re-opening schedules and guidelines.
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On June 5th, Delaware County transitioned to the yellow phase of reopening. According to Pennsylvania's official process for reopening,the yellow phase lifts the most severe restrictions, including the stay at home order. However, other mitigation efforts remain in place as more of the economy begins to reopen. Restrictions are adjusted as necessary based on public health indicators.
After a county transitions to the yellow phase, that county will be closely monitored for increased risk (such as significant outbreaks). If overall risk remains mitigated for fourteen days, the county will transition to the green phase. The green phase eases most restrictions by lifting the stay at home and business closure orders, and allows the economy to strategically reopen while continuing to prioritize public health. Click here to learn more.
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From the Lansdowne Public Library
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The Lansdowne Public Library is preparing to begin resuming lending services. Starting Monday, June 22, you will be able to request items for contactless pickup by phone (610-623-0239). For the time being, we will be open Monday through Friday only, from 10am – 6pm.
Click here to learn more.
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2020 PA Farmers Market: Nutrition Program
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June 1 through September 30, 2020
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture provides $24 vouchers to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables at designated Farmer’s Markets. Call the Friendship Circle Senior Center at 610-237-6222 to request an application or download an electronic copy that can be found here. Complete application in full. Please include a self-addressed envelope with stamp so we may return your voucher coupons to you. Return by mail or drop off and place in the safe metal box located at the entrance on the porch of the center.
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Lansdowne Borough in the News
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"Yeadon, Lansdowne officials make statement on unity" from the Delaware County Daily Times June 14th article: Click here to read the full article.
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To make sure both customers and staff stay safe, we’ve put together some helpful tips on ways to shop safely when patronizing our local businesses. Happy shopping!
Tips to shop safely:
- Wear a mask at all times when shopping in stores or restaurants.
- Don’t try on clothing.
- Wear gloves or keep hands clean.
- Order online for curbside pickup or delivery.
- Remember to practicing social distancing by keeping 6 feet away from others.
- Try to use contactless payments as much as possible.
- Make sure that the person helping you is also following safety precautions.
- Try not to pick up many items while shopping.
We are excited about the reopening of many businesses, but disappointed that we’ve had to cancel some of our sponsored events including our annual National Night Out. There has been no decision made for what things will look like this fall, but we are hoping for the best. Please check our website for event updates, resources and to find a product or service in our directory. When you shop Lansdowne, you are helping a small business, a community, a family. LBPA members are your friendly neighbor businesses. Stop in, say hi and shop safely!
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Delaware County Launches Bringing Back Delco Task Force
As Delaware County begins to move to the Yellow Phase of Governor Wolf’s Plan for Reopening the state, Delaware County Council, the Delaware County Commerce Center, and the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce have joined together to convene a task force to assist business leaders both before and during the reopening.
The Bringing Back Delco Task Force, comprised of community, business and government representatives will assist and support the Delaware County business community to ensure a safe reopening of the local economy. Members of the newly created Bringing Back Delco Task Force met virtually as a group this week to begin preparing for Delaware County moving into a yellow phase. Click here to learn more.
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DETAILS ON ROUND #2 OF DELCO STRONG GRANTS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
Delaware County Council unanimously voted on June 17 to authorize the use of CARES Act funds to assist Delaware County businesses and non-profit organizations with economic loss and recovery due to COVID-19.
Read More Here
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Community News and Events
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Solar Home Webinar and Virtual Tour
Saturday June 20, 9-11 am
This webinar will review assessing viability, cost, payback, increase in home value, what it is like installing solar power at your home, the Solarize group purchase opportunity and Q&A you’re your neighbors who have converted to Solar. FREE, but you MUST REGISTER by clicking here.
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Did you know?
- Plastic comes from fossil fuels--oil and gas. Our global goal is to drastically reduce our need for fossil fuels.
- Less than 15% of plastic is actually recycled. Most ends up polluting our water and air.
- Plastic does not biodegrade. It breaks up into tinier and tinier pieces that end up in our food and clothing.
- Litter is mostly single use plastic bottles and bags that clog our storm drains and degrade our environment.
Would you be willing to?
- Reduce the need for plastic in your life.
- Think twice before buying that plastic product. Do you really need that latest plastic gizmo?
- Drink tap or filtered water rather than bottled water. Use refillable bottles for drinks.
- Shop with your own reusable bags. Avoid items pre-wrapped in plastic.
- Invest in glassware for storing items.
Remember. We can all be more aware of plastic in our lives. We can reduce our use. Our planet will thank us. For more information click here.
Article written by the Lansdowne Borough Environmental Advisory Council
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It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the cancellation of this year’s Arts on the Avenue Festival in Lansdowne, PA (due to take place Sept. 27th). We know that this will come as an enormous disappointment, not only to the artists, musicians and food purveyors who were expected to exhibit at the festival, but also to the Arts on the Avenue supporters and the Lansdowne community. Click here to learn more.
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July 4th Event Cancelled
In consideration of public health and welfare, and upon recommendation from our Borough, the Union Athletic Association’s Board has decided to cancel the 2020 July 4th event. Please Please continue to look for any UAA updates on facebook the Union Athletic Association website and on other social media resources.
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Follow these tips for outdoor fire safety:
- Move the grill away from siding, decking, and other things that can catch fire.
- Stay with the grill the entire time you're cooking.
- Use long-handled barbecue tools when cooking on the grill.
- Use a metal screen over wood-burning fires to keep sparks from floating out.
- Turn off or put out fires before you leave the backyard.
- Build campfires at least 15 feet away from tent walls, shrubs or other things that burn.
- The best way to stay safe from fireworks is to not use them.
Click here to learn more.
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Summer Heat Pet Safety Tips
 We all love spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but being overeager in hot weather can spell danger. To prevent your pet from overheating, take these simple precautions provided by ASPCA experts:
- Visit the vet for a spring or early-summer checkup.
- Hydrate your pet
- Know the symptoms of overheating
- Never leave your animals alone in the car (see infographic below)
- Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool
- Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed,
- Never shave your dog- The layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn
- Don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt
- Keep pesticides and poison out of your pet's reach
- Remember that food and drink commonly found at barbecues can be poisonous to pets.
- never use fireworks around pets.
Click here to read more information from the ASPCA.
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Mercy LIFE is uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive care for seniors during this time so they can stay safe at home. Contact your local liaison Kate Callahan 215-764-7050 for more details on how you or your loved one can benefit from Mercy LIFE services or click here to learn more.
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Call For Artists
The LEDC Announces a Call For Artists for this year's A Bit of the Arts Holiday Show and Sale. The event is planned for Nov. 27 & 28 at the Twentieth Century Club provided local health limits allow for such activities to take place. Applications for artists are open now. Deadline to apply is July 15th.
Questions? Contact Liz Steele Coats at lizsteelecoats7@aol.com or click here for more information.
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As the William Penn School District Pandemic Committee plans for reopening, they are asking parents to complete the Parent Survey for School Reopening 2020 so they can plan with the most accuracy. The survey will remain open until June 30. Click here to take the survey.
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At this time the Lansdowne Arts Board has nothing scheduled for the 2020 House but please follow us on Instagram and Facebook or sign up for our mailing list using our website.
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SAVE THE DATE!!
The Ladies Auxiliary of the Lansdowne Fire Company will be hosting their Annual Designer Bag Bingo event on Saturday October 3rd, 2020. All proceeds will be donated to the volunteer Fire Fighters of Lansdowne. More details regarding location, time and ticket purchase will be announced in late summer.
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Save the Date!
Tom Paxton and the Don Juans
Thursday, September 10
Twentieth Century Club, 84 S. Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, PA, doors open at 7:00 PM and show begins at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $30. Advance reservation or ticket purchase is recommended.
Click here to learn more.
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Join the Lansdowne Farmers Market on June 20th!
9AM- 1PM
Romaine Calm! Lettuce Make Your Shopping Experience Fun & Safe! Click here to learn more.
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Lansdowne Borough Information
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Borough Council
Benjamin Hover, President
Magdalena Byrne, Vice-President
Janet M. English, Member
Wardell Holt, Member
Tangela James, Member
Sinoe Naji-Taylor, Member
Michael F. Schleigh, Member
Administration
Craig Totaro, Borough Manager
Mary Young, Senior Bookkeeper
Ellen Lustgarten, Treasurer
Betsy Riffert, Assistant to the Borough Manager
Mayor's Office
Anthony Campuzano, Mayor
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Lansdowne Public Library
Bill Paterson, Library Director
Laura Kranefeld, Circulation Manager
Maria McLaughlin, Head of Children's Services
Luzille Burnley, Office Manager
Parks and Recreation
Erica Sollberger, Director
Police
Daniel Donegan, Police Chief
Public Works
Kevin Laverty, Administration
Code Enforcement
Michael Jozwiak, Director, Zoning and Code Enforcement |
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