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September, 2022
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TOWNSHIP NEWS

Letter from Ashley Gagné, Vice-Chair, Board of Supervisors

Dear West Goshen residents,

I hope that you enjoyed the summer in all its glory. Whether you spent your summer here at home or somewhere else, I hope you savored the long days, fresh fruit, outdoor dining, trips to the beach, warmth, and time with family and friends. Now, it’s time for an exciting new school year for our kiddos and to prepare for the chilly months ahead.
Read the full letter HERE.

Board of Supervisors Meeting Notes:

September 6, 2022

  • The Board heard a presentation from representatives from the PA Department of Transportation regarding safety improvements to intersections along West Chester Pike.
  • The Board granted final land development approval for a 2-lot residential subdivision at 981 North New Street.
  • The Board heard a presentation on a conceptual design for the redevelopment of property at 943 S. High Street (Quality Inn & Suites) and authorized the preparation of a Zoning Ordinance amendment pertaining to the proposal.
  • The Board reviewed 5-year budget projections pertaining to the Township’s stormwater infrastructure.
  • The Board adopted Ordinance No. 3-2022, which amended Chapter 61 (Plastic Bags & Plastic Straws) of the Township’s Code of Ordinances.
  • The Board authorized the advertisement of proposed amendments to the Township’s Zoning Ordinance related to the I-1 Light Industrial District and the Planned University Main Campus Overlay District.
  • The Board authorized the advertisement of a proposed ordinance to amend the stormwater management requirements in the Township’s Code of Ordinances.
  • The Board awarded the bid for the Glen Avenue/Sylvan Road Storm Sewer Replacement Project to Ply-Mar Construction, Inc.
  • The Board awarded the 2022 Custodial Services Re-Bid to Interstate Building Maintenance.
  • The Board approved the Mutual Aid Emergency Management Response Agreement between West Goshen Township and West Chester Borough.
  • The Board appointed Paul Cavanaugh as an alternate member to the Zoning Hearing Board

September 20, 2022

  • The Board appointed Bryan Kulakowsky, P.E., as the Assistant Township Engineer for West Goshen Township.  Mr. Kulakowsky will take over for the current Township Engineer, Rick Craig, P.E., upon his retirement.
  • The Board reviewed 2023 Capital Projects and the updated 10-Year Capital Plan for the Township.
  • The Board heard a presentation from Goshen Fire Company and discussed their 2023 allocation request.
  • The Board heard a presentation from Nolan Capital, LLC regarding a conceptual design plan for the development of a parcel on Boot Road near the 202-north ramp.
  • The Board adopted Ordinance No. 4-2022, amending Chapter 71 (Stormwater Management) of the Township’s Code of Ordinances.
  • The Board adopted Resolution No. 12-2022, designating a 25-m.p.h. speed limit on Aram Avenue and authorizing enforcement of traffic regulations by the West Goshen Township Police Department.
  • The Board adopted Resolution No. 13-2022, designating the week of September 25, 2022 to October 1, 2022 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Week.
  • The Board adopted Resolution No. 14-2022, approving the 2023 Minimum Municipal Obligations to the West Goshen Township Pension Plans.
  • The Board approved easement agreements for the Bolmar Street Storm Sewer project.

Change of meeting dates

The following meeting dates have been changed:

  • The September meeting of the Park & Recreation Board, originally scheduled for September 21, 2022, has been rescheduled to September 28, 2022 at 6:00 pm.
  • The first October meeting of the Board of Supervisors, originally scheduled for October 4, 2022, has been rescheduled to October 3, 2022 at 6:00 pm.

Plans Under Review

  • Plans currently under review include a self-storage facility on Snyder Avenue, a 17,007 square foot building addition at 800 East Washington Street, a 13,000 square foot warehouse building at 895 Fern Hill Road, an amended subdivision/land development plan for a commercial shopping center at 829 Paoli Pike, and a hotel on Carter Drive.

  • The Planning Commission recommended approval of the following land development plans before the Township:

  • A 19,325 square foot warehouse building at 1004 Saunders Lane for Green Lawn Fertilizing, Inc.

  • A 10,000 square foot building addition and an 18,094 square foot flex building at 1035 Saunders Lane for Blue Mountain Construction.

  • A 51,200 square foot warehouse building at 800 E. Virginia Avenue for 920 S Bolmar Associates, L.P.

The plans recommended for approval will be before the Board for consideration of final approval on October 3, 2022.

  • The Planning Commission has reviewed a proposed Zoning Ordinance text amendment to permit a Historic Inn by Conditional Use in the R-3B Flexible Design Conservation District Zone C.

  • The Zoning Hearing Board heard a request from the owners of 813 West Chester Pike on August 22, 2022.  The applicant is seeking a dimensional variance to remove and replace a detached garage on the property. The Zoning Hearing Board will render a decision on this application within 45 days of the hearing date.

All meetings of the Planning Commission are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm at the West Goshen Township Municipal Building.  The agendas are posted the Friday before the meeting.  The Zoning Hearing Board meets the fourth Monday of the month at 7:00 pm at the West Goshen Township Municipal Building if there are applications before them.

Aqua Main Water Projects

Aqua PA is currently on pace to complete their trench restoration project Amelia Drive/Pine Valley Circle this fall.  The final paving restoration will be completed in the spring.

Aqua PA is also set to begin a water main replacement project on Todd Way.  This project is set to begin on October 3, 2022.  The project involves the replacement of 4,700 feet of aging 8-inch cement pipe with new, 8-inch ductile iron water main.  The project will occur on the following streets:

  • Todd Way (between North New Street and Susan Drive)

  • Susan Drive (between #1148 and the end of the cul-de-sac)

  • Susan Drive (between North New Street and a point 200 feet West of Tree Lane)

  • Tree Lane (between Susan Drive and a point 240 feet West of Longview Drive)

  • Longview Drive (between #1022 and Tree Lane)

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate everyone’s cooperation during these construction projects.

West Goshen Township Board of Supervisors Meetings on YouTube

The monthly meetings of the West Goshen Township Board of Supervisors are livestreamed and made available on the Township’s YouTube channel. This is an option for members of the community who want to be informed on what is happening in the Township, but cannot always make it to the meetings. Simply go to www.youtube.com and search for “West Goshen Township” in order to view the meetings. Links to the meeting videos are also made available on the Township’s website in the “Agendas & Minutes” section for each meeting. There is also a live comment feature that is monitored during the meeting by the Township Manager. The Board of Supervisors meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm.

Sign-Up to Receive Alerts from the Township

Members of the community are invited and encouraged to register with Blackboard Connect and ReadyChesco to receive important alerts. The Township utilizes Blackboard Connect to keep the community informed about both emergency and non-emergency situations. You can register to receive alerts via email, text, and/or phone call. ReadyChesco is Chester County’s emergency alert system and is their official notification system. Please click the links in the logos below to register.

Be Prepared! Voice, Text or Email, Stay informed. Please sign up for West Goshen Alerts!

Be Prepared! Voice, Text or Email, Stay informed. Please sign up for County Alerts!

Bantery Road and Woodbridge Way Storm Sewer Project

Each month, we discuss the various stormwater projects that the Township is undertaking. As part of our monthly eNewsletter, we want to highlight some of the projects being completed by our Public Works Department. For this month, we are highlighting the project that was recently completed on Bantery Road and Woodbridge Way.  A sinkhole formed at the intersection of Bantery Road and Woodbridge Way. The Streets Department undertook an investigation and discovered that the underground piping was significantly deteriorated. To address this situation, the existing 120 feet of failing 24-inch diameter corrugated metal pipe was replaced with HDPE pipe. There was also 46 ft. of concrete curb that had to be removed and replaced. The pictures included outline the project.

Thank you to the members of the Streets Department and the entire crew in the Public Works Department for their dedication to the community.

Stormwater Projects

The Township is also continuing work on stormwater projects outlined for 2022.  Engineering work is currently underway for the pipe culvert replacement on Bolmar Street.  The bids for the Glen Avenue/Sylvan Road pipe replacement project were opened on August 2, 2022 and we anticipate construction will be undertaken later this year.  The Board of Supervisors awarded the contract at their meeting on September 6, 2022 to Ply-Mar Construction, Inc.  These projects are being funded through the funds received through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.  Please watch the West Goshen Township website for additional information. 

Yard Waste Collection

Curbside yard waste collection is back.  The 2022 dates for Saturday yard waste collection are as follows:

  • September 24th
  • October 15th

Please have your yard waste curbside the night before collection or by 6:00 AM the day of collection. Sticks, branches, and twigs must be tied in bundles no more than 4 feet in length and 4 feet in diameter, and may not exceed 50 pounds per bundle. Branches may not exceed 4 inches in diameter. Other yard waste may be placed in trash cans or biodegradable paper bags which may be purchased at home improvement stores. Bags are not available through West Goshen Township. There is no limit to the number of bundles or bags that will be collected.

Learn more here.

Fall Leaf Collection
REMINDERS:
Leaves may not be burned, raked into streets, or deposited onto stream beds. Any leaves raked into streets will be driven around by the street sweeper. The property owner will be responsible for removing debris from the street. 

West Goshen has 3 leaf and yard waste collections this fall: 

  • Saturday, November 19th 
  • Saturday, December 3rd & 17th 

Sticks, branches, and twigs must be tied in bundles no more than 4 feet in length and 4 feet in diameter, and may not exceed 50 pounds per bundle. Branches may not exceed 4 inches in diameter. Other yard waste may be placed in trash cans or biodegradable paper bags which may be purchased at home improvement stores. Bags are not available through West Goshen Township. There is no limit to the number of bundles or bags that will be collected. 
Join us for a Household Hazarous Waste Event Next Month

West Goshen Township will be hosting Chester County’s HHW event on October 8th at the Chester County Government Services Center on Westtown Road. You must register for this event. Register HERE.
Trash and Sewer Rebates for Seniors
West Goshen Township is offering a Trash and/or Sewer Rebate again this year. West Goshen seniors age 65 or older who have an income under $35,000 and received a Pennsylvania Property/Rent Tax Rebate this year are eligible to apply for a Trash and/or Sewer Rebate through West Goshen Township.
Rebate Applications will be mailed in June to everyone who received a West Goshen Trash and/or Sewer rebate in the past. First time applicants may receive an application for the Trash and/or Sewer Rebate program by calling 610-696-5266, ext. 4108. The Trash and/or Sewer Rebate Program application is also available at the West Goshen Township Administration Building after July 1, 2022. The Trash and/or Sewer Rebate Program application must be completed and returned to West Goshen Township by October 31, 2022.

Park and Recreation
West Goshen to Host Second Township Yard Sale

By popular request, the West Goshen Township Park and Recreation Department has added a second Township Yard Sale this year on Saturday, October 1st between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. 

Register your home to be included in the yard sale Google Map.
REGISTRATION CLOSES TONIGHT - SEPTEMBER 23. 

Come out and Join us For the Fall Movie Series!
Movies will be shown at the J. Leon Hagerty Amphitheater at West Goshen Community Park at 7:30 PM October 1, October 8, and October 19. 
All movies begin at 7:30PM and are free of charge. Guests are encouraged to bring a dry good item (soap, shampoo, diapers, etc.) for the West Chester Food Cupboard.

In the event of rain, movies will be shown at the West Goshen Township Administration Building (Paoli Pike and N. Five Points Road).

For more information, click HERE: https://bit.ly/3QxfcSF

Fall Bus Trips Announced

The West Goshen Park and Recreation Department offers many ways for you to explore and enjoy New York State this fall.
  • Sunday, November 20th: Radio City Music Hall. See the Rockettes perform their Radio City Christmas Spectacular, spend time exploring in the Big Apple, and conclude your day with a memorable dinner at the world-famous Stardust Diner. $195 per person includes round-trip motorcoach transportation, a ticket to the show, dinner, and driver and server tips.
  • Saturday, December 3rd : New York City. The motorcoach drops you off in midtown Manhattan to explore the city, see it decorated for the holidays, go shopping, enjoy a show, or have a special meal at your own pace. $45 per person includes round-trip motorcoach transportation and driver tip.
  • Monday, December 5th : Radio City Music Hall. See New York City in December with storefronts all decorated and visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Enjoy the Rockettes’ Radio City Christmas Spectacular before striking out into the city for an afternoon of fun and discovery at your own pace. Rejoin the group for dinner at the Stardust Diner before heading home. $195 per person includes round-trip motorcoach transportation, a ticket to the show, dinner, and driver and server tips.
Registration forms and information about each of these trips including cost is available at the West Goshen Township website. For a Summer Bus Trip Brochure, contact Park and Recreation Director Ken Lehr at klehr@westgoshen.org. Click here to learn more.

West Goshen Resident Fall Art Exhibit Highlights Talents of Township Residents

West Goshen Township is home to many talented professional and amateur artists. Over the past 22 years, The West Goshen Resident Exhibit at the Galleries at the West Goshen Township Administration Building has become the premier showcase for works of art highlighting these talents. 
This year’s West Goshen Resident Exhibit will take place from September 6th through October 31st . Both floors of the West Goshen Township Administration Building will feature paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, quilts, needlepoints, and more art!

A free special art reception will be held on Thursday, September 29th from 7PM to 8PM for members of the public to meet artists and learn about their works. Light snacks and soft drinks will be provided.

Read More Here

POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS
Sergeant Grandizio - 4th Annual BBQ Competition Winner!

Earlier this month the Crime Victims' Center of Chester County held their 4th annual BBQ competition at the VFW here in West Goshen Township. The West Goshen Township Police had two teams entered in the competition and several other members of the department donated their time.

At the end of the day, Sergeant Matt Grandizio from West Goshen Police took home the Grand Championship!

This event is just one of many things our members do throughout the year to give back and make our community a great place to work and live. Thank you to all who supported the event.

Congratulations Sergeant Grandizio!
The West Goshen Police Department is raising money to benefit the Andrew L. Hicks Jr. Foundation 9th Annual Christmas Toy Store.

For 4 years we purchased bicycles and each year we were able to purchase more than the last. In 2020, we purchased 49 bikes for the toy drive. We'd love to top 2020!
If you'd like to help, you can donate either brand new bicycles (in the box or assembled) or Walmart gift cards. We will not be accepting cash or check this year. Please contact Officer Virgilio or Officer Ashe for further information.

Let's work together to give these children the Christmas they deserve!

Click HERE for more information.
Thank you, Chesco Pet Search, for donating a microchip reader to help us reunite pets with their owners! 

We know how frightening it can be when you think your pet is lost so please remember to register your pets’ microchip with your current phone number. 

COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION NEWS
Sustainability Advisory Committee News:

What is a Carbon Footprint and How do You Measure it?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, many of our daily activities, such as using electricity, driving a car, or disposing of waste, cause greenhouse gas emissions. Together these emissions make up a household’s measurable carbon footprint.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2021 cited greenhouse gases as “the most significant driver of observed climate change since the mid-20th century.”

The average carbon footprint for an individual in the United States is 16 tons. That’s one of the highest rates in the world; globally the average is about 4 tons. The power to reduce greenhouse gases and forestall (if not reverse) climate change is within each of us, and you can start by learning what your own or your household’s footprint is. Use one of these easy online calculators and find out: Global Footprint Network; Nature Conservancy; Conservation International; and 8 Billion Trees. For a more detailed assessment, try the CoolClimate Network or EPA calculators. 

In next month’s eNews, we will share tips on how you can reduce your carbon footprint and by doing so, contribute to a more sustainable future for the planet.
The Inflation Reduction Act Rewards Going Green

Signed into law on August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act provides tax benefits and rebates for homeowners who reduce their carbon footprint. 

Financial incentives aimed at battling climate change are being offered to consumers who purchase electric vehicles and make clean energy and home efficiency upgrades such as installing solar panels, heat pumps, electric water heaters, and electric cooktops. 

For details on what type of improvements are eligible and when to make a purchase in order to qualify for a tax credit or rebate, click here for full details from the White House.

FIRE DEPARTMENT NEWS
From the West Chester Fire Department:
The end of Summer kept The West Chester Fire Department extra busy within the township. Through August the department has responded to just shy of 200 9-1-1 calls within West Goshen
An August incident at Cambridge Hall Apartments turned from heat to spice as a resident's unsuccessful cooking of chili peppers required the building to be evacuated and ventilated.
A second August incident involved a vehicle accident & fire at the Route 3 / 202 intersection
Save the date: Friday, October 28th, 6-9pm, The West Chester Fire Department will be at Trunk or Treat, hosted by West Goshen Police Department and The Learning Experience at 915 Old Fern Hill Road.
The West Chester Fire Department is a 100% volunteer fire department that provides service to West Goshen Township and the surrounding community.  If you have ever considered giving back to your community there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer at one of The West Chester Fire Departments three locations. They are looking for members who are 14 and older, NO EXPERIENCE is necessary. Click here for more information.
From the Goshen Fire Company:
FIRE PREVENTION MONTH OPEN HOUSE IS OCTOBER 14TH
October is Fire Prevention Month, which means our annual open house is around the corner. Join us on Friday October 14th at 6PM for this always popular Goshen event. Fun for the entire family with lots of fire trucks, ambulances, police vehicles, fire sprinkler demonstrations, vehicle rescue demonstrations, and more. Light refreshments will be served, always plenty of free parking.
While you’re at the open house, stop by the tent with the red top and speak with one of our
members about volunteering.

Our Fire, EMS and Fire Police divisions always welcome new volunteers; training and equipment
is provided at no cost to you! Have a special skill you can share with us?
We also need volunteers to help with marketing, administration, finance, fund raising and special events. Go www.goshenfireco.org for information on how you can join us. Follow us on Facebook at Goshen Fire Company.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATES
See these government sites for additional COVID-19 information: 

COMMUNITY NEWS

WEST GOSHEN PET OF THE MONTH: Baby!
Baby was adopted at the Delaware County SPCA in 2012 when she was eight months old. We quickly learned that she was smart and eager to please. As such, she was successfully trained (with the use of treats) to perform two tricks: lay down and give a hug.

Submit your favorite pet to be featured as West Goshen Township's "Pet of the Month". Your pet will be featured in the monthly eNews and on the township's social media sites!

CLICK HERE to submit your pet! 

Roonie Says....Keep Your Pets Safe this Fall!

Goodbye, hot, sticky weather! Hello, crisp, cool air! Fall is here and our pets are likely more excited for the change of seasons than we are. But as the leaves change and the apple cider gets stocked on shelves, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) wants to remind you of the hazards that come along with the cooler weather. 

Click HERE for some tips to ensure your pet is happy, safe and healthy this fall!

Tree Tenders Fall Basic Training
Become a neighborhood greening hero and enjoy the fellowship of more than 6,000 Tree Tenders in the Greater Philadelphia area! Register for the upcoming PHS Tree Tenders Fall Basic Training webinar to learn the basics of tree biology, identification, planting, and care. As a participant, you will be joining one of the nation’s oldest and most respected volunteer urban tree care programs.

Learn more and register HERE.
Check out this Quercus bicolor at Barker Park - planted by Goshen Tree Tenders (courtesy of West Goshen Township)!

At The West Chester Public Library 
Visit our website for more program information and access to our Events Calendar.

Public Township Meetings


Please note, all meetings/events are subject to cancellation or postponement due to the coronavirus pandemic. Please see the township calendar for the latest updates.
A short list of tentative upcoming meetings is below:
  • Park and Recreation Board Meeting- September 28th at 6:00 pm.
  • Board of Supervisors Meeting- October 3rd at 6:00 pm
  • West Goshen Sewer Authority Meeting- October 5th at 6:00 pm
  • Township Planning Commission- October 11th at 7:00 pm
  • Board of Supervisors Meeting- October 18th at 6:00 pm
West Goshen Township Information
Board of Supervisors
6 year elected term
Shaun Walsh, Chair
Ashley Gagné, Vice-Chair
John Hellmann, Member
Tinamarie Smith, Member
Robin Stuntebeck, Member

Administration
Chris Bashore, Township Manager
Jaime Jilozian, AICP, Assistant Township Manager/Zoning Officer
Christine J. Riffey, Finance Director
J. David Woodward, Public Works Director
Kenneth Lehr, Park & Recreation Director
Richard J. Craig, Township Engineer
Mark Bertolami, Streets Superintendent
Dorine A. McClune, Parks Superintendent


Park and Recreation Board
Robert M. Cifone, Chair
Gerald L. Napiecek, Vice-Chair
Edward T. Smith, Secretary
Eunice Alexander, Allison Bonjo, Michael A. Pillagalli, Nancy Pine, Mary Lou Enoches, Alternate 
Ashley Gagné- Board Liaison

Planning Commission
R. Douglas Stewart, Chair
J. Terry Wildrick, Vice-Chair
Cory Wegerbauer, Secretary
Alessandra O’Reilly Bellwoar
Vito Genua
Jeffrey S. Lieberman
Carrie Martin
John Mattia
Dr. Douglas White, DMD
John Hellman- Board Liaison


Sustainability Advisory Committee
Melanie Vile, Chair
Henry Alexander, Vice-Chair
Dorothy Verdon, Secretary
Natalie Caruso, Susan Charkes, Barbara Rinehart
Ashley Gagné and Tinamarie Smith Board Liaison

Zoning Hearing Board
Joseph DeFelippes, Chair
Scott T. Cullinan, Vice-Chair
Shannon Royer, Member
Paul Cavanaugh, Alternate
Nick DiPrinzio, Alternate
West Goshen Police
1025 Paoli Pike, W.C., 19380
Police 911 or 610.696.7400 | Fax 610.696.3935
Email: police@westgoshen.org
Michael P. Carroll, Chief of Police

Wastewater Treatment Plant
848 S. Concord Rd., W.C., 19382
610.696.0900 | Fax 610.429.9360
Michael Moffa, Wastewater Superintendent

Sewer Authority
Theodore J. Murphy, Chair
Tinamarie Smith, Vice-Chair
Shaun Walsh, Secretary, 
Walt Wills, Treasurer,
Carter Membrino

Pension Committee
David B. Brune, Robert Holland, Hugh J. Purnell, Walker Tompkins, Angelo Savelloni
Shaun Walsh- Board Liaison

Historic Commission
Michael Pillagalli, Chair
Kent Smith, Treasurer
Nancy McCabe, Secretary
Richard Davis, Elizabeth Dean, Norman Pine, Kevin Pistiner, Dr. Douglas White, DMD, Kathi Massi
Robin Stuntebeck- Board Liaison

The Friends of West Goshen Park, Inc
Non-profit group assisting the Park and Recreation Board; meets bimonthly
John Herley, President
Sallie Yoder, Vice-President
Susan Batten, Secretary
Maria Janoski, Treasurer
Gerald L. Napiecek, Peggy Niemeyer,
Larue Morgan

Township Parks
Barker Park: Falcon Lane by Westtown Way
Coopersmith Park: Spring Lane, off West Chester Pike
Lambert Park: 1145 Pottstown Pike
West Goshen Community Park: Fern Hill & North Five Points Roads

Auditors
Carter Membrino, Chair
Cynthia Sheikh, Secretary
Nate Wolman, Member

Tax Collector
Angela Emrich
 
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The West Goshen Township eNews is a 2020 Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors Citizen Communication Contest Award Winner for Electronic Newsletter
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