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May, 2022

Welcome to the Lansdowne Borough eNews! Bringing timely and relevant Lansdowne Borough news to your inbox every month.

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Borough News
Borough Project Updates
Police News
Board and Commission News
Lansdowne Borough in the News
Coronavirus Resources and News
Community News and Events
Lansdowne Pet of the Month
Public Borough Meetings

Borough News

A Letter from Council President, Benjamin Hover

Dear Neighbors,

As we enter the summer months, please join me in reflecting and recognizing the good news of the Spring and the coming building and planning that will be coming through the end of the year. This year, numerous projects in Lansdowne Borough and collaborations between Lansdowne Borough Council and community groups are all moving to fruition with consistent investment in our community. On behalf of Borough Council, I want to thank the many volunteers, donors, officials, and employees who have worked towards the realization of long term projects in Lansdowne.

Read more here...

A Letter from Mayor Byrne

I know I am early but for me it is TIME FOR SUMMER!!!! This is my favorite time of the year - especially in Lansdowne! It is such a great time to enjoy the weather, family, friends, and the great outdoors! It also means a lot of people go on vacation (including me!) so I will keep this letter brief.

There are a ton of activities around town that start this weekend including the beginning of the Farmers Market and the Memorial Day Parade (making a comeback after a 2-year hiatus). Make sure you read this newsletter cover to cover so you don’t miss anything! I know this month’s issue has all the details. And if you know someone who does not receive this newsletter, then please share what is going on around town with them or grab them a paper copy of the newsletter which is available at Borough Hall and soon to be at the library also.

I do want to take a moment to highlight that the next Mayor’s Cleanup will be taking place on Sunday, June 5th from 11am to 1pm. I will be away this month, but President Hover will be covering my absence. If you have the time, please come out and help us keep Lansdowne beautiful. 

Looking forward to seeing you around town!

Borough Council Meeting Notes
 

May 4, 2022
  • Mayor Byrne presided over the Borough swearing in of Police Chaplain Reverend Carl Everett 
  • The William Penn School District presented a Facilities Plan for the district
Borough Council discussed:
  • A fee waiver for use of the TCC for the Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra
  • Logistics and authority for the WPSD to install a mural on Green Avenue 
  • Status of the Comprehensive Plan and notifications for a Public Meeting on June 16th 6:30pm at the TCC
  • The releasing of bids for blight remediation work at 31 North Lansdowne Avenue    
  • Logistics and coordination of the Fourth of July Parade 
  • A resolution acknowledging Asian American Pacific Islander Month 
  • A request from the Delco Black Caucus for a fee waiver for use of the TCC
  • Logistics and coordination of Library programming at the TCC
Borough Council took action to:
  • Authorize payment of bills for the period
  • Advertise for bids for remediation of an oil tank at 31 North Lansdowne Avenue
  • Enter agreement with the WPSD for the installation of a mural
  • Adopt Resolution 2022-20 recognizing Asian American Pacific Islander Month
  • Extend a fee waiver to the Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra for use of the TCC on October 2nd 2022
  • Establish the theme “Growing Together Again” for the 2022 4th of July Parade
  • Extend a fee waiver to the Delco Black Caucus for use of the TCC on June 11th 2022
  • Accept a letter of resignation for Gene Wayne from the HARB
May 18th, 2022

Borough Council acknowledged a petition related to traffic calming measures and observations from residents of East Greenwood Avenue.

Borough Council discussed:
  • Use of the municipal parking lot at 30 Lansdowne Avenue by the Lansdowne Business and Professionals Association.
  • Setting newsletters at locations in the Borough
  • A request by the Animal Friends of Lansdowne for use of the TCC for a used items sale.
  • A shredding event on June 25th 2022 in the Highland Avenue Parking lot
  • Activation of a webform for the recruitment of boards and commission members 
  • The status of proposals from professionals to conduct facilities planning for the Borough
  • Updates for exploring the installation of exercise apparatus in Hayes Park
  • Deployment of American Rescue Plan Funds to support the construction of the McKinley Avenue Tot Lot
  • Deployment of American Rescue Plan Funds to support the construction of bicycle facilities 
  • An increase in the Earned Income Tax
  • Promotional flyers developed for the communication of environmentally sustainable practices. 
  • Authorizing the EAC to establish a table at the LFM
  • A change of dates for a previously approved Food and Planet Event – to August 27th
  • Content of and the release of a survey to prioritize showings for movies in the park. 
  • Incorporating environmental information and business on future Mayoral Forums
  • General outreach of the Environmental Advisory Council
  • A survey proposal to assess the Borough parks
  • The suspension of Borough Council meetings in July and August
  • A request of the WPSD to close Green Avenue 
  • The dates and showings of Movie Nights in the park
Borough Council took action to:
  • Authorize payment of bills for the period
  • Purchase 2022 F550 Public Works dump truck vehicle
  • Ratify hiring Mr. Clemente Mboya for the position of code enforcement officer
  • Approve a request of the LBPA use of the Lansdowne Avenue Municipal lot on June 16th, 2022 from 3pm to 10pm
  • Reappoint Jason Mclaughlin to the Zoning Hearing Board for a term expiring 5/18/2027
  • Adopt Resolution 2022-21 regarding LGBTQIA
  • Enter agreement with Aspirant to begin process of accreditation of the Police Department
  • Apply for COPS grant for funding of a new police officer
  • Appointment to the Parks and Recreation Board for term expiring 05/18/2025
  • Accept the resignation of Alexis Lukas from the Park and Recreation Board
  • Accept the resignation of Katelyn Wolfrom from the Park and Recreation Board
  • Adopt Resolution 2022-22 in recognition of National Public Works Week 2022
  • Appoint Ms. Tiara Orange to the Redevelopment Authority for a term expiring 5/18/2027
  • Hold a shredding event on 6/2/2022 from 9am to 1pm at the Highland Avenue Parking Lot
  • Amend the agenda to add te closure of the municipal parking lot at 30 Lansdowne Avenue for the graduation of students from Todays Child on June 13th from 9am to 12pm 
  • Motion to allow for the closure of the municipal parking lot at 30 Lansdowne Avenue for the graduation of students from Todays Child on June 13th from 9am to 12pm.
  • Set promotional flyers on the EAC table at the Lansdowne Farmers Market
  • Cancel borough council meetings scheduled for July 6th and August 3rd 2022.
  • Close Green Avenue between June 10th and June 19th
  • Close Green Avenue on May 23rd
  • Approve movies for showing in the parks 
  • Adopt Resolution 2022-23 regarding the deployment of ARP funds. 
Comprehensive Plan Public Meeting

June 16 at 6:30 pm, 84 S. Lansdowne Avenue
Lansdowne Borough Seeks Public Input on Future Development and Preservation
  • Where should different types of new businesses be encouraged?
  • What types of housing should be allowed in various areas?
  • What should be done to protect historic buildings and residential neighborhoods?
  • What parks and trails improvements are needed?
  • How can we make Lansdowne even safer and more convenient for pedestrians and bicyclists?
  • How can we promote use of public transit?
  • How can we improve environmental sustainability?
These are some of the questions that will be asked at a meeting on the Lansdowne Comprehensive Plan. A meeting will be at 6:30 pm held on 6/16/2022 at 84 S. Lansdowne Avenue. The Comprehensive Plan is an overall set of policies addressing land uses, housing, transportation, community facilities, natural features, sustainability, and ways to carry out the plan.


Lansdowne Borough honors all of our heroes who served on this Memorial Day. Thank you to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Lansdowne’s Memorial Day Parade is back!

The Lansdowne American Legion Post 65 is proud to present a 2022 Memorial Day Parade on May 30, 2022 at 9 a.m.
 
Join members of the LBPA and local business owners on the parade route and stay for the ceremonies with veterans at the Penn Wood High School field and the World War monument. On the agenda, a few words from LBPA President Tiara Austin.

See the parade route HERE

May is Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month

 
The Borough Council of Lansdowne recognizes the contributions of Asian Americans from the many different cultures and nationalities to the culture of Lansdowne. During the month of May, Lansdowne Borough honors our many residents of Asian American, Pacific lsland and Hawaiian Heritage and their historical and contemporary contributions to the world, the United States, and to Lansdowne.

Read the Resolution
Borough Council passed a resolution honoring June 19th as "Juneteenth Independence Day" in honor of the memory, resilience, courage and determination of enslaved persons and of all Amercians, living and dead, who embody Dr. King's quote: "None are free until all are free." 

Read the Resolution here.

Save the Date for Our Juneteenth Celebration!

This years Juneteenth celebration will be held on Saturday, June 18th from 4 to 7 at Lansdowne Landing. There will be a Juneteenth Flag Raising ceremony at 2:00 pm at Borough Green followed by a Community Celebration from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Lansdowne Landing. There will be live music and children's entertainment. In addition, families are invited to bring their own family picnic. We hope you will join us! Learn more here.
Then on Sunday, continue the celebration at the Nile Swim Club. It will be a great weekend! 
The Borough of Lansdowne supports the rights, freedoms, and equality of all persons in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States Constitution. The Lansdowne Borough Council passed a resolution declaring June as LGBTQIA Pride Month and stating that the Pride flag be raised at the Lansdowne Borough Hall in June.

Read the Resolution
Join us for an upcoming Park and Recreation Clean Up Event!

Saturday, June 4 at Hoffman Park from 10 am - 12 pm

Saturday, July 9 at Belmont Park from 10 am - 12 pm
Be part of the Mayor's Clean & Green Team!
The next town clean up for the Mayor's Clean and Green Team will be June 5th from 11am to 1pm. We will be meeting at Penn Wood High School on E Essex Ave.
STEAM Festival...Success!
Thank you to County Council Chair for coming to the STEAM Festival on Saturday, May 21. The Festival highlighted the many organizations, which support science, technology,  engineering, art, and math.

Read more and see photos from the festival here.

Borough Planning & Project Updates

The New Tot Lot on Wycombe and McKinley Avenue Needs a New Name!

Lansdowne Borough STUDENTS are invited to send in your ideas for names for the new park.
If your park name suggestion is chosen the park will be named by YOU!
Submit your suggestion using the webform HERE

*All entries are due by the end of the school year*
McKinley Tot Lot Notes - Getting Ready for New Curb!
The existing stone curb will removed and replaced with concrete curb.  It’s a neat process!  First, the asphalt pavement immediately adjacent to the curb (about two feet wide) needs to be saw cut and then removed.  Then when the new curb is installed, the roadway asphalt will be restored. 
The photo shows how cleanly the cut is made in the pavement. 

Also on site is a pavement milling machine!  See the photo below of the milling machine in action!  Milling means removing the upper layers (or all of) pavement through a large, rotating drum that removes and grinds roadway layers.  Stay tuned for more updates! #McKinleyTotLotNotes

Police News


National Police Week
May 15-21
 
National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring America’s law enforcement community. This week we recognize the sacrifices and valor of law enforcement -- and thank them for keeping our communities safe.
Coming Soon!
Pay Parking Tickets Online


For tickets issued after June 1, 2022
You will be able to pay parking tickets online using Citizen Connect.

Visit our new web portal at:
 https://www.lansdowneborough.com/violation
Welcome, Reverand Everett!

On May 5th, Reverend Carl Everett, of the Law Enforcement Chaplains of Delaware County (LECDC) was sworn in by Mayor Magda Byrne as the Lansdowne Police Department’s Chaplain. 

We look forward to working with Reverend Everett and all the members of the LECDC.

Fire Department News

Grilling Safety Cooking Tips

SAFETY TIPS
  • Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
  • The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
  • Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
  • Never leave your grill unattended.
  • Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it. 
Click here for more safety tips. 



During National EMS Week, we celebrate and recognize the important contributions of EMS practitioners in safeguarding the health, safety and well-being of our community. Thank you for dedicating your lives to saving ours!
Save the Date!
Designer Bag Bingo!


The Lansdowne Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting their annual Designer Bag Bingo Fundraiser on Saturday September 24th at the Drexelbrook Event Center.

Board, Committee and Commission News

Lansdowne Borough is a designated "Bird Town Pennsylvania"!

Look for Bird Town news in the monthly newsletter and on Lansdowne Borough's social media pages. We'll be sharing information including updates on bird sightings in Lansdowne, information on the lifestyles and habits of our local birds, dates of bird walks, tips on how to help local birds thrive and announcements about bird-themed events in our Borough!

Message us using our website form with your best bird photos taken in Lansdowne.  If your photo is chosen, we’ll be happy to credit you with a byline.  Please tell us approximately where in Lansdowne you took your picture, and on what date so we can keep track of our bird population and their migratory patterns. 

And check out the website of our parent organization, Bird Town PA, for lots of great resources.

From the Lansdowne Public Library:

Have a ball learning about nature at the Lansdowne Library! 

Children’s librarian Maria McLaughlin and guest presenter Christine Du Bois-Buxbaum will provide snacks and creative activities every other Wednesday through early July from 4 PM to 5 PM.  These free programs will highlight the wonders of nature and how we can protect the critters around us.
May 25—What’s the Deal with Plastic? 
There are all kinds of plastics with all kinds of uses—can we tell them apart?  And can we figure out when using plastic is good and when it’s not?  What we can do about plastics hurting nature and people?  We’ll use all kinds of hands-on clues to figure out  answers to these tricky questions.

June 8—Alien Invasions!
Do you like books and movies about aliens that come to Earth?  Did you know that scientists consider some plants and animals around us to be “invaders”?  We’ll have fun acting out how those critters got here, how they creep and crawl around, and how they affect the natural world around us.

June 22—Everybody Breathes!
Birds and bunnies and bears all breathe, just like we do.  Even fish and trees have their own special tricks to get the air they need. Using model lungs that we’ll make ourselves, we’ll consider what helps lungs stay pink and healthy, versus what kinds of air hurt us and the creatures breathing all around us.

July 6—What’s Down the Drain?
Ever wonder about the maze of pipes below us?  A town with healthy people and a healthy natural environment needs a good sewer system and people who take good care of it.  We’ll read parts of the picture book The Great Stink to learn about how long ago a smart engineer’s sewer system saved people’s lives in London.  Then we’ll use duct tape and cardboard rolls left from paper towels to make our own pretend sewer system in the library!
CALL FOR POEMS: SPRING HAIKUS!

Lansdowne Borough in the News

Congratulations to Lansdowne resident and Junior Council Person, Nhaomi Lartey (left), for being named a 2022 Bezos Scholar!

The Bezos Scholars Program inspires and challenges young people to address issues they are passionate about within their communities.
Read the full article in the Delco Times here.

Coronavirus Resources and News

DELAWARE COUNTY COVID-19 VACCINATION RESOURCES

Click Here for More Information

COVID-19 VACCINE SITES IN DELAWARE COUNTY


Click Here for Locations
The new Delaware County Health Department strives to promote, protect and assure conditions for optimal health for all residents of Delaware County through leadership, prevention, response and partnership with the community. 

Priorities such as disease prevention, community empowerment, food and water safety, active communities, emergency response, thriving families and senior support will lead to positive health outcomes for all Delco residents and have a meaningful impact on our quality of life.

Discover all the ways our new Health Department can help you and your community be healthier at delcopa.gov/health.

Community News and Events:

Lansdowne Farmers Market is Back!
The weekly farmer's markets are back beginning on Saturday, May 28th and running until October 29th.  The market is open from 9am - 1pm and is located at the municipal lot across from the Theater, 30 N. Lansdowne Avenue. This year we will be setting up a little differently, with all vendors running along the south side of the lot from Lansdowne to Owen Avenues. See you at the Market!
Musicians Wanted!

We are looking to bring live music back to the farmers markets. If you are a musician interested in donating 2 hours of your time, contact Derek@LansdownesFuture.org.

EAC at the Farmer's Market!

The EAC table is back at the Farmer’s Markets! We look forward to lively discussions and learning  about your environmental concerns. The Zero Waste team will be back with their valuable information. Be sure to check in with us at our table—from 9-12, the first and third Saturdays of every month June through October—including Memorial Day Saturday.

Did you realize that Lansdowne already has a way to recycle “anything with a plug?” Retrievr will come to our home at a scheduled time throughout the year. Costs for TV’s and computers are very reasonable. Set up an appointment by going to their website: retrievr.com.

Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation

CALL FOR CREATIVES!

Join us for Lansdowne’s Arts on the Avenue Festival on Sunday October 2nd 2022. Founded in 2003 by the Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation, the festival now celebrates 20 years of showcasing art and crafts in Delaware County. Our popular outdoor event is an all-day festival of fine art, artisan craftsmanship, music, local food trucks and children’s entertainment.
The festival is free to the public. This is a rain or shine event, no rain date. This show is juried, and artists will be selected on quality of work, but also diversity of the show.
CREATIVES APPLY HERE

EMERGING ARTIST PROGRAM
The LAAF Committee is seeking three (3) participants for the newly launched Emerging Artist Program offered as part of the 20th Anniversary Lansdowne Arts on the Avenue Festival. The Emerging Artist Program is designed specifically for new artists who are just beginning their careers in the art world OR who have participated in 3 or fewer art festivals or shows.
LEARN MORE

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program

NEXT EVENT:
Saturday, June 11th

Rose Tree Park, 1671 N. Providence Road, Media, PA 19063 (entrance on Route 252)

1. Registration Required! Tickets must be presented at event.
2. Our hazardous waste vendor unloads your car
3. You're on your way

Delaware County sponsors four (4) Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Events each year. If you’ve ever participated in an event, you leave with a good feeling knowing you’ve disposed of your hazardous items in a responsible fashion. Learn more here.

Participants must register in advance — register online or call 610-353-1555 x3.  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Free Backyard Composting Workshop!

On Wednesday, June 15 at 6 p.m., Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC) will conduct a free Backyard Composting workshop for residents of Lansdowne, East Lansdowne and Yeadon.

The one-hour workshop, funded by PA Dept. of Environmental Protection, will take place at the Lansdowne Library. Following the workshop, each participant will receive a free 82-gallon compost bin. Pre-registration is required. Details at: https://prc.org/eastworkshops/.
They're Back - Look for Spotted Lanternfly Nymphs!
Japanese Knotweed Removal
Japanese knotweed, an herbaceous perennial member of the buckwheat family, was introduced from East Asia in the late 1800s as an ornamental and to stabilize streambanks. Knotweed is a highly successful invader of wetlands, stream corridors, forest edges, and drainage ditches across the country.
 
June is a great time to cut-back or remove this non-native and very invasive plant.

Learn more about Japanese Knotweed here.

Lansdowne Borough Pet of the Month: Meet Eric!


This is Eric! He is a 10 month old Leopard Gecko. Eric naps most of the day but will party all night. He likes climbing, hiding, and eating worms.

Want to submit your pet to be featured in the monthly eNews? CLICK HERE TO ENTER YOUR PET
Pet of the Month Tips.... Keep Your Pets Safe in Your Garden this Spring!

Spring has officially sprung, and we are all eager to be able to spend some time outdoors – especially gardeners (and their pets!). But, before you get out and start tending to your garden this year, consider these helpful tips to keeping your furry friends safe outdoors during the springtime.
Make sure you plan before you plant! As pretty as they can be, there are quite a few plants that are dangerous, if not lethal, to dogs. Here are some common toxic springtime plants to be weary of before heading to the store.
  • Lilies
  • Tulips, Hyacinths and Iris
  • Daffodils
  • Certain fertilizers
If you plan on bringing a toxic plant into your home or garden, make sure that they are fenced in or blocked off to keep any snooping noses or paws away!

Read the full guide to pet gardening safety from the ASPCA here.
Lansdowne Folk Club presents: Shanna In A Dress
Thursday, June 9, 2022.
Doors open at 7:00 PM, concert begins at 7:30PM. 

All shows take place at the 20th Century Club, 84 S. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne, PA.
For more information, ticket purchases, visit our website, www.folkclub.org.

Public Borough Meetings:

Please see the Borough Calendar for a complete list of meeting locations and details.


Please look for meeting announcements as we begin to schedule live meetings. The website calendar has the most up to date information on meetings and will provide virtual attendance directions for those meetings that are still taking place virtually.


 

Lansdowne Borough Information

Borough Council
Benjamin Hover, President
Sinoe Naji-Taylor, Vice President
Kellie Bowker, Member
Robert Curry, Member
Tangela James, Member
Carol Martsolf, Member
Jayne Young, Member

Administration
Craig Totaro, Borough Manager
Mary Young, Senior Bookkeeper
Donna Lang, Treasurer
Betsy Riffert, Assistant to the Borough Manager

Mayor's Office
Magdalena Byrne, Mayor

 
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
Ken Rutherford, Chief of Police

Public Works 
Kevin Laverty, Director

Code Enforcement
Michael Jozwiak, Director, Zoning and Code Enforcement
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