A Letter from Council President, Benjamin Hover
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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As we move into the heat of Summer and the dog days of August, I, on behalf of Council, urge all members of the community to stay cool and find opportunities to check in on neighbors to be sure that all are well. If any members of the community need a cool place to be, please encourage them to go to the Lansdowne Library.
Read the full letter HERE.
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A Letter from Mayor Magda Byrne
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Hello Lansdowne,
Hope everyone is staying cool and enjoying the summer!
I wanted to spend this month talking about volunteering. If you have not heard, everything that goes on in Lansdowne happens because you all volunteer to help run them or plan them or both. However, most times we seem to get the same people volunteering for everything… so we are trying to infuse our faithful band of volunteers with some new blood. Maybe you’ve always wanted to get involved but weren’t sure where to start. Maybe you suddenly have more time. Maybe you are new to the area. Whatever the reason we would love for you to be part of the small battalion of people that help make things happen in this town!
Read the full letter HERE
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Borough Council Meeting Notes
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July 20th 2022
Borough Council Discussed:
- An application to the Certified Local Government Program
- Adjustment to the local Earned Income Tax
- An easement for the management of stormwater off the Lansdowne Theater property
- Proposed changes to the Borough website www.lansdowneborough.com
- Proposed funding for fitness apparatus in Hays Park
- The issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness for signage at 18 North Lansdowne Avenue
- The content and publishing of a statement regrading the US Supreme Court Ruling Dobbs v Jackson
- The content and publishing of a statement regarding the US supreme Court ruling on the Clean Air Act
- A request for the waiving of fees for the use of the Borough auditorium by Special Needs Advocacy
- The procurement of canopy shelters for use at Borough events
- Logistics of a collaborative event with the Bicycle Coalition on September 17th
- Logistics of the annual National Night Out on August 2nd
- A request of the LBPA for use of the Borough parking lot on September 15 th from 3pm to 10pm
- Logistics for an event in Hays Park promoting sustainable meals
Borough Council took action to:
- Authorize payment of bills for the period
- Advertise Ordinance 2022-02 regarding adjustment of fees Portnoff is authorized to charge
- Adopt Resolution 2022-29 regarding the sewer module for 12 South Wycombe Avenue
- Adopt Resolution 2022-30 regarding the sewer module for 48-50 East Baltimore Avenue
- Adopt Resolution 2022-31 regarding the sewer module for 17 South Highland Avenue
- Adopt Resolution 2022-32 to apply for a multi-modal Grant supporting Veterans Parkway
- Adopt Resolution 2022-33 regarding the size and weight of trucks
- Issue a COA to 18 North Lansdowne Avenue for signage
- To promote Officer Lassiter to Class D officer
- To promote Officer Lyons to Class C officer
- To suspend the application to the Certified Local Government Program
- To adopt changes to Lansdowne Theater easement for the management of stormwater and forgiveness of $12,158.39
- Approve the reorganization of the Borough website
- Pursue grant funding for fitness apparatus at Hays Park
- To adopt and publish the statement on Dobbs v Jackson
- To adopt and publish the statement on recent changes to the Clean Air Act
- To waive fees for the use of the Borough Auditorium by Special Needs Advocacy
- To approve the procurement of 4 canopies for (up to) $5,000
- Approve of Bicycle Coalition of Delaware Valley Bike Rally as a Borough event on September 17th
- Approve the LBPA use of the municipal lot from 3pm to 10pm on September 15th
- Approve the use of Hays Park food event contingent certification/proof by the Delaware County Board of Health
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Borough Council and Mayor's Response to Ruling
on the Clean Air Act
Dear Lansdowne Neighbors,
On June 30, 2022, the United States Supreme Court undid decades of precedent and limited the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to set standards on climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions for existing power plants with the decision in West Virginia v. the Environmental Protection Agency.
In this decision, the Court practically eliminates the federal government’s authority through the Environmental Protection Agency to set standards for pollutants like carbon dioxide from power plants under the Clean Air Act. The decision is a major setback in our nation’s critical efforts to combat climate change, specifically the goal to have zero carbon emissions from power plants by 2035 and cut in half the country's emissions by 2100.
We, the elected representatives of Lansdowne Borough, oppose this ruling by the Supreme Court. We believe that all current and future residents in Lansdowne have the right to clean air and a healthy future.
READ MORE HERE |
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Statement concerning the Supreme Court Decision on Dobbs vs. Jackson Health
On June 24, 2022, the Lansdowne community watched as the United States Supreme Court overturned 50 years of settled American law with the decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Health. In this decision, the Supreme Court rejected the idea that the Constitution guarantees women the right to have control over their reproduction and health care choices, including the right to an abortion. Furthermore, the Supreme Court ruled there would be no federal protection for a women’s right to an abortion.
We, the elected representatives of Lansdowne Borough, unequivocally denounce this ruling by the Supreme Court. We believe that all residents in Lansdowne have the right to privacy in making their medical decisions and reproductive decisions. While we on Borough Council may not all ascribe individually to all of the same values, we serve and represent the residents of Lansdowne and affirm and believe in the Constitutional rights of everyone. We will continue to uphold our oaths made to support the Constitution and laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and we will continue to advocate for the right to privacy asserted initially in the decision made almost 50 years ago in 1973 by the Supreme Court in Roe vs. Wade.
READ MORE HERE |
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The week of July 25, 2022 Aqua Pennsylvania will begin the replacement of 4,581 feet of aging 6-inch water mains with new 8-inch ductile iron water mains. Learn more here.
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The Comprehensive Planning Process began this past January, 2022, and we are looking for feedback from residents. If you have not completed the citizen feedback survey, please do!
Complete the Survey HERE
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Community Bike Ride and Walk
September 17th at 1:00 PM
On September 17th, Lansdowne Borough will host a Community Bike Ride and Walk along the Lansdowne Loop with the Delco Bike Coalition and Greater Philadelphia Bicycle Coalition. The event begins at 1:00 at Highland Avenue Parking Lot with a community celebration at the end.
Read More Here
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July 4th Parade
Mayor Magda Byrne and Lansdowne Borough Council would like to thank the many community groups and volunteers for making Lansdowne Borough's 4th of July Parade and Ceremony a success. Special thanks to Councilmember Kellie Bowker and the 4th of July Committee for a successful event.
See the event photos HERE
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Liberia Day Flag Raising
Lansdowne Borough Council and Mayor Magda Byrne would like to thank the many representatives of the Liberian community for joining in the Flag Raising to celebrate Liberian Independence Day on July 26th. Joining Mayor Magda Byrne, Council President Benjamin Hover Hover, and Vice President Sinoe Naji-Taylor were Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, County Vice Chair Elaine Schaefer, Assistant DA Selena Jones, and Representatives from Senator Tim Kearney's office and Representative Gina Hackett Hackett Curry's office. Special Thanks to Joar Dahn, Saadiq Kamara Mohammed, and Alphonse Samukai for organizing this event.
See more photos from the event HERE.
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Be part of the Mayor's Clean & Green Team!
The next town clean up for the Mayor's Clean and Green Team will be on August 7th at 11AM and will focus on the Plumstead Ave/Marshall Road area. Please meet in front of Pepper's Pharmacy.
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Mayor Magda and Lansdowne Borough Council would like to thank the community volunteers for picking up litter and cleaning up the neighborhood July 3rd in preparation for the July 4th celebrations!
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Power to the Pollinators!
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Thank you to the many community volunteers, members of the Environmental Advisory Council, and Parks and Recreation Board for a successful weeding, planting, and mulching of the Pollinator Garden in Interboro Park. View the pictures HERE
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Summer Movie Nights at Hoffman Park!
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After two years, we're back for Summer Movie Nights at Hoffman Park. This month, we'll be watching Luca on the big screen. Join us, with a blanket or chair at 8pm to enjoy a great summer evening with your neighbors. Movie starts at sundown, right around 8:30pm.
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Upcoming movies:
July 29: Finding Nemo
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New summer exercise programs are starting including Zumba, Yoga, Soul Line Dance, T'ai Chi and more. Classes starting soon!
See the website for schedules and registration
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Update to Request for Temporary Overnight Parking: Guests of Residents
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Any resident who has guests that stay overnight can get permission for those guests to park overnight on the street. The Lansdowne Police Department has a message center for Overnight Parking. Simply call 610-623-7677 to register the vehicle that will be left out overnight. Vehicles can also be registered online by clicking HERE and selecting “View Permits”.
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Lansdowne / East Lansdowne National Night Out
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National Night Out is back and it’s bigger than ever!
National Night Out, a community-police awareness-raising event, is Tuesday, August 2, 2022, in the Highland Avenue parking lot from 6 – 9 p.m.
The LBPA co-sponsors this event with the Lansdowne Police and Fire Departments. This year East Lansdowne will be joining us.
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Residents can meet local law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders; enjoy music by DJ Joe Foley; grab a bite to eat; play children’s games; and pick up swag bags and special offers from local businesses.
Get to know your neighbors, local small businesses, and Lansdowne’s emergency personnel all while having fun!
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Huge thank you to Wawa for their donation of hoagies to the police department during their annual Hoagiefest! Our local Wawa has always been a great supporter of law enforcement and we appreciate the grub!
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Smoke Alarm Safety Tips:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.
- Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
- It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
- Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
- A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
- People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
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Board, Committee and Commission News
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Seeking Candidates for Boards and Commissions
Lansdowne Borough residents are invited to volunteer on one of the borough's many boards and commissions. It's a great way to meet people AND help the community at the same time!
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Use the webform HERE to apply.
Currently, Borough Council is actively seeking candidates for the Library Board. To be considered, please apply using the form on the website. Applications will be accepted through September 30th. Learn more about the Library Board and apply here: https://www.lansdowneborough.com/206/Library-Board
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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!
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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.
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IT’S A MYTH that if you touch a baby bird, mama bird will reject it. Research shows it’s not true: if you find a baby bird, it's best to put it back in its nest. The nest with these catbird babies was knocked from a Lansdowne tree, but when humans put the whole nest in a new tree, mama catbird came right back to them! (Photos by Christine Du Bois-Buxbaum).
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Environmental Advisory Council News
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Community Party at Hays Park!
Have you ever felt like cooking a plant-based dish, but in the end decided to go with your reliable meat recipe? Here’s your chance to experiment with quality plant-based food and to bring your friends and family with you! On August 27, the Lansdowne Environmental Advisory Council is hosting a Plant-Based Food event for the whole community at Hays Park!
Read More Here
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TO SUBMIT: visit our website at www.lansdownearts.org.
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LANSDOWNE 4th of JULY — As seen in the Delaware County Daily Times
With a golden light and a cool breeze, it was a glorious morning Monday as Lansdowne Borough held its July Fourth Parade with a theme of “Growing Together Again.”
After years lost to the pandemic, residents were in a festive mood for their hometown parade. Residents celebrated being back together after the pandemic, as well as expressing love of their parks and gardens.
The festivities began on East Greenwood Avenue with residents Nancy Jan van Krieken and her daughter Beth Keats leading the parade dressed in Colonial garb and representing the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Read More Here
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Coronavirus Resources and News
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Community News and Events:
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Subscribe to the Lansdowne Link!
The Lansdowne Link is the LEDC's weekly E-newsletter. Here you'll find all you need to know about the Lansdowne Farmers Market, Utility Works, Local Events, News regarding our Central Business District (CBD) and much more!
Click here to subscribe.
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Lansdowne Economic Development Corp. wins a Townie Award for Organizational Excellence: Community Partnerships
Read More Here
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Lansdowne Farmers Market is Back!
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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!
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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.
Community Days at the Lansdowne Farmers Market
Community Day at the Lansdowne Farmers Market is held on the last Saturday of every month during the regular season. It is a chance for your local business, club, group, or other entity to get the word out about who you are and what you do. The Market draws hundreds of shoppers each Saturday, making this is a great way to reach people who live or work in the area. Applications can be found here.
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Lansdowne Borough Pet of the Month: Meet Monkey!
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Monkey is a native Lansdownian having been a rescue of the Animal Friends of Lansdowne 14 years ago. She's an excellent mouser but enjoys a banana from time to time as her name would suggest. She can usually be found soaking up the sun in her favorite window sill, twitching her tail in acknowledgment to the various remarks about what a sweet lady she is.
Want to submit your pet to be featured in the monthly eNews? CLICK HERE TO ENTER YOUR PET
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PET OF THE MONTH TIP: Hot Weather Safety Tips
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| 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 or see the infographics below. |
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Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program
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NEXT EVENT:
Saturday, September 16th
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.
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Participants must register in advance — register online or call 610-353-1555 x3. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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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.
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Lansdowne Borough Information
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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
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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
Ken Rutherford, Chief of Police
Public Works
Kevin Laverty, Director
Code Enforcement
Michael Jozwiak, Director, Zoning and Code Enforcement |
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