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July, 2021

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
Coronavirus Resources and News
Community News and Events
Lansdowne Pet of the Month
Public Borough Meetings

Borough News

A Letter from Mayor Tony Campuzano

Dear Neighbors,

I hope residents had a chance to enjoy the 4th of July parade on Saturday July 3rd.  Even though it was not as big, it still was great to have that tradition back.  I want to thank Mary Kay Bowden of the Union AA, Vice President Magda Byrne and all the volunteers for all of their hard work putting the parade together.  I want to thank everyone who was in the parade and who came out to watch.  Speaking of the Union AA, it was sad to hear that they have disbanded and are no longer going to run the 4th of July Celebration.  For over 100 years, the Union AA has brought wonderful and memorable 4th of July events each year for all Lansdowne residents to enjoy with their families.  As a past President of the Union AA, I know how much hard work, commitment of time and money it took to put on this event each year.  I want to thank all of the Union AA members past and present for their hard work in helping Lansdowne have such great memories.  I also want to thank all of the residents and businesses who every year would support the Union AA financially and also in the gift of their time.  I am sorry to see the Union AA go, but I understand that times are different and sometimes you just have to know when it is time to pass it on.  I do believe that it will be passed on to the borough starting next year.  I am confident that the borough officials will strive to continue the legacy of the Union AA and continue to have wonderful 4th of July celebrations for Lansdowne residents to enjoy.

Read more here. 

A Letter from Benjamin Hover, Council President

Dear Lansdowne neighbors,

 Hope your summer is joyous and fun! Also, Council hopes everyone stays cool and hydrated during the heat and humidity of the summer!

First of all, thank you to all of the volunteers, participants in the Parade, and residents who came out for the 4th of July Parade to join in the festivities and bring back some of our traditions after a year off from COVID quarantining. See pictures from the event here. 

Economic Development

Lansdowne Borough Council continues to see exciting economic development and improvement of amenities for all of Lansdowne. 

The Callahan Ward development being discussed at HARB on East Baltimore Avenue will bring new housing opportunities and development to the East Baltimore Corridor and support the long term vision of revitalization in underutilized lots on Baltimore Avenue. Please see the Baltimore Avenue Revitalization Plan here.

Read more here.

Borough Council Meeting Notes:

July 21, 2021

Borough Council held a public hearing regarding a Zoning Ordinance revision (2021-02) regarding Group Living Arrangements

Borough Council Discussed:
  • 2021 Paving Program
  • The Borough Treasurer
  • A new fire truck and related State / Federal Aid
  • The property 215 Maple Avenue
  • The status of the boiler in Borough Hall
  • A proposed resolution commemorating Liberia Day
  • A proposed resolution regarding Fireworks

Borough Council took action to:
  • authorize payment of bills for the period.
  • adopt Ordinance 2021-02 regarding Group Living Arrangement.
  • adopt Resolution 2021-16 terminating the Lansdowne Landing Board.
  • enter agreement with WPSD regarding a mural on Green Street.
  • ratify acceptance of the Purdue Pharma Reorganization Plan.
  • to award 2021 Paving Program Base bid and Alt. #9 and #10 to Meco Constructors.
  • to modify the expense limit for a new loader to $65,000.
  • to permit Boy Scouts to set signs in Borough Greene and the Firehouse.
  • to accept letter of resignation from Carol Brandt from the EAC.
  • adopt Resolution 2021-17 recognizing Liberian Independence Day.
  • to hire Mr. Jack Lyons as full-time patrolman Class E
  • to send funding request letter for a fire truck to Senator Williams & Rep. Scanlon.
  • to apply to PennDOT for permission to install a banner over Lansdowne Avenue.
  • to adopt Resolution 2021-18 regarding fireworks.
  • to apply to OHCD for a demolition grant for 215 Maple Avenue.
  • to adopt Resolution 2021-19 regarding an application for a PLCB special event permit.
  • to adopt Resolution 2021-20 regarding the acceptance of property from the UAA.
  • to appoint Ms. Donna Lang as Borough Treasurer
2021 Sewer Fee Refunds

All applicable sewer fee refunds due to residents and property owners for 2021 have been issued. This overcharge/refund issue mostly effected earlier Borough tax payments made generally between February and March 2021. Refund checks were issued beginning May 15; with the last batch being mailed on or about July 5. Property owners due a refund that has not been received should either call (610.955.9754) or email (taxcollector19050@gmail.com) the Borough Tax Collector’s office for more information on refund status.

Lansdowne Borough Celebrates Liberia Day

Pictured are: Joar Dahn, Darren Burrell, Darby Councilman,Tim Kearney, State Senator, Saadiq Mohamed, Jack Stollsteimer District Attorney, Joanna McClinton House Democratic Leader; Tony Campuzano, Mayor of Lansdowne; Benjamin Hover, Council President; Alphonso Samukai; Sinoe Naji-Taylor, Councilmember Lansdowne; Tangela James, Councilmember Lansdowne.

Benjamin Hover, Lansdowne Borough Council President, and Mayor Tony Campuzano presented a resolution to celebrate Liberian Independence Day in Lansdowne. Lansdowne Borough residents and distinguished guests joined the Mayor and Borough Council President on July 24, 2021. 

Read the Resolution

CLICK HERE to view video of the Liberian Independence Day Celebration in Lansdowne Borough

New Code Enforcement Officer, Dan Miller, Sworn In


Mayor Campuzano swore in the new code enforcement officer Dan Miller last week.  We welcome Dan to the Borough. He will be a great asset to the borough staff.

Jake Lyons Sworn in as Lansdowne Police Officer


Congratulations to Jake Lyons who was recently sworn in as a Lansdowne Borough Police Officer!
Pictured below: Sgt. James McCaughan, Officer Mike Kester, Mayor Tony Campuzano, new Officer Jake Lyons, Chief of Police, Kenneth Rutherford, and Officer Ron Lassiter.
Mayor Tony Campuzano presented a proclamation to Theresa Pettaway, founder of Pettaway Pursuit Foundation, here in Lansdowne at 11 Owen Ave.  They celebrated their 20th Anniversary of helping women, children and families in the surrounding areas.

July Fourth Parade

Thank you to everyone who participated in the July fourth parade. A huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped make the 4th of July Parade a memorable event! See pictures below.

Lansdowne Hometown Hero Banners 

Lansdowne Borough Council is pleased to report that the Hometown Heroes Banners are on display in our downtown. Thank you to the Albert Wunderlich Branch of American legion Post for spearheading this project.

Thank you to the Lansdowne Public Works Department for hanging them in time for the 4th of July.

Please take a look downtown and find the first phase of the Hometown Heroes banners honoring the Lansdowne fallen heroes of the First World War.

Pictured is Albert Wunderlich.



There is still time to sponsor a Hometown Hero banner!
Click here for more details.

Borough Project Updates

McKinley Tot Lot Public Meeting Update

As you may be aware the Borough has been planning and fundraising for redevelopment of the surface lot on the northeast corner of Mckinley and Wycombe Avenues unofficially titled the "Mckinley Tot Lot". The plan is to transform this municipal lot into a play-park with amenities for younger children around ages 2-5 years old.  The Borough hosted a virtual public meeting on June 28th that provided details on when the park will be built, when it will open to the public, and answered any questions about the project. To view the presentation click here.

Gateway Slope Notes

The Gateway Slope Project is underway in Lansdowne!   It will create a beautiful and welcoming “Gateway” to our wonderful town.  “Gateway Slope Notes” are notes by Parks and Recreation Board Member Carol Martsolf, who is a professional civil engineer in Pennsylvania.  In these notes, Carol shares educational updates and some basic insights so Lansdowne residents can be updated on the project. 

Gateway Slope Notes #38 – “Inlet Replacement”

The drainage/stormwater inlet at the Baltimore Ave/Scottdale Rd intersection was replaced!  It was much needed.  The existing inlet was showing a lot of signs of deterioration.  You can see the kind of traffic control that was implemented during the replacement operations as well.

Gateway Slope Notes #39 – “Path Profile”

When engineers design paths or trails, one very important element is making sure that the facility is designed to accommodate the access needs of all designated users.  One design element that is important is the “profile” of the path.  The profile shows the vertical aspect of the path - such as the grade - and it’s typically measured along the centerline of the path.  (Basically it’s “how steep” the path is.). It appears to me that the profile for this path meets ADA guidelines and provisions per the current ADA Accessibily Guidelines (ADAAG) and the Universal Access Trails and Shared Use Paths guidelines from the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association

Click here to read more. 

Police News

TRAFFIC SAFETY UPDATES

New traffic safety measures have been put into effect throughout the Borough of Lansdowne, most notably Scottdale Road, to curb speeding and various other infractions! Commerical vehicles are PROHIBITED from using Scottdale Road with the exception of local deliveries. Writing tickets is boring for us and expensive for you!! Please slow down.
Stop Sign Violation = $154
Speeding:
+ 10 mph = $174
+ 15 mph = $184
+ 20 mph = $209
+ 25 mph = $219
+ 30 mph = $244

Please also click here for information on points assigned to your license by PennDot which can affect your license status and insurance costs.
 

Board, Committee and Commission News:

Survey Shows: People in Lansdowne Care About the Environment

There is a popular bumper sticker that says, “Think globally, act locally,” and this is the bottom line from the “Lansdowne Environmental Priorities Survey” conducted by the Environmental Advisory Council.

Think globally: A large majority of survey responders put Addressing Climate Change at the top of the list of important environmental issues. Large majorities also view Conserving Energy, Improved Recycling, Air Pollution and Reduced Use of Single-use Plastic Bags as important environmental issues. About half would consider Buying an Electric Car or Installing solar panels.

Act locally: A large majority have a personal interest in Sustaining Native Plants, Birds, Pollinators and Other Wildlife. The same goes for Preserving and Creating Natural Habitats, Darby Creek Water Quality (Stormwater Management) and Enhancing Parks and Open Space.

Read More Here

Thank you to everyone who responded to the survey! 

  • The survey is still OPEN! If you would still like to participate in the survey, please CLICK HERE
  • See the survey results through July 1, 2021 HERE

Look For the EAC at the Farmer's Market


We are looking forward to talking with you. On the first and third Saturday of each month of the Farmer’s Markets, we will have a table at the end of The Landing. We have lots of literature for you, plus a fun recycling game.
We realize that Lansdowne has taken a big step in signing the Ready for 100% renewal energy by 2050 resolution. There is a copy of the resolution at the table. There are suggestions for how you as an individual can contribute to fossil fuel reduction in your life. There are suggestions for how to decrease wasteful habits. Best of all, we would like to hear from you regarding what you are doing to address our warming planet’s health.

See you there!!

From the Lansdowne Public Library

Coronavirus Resources and News:

CDC TIPS FOR TRAVELING

If you are fully vaccinated, take the following steps to protect others when you travel:

Have You Been Fully Vaccinated?

People are considered fully vaccinated*:

  • 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
  • 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

If you don’t meet these requirements, you are NOT fully vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated.

If you have a condition or are taking medication that weakens your immune system, you may NOT be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated. Talk to your healthcare provider. Even after vaccination, you may need to continue taking all precautions.

  • During Travel
    • Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and while indoors at U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. Travelers are not required to wear a mask in outdoor areas of a conveyance (like a ferry or top deck of a bus).
    • Follow all state and local recommendations and requirements, including mask wearing and social distancing.
  • After Travel
    • Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.
    • Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements.

You do NOT need to get tested or self-quarantine if you are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 3 months. You should still follow all other travel recommendations.

Click here to see more travel tips from the CDC.

DELAWARE COUNTY COVID-19 VACCINATION RESOURCES

Click Here for More Information

COVID-19 VACCINE SITES IN DELAWARE COUNTY


Click Here for Locations

For the latest  Delaware County COVID testing sites CLICK HERE.

Coronavirus Information:


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: 

Lansdowne in the News:

Philly's Franklin Fountain is bringing ice cream, frozen custard and ice cream sandwiches to Bonnie's Wonder Gardens at 233 Scottdale Road, Lansdowne, PA 19050 and was featured in the Philly Voice! Click here to learn more. FOX 29 news also featured the addition of Philly's Franklin Fountain! Click here to view the video. 
Bonnie's Wondergardens had another feature on FOX 29! Thank you, Fox 29 for highlighting the businesses and also the trails into Hoffman Park. Click here to view the segment.

Community News and Events:

Delaware County Announces the 2021 Heat Plan

Delaware County Council joined the County’s Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) and PECO on June 22 to announce the County’s 2021 Heat Plan.

COSA and the County Office of Adult and Family Services offer assistance to elderly and vulnerable residents throughout the summer. Several County programs are in place to help residents cope with hot weather and humidity which can cause dehydration and other health complications. Click here to learn more.

Lansdowne resident, Mike Moffa, displays his flag collection for July 4

Lansdowne resident, Mike Moffa, displays his flag collection for July 4
Long time Lansdowne resident and barber Mike  Moffa for the past 25 years has shown his patriotism and love for the 4th of July by displaying his collection of flags.  There are over 75 flags including the American flag, numerous state flags, different countries and some unique flags. The flag pictured is the first Navy Jack flag of the United States. The flag is still flown by the oldest ship in the US Navy. We thank Mike for being such a patriot and a great Lansdowne resident.

**NEW**
Lansdowne Borough Pet of the Month: Meet Jack!

 

Jack is a rescue dog who has been through a lot. Jack was found with one eye and had to have surgery when he was found in Philadelphia.

 

Want to submit your pet to be featured in the monthly eNews? CLICK HERE TO ENTER YOUR PET

HOT WEATHER 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 or check out the infographic below.
A Lansdowne Animal in Need of a Forever Home - Marigold
This very lovely, young kitty is a rare female ginger, and just as sweet as she is beautiful. Found as a friendly stray, dining at a kind resident’s outdoor feeding station (with no collar or chip) Marigold seems to have been cruelly abandoned to fend for herself on the streets. Click here to learn more and apply to adopt Marigold today!
Did you know that the Lansdowne Business & Professional Association's monthly meetings are open to the public?
Every second Tuesday of the month (except July and August), local business owners gather to network and exchange ideas for improving the shopping experience for customers, propose specials and promotions, and plan events for the community to enjoy.
The next meeting is Tuesday, September 14th.  Visit the LBPA Facebook page for all the details as we get closer and plan on joining us! We’d love to hear YOUR ideas!
Member businesses are welcome to host a meeting.  Please email info@shoplansdowne.com if you’re interested.
 
BAG BINGO - SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday October 2nd, 2021- Doors Open at 6pm

Bingo Starts Promptly at 7pm
Tables of 10 can be purchased for $250 ($5 savings per ticket)
Individual tickets are $30 each (Must be 21 years of age or older to attend)
10 rounds of Bingo (Bags are Tori Birch, Coach, Michael Kors and Kate Spade)
One bonus round for Michael Kors Luggage $10 to play
Plus a raffle of a $1,600 Louis Vuitton handbag. Raffle will begin for this item in mid-August, no need to be present to win!! $20 per ticket
Tickets and details will be announced on the Lansdowne Fire Co Ladies Auxiliary facebook page in August. Feel free to follow for updates. 
Farmers Market 2021 Schedule
Every Saturday, 9am to 1pm

At of the end of June, Governor Wolf has lifted the mask mandate. So masks are no longer required at the farmers market! Of course, that does NOT mean that you lose all sense of caution. Please use common sense and discretion if you are not fully vaccinated or around young children who are not yet eligible for shots. We want everyone here this year to be around next year.

Click here to see the vendors and schedule.

Sunday, October 3, 2021
12PM-6PM

Moving outside, the new Lansdowne Arts on the Avenue Festival features live music, artists, performances, demonstrations, activities for the kids, food trucks and a beer garden.

Lansdowne Arts on the Avenue is a project of Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation
32 E Baltimore Avenue
Lansdowne, PA 19050


Click here to learn more. 

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
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

 
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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