A Letter from Benjamin Hover, Council President
To all of our Lansdowne Friends and Neighbors, Happy Spring!
As we move into Spring and the flowers begin to blossom and the birds begin to sing, Lansdowne Borough has many reasons to celebrate.
Over two years ago, the Mayor and Council were deliberating over the hard choices caused by COVID—closing buildings, suspending programs, and worried that the rejuvenation of Lansdowne would be stalled by the losses of revenues and possible hardships caused by the shutdown of our communities.
Because of the decrease in COVID numbers, Lansdowne Borough is opening back up with events and we are fully opening buildings with a return to in person meetings.
Likewise, several events are occurring in Lansdowne that are the realization of long-term visions and teamwork between numerous community leaders in Lansdowne.
READ MORE HERE.
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A Letter from Mayor Byrne
Hello Lansdowne!!
I think it is safe to say that Spring is finally making its grand entrance! I sure did miss the mild temperatures and the sunny days. As we slowly make our way out of the pandemic, I would like to encourage everyone to please take some time to get out, visit our parks, patronize our local restaurants and businesses, and just enjoy each other’s company! It’s been too long.
With spring comes spring cleaning! While you take some time to freshen for the new season, please remember to also maintain your outside spaces. Keeping our front yards and streets clean helps us keep Lansdowne beautiful. Recently 2 residents reached out about trash in their neighborhood so I have asked the Community Relations Committee to partner with me to help organize some spring clean ups around town. This is still in the very early stages of planning, but please stay tuned to the newsletter and social media for updates.
READ MORE HERE.
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Borough Council Meeting Notes:
March 2nd 2022
Borough Council discussed:
- A police department accreditation program
- Transportation Options Grant opportunity
- Conducting a space-facilities planning effort
- Policy and practice of social media
- A practice and policy for the solicitation of volunteers
- An agreement with the LEDC controlling the use of borough property for its 2022 Farmers Market
- Sponsoring a mental health event in Hoffman Park
- The Certified Local Government Program
Borough Council took action to:
- Authorize payment of bills for the period
- Enter agreement with Delaware County for a grant support of the demolition of 43 S. Lansdowne Avenue
- Extend an offer of employment to Ryan Dougherty as property maintenance Inspector
- Promote officers Miller, Craig, Kester, and McGowan to the rank of Sergeant
- Adopt Resolution 2022-11 authorizing the purchase of 20 East Baltimore Avenue
- Adopt Resolution 2022-12 Recognizing Autism Awareness Day
- Adopt Resolution 2022-13 supporting free Ukrainian people
- Waive fees for two mental health events in Hoffman (pending dates) in March and May
- Waive fees for the 20th CC at 9-10 am on April 2nd and April 9th
On March 16, 2022
Borough Council discussed:
- Proposed designs for Veterans Parkway
- An agreement for the use of Borough property by the LEDC for the 2022 Farmers Market season.
- Adoption of a Police Use of Force Policy
- A process for achieving Police Department Accreditation
- Applying for status as a Certified Local Government
- A resolution for recognition of Fair Housing Month 2022
- Standards for processing information through electronic medium/media.
- Logistics and Borough participation in the Delaware County Sustainability Conference
- A resolution for recognition of April as Diversity Month
- Logistics for conducting a Steam Festival in 2022
- A proposal to solicit ideas for the naming of the proposed Mckinly Tot Lot
- A resolution recognizing Earth Day 2022
- A proposed resolution limiting the use of plastic bags
- Logistics and next steps with conducting and organizing a Fourth of July Parade
Borough took action to:
- Authorize payment of bills for the period.
- Enter agreement with United Public Safety for remote automated parking ticket system
- Issue Certificate of Appropriateness # 2022-01 for 18-20 North Lansdowne Avenue for window lettering signage
- Issue Certificate of Appropriateness # 2022-02 for 16 North Lansdowne Avenue for window lettering signage
- To promote Officer Michael Oulouhojian to Class “D” Patrol Officer
- To enter agreement with the LEDC modifying the existing Farmers Market Agreement
- To adopt Resolution 2022-14 in recognition of April as Diversity Month 2022
- To adopt Resolution 2022-15 recognizing April as Fair Housing Month 2022
- To adopt Resolution 2022-16 recognizing Earth Day 2022
- To adopt Police Use of Force Policy
- To appoint Mr. William Horton to the ZHB
- To appoint Hannah Pavlo as Borough Secretary
- To procure a shade tent and allow for use of tent by the EAC at Farmers Markets in 2022
- To authorize the EAC to represent the Borough at the 2022 Delco Sustainability Conference.
- To authorize EAC to generate social media posts pertaining to Lansdowne’s status as a Bird Town USA
- To authorize the Park and Recreation Board to coordinate with the WPSD for Tot Lot naming contest\
- To advance the revised (2nd) design for Veterans Parkway
- To make an offer of employment to Mr. Charles David Wise as PMI.
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Lansdowne Borough Resolutions:
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On February, 16th Lansdowne Borough Council passed a Resolution honoring Irish American Heritage Month and Irish American Contributions to Lansdowne. Click here to read the resolution.
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Lansdowne Borough Council passed a resolution honoring the contributions of women throughout history and asking Lansdowne residents to share their stories about women who have helped shape history in Lansdowne, the state or the country.
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Submit your Women's History Month Heroine HERE
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Meet Mrs. Phyllis Little
Phyllis Little served as secretary to borough manager, Mr. Bob Robinson for twenty years and was selected as the first female Lansdowne Health Officer in the mid-1970's.
Submit your own Women's History Month Heroine using the website form HERE
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Credit: Thank you to Mr. Tom Little for sharing his mother's story with us for the "Lansdowne Borough Women's History Month Heroine" feature. "She was an early female employee of the Borough and really made a positive impact in the community", states Mr. Little.
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Meet Lucy Biddle Lewis
Lucy Biddle Lewis (1861-1941) was a Quaker peace activist in the first half of the 20th century. Lewis lived at 504 S. Lansdowne Ave. in 1910 with her family. In 1915 Lucy traveled to attend a European peace conference and helped found the US Chapter of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.
Submit your own Women's History Month Heroine using the website form HERE
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Credit: Thank you to Wendy Chmielewski for submitting Lucy Biddle Lewis as a "Women in History Heroine"
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Lansdowne Borough Council unanimously voted to support the Ukrainian people in resisting the aggression and invasion by Russia. A resolution was passed at the Borough Council Meeting on March 2nd. Read More Here
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Lansdowne Borough Council passed a resolution honoring businesses and professionals in the community whose work supports those with Autism and will be raising the flag of Autism Awareness on the Borough Greene on April 2nd, World Autism Awareness Day. Read More Here
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Lansdowne Borough Council passed a resolution honoring April as Fair Housing Month and committing to further training in Fair Housing for Councilmembers, staff members, and appointed officials of our Boards and Commissions. View the resolution here.
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Lansdowne Borough Council continued the commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with passage of the Diversity Month Resolution for April. Click here to view the resolution.
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Utility Works MakerSpace/Penn State Brandywine LaunchBox Ribbon Cutting
The Utility Works MakerSpace / Penn State Brandywine LaunchBox ribbon cutting was fantastic! Thanks to all the speakers and everyone who attended. The MakerSpace is now fully open and they have office and equipment memberships available. https://brandywine.launchbox.psu.edu/ for more details! See pictures from the event below.
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On April 23rd, Lansdowne Borough and several of Lansdowne Boards including the Environmental Advisory Council, Parks and Recreation Board, and Shade Tree Commission will celebrate with numerous community partners including the Nile Swim Club, the Boy Scouts of America (and Cub), Girl Scouts, Nile Swim Club, Bethel AME, Habitat for Humanity, Lansdowne Public Library, State Senator Anthony Williams and our State Representative Gina Hackett Curry in planting pollinator plants and trees at Interboro Park and creating bird boxes and celebrating Lansdowne's Birdtown status. Learn more here.
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You may already be familiar with the many public parks, greenspaces and street trees that add to the beauty of Lansdowne. To learn more about the Parks and Recreation Department, we spoke with Erica Sollberger, Director of Parks and Recreation since 2010. “Before I interviewed for the director position, I had done some hikes around Lansdowne, and noticed that there were a lot of newly-planted shade trees. The borough’s obvious commitment to expanding tree cover and improving greenspaces really drew me to Lansdowne.”
As Director of Parks and Recreation, Erica manages the design, installation and maintenance of borough parks, greenspaces, and street trees. She works closely with a nine-person volunteer board, appointed by Borough Council. The Parks and Recreation Board identifies maintenance priorities, makes spending recommendations, reviews recreation programming, and plans events throughout the season. In the spring, the board hosts an annual egg hunt. In the summer, movie nights are held in the parks, and in September there is a Park Day event, held at Hoffman Park. Learn more here.
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April 11-15 is National Work Zone Awareness Week
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National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. The key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones. NWZAW will be held April 11-15 this year. Learn more about National Work Zone Awareness Week here.
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Borough Planning & Project Updates
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Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Launches Citizen Survey
You are invited to participate in the Comprehensive Plan process! Complete the Citizen Survey - we value your feedback! The survey closes MARCH 30th.
Take the survey below by clicking the link below.
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Save the Date:
On April 8th at 4:00, Lansdowne Borough Council will officially open Gateway Slope Park and celebrate the fulfillment of a long term vision of Lansdowne Borough Council. In particular, Lansdowne Borough Council will dedicate the trail to past Council President Norman “Marty” Council who advocated almost 20 years ago for the purchase of the property to provide a beautification to the entryway into Lansdowne. All Lansdowne residents are invited to the event. Read more about Gateway Slope Park in the “Gateway Slope Notes” HERE.
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Gateway Slope Notes
Gateway Slope Notes #65 - “Stamped Asphalt is Here!! Sunshine is near!”: At the Gateway Slope Plaza, the stamped asphalt has been set! I have never seen stamped asphalt constructed in person….I missed seeing it while it was being constructed but the result looks fabulous! Did any of you see it? While the asphalt is freshly laid and still steaming hot and malleable, a stamping template on a plate is compacted into the asphalt, in a series of repeated patterns. It’s such a neat process! The pattern is a beautiful compass with an edging of creative brick-inspired markings. It’s a rich charcoal gray color. See you at the Compass! #GatewaySlopeNotes
Learn more here.
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Lansdowne Public Library In Service Training
Chief Ken Rutherford - Lansdowne Police , Officer Michael Miller and Officer Jon McGowan were invited to speak at the Lansdowne Public Library In-Service training. Topics included Narcan, active shooters, and when to call 911. Thank you for the hospitality and dedication to ensuring the residents receive excellent service!
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Thanks to Mr. Stephen Poyser for providing lunch on March 2nd. Although not necessary, we thank you for your support!!!
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Changing your clocks is also a good time to test your smoke alarms. Be sure to change replaceable batteries if needed.
LEARN MORE HERE.
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Board, Committee and Commission News
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Many Ways to Celebrate Arbor Day
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National Arbor Day is Friday, April 29, 2022. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the tree planting holiday. While most holidays celebrate something that has already happened and is worth remembering, Arbor Day represents a hope for the future.
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The simple act of planting a tree represents a belief that the tree will grow to provide us with clean air and water, cooling shade, habitat for wildlife, healthier communities, and endless natural beauty, all for a better tomorrow.
Led by the Lansdowne Shade Tree Commission, with help from the Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments, over 500 trees have been planted in Lansdowne by homeowners, volunteers, and borough staff since Fall 2010. Lansdowne Borough has been a Tree City USA community award recipient for over 25 years.
Read more here.
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From the Lansdowne Public Library
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Make a Spring Wreath!
Monday, March 28 @ 7:00 PM
Basement of the Twentieth Century Club
Join us for an evening of camaraderie and creativity!
Learn more here.
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LAB is back (in-person!!!) with the introduction of our Fiber Arts club!! If you like to quilt, knit, crochet or embroider, join us on the first and third Thursdays of each month in the basement of the Twentieth Century Club (84 S. Lansdowne Ave), starting April 7th! Bring work in-progress or start something new. All ages and experience levels welcome. We're so excited to see you :)
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Lansdowne Arts Board Celebrates Lansdowne Artists During Women's History Month
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Mona Iannaccone
Mona is interested in a simplicity and elegance in her artwork. Whether it is a stylized ink brush line, and watercolor wash, a simple graphite line of fabric and form for a fashion illustration, or a modern, illustrative design, she strives to convey expression and form in minimal lines or shapes.
Read More Here
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Nancy Catallo
Nancy Catallo has been a Lansdowne resident for the past 30 years. "Painting carries me through the day," says the artist. "It opens my eyes and mind to the possibilities and the joy of everyday objects." Catallo also describes herself as "originally a watercolorist, turning to oils over 30 years ago. Mainly a figurative painter; now concentrating on still life and landscapes."
Read More Here
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Lansdowne Borough in the News
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The Lansdowne Theater was featured by WHYY Philadelphia
‘One of the last theaters from Hollywood’s Golden Age’: Lansdowne Theater eyes a 2023 return
Read More Here
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Coronavirus Resources and News
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Delaware County Implements Updated Mask Guidance
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Delaware County Government is implementing new COVID-19 mask guidance, effective Tuesday, March 1, 2022, that relaxes mask requirements for fully vaccinated* individuals. Masks are no longer required for County employees and members of the public inside County-operated facilities who are fully vaccinated, with the exception of employees who have direct contact with the public; those engaged in custodial care and health-related positions and visitors to those locations. Learn more here.
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A Message From the Delaware County Council:
March 6 marked two years since the COVID-19 pandemic first affected our community. On March 6, 2020, the first case of COVID-19 in the state was reported in Delaware County. It was a day that would be the beginning of devastating impacts across our entire community.
Tragically, in the past 2 years, Delaware County has lost over 1,800 people due to the virus. These are our family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and members of our community. During the pandemic, many family members and friends were not able to say goodbye to their loved ones due to public health concerns or travel restrictions, causing even more pain during an already difficult time of grieving.
Delaware County Council extends our deepest condolences to those who have lost a loved one to the COVID-19 pandemic.
READ MORE HERE.
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Community News and Events:
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Announcing the Approval of the Delaware County Health Department! Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon announced the official approval of the Delaware County Health Department at the County’s Board of Health meeting on March 3.
The County received the Certificate of Approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Health stating that the Delaware County Health Department is ready to exercise its powers and duties. Learn more here.
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Delaware County Sustainability Conference!
VEGAN, ZERO WASTE, FREE ADMISSION
April 21, 2022 9 AM to 4:30 PM
The Sustainability Commission is "walking our talk" and making this conference free admission (equitable and accessible), vegan, zero waste! And there will be special free public transportation to the event (no cars necessary!).
Sign up as soon as you can! Learn more here.
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The Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF), administered by Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), supports homeowners in the Commonwealth who were financially impacted due to the pandemic.
These assistance programs help homeowners prevent mortgage delinquencies, default, foreclosure, displacement, and utility disconnection. The maximum amount of assistance for any homeowner under the PAHAF is $30,000 or up to 24 months of assistance.
Click here to learn more.
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Calling all Centenarians- You’re Invited to a Celebration on May 16!
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Delaware County is searching for centenarians to be honored at its annual Centenarian Luncheon being held on Monday, May 16, 2022. Residents turning 100 or older in 2022 are welcome to attend the Centenarian Luncheon at the Drexelbrook Banquet Center in Drexel Hill. The organization or facility that brings the most centenarians to the luncheon will receive a cash prize. For more information or to register to attend the luncheon, please contact Debbie Hedgepeth at (610) 872-1406. Learn more here.
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Volunteers are needed to coach and provide other support. Email us at info@lansdownebgc.org to sign up or with any questions. We're also looking for volunteers to help revive our Fall soccer program - email soccer@lansdownebgc.org to learn more.
As always, donations to support LBGC and its programs are welcome. Donate here. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, email us at info@lansdownebgc.org.
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Lansdowne Borough Pet of the Month: Meet Lola!
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Chief Rutherford and his family fostered Lola in January of 2020 and she has been with them since then. She was found as a pup in a dumpster in Virginia and made it all the way to the Rutherford family in Pennsylvania. She turned 2 years old in November of 2021 and is a mixed breed.
Learn more here.
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Want to submit your pet to be featured in the monthly eNews? CLICK HERE TO ENTER YOUR PET
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Apply. Pay. Print. and your dog is legal on the spot.
Purchase an annual dog license online with a credit/debit card or echeck. After completion of payment, a proof of license can be printed and the license and tag will be mailed to you the following business day. (There is a convenience fee of $2.00 that is charged by the credit card processor.)
Print the annual dog license application and mail in along with payment. Mail payment to:
Delaware County Treasurer's Office, Attn: Dog License
201 West Front Street, Media, PA 19063
For purchases of any license by check when the County is the payee, make checks payable to "Delaware County Treasurer".
Learn more here.
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Pet of the Month Tips: Pet Safe Treats
We love showing our furry friends just how much we love them with a few treats! And don’t worry, cat parents, your feline friends can participate in the fun, too!
Whether you plan to bake something for your pet, give them their favorite biscuit, or just give them a bite of your snack, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has made it easy to remember which human foods are safe, and which are unsafe for your pet. View the graphic below to make sure that you are spoiling your pet with the right ingredients!
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Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation
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CALL FOR CREATIVES!
Join us for Lansdowne’s Arts on the Avenue Festival on Sunday October 2nd 2022. 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. CREATIVES APPLY HERE.
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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 HERE.
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Did you know that March is Women’s History Month? Show your support for the many women-owned businesses in town by shopping with them. You can easily find out which businesses are owned by women by checking out the Directory tab at shoplansdowne.com.
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NEXT CONCERT:
SUNDAY MARCH 27at 3PM
We regret that we have needed to pause activities to protect the health and safety of the orchestra during this early-January Coronavirus-19 surge, leading to the cancellation of our February concert.
Learn more about the rest of our concert season here.
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Lansdowne Folk Club Presents:
March 24, 2022: ilyAIMY
All shows take place at the 20th Century Club, 84 S. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne, PA. For more information and ticket purchases, visit our website here.
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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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