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May, 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 Benjamin Hover, Council President


Dear Lansdowne Neighbors,

Welcome to Summer! The beautiful sunshine and the many beautiful flowers help to remind us about the joy of our neighborhoods in Lansdowne.

First of all, I want to thank all of the voters who came out on Primary day to make your voices heard. And, to the superheroes of democracy who work the long hours to ensure that we have fair and free elections in Lansdowne, thank you to all of the poll workers for making democracy happen!

Economic Development

Lansdowne Borough Council continues to move forward with the development of projects to improve the amenities for Lansdowne Borough residents through strategic investments in the parks and in the walkability of our downtown. Lansdowne Borough Council voted to award a contract with the NV5 Engineering to redevelop and upgrade the Veteran’s Park and The Landing area. The design will develop ideas to upgrade our Veteran’s Memorial for the first time in decades and also to build on the pilot program of the Lansdowne Landing into the next stage of a thriving downtown community gathering space and upgrade our parking lots.  

Much progress has been made on the Lansdowne Avenue Crosswalk and Gateway Slope is currently under construction. Likewise, the survey for the Transportation Community Development Initiative is underway.

Banners

At the Council meeting on May 19th, Lansdowne Borough Council voted for the purchase of banners for Lansdowne for our entryways and our downtown. Please see the banners Council voted to approve HERE. Thank you to Hoff Communications for donating the services for several of the banners.

Similarly, Lansdowne Borough Council is supporting the  American Legion in their participation in the Hometown Heroes Program to buy banners to highlight the heroes highlighted on the Memorial in our downtown.

A Letter from Mayor Tony Campuzano

Dear Neighbors,

On May 15th we held our annual Town Wide Yard sale.  We had over 50 houses take part. The weather was beautiful.  I want to thank all the residents who signed up to hold a sale. I hope everyone did well and got rid of some stuff.  I also want to thank everyone who patronized the locations. I feel everyone enjoyed the day and Lansdowne was showcased very nicely.  Also want to thank the Buy Nothing Lansdowne group who held their event the next day so people could clear out stuff that did not sell.   

Don’t forget that on Saturday June 19th 9:00 - 12:00 at Highland Ave parking lot we are holding  our electronic recycling and shedding event.   There will be a thirty dollar charge for TV’s and computer monitors.  This event is rain or shine. I want to thank East Lansdowne for participating with us again. 

As you know there has been a lot of changes going on with the pandemic.  There have been some restrictions lifted by the CDC and the state.  These have come about because of the amount of people getting vaccinated and the cases going down. We still need to be aware of  what is going on around us. I urge everyone to get vaccinated so we can get to that 70% vaccinated goal that President Biden is trying to achieve. 

I am hoping that in the near future the borough will be putting out information about opening up some of our buildings.  As Mayor, I want to thank all of our residents who have been diligent in following the CDC recommendations during the pandemic. We are not totally out of this but at least we can see light at the of the end of the tunnel. 

Even though there will be no Memorial Day Parade this year, I do want to remind everyone why this event is held.  We should not forget that it is to remember and honor all of the brave men and women who gave their lives for our country.  We salute and thank them...
 
Read More Here

Borough Council Meeting Notes:

May, 2021


May 5th 

Borough Council discussed
  • Clifton Heights developer Ranger Properties’ proposed pedestrian bridge over the Darby Creek
  • NV5 planning and design for Veterans Park and Highland Avenue parking lot
  • The details and logistics for the 2021 July 4th Parade
  • Upcoming activity of the Lansdowne Arts Board
  • Supporting the Delaware County 911 system’s RCAP grant application
  • Suspending Historic Lansdowne Theater legal and engineering escrow fees owed to the Borough
  • The scope and cost of the 2021 Paving Program
  • Discussions with Senator Williams regarding participation in Eastern Delaware County joint activities.
  • Wreaths for the Memorial Day Parade
  • Recognition of Asian Pacific Heritage Month 
Borough Council took action to:
  • authorize the payment of bills for the period.
  • accept letter of resignation from the HARB from Mr. John Gould
  • appoint Michael Jozwiak to the HARB for a term expiring 5/5/24
  • adopt Resolution 2021-11 in application for county liquid fuels aid
  • to proceed with the 2021 Paving Program
  • to enter an agreement with the LEDC
  • to issue a letter in support of the Delaware County 911 office’s RCAP application
  • to approve LAB virtual show at 2020 House.
  • to defer HLTC escrow arrears to the date of the issuance of a building permit.
  • to procure 3 wreaths for Memorial Day/Veterans Park
  • to adopt Resolution 2021-12 acknowledging the month of May as Asian American History Month
 

May 19th

Borough Council discussed  
  • A plan for reopening various aspects of the Borough
  • The future of a proposal for a bridge over the Darby Creek.
  • The next steps with state American Rescue Plan funding opportunities  
  • Revisions to the Borough Code controlling group homes
  • A resolution recognizing LGBTQIA month
  • A resolution recognizing the celebration of Juneteenth Day.
  • Various Certificates of Appropriateness
  • Automobile speeding on both Plumstead and Owen Avenues
  • A proposal for procuring a police vehicle
  • Next steps with a plan for telephone pole banners in the commercial districts of the Borough  
Borough Council took action to:
  • authorize payment of bills for the period.
  • advertise and forward to county planning and zoning Ord.2021- 01 regarding Group Homes
  • adopt Resolution 2021-13 recognizing LGBTQIA month
  • adopt Resolution 2021-14 recognizing the celebration of Juneteenth Day
  • issue a Certificates of Appropriateness for 48 East Baltimore Avenue
  • issue a Certificates of Appropriateness for 10 North Lansdowne Avenue
  • issue a Certificates of Appropriateness for 12 North Lansdowne Avenue
  • issue a Certificates of Appropriateness for 16 North Lansdowne Avenue
  • issue a Certificates of Appropriateness for 23-25 North Lansdowne Avenue
  • issue a Certificates of Appropriateness for 24 East Baltimore Avenue
  • procure 16 banners
  • allow Legion 65 to install banners on Borough Poles
  • enter an agreement with NV5 for professional design services: Veterans and Highland Lots
  • to initiate traffic study for east Plumstead and Owen Avenues
  • to procure vehicle from Folcroft Borough for an amount not to exceed $10,000
  • to open basketball and tennis courts
  • to open Borough Hall for administrative employees June 30th
  • to open Borough Hall for business customers July 26th
  • to suspend July and August Business meetings
  • to open the police department for all weekday public business June 1st
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.

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
Borough Council passed a resolution declaring June as LGBTQIA Pride Month and will raise the Pride flag at Lansdowne Borough Hall on the first day of the month of June.

Read the Resolution

Participate in the Eastern Delco Bicycle Survey

Lansdowne Borough was awarded technical assistance from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s (“DVRPC”) Safe Routes to Transit Program. The program is a competitive technical assistance program periodically offered to municipalities in Greater Philadelphia that are interested in enhancing pedestrian and bicycle access to transit stations. As part of this program, DVRPC facilitated a meeting with representatives from Lansdowne Borough and Delaware County on April 8, 2019 to discuss pedestrian and bicycle access issues and opportunities around SEPTA’s Lansdowne Regional Rail Station. 

You can participate! Lansdowne residents are encouraged to take the Bicycle Planning Survey

The goal of this study is to identify regional bicycle connections through Upper Darby, Lansdowne, East Lansdowne, and Yeadon. Bicycle facilities help to promote public health and create non-motorized connections between people and trails, parks, schools, transit sites, and other key areas. Your feedback will be vital in helping the project team determine major destinations in the region, bicycle routes that are appropriate, safe, and accessible, and what improvements could be made to these and other potential bicycle routes to increase safety and encourage cycling.

Take the Survey
The next Bicycle Facilites Planning Meeting will be held on
Tuesday, May 25th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
The meeting is VIRTUAL
See the details HERE

Electronic Recycling Day

Lansdowne Borough is proud to offer local residents the opportunity to responsibly recycle obsolete electronics and bring documents to be shredded on Saturday, June 19, 2021. This service is available to all residents and small businesses with fewer than 50 employees.
  • Electronics will be recycled by eForce Compliance, Philadelphia's first Certified Responsible Recycler.
  • We will accept all electronic devices with a plug, NO SMOKE DETECTORS, LARGE APPLIANCES or PROJECTION TVs will be accepted. Coupon of equal or greater value provided for all TVs or monitors charged.
  • Fees for Recycling: $30 fee per TV or computer monitor $100 per wooden console TV $10 per microwave, dehumidifier, air conditioner
  • ACCEPTED ELECTRONIC ITEMS INCLUDE: Laptops, Computers, Peripherals, Mice, Typewriters, Small Appliances, Telephones, Fax Machines, Cameras, Keyboards, Cell Phones, Printers, Calculators
  • All Data Media Will Be Destroyed or Wiped!
  • Click here to learn more. 

Thank You to Everyone Who Participated in the Town Wide Yard Sale!

Mayor Tony and his grandson, Colin Mattero, checking out the sales...
Mayor Tony presented a proclamation to Dave, Donna and their daughters Saturday May 22, 2021 on their 35th Anniversary for Travers Food Market on Shadeland Ave in Lansdowne. 

Sponsor a World War I Veteran Recognition Banner!



The Lansdowne American Legion Post 65 is asking local businesses and individuals to sponsor
a World War I Veteran Recognition Banner

These banners will recognize the 12 Lansdowne men who’s names are on the Lansdowne WWI Monument and will be displayed on the lampposts in downtown Lansdowne. 
The cost of producing and mounting a banner is $200.
If you are interested in sponsoring a banner you can fill out the online form here and the American Legion will contact you or forward your payment of $200 directly to:
 
American Legion Post 65
PO Box 728
Lansdowne, PA 19050

 
Checks should be made out to "Lansdowne American Legion Post 65". Please note in the memo portion of the check the word "banner". Present intentions are to have the banners in place by 4th of July
Read More Here


Lansdowne Banners

 
 

At the Council meeting on May 19th, Lansdowne Borough Council voted for the purchase of banners for Lansdowne for our entryways and our downtown. A sample of the banner is provided at left.

Thank you to Hoff Communications for donating the services for several of the banners.

Arbor Day Celebration

April 30, 2021

Lansdowne Borough "Painted Lansdowne Pink" this past Arbor Day by planting native redbud trees throughout the borough. 

Lansdowne Borough celebrated Arbor Day with students from Lansdowne Friends School joining with Mary Lou Jennings of the Shade Tree Commission and Mayor Campuzano to deliver the Arbor Day Proclamation and plant several redbud trees at Sycamore Park.

The tree planting at Penn Wood High School was coordinated by Junior Councilmember Nhaomi Lartey. Pictured with students from Penn Wood High School are Assistant Principal Robert Curry, and School Board President Jennifer Hoff.

Students enjoyed helping with the Tree Planting at Ardmore Avenue Elementary School as well.  Principal Raqueebah Burch stated, "Happy Arbor Day! I just wanted to thank you for including us in the Redbud tree project. It was a wonderful opportunity for our school community.  Some of our students planted the two trees in the front of our building. We look forward to watching them bloom and will be sure to care for them appropriately. It is a learning experience for our students." See pictures below:

Many thanks to all who volunteered at the event!
Read More Here

Borough Project Updates

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 #16:  Survey Stakes are Here!!
 
So, it’s now getting exciting!  The surveyors staked out the control points and benchmarks!  Remember we discussed survey markers in Gateway Slope Note # 6?  There are a lot of them out there now, but marked with a stake and a ribbon so they can be seen more easily with all the grass and ground cover.  These survey markers are not to be disturbed as they are for future and repeated reference.  This is to ensure the built project will match the construction plans!  Let’s take a look and see what they are!  You can see the pictures to decipher some of them.  Some are benchmarks, which are survey markers that indicate elevation.  Some are referencing horizontal curvature as PC (point of curve) and PT (point of tangent) are written on the stakes.  (Survey markers are metal driven steel pins.  The stakes are right next to them.) The proposed pedestrian path will have some straight sections but also some curves.  There will also be walls - straight and on curves.  This is such an exciting part of the project as these survey control points will be referenced throughout the project to ensure accurate measurements! #GatewaySlopeNotes

View all the Gateway Slope Notes HERE

Police News

Thank you to HVAC Elite Group LLC for dropping off three cases of water for the officers! 
Thank you, Mayor Tony Campuzano, Council President Ben Hover and Council Vice President Magda Byrne for providing lunch this week for the Lansdowne Police.
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 to learn more grilling safety tips. 

Board, Committee and Commission News:

Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) News

Lansdowne Borough Hall HVAC System has Been Upgraded

The new system can modulate the temperature across all rooms and times of day. This control allows users to optimize the climate both comfort and energy efficiency. The primary upgrade to the system is a controller, effectively the brain of the system. The brain combined with sensors throughout the building, allows heating and air conditioning to be zoned to fit the individual usage pattern of each room, which are very different. For example, the Police Department is always staffed and needs climate control 24/7; other staff and occupants are primarily present during daytime work hours Monday-Friday with some variation for meetings on weekday evenings. No need to heat and cool these rooms when they are not in use. The savings in energy costs are expected to be substantial.

This project is part of Lansdowne’s Clean Energy Initiative, which seeks to fight climate change and save money throughout the Borough by relying on electricity from wind and solar, combined with greater energy efficiency.  Municipal projects such as the new “brain” are leading the way.
 
Read More Here
Have you taken the Environmental Advisory Council Survey?
We're looking for feedback on environmental issues that are important to you!
Take the Survey

From the Lansdowne Public Library

A Lansdowne Story Walk for Spring 2021!
 
The Lansdowne Library and the Lansdowne Business and Professional Association (LBPA) are teaming up to produce another progressive story in the Central Business District of our Borough. Our featured book is Two Blue Jays by Anne Rockwell and illustrated by Lansdowne’s own Megan Halsey. The laminated pages along with a map of the route will be displayed in the windows of our participating businesses from Saturday, May 1 through Wednesday, June 30, 2021. Stroll through our town and read the story! And, patronize our businesses who are sponsoring this community event! Complete your "find the word" activity page as you read the story and submit it to the library to be entered into a drawing for Longwood Gardens ticket vouchers! 
Look on www.shoplansdowne.com and https://www.lansdownelibrary.org for more details.
Dear Lansdowne Borough,

As the Friends of the Lansdowne Library begin our annual membership drive, we understand how the pandemic has reshaped our lives, and we hope you are well and coping with the challenges. We are so happy that the Lansdowne Public Library staff has been responding with creative solutions every day in order to get you the books and resources you need, despite the library building being closed.

I look forward to the day we fully reopen our building and we can all enjoy our public library the way we used to. The Friends ask you to consider a generous gift to help us support the Library’s plans to offer a vibrant array of programing to keep our community entertained and informed. These include the popular children’s summer reading program, outdoor activities including story walks and engaging adult programs featuring local experts.

We all benefit from living in a community that loves its library. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we rely on our old friends and encourage new friends to help us provide the extras that keep Lansdowne Public Library a vibrant destination for our community.

Please, we need your help. Make your contribution today. We and your library community are deeply grateful for your continued support.

Helen Bowes, President

Click Here to Donate Online
Click Here for a Paper Donation Form

Coronavirus Resources and News:

CDC GUIDELINES FOR VACCINATED INDIVIDUALS

If you’ve been fully vaccinated:

  • You can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic.
  • You can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
  • If you travel in the United States, you do not need to get tested before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel.
  • You need to pay close attention to the situation at your international destination before traveling outside the United States.
    • You do NOT need to get tested before leaving the United States unless your destination requires it.
    • You still need to show a negative test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding an international flight to the United States.
    • You should still get tested 3-5 days after international travel.
    • You do NOT need to self-quarantine after arriving in the United States.
  • If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms.
    • However, if you live or work in a correctional or detention facility or a homeless shelter and are around someone who has COVID-19, you should still get tested, even if you don’t have symptoms.
Click here to learn more. 
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: 

Community News and Events:

**NEW** Lansdowne Borough Pet of the Month

Pet of the Month: Meet Layla!
Layla loves to welcome her neighbors into the yard to play except the squirrels!
Happy Birthday to Layla! She just turned one!

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

CLICK HERE TO ENTER YOUR PET

The Top 10 Male and Female Pet Names of 2020


Throughout 2020, the veterinarians at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) helped over 370,590 animals. During this time, they kept records of each and every case and at the end of the year, rounded up the records and pulled together both the top 10 male and female pet names they received calls about in 2020. See if your pet’s name made the rankings below!

We are happy to announce the return of the July 4th parade to Lansdowne!

This event has taken place for over 100 years in Lansdowne and we are very excited that we are able to bring it back this year.

Due to the 4th falling on a Sunday the parade will be held on Saturday July 3rd at 9AM with a rain date of Monday July 5th.

Marchers, groups of marchers, floats and bikes are all welcome to participate.

If you are interested in participating in the parade or helping as a Parade Marshall, please contact Mary Kay Bowden at mkbowden2@gamil.com or by calling 610-733-4863.

We are cautiously optimistic that we can have this event and still keep everyone safe so MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL PARADE PARTICIPANTS AND SPECTATORS. We are hoping everyone will be mindful of their neighbors and continue to social distance. 

We Thank You in advance for your cooperation.

The South Side of Lansdowne is hopping with new businesses and an evening shopping event once a month. South Side Thursday in the South Lansdowne Avenue Business District continues on Thursday, May 27, 2021 from 4-7 p.m. Shops will be open late so the LBPA encourages you to stroll the Avenue and support local businesses.

And while you’re shopping the Central Business District or any of our Lansdowne business districts, please remember to keep Lansdowne clean. Don’t drop as you shop. Let’s make it a litter free Lansdowne by placing trash in curbside receptacles. When we beautify our business districts, we beautify our town!

Click here to learn more about the Lansdowne Business and Professional Association. 

The Lansdowne Farmers Market Opening Day: 
Saturday, May 29th, 9am - 1pm.

The weekly farmers markets are back at the Municipal Lot, 30 N. Lansdowne Avenue, starting on May 29th and continuing through Halloween.  Lots of new vendors along with your favorites.  For more information, list of vendors, and a schedule, visit our website.

Delaware County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event:

On the event dates listed below, ONLY household hazardous waste will be accept:

  • Sat., June 12th: Rose Tree Park
  • Sat., Sept 18th: Emergency Services Training Center
  • Sat., Oct 16th: Upper Chichester Township Municipal Building

All events will be by appointment only. Registration is required. Click here to learn more. 

Farmers Market 2021 Schedule
Opening Day - May 29th
9am-1pm

Regular Season - May 29th - October 30th
Every Saturday, 9am to 1pm

Click here to see the vendors and schedule.

Watercolor Botanicals
Wednesday June 16th
6:00-9:00 PM

 

This class is intended for all artists of any skill level, including those who have always wanted to try watercolor for the first time.
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 in the near future. The website calendar will provide virtual attendance directions for those meetings that are taking place virtually until further notice.


 

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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