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November, 2022
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Coronavirus Updates
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TOWNSHIP NEWS

Dear West Goshen Residents and Business Owners,

As the year end approaches, we are all busy preparing for the upcoming Holiday season and working to complete items on our 2022 To Do list. In that vein, the Township staff and Board of Supervisors are currently deep into the financial planning process for 2023.
This month I want to highlight a critical issue relating to our 2023 Budget….Public Safety. Our local fire companies and EMS agency have experienced an extraordinary increase in service calls this year, principally as a result of hospital/EMS agency closures in southern Chester County. This demand surge has been coupled with the effects of a decline in volunteers (a decades-long problem in Pennsylvania), and increases in responder personnel expenses plus other operating costs. The result is a funding crisis for our Basic and Advanced Life Support service providers.

Read the full letter HERE.

Board of Supervisors Meeting Notes:

November 1, 2022

  • The Board granted final approval of an amended subdivision/land development plan for 829 Paoli Pike.
  • The Board heard a presentation from West Chester Communities That Care.
  • The Board authorized the advertisement of the Township’s updated Pollution Reduction Plan for public comment.
  • The Board heard a presentation from Carroll Engineering Corporation on the status of the Stormwater Feasibility Study being undertaken for specific areas of the Township.
  • The Board heard a presentation from Carroll Engineering Corporation and Keystone Engineering Group on the results of the electrical study completed for the Municipal Complex.
  • The Board heard a presentation from the West Chester Area Clean Energy Future.
  • The Board adopted Ordinance No. 6-2022, amending the Township’s Zoning Ordinance.
  • The Board discussed a proposed amendment to the Township’s Zoning Ordinance to permit assisted living and miniwarehouse/self-storage facilities in the C-3 zoning district.
  • The Board awarded the contract for independent auditing services to BBD, LLC.
  • The Board approved a proposal for the installation of wayfinding signage for the West Goshen Township Police Department.
  • The Board adopted Resolution 20-2022.
  • The Board appointed Charles Creighton as an alternate member to the Pension Committee. 

November 15, 2022

  • The Board heard a presentation regarding a Zoning Hearing Board for 820 E. Washington Street.
  • The Board approved a waiver of land development for Teva Pharmaceuticals for the installation of a vestibule.
  • The Board authorized the submission of a proposed amendment to the Township’s Zoning Ordinance to the Chester County Planning Commission for review.
  • The Board authorized the advertisement of a proposed amendment to the Township’s Zoning Ordinance in order to permit an Historic Inn in the R-3B Flexible Design Conservation District Zone C.
  • The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement with the West Goshen Police Officers’ Association.
  • The Board authorized the advertisement of the 2023 Preliminary Budget.
  • The Board approved a proposed from Carroll Engineering Corporation for the preparation and submittal of a PA Small Water & Sewer Grant application.
  • The Board authorized the advertisement of a proposed ordinance to establish a Volunteer Service Tax Credit program under Act 172 of 2016.
  • The Board approved the 2022 Senior Citizen Trash & Sewer Rebate Program.
  • The Board awarded the Natural Deicing Liquid Bid to Waverly Industries.
  • The Board awarded the 2023 Fuel Bid to Riggins, Inc.  

West Goshen Township Board of Supervisors Meetings on YouTube

The monthly meetings of the West Goshen Township Board of Supervisors are livestreamed and made available on the Township’s YouTube channel. This is an option for members of the community who want to be informed on what is happening in the Township, but cannot always make it to the meetings. Simply go to www.youtube.com and search for “West Goshen Township” in order to view the meetings. Links to the meeting videos are also made available on the Township’s website in the “Agendas & Minutes” section for each meeting. There is also a live comment feature that is monitored during the meeting by the Township Manager. The Board of Supervisors meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm.

Plans Under Review

  • Plans currently under review include a self-storage facility on Snyder Avenue, a 13,000 square foot warehouse building at 895 Fern Hill Road, a subdivision/land development plan for a 58,388 sq. ft. building at 901 Bolmar Street, a lot line change at 546 Taylors Mill Road for the West Goshen Sewer Authority, a re-development plan to add a 5,200 sq. ft. fast food restaurant and 10,250 sq. ft. commercial building addition at 909 Paoli Pike, Phase V for the Woodlands at Greystone, and a hotel on Carter Drive.

  • The Zoning Hearing Board will meet on November 28, 2022 at 7:00 pm to hear an application for 820 E. Washington Street.  The applicant is seeking relief in order to install a portion of their parking area in the floodplain.

All meetings of the Planning Commission are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm at the West Goshen Township Municipal Building. The agendas are posted the Friday before the meeting. The Zoning Hearing Board meets the fourth Monday of the month at 7:00 pm at the West Goshen Township Municipal Building if there are applications before them.
Aqua Main Water Projects

Aqua PA has completed their trench restoration project Amelia Drive/Pine Valley Circle this fall.  The final paving restoration will be completed in the spring.  

Aqua PA is continuing their water main project on Todd Way.  The project involves the replacement of 4,700 feet of aging 8-inch cement pipe with new, 8-inch ductile iron water main.  The project will occur on the following streets:

  • Todd Way (between North New Street and Susan Drive)
  • Susan Drive (between #1148 and the end of the cul-de-sac)
  • Susan Drive (between North New Street and a point 200 feet West of Tree Lane)
  • Tree Lane (between Susan Drive and a point 240 feet West of Longview Drive)
  • Longview Drive (between #1022 and Tree Lane)

The installation of the new water main has been completed and the temporary paving has been installed. Final restoration of the project area is anticipated in spring.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate everyone’s cooperation during these construction projects.

Sign-Up to Receive Alerts from the Township

Members of the community are invited and encouraged to register with Blackboard Connect and ReadyChesco to receive important alerts. The Township utilizes Blackboard Connect to keep the community informed about both emergency and non-emergency situations. You can register to receive alerts via email, text, and/or phone call. ReadyChesco is Chester County’s emergency alert system and is their official notification system. Please click the links in the logos below to register.

Be Prepared! Voice, Text or Email, Stay informed. Please sign up for West Goshen Alerts!

Be Prepared! Voice, Text or Email, Stay informed. Please sign up for County Alerts!

The Township is also continuing work on stormwater projects outlined for 2022. Engineering work is currently underway for the pipe culvert replacement on Bolmar Street. The bids for the Glen Avenue/Sylvan Road pipe replacement project were opened on August 2, 2022 and construction began on October 24, 2022.  Approximately 50% of the new storm sewer pipe for the Glen Avenue/Sylvan Road project has been installed by the contractor, Ply-Mar Construction, Inc. These projects are being funded through the funds received through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.  Please watch the West Goshen Township website for additional information.  

Fall Leaf Collection
REMINDERS:
Leaves may not be burned, raked into streets, or deposited onto stream beds. Any leaves raked into streets will be driven around by the street sweeper. The property owner will be responsible for removing debris from the street. 

West Goshen has 3 leaf and yard waste collections this fall: 

  • Saturday, November 19th 
  • Saturday, December 3rd & 17th 

Sticks, branches, and twigs must be tied in bundles no more than 4 feet in length and 4 feet in diameter, and may not exceed 50 pounds per bundle. Branches may not exceed 4 inches in diameter. Other yard waste may be placed in trash cans or biodegradable paper bags which may be purchased at home improvement stores. Bags are not available through West Goshen Township. There is no limit to the number of bundles or bags that will be collected. 

Draft Amended Pollution Reduction Plan Open for Public Comment 

The 30-day public comment period for West Goshen Township’s amended National Pollutant Discharge Elimination (NPDES) Stormwater Discharges from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Pollutant Reduction Plan (PRP) is now open. Best management practices (BMPs) are proposed in the Plan to satisfy PRP requirements for the NPDES Permit and local stream impairments.

The public is invited to review this document and provide written comments to the Township Manager via the following:

Christopher Bashore
cbashore@westgoshen.org
1025 Paoli Pike
West Chester, PA 19380

The 30-day public comment period begins November 03, 2022 and ends December 05, 2022. The Board of Supervisors will consider adoption of the PRP at their meeting on December 6, 2022 at 6:00 pm.

The Plan will be available at the link below and at the Township Municipal Building. 

Draft Amended PRP Plan
West Goshen Township wishes you a wonderful Thanksgiving!

We are thankful for the outstanding community we are privileged to serve.

Park and Recreation
Thank you for Visiting the Harvest Festival!

There's Still Time to Register for a Fall Bus Trip!
Saturday, December 3rd: New York City. The motorcoach drops you off in midtown Manhattan to explore the city, see it decorated for the holidays, go shopping, enjoy a show, or have a special meal at your own pace. $45 per person includes round-trip motorcoach transportation and driver tip.

Registration forms and more information including cost is available at the West Goshen Township website. For a Bus Trip Brochure, contact Park and Recreation Director Ken Lehr at klehr@westgoshen.org. Click here to learn more.
West Goshen Holiday Breakfast!
A December Tradition Continues...

Take a break from your busy holiday schedule to have breakfast with the Big Guy, Santa himself at Timothy’s in the Parkway Shopping Center on December 17th. Advanced registration is required by Monday, December 12th!

Click HERE to register.
Holiday Decorations Workshop!
Join us December 13th or 14th for a Holiday Decorations Workshop! Create your own wreath(s) and centerpieces at the West Goshen Township Administration Building. Registration is required and must be submitted by DECEMBER 12th! Click HERE to register.

POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS
Come Join Our Team!
The West Goshen Police Department is accepting resumes for the position of Police Officer until noon on Dec 16th. All candidates must be Act 120 certified by Jan. 20th and will be required to pass a physical fitness test. Please visit our website, which details the minimum standards for the position HERE.
Resumes should be dropped off or mailed to 1025 Paoli Pike, West Chester, PA 19380 or emailed to police@westgoshen.org.
ROAD RULES: FALL DRIVING SAFETY TIPS

As weather changes, so do the road conditions.  The autumn leaves are a staple of the season and can create hazardous conditions on the roadway.  When leaves accumulate on the roadway and become wet, they can get extremely slippery,

making the driving conditions similar to driving on ice.  In addition to reducing the car's traction, causing skidding and increasing the chances of losing control of the vehicle, leaves often cover the painted road markings, making it difficult to know the locations of the lanes.  

Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Slow down if you are driving on a road covered with leaves, especially when encountering turns.
  • Allow yourself plenty of room to stop in an emergency.  Keep a greater distance between you and the car in front of you.
  • Leaves make it difficult to see potholes and bumps in the road.
  • A pile of leaves raked to the side of the road is an inviting place to a child.  Children enjoy jumping into the leaf piles or burrowing down into them and hiding.  Never drive through a leaf pile.  Use caution going around turns and where children are playing.
  • Keep your windshield leaf free to avoid wet leaves getting stuck under the windshield wiper blades.
  • In order to avoid the possibility of a fire hazard from the exhaust system or catalytic converter, never park your vehicle over a pile of leaves.
Join the West Goshen Police for a Traffic Safety Committee Meeting on December 15th from 6-7PM!

Meeting will be held at the West Goshen Township Public Meeting Room.

Spots are limited, please contact trafficcommitee@westgoshen.org to reserve your spot.

COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION NEWS
Sustainability Advisory Committee News: Welcome Scott deLone!
The Sustainability Advisory Committee is pleased to welcome new member Scott deLone. Scott, who has taught physics at Henderson High School for 13 years, has a deep and abiding interest in preserving the natural environment. He grew up in Wayne, graduated from Radnor High School, and attended Penn State, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in physics and minored in mathematics.
In 2013, he went on to earn a Master of Science in Education from Temple University with a focus on science education. In addition to teaching full-time, Scott also worked as a counselor for five years at Bournelyf Special Camp in West Chester, served as assistant director for three years, and is now an advisory board member. He resides in West Goshen Township with his wife Jen, three dogs, and one cat. In his rare spare time Scott enjoys running, hiking with the dogs, and traveling.

PHS Tree Tenders Planting over 2000 Bare-Root Trees
From November 17th through November 20th, PHS Tree Tenders and other volunteers from more than 100 communities in southeastern Pennsylvania will plant these 5- to 7-foot tall trees with intact root systems. This is thanks to TreeVitalize Grant funding, which offsets 50% of the cost for plantings led by Tree Tender groups.
The Tree Tenders commit to two years of care for good establishment of each tree (weeding, watering, mulching, pruning). Our new West Goshen trees will add beauty and cooling to the parks for years to come.

Get Involved with PHS Tree Tenders
Property owners in East and West Goshen are encouraged to contact Goshen TT, if they are interested in obtaining advice and assistance in planting street trees next year (https://goshentt.wordpress.com/ or elatoad64@gmail.com).

Attend a Tree Tenders class this winter!
The PHS Tree Tenders® course offers hands-on tree care training for residents and covers tree biology, urban stress on trees, tree identification, tree planting, community organizing, tree pruning, and root care. Learn more at https://phsonline.org/programs/tree-tenders.

More HERE.
From the West Goshen Historical Commission: Matlack House History
The history of the Matlack property has been traced back to the eighteenth century. In a 1785
deed, “Isaiah Matlack and Mary his wife for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which they have for their said son George Matlack” gave him 154 acres of land.
 
This property would become the site of the Matlack House. The foundation of the present housebegan in 1786 when a two-story, three-bay brick addition was added onto a log structure. The bays of a home refer to the number of windows that are seen across the front of the house. As the years went by, the family decided that the log structure needed to be improved. A two-bay stone addition in 1811 replaced the log structure, which transformed the home into its current appearance. Many of the farm houses within Chester County began as small log or plank houses. As each generation of farming families continued to prosper, additions eventually transformed the houses into grand five-bay central hall homes.

Read the full history of the Matlack House HERE.

FIRE DEPARTMENT NEWS
Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips
• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.
• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.

Read more HERE.
From the West Chester Fire Department:
The West Chester Fire Department hosted many Fire Prevention events at our schools during the last month, in addition to attending West Goshen Trunk or Treat and answering lots of calls for service for West Goshen residents and visitors.  
The West Chester Fire Department is a 100% volunteer fire department that provides service to West Goshen Township and the surrounding community.  If you have ever considered giving back to your community there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer at one of The West Chester Fire Departments three locations. They are looking for members who are 14 and older, NO EXPERIENCE is necessary. Click here for more information.
Goshen Fire Company News
Our Fire, EMS and Fire Police divisions always welcome new volunteers; training and equipment is provided at no cost to you! Have a special skill you can share with us? We also need volunteers to help with marketing, administration, finance, fund raising and special events. Go www.goshenfireco.org for information on how you can join us. Follow us on Facebook at Goshen Fire Company.
SUNDAY BREAKFASTS ARE BACK

Some say our breakfasts are the best deal in town! For 10 bucks ($6 for kids) you can feast on eggs, pancakes, French toast, potatoes, and creamed chipped beef. Breakfast meats? Yeah, we got ‘em…bacon, scrapple, sausage.
Fruit, donuts, pastry, coffee, teas, juices. All you care to eat, lovingly prepared by Goshen volunteers. 8AM until noon on the 4th Sunday of the month. Our next breakfast is 11/27, and the early 2023 dates are 1/22, 2/26, 3/26 and 4/23. We are off for the summer, and resume in September. All proceeds benefit Goshen Fire Company.  

SANTA RETURNS!

You wanted Santa to return to your neighborhood this year and we heard you! Follow our Facebook page for information on when we will escort Santa through the neighborhoods. Tentative dates are 12/10, 12/11, 12/17 and 12/18.
Good Fellowship Ambulance 2023 Subscription Drive Underway

Lifesaving emergency medical transport can put a stress on your family’s finances, but with a subscription to Good Fellowship Ambulance, subscribers have NO out-of-pocket expenses if treated and/or transported by us - so you can focus on recovery, not finances. Subscribe today!
The men and women of Good Fellowship Ambulance respond in a moment’s notice, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to ensure you and your loved ones receive emergency care. Good Fellowship responds to over 6,400 emergency calls each year, providing basic, intermediate and advanced life support services. Your subscription saves you the out-of-pocket expenses and helps support the mission of Good Fellowship: To provide emergency medical services to anyone in need in our greater West Chester service area.
 
Check your mailboxes for our subscription letter or subscribe online today: http://www.goodfellowship.com/community/subscriber/

CORONAVIRUS UPDATES
See these government sites for additional COVID-19 information: 

COMMUNITY NEWS

WEST GOSHEN PET OF THE MONTH: 
Blair is a feral dog that was brought to Pa by TLC rescue in August 2020. After a month she escaped her foster family and was on the run for a year and a half. She was trapped in February 2022. She survived blizzards and hurricanes and local wildlife. She was able to avoid multiple traps. She was ready to get rescued! I was blessed to be able to train with Chesco Pet Search and help to get Blair safe. 

Today she has a happy loving home and 3 other dogs to play with and love. I am beyond ecstatic to call her my girl! She is living a great life! I am thankful for our community and WGPD for watching out for her and sightings that were reported to us. Without you all we wouldn’t have been able to secure her. Thank you! 

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

CLICK HERE to submit your pet! 

Roonie Says....Keep Your Pets Safe this Thanksgiving!
 

Thanksgiving is a time for friends, family and holiday feasts—but also a time for possible distress for our animal companions. Pets won’t be so thankful if they munch on undercooked turkey or a pet-unfriendly floral arrangement, or if they stumble upon an unattended alcoholic drink.

Check out the following tips from the ASPCA for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that your pets can enjoy, too:

  • Talkin’ Turkey: If you decide to feed your pet a small bite of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don't offer her raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria. Do not give your pet the left over carcass–the bones can be problematic for the digestive tract.
     
  • No Bread Dough: Don't spoil your pet’s holiday by giving him access to raw yeast bread dough. When a dog or cat ingests raw bread dough, the yeast continues to convert the sugars in the dough to carbon dioxide gas and alcohol. This can result in bloated drunken pets, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring hospitalization.
Read more from the ASPCA here.

At The West Chester Public Library 
Visit our website for more program information and access to our Events Calendar.

Public Township Meetings


Please note, all meetings/events are subject to cancellation or postponement due to the coronavirus pandemic. Please see the township calendar for the latest updates.
A short list of tentative upcoming meetings is below:
  • Township Sustainability Advisory Committee- November 22nd at 6:00 pm
  • Zoning Hearing Board Meeting- November 28th at 7:00 pm
  • Board of Supervisors Meeting- December 6th at 6:00 pm
  • West Goshen Sewer Authority Meeting- December 7th at 6:00 pm
  • Township Historical Commission Meeting- December 8th at 6:00 pm
  • Township Planning Commission- December 13th at 7:00 pm
  • Board of Supervisors Meeting- December 20th at 6:00 pm
West Goshen Township Information
Board of Supervisors
6 year elected term
Shaun Walsh, Chair
Ashley Gagné, Vice-Chair
John Hellmann, Member
Tinamarie Smith, Member
Robin Stuntebeck, Member

Administration
Chris Bashore, Township Manager
Jaime Jilozian, AICP, Assistant Township Manager/Zoning Officer
Christine J. Riffey, Finance Director
J. David Woodward, Public Works Director
Kenneth Lehr, Park & Recreation Director
Richard J. Craig, Township Engineer
Mark Bertolami, Streets Superintendent
Dorine A. McClune, Parks Superintendent


Park and Recreation Board
Robert M. Cifone, Chair
Gerald L. Napiecek, Vice-Chair
Edward T. Smith, Secretary
Eunice Alexander, Allison Bonjo, Michael A. Pillagalli, Nancy Pine, Mary Lou Enoches, Alternate 
Ashley Gagné- Board Liaison

Planning Commission
R. Douglas Stewart, Chair
J. Terry Wildrick, Vice-Chair
Cory Wegerbauer, Secretary
Alessandra O’Reilly Bellwoar
Vito Genua
Jeffrey S. Lieberman
Carrie Martin
John Mattia
Dr. Douglas White, DMD
John Hellman- Board Liaison


Sustainability Advisory Committee
Melanie Vile, Chair
Henry Alexander, Vice-Chair
Dorothy Verdon, Secretary
Natalie Caruso, Susan Charkes, Barbara Rinehart
Ashley Gagné and Tinamarie Smith Board Liaison

Zoning Hearing Board
Joseph DeFelippes, Chair
Scott T. Cullinan, Vice-Chair
Shannon Royer, Member
Paul Cavanaugh, Alternate
Nick DiPrinzio, Alternate
West Goshen Police
1025 Paoli Pike, W.C., 19380
Police 911 or 610.696.7400 | Fax 610.696.3935
Email: police@westgoshen.org
Michael P. Carroll, Chief of Police

Wastewater Treatment Plant
848 S. Concord Rd., W.C., 19382
610.696.0900 | Fax 610.429.9360
Michael Moffa, Wastewater Superintendent

Sewer Authority
Theodore J. Murphy, Chair
Tinamarie Smith, Vice-Chair
Shaun Walsh, Secretary, 
Walt Wills, Treasurer,
Carter Membrino

Pension Committee
David B. Brune, Robert Holland, Hugh J. Purnell, Walker Tompkins, Angelo Savelloni
Shaun Walsh- Board Liaison

Historic Commission
Michael Pillagalli, Chair
Kent Smith, Treasurer
Nancy McCabe, Secretary
Richard Davis, Elizabeth Dean, Norman Pine, Kevin Pistiner, Dr. Douglas White, DMD, Kathi Massi
Robin Stuntebeck- Board Liaison

The Friends of West Goshen Park, Inc
Non-profit group assisting the Park and Recreation Board; meets bimonthly
John Herley, President
Sallie Yoder, Vice-President
Susan Batten, Secretary
Maria Janoski, Treasurer
Gerald L. Napiecek, Peggy Niemeyer,
Larue Morgan

Township Parks
Barker Park: Falcon Lane by Westtown Way
Coopersmith Park: Spring Lane, off West Chester Pike
Lambert Park: 1145 Pottstown Pike
West Goshen Community Park: Fern Hill & North Five Points Roads

Auditors
Carter Membrino, Chair
Cynthia Sheikh, Secretary
Nate Wolman, Member

Tax Collector
Angela Emrich
 
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The West Goshen Township eNews is a 2020 Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors Citizen Communication Contest Award Winner for Electronic Newsletter
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