Would create more walkable areas along US-1
By Kris Firey-Poling, Correspondent, The Times
Chadds Ford supervisors approved new plans that would make the area around US-1 more walkable and accessible to area residents.
CHADDS FORD — Two resolutions to improve a sense of village and history in the township were adopted at Wednesday night’s Board of Supervisors meeting.
The Walkable Chadds Ford Master Plan was easily approved by all the supervisors. The goal is to bring a sense of village along US-1, and promote walking, biking, and equestrian activity. In addition, it will conserve the township’s natural resources and enhance the aesthetics of the Brandywine Valley. Specifically, the Plan proposes to include planted medians, walkways, and trails. The speed limit will be reduced to 45 miles per hour and a new traffic light will be added.
“The recent Walkable Chadds Ford workshop was nicely done. Thank you for your hard work. We are so blessed to have the Brandywine Conservancy here to help us,” said Supervisors Chairman Frank Murphy.
The Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan was also adopted. The goal of this plan is to preserve the areas scenic, historic, cultural, and recreational resources along sections of Routes 52 and 100. This local initiative will bring several townships together to improve the historic roads.
In other business, the Board of Supervisors approved to advertise an ordinance to allow an assisted living facility to be built on Wilmington Pike, on the previously owned C Harry Before You Buy property.
Also, the supervisors amended the township manager ordinance to make changes in the manager’s powers and duties.
According to Murphy, this amendment “is a way for the township to personalize what Chadds Ford needs in a manager.”
The board of supervisors did not pass an ordinance to permit townhouses. The applicant had been working with the text for two years. At the public hearing prior to this regular meeting, a heated discussion occurred with residents against the ordinance.
“If we allow this, it will open us up to other uses, for example nightclubs,” said Murphy.
During the Supervisor’s report, Supervisor Samantha Reiner announced that the township is offering “pro bono” internships to high school students. Interested youth should contact the township office.
Also, Supervisors Vice-Chairman George Thorpe reviewed a warning from the Pennsylvania State Police about deceptive emails begin sent to homeowners requiring action for traffic violations. Thorpe said that the police do not communicate in this manner, and to be aware. A flyer describing the scam is available at the township office.
