Steep slopes ordinance gets final approval
By Kris Firey-Poling, Staff Writer, The Times
Phyllis Recca, Chadds Ford resident, thanks Chadds Ford staff and board of supervisors for their help in her recently published book, Chadds Ford Then & Now.
CHADDS FORD — After several compliments to the staff and board, the Township Board of supervisors buckled down to a full agenda of legislation and applications at Thursday’s board of supervisors meeting.
Resident Phyllis Recca thanked the township for its support in helping with her recently published book, Chadds Ford Then & Now. The book features photos and descriptions of Chadds Ford’s historic structures and what they look like today.
Supervisors Chairman Frank Murphy said it was a “must read” for Chadds Ford residents.
The book can be purchased at three township non-profits – Brandywine Battlefield, Brandywine River Museum, and Chadds Ford Historical Society.
Also, Supervisor Samantha Reiner presented Manager Amanda Serock with flowers to celebrate her one-year anniversary with the township.
Reiner and Murphy praised Serock on her many accomplishments as well as positive township feedback.
In the first order of business, the board announced that the Steep Slopes ordinance passed at the hearing the night before. This rule protects the township from excessive and inappropriate development that could cause erosion. It will protect the quality of stream water and natural vegetation.
Also, the board authorized three ordinances to advertise.
The first and second ordinances were about noise and special events – with the upcoming Great Pumpkin Carve as an example. It requires organizations to purchase a permit to exceed the permitted sound level and tasks the organization with notifying abutting property owners of the event.
The third ordinance to be advertised is with the Delaware Valley Health Trust to provide health benefits to the township’s full-time employees.
Reiner made it clear that this benefit would not extend to the board of supervisors.
In other items, the board discussed Harrier LLC (Grace Development’s) Subdivision and Land Development ordinance application to change a lot line between Oakland Road and US Route 202. The board had many concerns and questions that could not be answered, mainly because the township solicitor who worked on the case was not available. Both sides agreed to table the issue until the October 28th Board of Supervisors Workshop.
Two applications were reviewed for the upcoming Zoning Hearing Board meeting, scheduled for October 21st. The first is for a proposed Subaru dealership at 1713 Wilmington Pike – land that is in both Concordville and Chadds Ford townships. Currently, the zoning in Chadds Ford does not allow car dealerships at this location. This application was opposed at the last hearing.
The second application is for 681 Webb Road, known as the Stonebridge Mansion. The applicant wants to put a residential rehabilitation facility at this location.
Supervisors Vice-Chairman George Thorpe said that township solicitor Hugh Donaghue continues to be involved in this application, and will make sure neighbors are informed of ongoing progress.
Lastly, the supervisors approved the Historic Architectural Review Board’s (HARB) recommendation to move a sign from 1631 Baltimore Pike to 1 Station Way.
The next meeting of the Chadds Ford Township Board of Supervisors will be held Wednesday, November 4th at 7:00 p.m. in the Township Building, located at 10 Ring Road in Chadds Ford.
