It is our desire to complete this project in a reasonable time frame, at a reasonable cost, and in a way that is sensitive to the environment.WINTER 2001 NEWSLETTER
Table of Contents
Marshallton Sewer Project continues to move forward
Over the past several months, a number of individuals have made a concerted effort to provide misinformation regarding the Marshallton Sewer project. They have given incorrect information to the Press and have been putting anonymous flyers in residents’ mailboxes. Judging from the information that we have seen, this has been done to discredit the project because some homeowners in Newlin Township want to prevent the creation of the spray fields near their properties. This article attempts to answer the most common questions that residents have on the project.
Why is the sewer system required?
The Marshallton system was well thought out and is being created to serve a number of properties that have problems with on-lot sewage systems in and near Marshallton. A study that was done as a part of the Township’s required sewage facilities plan (Act 537) showed a 49 percent on-lot sewage system failure rate. Further, the Chester County Health Department has completed studies of the problem and declared that the water in Marshallton has high levels of nitrates and nitrites caused by the number of failing sewer systems.
Currently, many residents must have their systems pumped out several times a year and cannot even do laundry in their homes. Many homes in Marshallton have old cesspools and other non-standard sewage disposal systems. Most of the lots in the sewage area are not large enough to have replacement systems or to have other facilities to alleviate the problem. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has approved the Township’s plan, which included the study, in September of 1999.
How was the service area developed? Is my property included in it?
The service area of the sewer district has been carefully crafted to serve those areas with failing systems and lots that are smaller than one acre. There are a few intervening properties within the service area that do not have a failing system or are larger than one acre that have been included in the system. This is because all properties within a sewer district must be served - otherwise the cost and availability of service would not be equal for all of the properties that are benefiting or could benefit in the future.
We have heard from homeowners who are not in the district being worried because of misinformation that was placed in their mailbox. Each property in the sewer service area has been notified by mail, if you have not received a letter you are not in the service area or you may have recently purchased a home in the service area. In the case of a recent purchase the seller is obligated to inform you of the impending change to public sewer. The service area map and list of the properties included is available at the Township Building.
Who will pay for the system? Were public meetings conducted?
Throughout the planning for this project we have been mindful of the need to inform the public of the project and to keep the costs as low as possible. In doing the planning for the system we conducted several public meetings with the residents of Marshallton in addition to the public meetings that are required by the State.
To save money for the residents of Marshallton, we coupled the project with the Tattersall Development so the sewage from that development would be treated in the same facility. This way the developer will be picking up a substantial portion of the costs that would otherwise have to be paid by the Marshallton users.
It is important to note that the users of the system will pay for the entire system and its operation. It cannot, and will not, be supported by tax dollars from other Township residents. Other Township residents will not receive any direct benefits from the system and should not have to pay for its construction and operation.
What type of system is being developed?
A lagoon treatment/spray irrigation system was determined to be the best for the situation. Other alternatives were analyzed as a part of the Act 537 Plan. This treatment system is an environmentally sound method of treatment that is used in 22 communities in Chester County. It is the recommended treatment system by the Chester County Comprehensive Plan - Landscapes, and such prestigious environmental organizations as the Brandywine Valley Association, Brandywine Conservancy, and the West Chester Fish, Game and Wildlife Association. A lagoon is used to treat the effluent and the treated wastewater is stored in an adjacent pond before being sprayed onto fields for groundwater recharge. The system does not produce any odors and the spraying is intermittent.
Where is the treatment facility located?
The land for the treatment lagoon and storage pond is part of the Embreeville Complex owned by the State. It is not the land that is used for the WBYA soccer fields. The land for the spray fields comes from land that is presently owned by the County. That land is to be used for agriculture, parkland and other municipal purposes according to the deed restriction from the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth has entered into an agreement with the Township that the proposed use as a spray irrigation site is considered an appropriate use of the site.
The spray site has 178 acres of which approximately 27 acres will be used for spray irrigation. The land will be maintained and used as it is now with the addition of the spray fields. The spray fields will have a grass crop that is farmed. Each of the spray fields can accept a limited amount of water. This means that the spraying will be intermittent and rotated around the site. There are a number of reasons why these sites where chosen. The most important reason is that they could be acquired at a reasonable cost and were offered to the Township by the County and State. The second most important reason is the land’s suitability for spray irrigation.
What will the costs to the users be?
Currently, the costs to the residents of Marshallton are still within the range presented at earlier meetings. However, the longer the project is delayed by misinformation the greater the chances of increased costs to users. The construction and financing costs are time oriented and any delays to the project will increase the costs to the users. Some of the protests have created additional costs, as we have had to review information that we have submitted with the regulatory agencies. In all instances where we had to have additional meetings or review earlier findings we have found that our consultants have done a proper and thorough job.
Costs will include three components – an initial tie-in fee, an initial plumbing fee, and annual sewer fees. The one-time tie-in fee is $5,000 per dwelling unit. There will not be a front foot assessment. The one-time plumbing fee is for the connection of the home system to the main, the tie-off of the old system, and for the installation of the grinder pump unit. The homeowner is responsible for this work. The homeowner or a certified contractor can do it. We estimate the average cost to the homeowner for his/her portion of the work to be $1000. After installation, the annual sewer costs will be between $500 and $700 per year. The annual cost will be set upon settlement of all construction and financing costs for the system. The grinder pumps that are installed will be supplied by the Township and maintained by the Township.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact the Township office at (610) 269-4174 or It is our desire to complete this project in a reasonable time frame, at a reasonable cost, and in a way that is sensitive to the environment. State Troopers honored for robbery response
The Board of Supervisors passed resolutions honoring Corporal John T. Malone and Trooper Jerry P. Cessna for their actions during an armed robbery last January at Spauldings' Citgo Service Station and the Marshallton Village Store.
Mr. Haiko, Chairman, spoke for the Board and citizens of West Bradford when he stated -
“The Board of Supervisors recognizes the actions of the two State Police Officers in their professional handling of an extremely dangerous situation.
In responding to an armed robbery in West Bradford Township the Troopers called upon their police skills and training to effectively identify and pursue the suspect. The pursuit ended with an armed confrontation.
That confrontation was handled through the use of all appropriate police procedures and unfortunately ended with the demise of the suspect. If the skills and training of the officers had not been deployed in a responsible manner the incident could have resulted in a much different scenario, this to the detriment of the public and to other police officers.
It is with great pride and appreciation that we present these resolutions to Trooper Cessna and Corporal Malone for their service to the citizens of West Bradford Township.”
The Board of Supervisors presented framed copies of the resolutions to the officers. A number of state police officers and family members of the honored troopers attended the meeting.
Supervisors Elect Mr. Klunk To Be Chairman For 2001
In keeping with the tradition of rotating the chairmanship of the Board of Supervisors, Mr. Klunk was elected to be Chairman for 2001. Mr. Klunk was initially elected to office in 1990. Since that time he has been re-elected to another term of office.
The Board of Supervisors has rotated the chairmanship for a number of years. Although the chairman does not have any greater legislative authority than the other members of the Board do, he does direct the meetings and establishes the agenda in concert with the township manager. The rotation of the chairmanship gives each board member an opportunity to forward programs, which they believe are important for the citizens.
The members of the Board of Supervisors are elected to six-year terms. The terms are staggered so that a supervisor is elected to office each odd-numbered year.
Tracking major developments in West Bradford
The following is an update on the major developments occurring in the Township:
DuPont Property (Stock Grange Farm) – 286 lots on 525 acres located around the intersection of Chestnut Lane and Romansville Road. The developer is Orlean's Homebuilders. The developer has applied for approval from the Board of Supervisors to proceed with an open space design alternative for the site. The Board has issued a Master Plan approval for a design that preserves 60% of the site in open space - preserving viewsheds and natural features on the site, provides for a comprehensive pathway/sidewalk system, and creates a neighborhood park for the future residents.
Phase I of the development, comprising 75 acres and proposing 65 units, is currently under review by the Planning Commission. It is located on the northeast corner of Romansville Road and Chestnut Lane.
Highgrove - 22 lots on 36 acres located off of Hall Road opposite Sherwood Drive. The developer is General Residential Properties. The Planning Commission has reviewed two Preliminary Plan submissions and recommended denial of both. The Board of Supervisors denied the first submission of the plan in January and the second in October.
The applicant has submitted a revised Sketch Plan to the Planning Commission for discussion. The site has significant development constraints that the applicant and the Planning Commission are discussing.
Pryor – 16 lots on 45 acres located off the end of the cul-de-sac on Crestmont Drive. The developer is Grouse & Pheasant, Inc. The Planning Commission has reviewed a Preliminary Plan submission and recommended denial. The Board of Supervisors denied the plan in October.
The applicant has submitted a revised Sketch Plan, showing fewer lots, to the Planning Commission for discussion. The site has significant development constraints that the applicant and the Planning Commission are discussing.
Bradford/Stargazers Village – The Sketch Plan proposes a mixed-use development of 121 acres adjacent to Romansville. The development is divided into two tracts. The western tract is a proposed single-family development of 57 acres connecting to Romans Village. The eastern tract is a proposed village development of 63 acres.
The Planning Commission is working with the applicant to integrate the development into the village character of Romansville.
CMR Development – The 32 acre property is located adjacent to East Fallowfield Township on South Bailey Road north of Fawn Lane. The applicant has submitted Sketch Plans showing various single-family development options.
Copies of all subdivision and land development plans are available for public review during business hours at the Township Administration Building. Interested residents are encouraged to attend the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission meetings when developments are being discussed. The Board of Supervisors meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month at 8:30 P.M. at the Township Administration Building. The Planning Commission meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month at 8:00 P.M. at the Township Administration Building. Meeting agendas are generally available the afternoon prior to the meeting. You may contact the Township Office at (610) 269-4174 to see if a particular development is scheduled for discussion or you may look at our web site for the agenda.Road crews are prepared for arrival of snow, ice storms
Without fail every winter we receive some snow and ice storms. Some winters are more severe than others are. However, whether it will be severe or not, our people are preparing to do their best to have our roads in as good a condition as possible.
Our trucks salt, cinder, and plow over 125 lane miles of roads. We hire extra contractors and maintain stock piles of over 400 tons of anti-skid material. We stock extra parts for plows, salt spreaders, and truck chains. Despite our best efforts, we do have equipment breakdowns during snowstorms; this may delay work on certain routes. Please be patient.
Each operator has a specific route that includes high priority roads and lesser priority roads. When a snowstorm begins, operators will cover their entire route with salt and anti-skid material. This helps to keep the snow and ice from freezing on the surface. After that they begin to plow their route. The intensity of the snowstorm determines how routes are completed. For minor storms the entire route may be completed at once. However, if the storm intensifies, only priority routes (usually through roads) will be plowed. Cul-de-sacs and secondary roads will not be done until the main routes can be kept open. As the storm lightens all roads will be opened. After all roads can be kept open, drivers complete their route by pushing snow back as far as possible on the cartway and clearing the intersections.
The success of our winter maintenance program depends on how much cooperation we receive from our citizens. By following these guidelines during a snowstorm you can assist us in keeping the roadways open:
Our road department and the contractors we hire spend long hours in tough conditions to make the roads as safe as possible. Please cooperate with them and appreciate the fact that they are doing their best to serve the community.
Christmas trees can be brought to the Municipal Campus, 1385 Campus Drive, for recycling. The trees are shredded into mulch; therefore, you must remove all stands, ornaments and plastic bags from the trees. Christmas wreaths are not accepted.
Trees can be dropped off anytime from December 25 through January 31. The signs at the Municipal Campus will direct you where to drop off the trees.
The free mulch from the shredding is available for pick up by township residents. Residents may take mulch for home use year-round during daylight hours. The mulch is located in a marked pile behind the Public Works garage at the intersection of Poorhouse and Marshallton-Thorndale Roads.
On December 12, 2000, the Board of Supervisors adopted the Township’s 2001 budget. In keeping with the Board’s philosophy of prudent fiscal spending and the robust economy, the budget requires no tax increase to achieve its objectives. This marks the Township’s 27th year without a tax increase!
The major goals of the Board for 2001 include continuing to maintain our road system by resurfacing and reconstructing six miles of roads, the development of our park system by developing Shadyside Park, and the upgrading of our IT system to increase service to residents. Please see the budget for more specific details.
The budget has been posted on the Township’s web site.
Township expresses gratitude to long-time volunteer
After eleven years of volunteering to serve on the West Bradford Township Recreation Commission, Art Whitehair has decided to take a break. Having already been active for many years in the West Bradford Youth Association and other township endeavors, Art was appointed to the Recreation Commission in January 1990. For ten of the next eleven years Art served as chairman of that commission.
During his time of service, Art spent countless hours successfully advancing community recreation goals. He worked tirelessly to ensure that each of our annual West Bradford Day Celebrations was a success. Art was an active member of the task force that helped to make the ‘dream’ of Broad Run Park a reality. His insights and organizational skills contributed greatly to the success of many other special events in the township over the past decade.
On behalf of all the citizens of West Bradford Township, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Art Whitehair for his eleven years of faithful service to the entire community.
More outdoor events being planned this year at Broad Run Park
Do you remember stargazing through high-powered telescopes last March? How about the Memorial Day Parade through downtown Marshallton? Those three great outdoor concerts put on in the township last summer? Watching the movie “E.T.” on a huge mobile screen while reclining on the lawn at Broad Run Park?
The West Bradford Township Recreation Commission is in the process of planning even more outdoor events for 2001! Four concerts and six movies are already scheduled for various Thursday nights at Broad Run Park. The committee is always interested in pioneering new events in the township. If you would like to share your innovative ideas, please attend one of the Recreation Commission’s regularly scheduled meetings held at 8:30 P.M. on the third Monday of each month at the township building.
So … be sure to set aside Thursday nights this summer to enjoy the events at Broad Run Park. Watch for updates on the exact dates and times of these events in our newsletters and on our website. See you there!
West Bradford Day 2001 set for Sunday, June 3rd
Mark your calendars right now – the annual “West Bradford Day” celebration has been set for Sunday, June 3rd, 2001 from 1 to 4 pm. at Broad Run Park. The members of the West Bradford Day Committee are currently planning numerous diverse exhibits, demonstrations, games, amusements, and other special events to provide entertainment and fun for all ages! An abundance of food from many local eateries and organizations will be available to entertain your taste buds as well.
We need lots and lots of volunteers, so please call 610-269-4174 to give us an hour or two (or more!) of your time. We’re always looking for innovative ideas to make this day an even greater success. If you’d like to share some of those thoughts with us, please attend the next planning meeting for West Bradford Day 2001. The meetings are always held on the third Monday of each month at 7 P.M. in the township building. Help make the first township-wide party of this new millennium one we won’t soon forget!
Assistant Code Enforcement Officer achieves certification
Dan Murray, the Township’s Assistant Code Enforcement Officer, has been certified as a building inspector by BOCA. He joins a select group of professionals who have attained this certification. BOCA is an organization of building officials and code administrators that works with the building industry to set construction and safety standards.
One of Dan’s tasks is to ensure that construction in the community is safe and meets industry standards. By ensuring the proper methods and materials are used on buildings in West Bradford Township, our community is a safer place in which to live.
Volunteers are needed to fill vacant positions on various boards and commissions. We currently have vacancies on the Township’s Zoning Hearing Board, Building Appeals Board, and Historical Commission.
Even if you may not be interested in serving on a standing committee, there are always opportunities to serve the township on a volunteer basis. We currently need volunteers to assisting with West Bradford Day and participate in the roadside trash cleanup on Glenside Road.
If you would like a further description of any of the volunteer opportunities, please click here or contact us at (610) 269-4174.
When was the West Bradford Fire Company formed?
Answer To Did You Know
The fire company was officially formed in December 1953. The first firehouse was a rented garage in the alley on the south side of Marshallton. In 1961, the West Bradford Fire Company moved to its present location at 1305 W. Strasburg Road. In 1994 a sub-station was located in the western portion of the township at the West Bradford Township Campus. Visit the fire company’s web site at www.wbfc.org for more information.