SUMMER 2004 NEWSLETTER

Table of Contents

• A Day for Residents to Celebrate "Healthy Lifestyles"

• Supervisor Haiko Elected to State Post

• Greenways Plan Adopted

• Township Receptionist Connie Valentino Retires

• Summer Events at Broad Run Park

• Do You Know...?

• Activities That Do Not Require Building Permits (Residential)

• West Bradford Day Groups

• Summer Road Improvement Progress

• Marshallton Streetscapes

• Credit Cards Accepted for Township Payments

• New Cardboard Recycling Dropoff

• Memorial Day Celebration

• Verizon Broadens its Hoizon

• Meals on Wheels

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A DAY FOR RESIDENTS TO CELEBRATE 'HEALTHY LIFESTYLES'

The seemingly daily rains of the spring of 2004 broke just long enough for over 2,500 residents and friends to enjoy our annual community-wide celebration on Sunday, June 6^th.  This year’s “Healthy Lifestyles” theme featured information and presentations by several groups from the Chester County Hospital, the Neighborhood Visiting Nurses Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, and a children’s health & nutrition specialist. 

Exhibits by various township committees, local businesses, community groups, and churches provided valuable information to all.  Local crafters had their unique wares displayed for all to see.  The annual quiz program enabled people to visit various groups, gain answers to informative questions, and thereby earn a “West Bradford Day” tote bag or sport towel.   

The crowds were treated to outstanding musical performances by the Downingtown Middle School 6^th Grade Band, the Bradford Heights Elementary School orchestra and band, and the Chester County Suzuki Violins.  The West Bradford Youth Association (WBYA) presented exhibitions of many of the fine sports programs they offer to the youth of our township.  Downingtown Area Recreation Consortium (DARC) provided information about their numerous programs available to all residents of WBT, regardless of age.  Chester County Marshall Arts put on an amazing Tae Kwon Doe Karate exhibition that fascinated the crowd. 

The VisionQuest Buffalo Soldier Hat Corps led a very moving flag-raising ceremony and showed how hard they’ve been working during their training program by putting on other impressive exhibitions of precise, silent marching drills throughout the day. 

Huge air-filled rides such as the 32 foot tall Giant Slide, Obstacle Course, and Moon Bounce kept the operators extremely busy all afternoon as children flocked to those free attractions.  The pony rides and “Mac’s Tractor-train” Rides were also a hit.  The performances of “Makin Music” and magician Jim Beck involved many children in the audience.  

West Bradford Fire Company demonstrated their newly acquired equipment and had several of their vehicles on display.  The West Bradford Township Public Works Department also displayed a variety of their vehicles.  Many residents took advantage of the children’s car seat safety checks performed by Pennsylvania State Police Troopers Matt Carr and Maurice Tomlinson.  

Many wonderful door prizes were donated by Artist Marty May, Hideaway Hills Gift Shop, Tattersall and Ingleside Golf Clubs, Distinctive Gardens, Marshallton Nursery, Village Salon, Tastefully Simple Gourmet Foods, Four Dogs Tavern, and the Chester County Hospital Community Health Department.  Thanks for your generous donations! 

West Bradford Day 2004 will be remembered for the rain-free afternoon [a rarity this year], one of the largest turnouts ever, all the helpful information that was available, the abundance of good food and entertainment, and lots and lots of smiles and laughter!   

Special thanks to all the volunteers who worked so hard to make this day such a success!

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SUPERVISOR HAIKO ELECTED TO STATE POST

West Bradford Supervisor John A. Haiko was elected in April to serve as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Township Supervisors Association (PSATS).  This organization represents Pennsylvania’s 1,456 townships of the second class and for the past 83 years has been committed to preserving and strengthening township government.  John is also Chairman of the body’s Executive Board.

By serving in this distinguished association, John is in a position to share our local concerns with policy makers in Harrisburg and learn from other communities across the state.

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GREENWAYS PLAN ADOPTED

The Board of Supervisors has adopted a plan for greenways, trails, and gateways in the township.  The Comprehensive Plan amendment is entitled, Creating Connections: Country Paths & Village Sidewalks.  A task force composed of residents and members of the Planning Commission, Recreation Commission, and Historical Committee developed the plan.  A full copy of the document can be found on the Township’s website.

The Greenways Section fosters the protection and enhancement of natural resources by establishing linear green corridors.  The Trails Section fosters improving the walkability of our neighborhoods through local trail loops.  The Gateways Section concentrates on creating a better sense of place in our community by enhancing entrances to the Township and improving our village streetscapes.

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TOWNSHIP RECEPTIONIST CONNIE VALENTINO RETIRES

Connie Valentino, the friendly voice and face that many residents have come to rely on for assistance has retired from the Township.  During her seven years with the Township, she always went above and beyond the call of duty in helping our customers.  It seemed like she never had a bad day and was a true professional. 

Connie and her husband Andy have lived and raised a family in the township for more than 40 years.  Prior to her employment with the Township, Connie was a long time volunteer Judge of Elections, running a voting poll.  They remember when Marshallton-Thorndale Road was in the middle of nowhere…

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SUMMER EVENTS AT BROAD RUN PARK

·        Thursday, August 5 - Movie – “George of the Jungle II” [PG] - 8:30 p.m.

·        Thursday, August 12 - Movie – “Second Hand Lions” [PG] - 8:00 p.m.

·        Thursday, August 19 – “Kids’ Night” – Magic Show & Makin’ Music - 7:00 p.m.

·        Thursday, August 26 - Movie – “Lion King 1½” [G]  - 8:00 p.m.

·        Friday, September 10 - Movie – “Cheaper by the Dozen” [PG] - 8:00 p.m.

·        Friday, September 17 - Concert –“Les Bon Temps” - 7:30 p.m.

.       Saturday, October 23 – “Family Fun Night” – Storytelling and Much More! –      7:00 p.m.

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DO YOU KNOW...?

Where the last wooden silo in West Bradford was located?

Answer to Do You Know?

The last wooden silo, made from cedar, was located on the Dilworth Farm near Old Shadyside Road.  Because of its wooden plank construction, as the silo leaned the roof always stayed perpendicular to the ground until it finally collapsed.

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ACTIVITIES THAT DO NOT REQUIRE BUILDING PERMITS
(RESIDENTIAL)

The Pennsylvania Legislature has established a Uniform Building Code for the entire State.  West Bradford Township must follow the code.

Below is a list of types of work that now do NOT require a building permit.  The list is not all-inclusive, but represents many of the most common tasks that a homeowner may perform.  If you are in doubt about whether a permit is required, please call the Township Codes Department at (610) 269-4174.  Please note that a zoning permit is still required for some items even if a building permit is not.

BUILDING PERMIT NOT REQUIRED FOR FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION, REPLACEMENT, OR REPAIRS

·        Detached accessory structures (i.e. detached private garages, greenhouses, sheds) with floor area under 500 sq/ft (need zoning permit)

.    Certain agricultural buildings (i.e. horse shelters)

·        Fences not over 6 ft high

·        Retaining walls that are not over 4 ft high unless supporting a surcharge (need zoning permit)

·        Sidewalks and driveways that are 30 inches or less above adjacent grade and not over a basement (need zoning permit)

·        Exterior or interior painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, flooring, cabinets, counter tops and similar finishing work

·        Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep (all inflatable pools greater than 2 feet require permits)

·        Swings and other playground equipment

·        Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches

·        Replacement of glass in any window or door

·        Installation and replacement of a window, door, garage door, storm window and storm door in the      same opening if dimensions or framing are not altered.

·        Replacement of existing roof material that does not exceed 25% of the total roof area performed within any 12-month period.

·        Installing/replacement of existing siding

·        Repair or replacement of any part of a porch or stoop that does not structurally support a roof

·        Installation of additional insulation

·        Replacement or rain gutters

·        Installation of an uncovered deck where the floor of the deck is no more than 30 inches above the ground (need zoning permit) 

ELECTRICAL

·        Replacement of a receptacle, switch or lighting fixture rated at 20 amps or less except where a ground-fault circuit interrupter is required.

·        Doorbells, communication and motor operated devices.

·        Installation, alteration or rearrangement of communications wiring

·        Replacement of dishwashers

·        Replacement of kitchen range hoods

·        Installation of battery-powered smoke detectors

 PLUMBING

·        Replacement of faucets

·        Replace valves other than shower or combination shower/bath valves.

·        Replace sinks or toilets

·        Replace traps

·        Replacement of ball cocks

·        Repair leaks

 HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING

·        Replace motors, pumps and fans of the same capacity

·        Repair and replacement of heating, supply and return piping that does not require rearrangement of the piping system

·        Repair and replacement of ductwork

·        Repair and replacement of air conditioning equipment and systems

·        Replacement of kitchen range hoods

A more inclusive list may be found on the Township’s website at www.westbradford.org.  Please remember that if you have any doubts as to whether you may need a permit it is better to call and ask us than to do the work without a permit and get fined.

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WEST BRADFORD DAY GROUPS

The following groups helped make West Bradford Day 2004 a great success.  Thanks to you all for your tremendous participation and hard work!

            AND ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS!!!

If your group is interested in participating in West Bradford Day 2005, please call 610-269-4174 or e-mail us at

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SUMMER ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROGRESS

Residents on streets scheduled for repair by the Township will receive a written notice before work begins.  Updated schedules and detailed information on the projects can be found on our website (www.westbradford.org).

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MARSHALLTON STREETSCAPES

The State has announced a new grant program designed to enhance communities and promote pedestrian uses.  The Township intends to apply for money to undertake sidewalk improvements, upgrade the street lighting, and foster traffic calming in the Village of Marshallton.

We are seeking community input on how to improve the streetscape of Marshallton.  If you have some ideas or would like to participate on a future task force, please contact Vince Visoskas, Assistant Township Manager at (610) 269-4174 or

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CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED FOR TOWNSHIP PAYMENTS

In response to your requests, the Township now accepts Visa, Master Card, and Discover credit cards for Township payments. 

Examples of payments that may be made by credit card include: trash/hydrant fees, building permit fees, document copying fees, leaf bags/trash stickers, and park pavilion rental fees.  In person payments are preferred, however, you may contact the Township Office at (610) 269-4174 to pay fees over the phone. 

To offset higher handling fees, payments for items under $10 or payments that are not in-person will incur an additional fee of $1.  Payments by credit card may not be available when Township services are contracted out to other companies (e.g. earned income taxes). 

We welcome your continued suggestions on how we can make your interaction with the Township better.  Please let us know if you have any ideas.

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NEW CARDBOARD RECYCLING DROPOFF

Sonoco Products in conjunction with Accurate Recycling is scheduled to open a new paper drop off location in Downingtown by Labor Day.  The new location is located on Boot Road and Route 322, in the parking lot across from the new Wawa. 

Hours of operation are scheduled to be Monday-Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM and on Saturday from 6 AM to Noon.  All types of paper and cardboard will be accepted.

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MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION

West Bradford residents, family, and friends were out in large numbers on Sunday, May 30^th to enjoy the annual Memorial Day Parade that began at the United Methodist Church in Marshallton.  The West Bradford Fire Company, the Lukens Band, a Boy Scout Troop, and a Cub Scout Pack were all part of the procession to the Bradford Cemetery.   

The ceremony that followed featured heart-felt readings from veterans as well as several patriotic selections from the Lukens Band.  The service concluded with the placement of the memorial wreath, the playing of “Taps” and a 21-gun salute.   

The West Bradford community is proud to gather to honor the memory of the courageous men and women who have served our country to ensure the freedoms we have today.  Sincere thanks to Nancy Busby, who worked tirelessly again this year to organize another fine Memorial Day program.

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VERIZON BROADENS ITS HORIZON

Verizon has announced that it will install fiber optic cable through out the entire township over coming months.  The program is known as FTTP or Fiber-To-The-Premises.  The result of the program will be that Verizon will offer new services to Township residents.  

The purpose of this article is to notify you of the work that will occur.  In developments where the utilities are underground, a subcontractor to Verizon, CCG, will install additional underground conduit.  In areas with overhead utilities, Verizon will install additional cable on the utility poles.   

The underground installation of conduit will be done using a system that bores underground.  At intervals, holes will be dug next to the street to bore those holes and to put in connection boxes.  In most instances, this method will avoid having to dig up driveways and other paved surfaces.  Prior to installation, Verizon will send letters to homeowners notifying them of the impending work.  An 800-telephone number will be provided to contact them with issues or concerns with the work.  The day before the work is done door hanger notices will be placed on residences. 

The services that are anticipated through the installation of the fiber optic cable will be available in early 2005.   

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MEALS ON WHEELS

Verizon has announced that it will install fiber optic cable through out the entire township over coming months.  The program is known as FTTP or Fiber-To-The-Premises.  The result of the program will be that Verizon will offer new services to Township residents.  

The purpose of this article is to notify you of the work that will occur.  In developments where the utilities are underground, a subcontractor to Verizon, CCG, will install additional underground conduit.  In areas with overhead utilities, Verizon will install additional cable on the utility poles.   

The underground installation of conduit will be done using a system that bores underground.  At intervals, holes will be dug next to the street to bore those holes and to put in connection boxes.  In most instances, this method will avoid having to dig up driveways and other paved surfaces.  Prior to installation, Verizon will send letters to homeowners notifying them of the impending work.  An 800-telephone number will be provided to contact them with issues or concerns with the work.  The day before the work is done door hanger notices will be placed on residences. 

The services that are anticipated through the installation of the fiber optic cable will be available in early 2005.   

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