Table of Contents
Township Holds the Tax Line for 32 Years!
On December 9, 2003, the Board of Supervisors adopted the Township’s 2004 budget. In keeping with the Board’s philosophy of prudent fiscal spending, the budget requires no tax increase to achieve its objectives. 2004 will mark the Township’s 32nd year without a tax increase!
However, the budget does require an increase in the refuse collection/recycling fee and fire hydrant fee. The refuse collection/recycling fee will increase to $13.50 per month from $12 per month. This increase is due to the increased landfill tipping fees that the State instituted last year and the increased collection fees charged by the Township’s contracted waste hauler. This is our first increase in the refuse collection/recycling fee since the program was instituted in 1990. The yearly fire hydrant fee will increase to $20 per property served from $18. The fire hydrant fee is based upon the charge for hydrants from the Philadelphia Suburban Water Company (PSW) divided by the number of properties served. The change in the number of properties served and the number of hydrants dictates the annual charge.
The major goals of the Board for 2004 include improving refuse collection service, continuing to maintain our road system by resurfacing and reconstructing portions of five roads, the continuing creation of our park system by finishing the construction of Shadyside Park and expanding Brandywine Meadows Park, the design for the refurbishment of the farmhouse in Broad Run Park for community use, the construction of the Strasburg Corridor Wastewater Treatment Facility to alleviate the sewage problems in Marshallton, and the updating of our Zoning Ordinance and the implementation of our Greenways, Trails and Gateways Plan.
Please see the budget for more details. A summary of the budget has been posted on the Township’s web site at www.westbradford.org and it is also available in the lobby of the Township Building.
Mr. Haiko Re-elected to the Board of Supervisors
John A. Haiko was re-elected to the Board of Supervisors by West Bradford voters in the last election.
He began his service to the Township as a Planning Commission member in 1988. Mr. Haiko is now in his fourth term of office; having been appointed in 1990 to fill the remaining portion of a vacant term, then being elected in 1991 and reelected in 1997.
Mr. Haiko has lived in West Bradford Township since 1979. He and his wife, Carol, have been married for 36 years and have three children: John, Stephen and Jill.
He is President and CEO of Evaluation Associates, Inc., an engineering consulting firm he founded in 1973. He is currently chairman of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisor’s Executive Board and was awarded the 2002 Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence.
Public Hearings to be Held on New and Revised Township Ordinances
The Township will be holding public hearings on three new or revised documents this winter. Several volunteer committees have been working this past year on updating the Township’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, revising zoning for the village of Romansville, and developing a Greenways, Trails, and Gateways Plan. We thank them for their time and effort.
The revised Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance adds new best management practices for stormwater control, requires developers to use better road construction standards, and increases requirements for sidewalks and trails in new developments.
The revised zoning for the village of Romansville establishes design standards for any future village expansion. These include characteristic village streetscapes, village greens, village commercial areas, and design and façade requirements.
The Greenways, Trails, and Gateways Plan is entitled Creating Connections: Country Paths and Village Sidewalks. It promotes a vision of preserving our natural features and wildlife habitat through linear natural corridors. It suggests a series of trails to connect our parks, villages, and schools. It recommends physical improvements that highlight the Township’s characteristic landscape and historic features.
Visit our website for the final public hearing dates. Copies of the documents will be available in the Township Office for review. We welcome your written or verbal comments.
Red Light, Yellow Light, Green Light…
What do you say? Well, many residents are saying it’s about time! The new signal at Shadyside Road and Downingtown Pike is in place. The new signal and turn lanes should minimize the wait for cars turning during rush hour. Harmony Hill Road at the covered bridge is now one-way out onto Route 322 and turn lanes have been created on Route 322. For safety and visibility reasons high intensity strobes have been installed in the red lights. A portion of the construction cost was taken from developer traffic mitigation contributions.
Stay tuned for more. A four-way stop at the intersection of Romansville and West Chester Roads has been applied for from PennDOT. Traffic studies beginning the signalization of the intersection of Romansville Road and Strasburg Road should start in 2004. The Township has requested that this project be placed on the State’s 12-year Traffic Improvements Program. Construction depends on the status of our project.Road Crew Hits the Streets
Another Early Season Winter Storm
Just like last year, Old Man Winter visited us early. Our road crew was prepared to do their best to have our roads in as good a condition as possible.
Our trucks salt, cinder, and plow over 122 lane miles of roads. We hire extra contractors and maintain stockpiles 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 and 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. Then 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 and the snow stops, 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.
The following is an update on the major developments occurring in the Township:
Plans Approved, but not yet in Construction
DuPont Property (Stock Grange Farm) – 286 lots on 525 acres located around the intersection of Chestnut Lane and Romansville Road. The developer is Orleans Homebuilders.
Datner Tract (a.k.a. Sycamore Ridge) – A development of 38 single-family homes on a 76-acre site. The site is located at the intersection of Romansville Road and West Chester Road. Toll Brothers is the developer.
CMR Development (a.k.a. BallyMoore) – A development of 15 single-family homes on 32 acres located adjacent to East Fallowfield Township on South Bailey Road north of Fawn Lane.
Welsh Tract (a.k.a. Estates at Broad Run) – An Iacobucci Homes development of 30 single-family residential homes on 102 acres is beginning construction at Shadyside Road and Broad Run Road.
Plans Under Review
Bradford Pointe (a.k.a. Mt. Pleasant Farms/Stouff Farm) – 45 lots on 76 acres located at the intersection of Stouff Road and West Chester Road. The developer is Ruggiero Development Group. A previous plan for the site was approved in 1987 but was not built. The Planning Commission is working with the applicant to use the Township’s new open space design option on the site.
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. Genterra is the developer. The Planning Commission is working with the applicant to integrate the development into the village character of Romansville.
Sawmill Subdivision (a.k.a. Zappacosta Tract) – The plan proposes 69 single-family homes on 189 acres. The development is located above the Brandywine Greene Subdivision. Access will be from Creagh Knoll Lane and a new connection to Crestmont Drive. Bentley Communities is the developer. The developer and Township are working to preserve the woodlands and important natural species on the site.
Coltsfoot – The plan proposes 5 single-family homes on a 17-acre site. The subdivision is located at the intersection of Broad Run Road and Clayton Road. Bancroft Homes is the developer. The Township has asked the developer to get assistance from the Brandywine Conservancy because of the sensitive nature of the tract. The site is located in the Broad Run stream watershed – a State Exceptional Value waterway.
Southview – The current sketch plan proposes 40 units on 79 acres. It is located near the intersection of Shadyside Road and Marshallton-Thorndale Road. Genterra is the developer.
Bradley Property – The sketch plan proposes 47 single-family homes on 102 acres. The property is located at the intersection of Chestnut Lane and Broad Run Road. It is located within the Broad Run Exceptional Value watershed and is half wooded. Harkin Property LLC is the developer.
Cozzone Tract (a.k.a. Bright Glade Farm) – The sketch plan proposes 66 single-family dwellings on 115 acres. The property is located on Glenside Avenue near the intersection with Broadview. Heritage Building Group is the developer.
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 (www.westbradford.org).
Skiers! – Once again this year, the Downingtown Area Recreation Consortium [DARC] is offering discounted ski tickets. For 2004, tickets are available for Bear Creek (formerly Doe Mt.), Big Boulder/Jack Frost, Blue Mountain, Camelback, Elk Mountain, Montage, and Shawnee. Savings range from $2-$14 per ticket and are cash sales only. Ski tickets must be purchased at the DARC office (610-269-9260). Check out all the details on DARC’s website at www.darcinfo.com.
Winter Doldrums got you?? – Check out the more than 200 programs for Downingtown Area School District residents of all ages [44-youth, 68-adult, 100+ on line] being offered this winter through DARC. Registrations can be made in person at the DARC Office or by mail. Brochures and registration forms are mailed to all residents and can also be found on their website.
Spring Sports! - West Bradford Youth Association [WBYA] sign ups for spring sports will be held on the last Saturday in January [31st] and the first Saturday in February [7th]. Contact WBYA by phone at 610-486-0525 or through e-mail at wbya@icdc.com.
Beacon Hill Park – As this newsletter goes to press, Eagle Scout candidate Sam Eckman is in the final stage of constructing dugouts at field “A”. Also, WBYA plans to install a batting cage facility in time for the 2004 baseball/softball season.
Brandywine Meadows Preserve – We are in the final stages of implementing the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. Cool season grasses and hundreds of trees are being planted to prevent erosion, promote wildlife habitat and extend the riparian buffer zone.
Shadyside Park – Despite all the rain, construction continues! With the exception of the baseball field, all courts, rinks, trails, and other facilities should be ready for use during 2004. The baseball field will be given another year to establish a solid turf. Play should begin there in the spring of 2005.
Summer Events 2004 – The WBT Recreation Commission
arranged over a dozen events in 2003 and is currently working on scheduling
events for 2004. To continue to
provide these events free of charge to everyone – residents, families, and
friends – the Recreation Commission is currently seeking sponsors to
help offset the costs to the Township. If
your company or family is interested in becoming a sponsor please contact the
Parks Director at 610-269-4174 or at 
Any local musicians interested in performing can submit a cassette tape,
CD or video of their music to the Recreation Commission at West Bradford
Township 1385 Campus Drive Downingtown, PA 19335-3690.
Families with movie suggestions should also contact the Recreation
Commission through the Parks Director at the above locations.
West Bradford Day
2004 - Sunday, June 6– This year’s theme will be centered on establishing and continuing
healthy lifestyles. Any residents
with backgrounds or interest in physical fitness, the medical profession, health
screening, nutrition, sports or related fields that would like to take part in
any way are encouraged to contact the Parks Director at 610-269-4174 or.
Thanks to Our Summer Events Sponsors – The Recreation Commission would like to thank the following sponsors of the Summer Events Series of 2003 for their support and generous contributions: Haverford Systems, Anteaks of Downingtown, Comcast, The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, PECO, VisionQuest, The Home Depot, H & H Nursery, Katharine O’Doherty/REMAX, Mr. & Mrs. Jack M. Hines, Jr., and The Nappi Family.
Water cascades down the bank along Broad Run Road at Glenside Road
The township escaped the worst from Hurricane Isabel, but got hit hard by the localized severe weather that dropped 8.75 inches of rain between 3 A.M. to noon on September 15th. The East Branch of the Brandywine Creek below Downingtown recorded its second highest peak of 13.6 feet. Exceeded only by Hurricane Floyd in 1999. The flood stage of the Brandywine at this point is 7 feet. Many township roads were flooded or closed due to fallen trees. A majority of Township residents lost their electricity for a time. All of the Township owned roads that were damaged have been repaired.
Broad Run Road at Tattersall Way is buckled by
the rainwater.
The Broad Run also flooded, severely damaging the bridge on Telegraph Road (Route 162) between Broad Run Road and Groundhog College Road. This is a State Road. PennDOT has informed us that it may take up to two years for the bridge to be repaired. The Township is working with Senator Bob Thompson to ensure that the new bridge will fit in with the historical landscape of that portion of the township. Stay tuned to the Township’s website for reconstruction details.
A portion of the Route 162 Bridge between Broad Run Road and Groundhog College Road is washed out.
In the fall of 1944 a taxicab visited Marshallton three times in one day. Why was this event significant?
Answer…
In the 1940’s West Bradford was a very rural area and
was not regularly serviced by taxicabs. It was very unusual for a taxi to go to Marshallton from West
Chester during that time. The
taxicab came three times in one day to deliver telegrams from the U.S. War
Department to the parents of servicemen. The
War Department did not want this type of news delivered by telephone so they
hired taxi cabs to deliver telegrams. The
parents of William McAllister and Horace Keller received the news that their
sons had been killed in the war and the parents of Cheston Hall received the
news that he had been shot down and taken prisoner.
From a conversation between Jack M. Hines and Mr. Cheston Hall.
Help Protect the Brandywine and Broad Run
Have you seen sediment in our streams after a heavy rain? One source of sediment is poorly maintained construction sites. Learn the erosion and sediment controls required for construction in Chester County. Know what to do and who to call when you see problems.
Join the Brandywine Valley Association’s Watershed Watch Instructors for an informative training session on citizen monitoring of erosion & sediment controls. The session will take place on Wednesday, January 21st 2004 at the West Bradford Township Building.
For reservations and information call the BVA Watershed Watch at 610-793-1090.
2004 Refuse & Hydrant Fee Billings
The semi-annual billing for the 2004 refuse and recycling fee will be mailed in January and July. The charge this year will be $13.50 per month. The billing for those properties covered by fire hydrant service will be mailed in March. The annual hydrant fee for 2004 will be $20 per lot.
Information Available for Your Property
Did you ever wonder where to get an aerial photo of your property? Or where your house is located in relation to your neighbor’s? We can help you.
The Township has available aerial photographs taken in 2000 and can add property lines and addresses to them. They are available by filling out a document request form at the Township Building. The cost is $3 per letter size page. The photographs are of a limited resolution and should not be used for engineering or building purposes.
Christmas trees may be brought to the Township Campus for recycling until January 31, 2004. All tinsel and decorations must be removed from your tree, and any bags used to remove the tree from your home must be removed. Follow the directional signs on the Township Campus to the drop-off area.
Residents who desire to be contacted should an escape occur from the VisionQuest Facility in Embreeville should call John Mammen at 610-466-1243. Please note that this does not include the SESTU or Pennsylvania Clinical School Facilities.