|
Following are some ideas/thoughts on various issues. This are not finalized plans or for that matter even commitments of what I will try to accomplish in Office. I recognize that we live in a world of the PA Law which governs how Municipalities can do business, what limitations are put upon them and how they will Act. Of course no idea, no matter how good, can be put in place without 4 votes on the Board of Commissioners. This is the most important thing that must be remembered.
Land Use
Preservation is about more than saving open space. It is about preserving the character of our community: Character includes viewsheds, historic buildings, and neighborhood features (style and size of homes, orientation on the properties, lot sizes, open front lawns or fences and walls.)
The fifth ward really has no particular identity, no center or focus and no cohesiveness. We tend to think of ourselves as part of the small neighborhood in which our homes are located such as the Birches, Laurier, Cornerstone, Radnor Chase and such. Each of these areas is unique thus making a single rule or guideline quite impossible. However, these neighborhoods have at least this one thing in common and that is that a teardown w/ new home construction would be disruptive to the harmony and feel of the neighborhood.
Although open space is very (very) important most has already been developed. An equal risk to the preservation of our community is re-development. One does not have to look far to see examples in our neighborhood, be it the teardown of an existing house and the construction of a mini-mansion or row of “condos”, the subdivision of a large lot with the construction of several houses in place of the one that occupied the space previously or the construction of a row of condos, inappropriate to the surrounding homes and positioned inconsistent with them also.
Zoning is the main tool available to us. Our codes need to be developed in public and reflect the beliefs and wishes of the citizens. Of course we must stay within the confines of Pa Municipalities regs and we must be careful to balance the rights of property owners against the needs of the community. However, historically we have appeared to put the rights of the developer above the needs of the community (and our zoning laws). Only recently have we begun to review and revise our ordinances. We are “behind the curve” relative to many other communities in this regard. For a community with so much talent, such a level of education and awareness, it is embarrassing to find a number of supposedly lesser communities (not my words) that are far ahead of us in this arena.
We need to be forward thinking (proactive) and not continuing to wait until a developer walks into the Township Building with plans. We can utilize this planning effort to address some of the other problems we have such as affordable housing, and historic preservation. Some areas that may be worth investigating:
Perhaps we need a redevelopment authority?
We could offer grants to folks who would move in and preserve the home.
We could be guarantors for loans for preservation activities.
We could look into providing loans directly (assuming law allows)
Insofar as the issue of funding is concerned:
Assessment of a fee on any builder/developer (like the “public art” assessments in Phila) who builds in the Township (with higher level fees if a historic property is being removed).
Use of the transfer tax mechanism (increase the current amount by 0.25%)
Open Space
Open space brings with it many benefits. Not the least of these is the calming effect and sense of serenity that is brought to our harried lives. Open space contributes to clean air and aides in storm water management. I am very proud to have been one of the founders of the Radnor Conservancy and also on the steering committee of Citizens to Preserve Radnor (the group that worked for the Open Space Bond issue).
Unfortunately we cannot afford to by up the remaining Open Space in Radnor. Thus we need a process to evaluate any available open space against a set of criteria such that the decisions can be made “scientifically”. Guidelines have been developed by the Radnor Conservancy and the League of Women Voters. These guidelines were presented to the appropriate township boards and received their endorsement however they have yet to be approved by the Commissioners, although they are being used informally by the Open Space Committee on which I serve.
Business Districts
Our efforts have mainly focused on Wayne with the development of the “Wayne Master Plan” and the Wayne Business OverlayDistrict but this effort needs to be expanded to include our other business districts. Perhaps we could start a “trolley” that would travel between the various business districts. This would eliminate some traffic, increase business and afford opportunity for seniors.
Finances
The last several years have seen our financial position significantly deteriorate. To a large extent this was due to a failure of the BOC to adequately monitor our financials. The focus has been tax increase (politicians don’t want to say they increased your taxes) rather than on spending. This is unnoticed as long as revenues stay steady but when we encountered a revenue slump due to situations such as low occupancy at the office parks or reduced business taxes we can no longer tolerate this situation. This issue came to a head 3 years ago when there was no longer sufficient excess funds in coffers and only a large tax increase could cover the first draft of the budget. Of course that was politically unacceptable (and combined with aggressive efforts by several concerned citizens) efforts were undertaken to reduce spending. We have made dramatic improvements over the last year and a half with staff reductions and reorganization plus rigorous attention to expenses.
Township Boards and Commissions
I believe we are really fortunate to have so many dedicated and talented volunteers willing to give their time serving on Boards and Commissions. It is unfortunate that we do not take greater advantage of the skills these folks bring to the table. The Commissioners need to empower these Boards/Commissions, provide them with direction and then take accept the recommendations brought forth.
I believe the process for selecting the appointees needs to be open. Resumes of all individuals applying for a position should be a matter of public record. The deliberations and decision bases remains a privacy issue and should remain in executive session but the vote should be in Public.
Sidewalks
I like sidewalks. I believe they are a cohesive element and contribute to a “neighborhood” sensibility. They also contribute greatly to public safety for those that prefer walking as a mode of transport. I fully recognize that there are “issues” associated with sidewalks: cost of installation, repairs and snow removal will need to be considered as well as federal and state regulation.
That being said, our ward has a large number of cul de sac or non-through street neighborhoods. In these low traffic areas the use of the street as a walkway is a practical alternative. There is one area I believe to be worthy of consideration for installation of sidewalks. This is Roberts Road near the P&W station. As a minimum the sidewalk should be extended from “Home Properties” to the station. I have observed that a number of people working at St. Edmonds and the Childrens Village use the P&W and are forced to walk in the Street to get to and fro. The street is very narrow and folks drive far too fast to make this a safe option. I may be optimistic but I think that the presence of a safe walkway would increase walking and jogging along Roberts Road and may increase the number of folks choosing to use mass transit.
Storm Water Management
We have, quite literally, a crisis in the area of storm water management. Of course we are not alone, this condition affects our entire region. The new ordinances enacted several years ago help with new construction and redevelopment but not with current problems. There is no part of the Township that does not have some problems. We must attack the problems at the source. A large project has been completed that located a large storm water retention and recharge “underground basin” at the Middle School to hold up water and slowly release the water. From my standpoint it would make much more sense to have many smaller control facilities located near the sources of the run off catching the water before it has an opportunity to run down the streets or through the backyards. An additional concern I have, based upon my observations, is that current storm water mitigation installations are not maintained fully operable and thus negating any benefits they may have been designed to provide. We have recently commissioned a new storm water study but it will be meaningless if we do not take steps forward on implementation.
Openness and Sunshine
I believe an honest government operates in clear view of the citizenry. I believe that any citizen has a right to full access to Township records (within the narrowly applied bounds of Privacy Laws and Lawsuits and Real estate transactions) without unnecessary delay or excess charges. Yes, as a taxpayer, I do expect the Township to apply reasonable charges when satisfying information requests.
Trails
In the Parks and Rec long range plan (on which I contributed) we envisioned a series of walking trails connecting the township in order to provide both exercise and a way of moving around without using a car. We have a great start in the “Radnor Trail” and a dedicated group of volunteers from Friends of Radnor Trails and the Radnor Conservancy is working to create more trails.
I have been recommending a recreational trail through than Park for several years but there has been little progress, mainly due to the focus on the Radnor Trail. A second issue concerns the school districts prohibition against non business access to School Property during school hours. Until such time as this trail is formally commissioned we can still enjoy the benefits of a great hike (albeit with some hazard and inconvenience). The route is as follows, beginning at the corner of Clyde and Ithan, follow Ithan Avenue to Roberts Road walking in the Park as much as possible. Next, enter the Park at the driveway across from Roberts Road and travel in the Park southward following the trail that follows the stream. Next you will have to do a little climbing and go up the hillside onto Bryn Mawr Avenue. Now proceed westerly along Bryn Mawr Avenue, staying close to the curb and turn right onto XXXX entering the Hill of Bryn Mawr. Follow the road to the right and you will come to a pathway leading up to Ithan Elementary School (hence the concern by the schools) crossing the back of the property and enter the pathway that leads down to Ithan Mills. Follow Haymarket to the right then onto Drakes Drum and out to Clyde. Now you will have to walk on Clyde back to Ithan and start all over again. Ultimately and hopefully we eventually be able to enter the Park at Clyde prior to crossing the stream and travel the length of the Park thus avoiding walking on Ithan Avenue.
I have also proposed a pathway that would parallel the P&W from Tunnel Park down to Conestoga Road (at the underpass) which would make it much easier and more convenient for folks in the area of Montrose, Petrie and Conestoga and Roberts to access the park. This trail is in the 7th Ward but would be a real benefit for the 5th Ward.
I was a major supporter of the Radnor Trail, chaired the Parks and Rec Board during the contentious hearings on the Trail and contributed to the 1991 Parks and Rec long range plan which described a complete set of trails connecting our communities and parks. In addition we should work with other towns in Delaware County to develop a countywide trail system. With our unique position sharing boarders with two other counties and should work with Tredyfrin and Lower Merion to connect these communities through Radnor and perhaps ultimately connect to the Schuylkill River Trail.
Ithan Park
Although this Park is not in the 5th Ward since the Ward boundary is the stream, this is the closest thing we have to a real park and it is a gem. It is a lovely unspoiled space. Sitting by the stream listening to the water bubbling by is very restorative. There are several trails in the park especially along the stream But the most amazing thing about this Park is its history. At one time park of the property was an arboretum and the owner was a respected botanist. The Ithan Mills owners association LINKLINK has a great deal of information.
Recently a group of folks joined me in an effort to start a tree identification program in the park. We have barely begun to scratch the surface on this project with the identification of 22 trees. The list is available on the Radnor Website:
http://www.radnor.com/egov/apps/locations/facilities.exe?path=detail&locId=11
BUT all is not well with this gem. The wall along Ithan Creek and the bridges need some repair. Next time you visit the park view the underside of the bridges and note the condition, likewise for the wall. The last work done at the park was the beautification project at the entrance, which while lovely doesn’t address the future of the Park. Another area of concern is the mill dam. This has been falling down for some time and has been overlooked. The “reason” for not doing repairs is that it is environmentally wise to remove dams from streams and rivers. Somehow this seems more like an ecsuse than a reason. What species of fish is being prevented from migrating upstream due to this dam?
Students from the Watershed Program have been doing an annual park cleanup focusing on removal of invasive species and maintenance of the trails. I have participated in these clean up efforts and always am amazed at the amount the students accomplish. Thanks to them for their efforts but much more work needs to be done. With a little effort and maybe a few park benches we can make this gem glow. I would love to see an active “friends of Ithan Park” be formed.
Recently a group of folks has come together to save and improve the Park. This group is building upon previous efforts I spearheaded to start a tree identification program in the park. We have barely begun to scratch the surface on this project with the identification of 22 trees.
The group has made a presentation to the Park and rec Board sharing their vision for the Park and for the historic Evans Arboretum located there. Check out their website for details and some great pictures.
Evansarboretum.Wordpress.com The group has made a presentation to the Park and rec Board sharing their vision for the Park and for the historic Evans Arboretum located there. Check out their website for details and some great pictures. Evansarboretum.Wordpress.com .
Five Points Intersection
It is a nice opportunity to improve the intersection due to the expansion of Bryn Mawr Hospital. Radnor and Lower Merion will each share 50% of the cost and BMH the other half. The plan will provide dedicated left turn signals in each direction and, with the exception of eastbound county line road, with dedicated turn lanes as well. Work is anticipated to be performed in the Fall 2009 season.
Ombudsman
For any resident who has ever been involved in a zoning or planning issue one thing is clearly evident, the deck is stacked in favor of the developer or applicants. Generally these folks have all the time they need to prepare their argument whereas the neighbors generally are “surprised” by the issue. If the neighbors wish to object they must hire an attorney and other expertise to plead their case. Since our zoning/planning rules represent the “sense of our community” it seems logical to me that the Township should provide independent expertise to “defend” the rules and interpret or codes.
Zoning variances are a particularly objectionable tool for change, in my opinion. These variances basically provide a “short circuit” to our code development process including public meeting, review and such. My impression is that this process does not recognize that we are allowed to learn and be smarter and not repeat the errors of the past. Although there are folks on the Zoning Hearing Board who happen to be lawyers, I believe that the Board (and the community) should have an independent lawyer at the hearing, provided by the Township.
Public Notification
Our current practices regarding public notification are based upon the distance from the property of concern. In many cases the individuals most affected by proposed changes are not the adjacent property owners but rather people living downstream on creeks or on the same streets or connecting streets. In the current technological world why can’t we increase notification practices to include affected individuals outside of the current notification zone? For example, consider American College: The affect of originally proposed development would have had dramatic impact on folks up and down Bryn Mawr Avenue as well as the cross streets. How many of you were notified? The Township Staff is reviewing this issue to determine if automatic phone calling can be used.
|
