Webb Road development OK’d, but property must be checked for historical artifacts
By Kris Firey-Poling, Correspondent, The Times
Chadds Ford honored long-time township volunteer and former supervisor Keith Klaver Wednesday night, during the Board of Supervisors meeting. From left are Frank Murphy, Samantha Reiner, Keith Klaver, Steve Barrar, Ed Miles, Colleen Morrone and George Thorpe.
CHADDS FORD — It was a night to acknowledge a current township hero as well as Brandywine Battlefield’s history at Wednesday night’s board of supervisor’s meeting.
Keith Klaver, who stepped down as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors in January, received several proclamations and accolades for his many years of community service.
Since moving to Chadds Ford in 2000, Klaver’s service has included Treasurer of the Chadds Ford Civic Association, Chairman of the Chadds Ford Sewer Authority, and the township’s Board of Supervisors from 2012-2015.
“Keith is the best and brightest that Chadds Ford has to offer. He has been a mentor and friend to me, said State Representative Steve Barrar (R-160). He noted that Klaver will receive a flag that was flown over the capital in his honor.
Colleen Morrone, Vice-Chairman of the Delaware County Council, said that Klaver, “has exemplified the phase ‘service to others’. Earlier this year, his leadership was recognized when awarded the 2015 Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Civic Association of Chadds Ford.”
“Keith is one of the most principled people I know. I will miss his unique gifts,” said Ed Miles, Bethel Township Board of Supervisor.
“Chadds Ford is a better place because of Keith Klaver,” said Supervisors Chairman Frank Murphy. On behalf of the supervisors, Murphy presented Klaver with a special plaque and staff photo.
Murphy also read a proclamation from Pennsylvania State Senator Dominic Pileggi.
In other items discussed at the meeting, a resolution was passed to allow subdivision and land development at 432 Webb Road. This property is significant as it is a part of the Brandywine Battlefield property.
In working with the Delaware County Planning Department, Supervisors Vice-Chairman George Thorpe learned that the property is a “high probability area” for archeological artifacts. They recommended a metal detecting survey.
After lengthy debate, the supervisors agreed to the residents’ request provided they hire an historian, at their own expense, to conduct a non-invasive search of the land with a metal detector, and document any items detected with the location site.
Murphy acknowledged the resident’s interest and dedication in preserving the property’s history, and stated his concern about the township’s lack of control over how residents in these historic areas use their land. He intends to work with the planning commission to create better ways to preserve township history.
One resident involved in Brandywine Battlefield history, said “All over this country, metal detectors are being used in battlefield studies. With this tool, historians can trace the formation of soldiers and determine military statistics. Think of the historic value to this Webb Road property if it’s determined to be the site of the retreat!”
