By Kris Firey-Poling, Correspondent, The Times
CHADDS FORD – At Wednesday’s meeting of the Chadds Ford Towsnhip Board of Supervisors meeting, storm damage, emergency services and honoring a community leader topped the agenda.
William Delany, Jr., third from the right, accepts an award on behalf of his late father, Bill Delany. From left are Delany’s daughters Linda Tonn and Mary Bordic, Supervisor Frank Murphy, Civic Association of Chadds Ford member Vince DelRossi, William Delany, Jr., and Civic Association of Chadds Ford member Tom Kerwin.
In his report, Supervisor Vice-Chairman George Thorpe, discussed how the township’s winter challenges have moved to spring challenges with the recent storm and power outages. “Some residents are still without power! The phone hasn’t stopped ringing, and the trees are still coming down,” explained Thorpe. He described significant tree damage to Oakland Road, and how the township was concerned about emergency vehicles knowing how to maneuver around the detours. Supervisor Thorpe encouraged residents to call 911 to report down trees. Supervisor Murphy said that the Board will be meeting with Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO) to discuss how power outage issues can be improved.
In other agenda items, the board appointed Thomas Nelling as the new township fire marshal. Currently, Nelling is the fire marshal and police chief in Birmingham Township, and the fire chief of the Concordville Fire and Protective Association.
Also, the board of supervisors approved Mongiovi Orthodontics’ preliminary land development plan. The business, located at 4 Woodland Drive, will add 1400 square feet of space to improve patient flow and storage.
In addition, the board approved the Historical & Architectural Review Board’s (HARB) recommendation for the Cuno Museum, located on 1763 Creek Road, to replace their roof.
Chadds Ford resident Bill Delany received a proclamation from Chadds Ford Township posthumously; Delany died in April. Supervisors Chair Frank Murphy said, “Bill was a dear friend whose passing is still felt in our township today. This evening, we mourn his passing and let his family know how much he meant to us.”
Tom Kerwin, Delany’s friend and fellow committee member, read the proclamation that acknowledged Delany’s countless hours in community work. Specific service included President of the Civic Association of Chadds Ford, President of the Chadds Ford Historical Society Board of Directors, the township’s emergency response team, recycle day, and other initiatives. Delany’s three children accepted the award on their father’s behalf.
In other announcements, the Brandywine Battlefield was recently selected in the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Reader’s Choice award category of “Big historical significance without the big crowds.”
According to Supervisor Vice-Chairman George Thorpe, the article acknowledged the historical significance of the property, where 15,000 Continental troops camped, and includes the Ring House, the site of George Washington’s headquarters.
Supervisor Thorpe also announced that the Brandywine Battlefield Park will host 2015 Wineberry Days on July 17-19, where visitors can pick their own red raspberries. Thorpe explained that during colonial times, red raspberries were called “wineberries.”
The next meeting of the Chadds Ford Township board of supervisors will be held August 5th at 7 PM. For meeting minutes and additional information, please visit http://chaddsfordpa.gov/public/index.php?id=36&m=yes&s=2&n=3&g=2.
