Resident expresses concerns about use of chemical weed killer
By Kris Firey-Poling, Correspondent, The Times
BIRMINGHAM – At Monday’s meeting of the Birmingham Township Board of Supervisors, a lighter than typical agenda included discussion of the Comprehensive Plan, adopting dog waste removal service, and PennDot’s use of vegetation management chemicals.
Nick DiMarino, of the Planning Commission, recommended that the board approve the Birmingham Township Comprehensive Plan of 2015. He reported that the objectives and intent are clear and correct. The Commission presented a draft of the plan at a public meeting last month.
Supervisors Chair John Conklin thanked the committee, noting that they saved the township thousands of dollars. “Every 10 years, our plan needs to be reviewed as demographics, roads, and needs change,” Conklin explained. He encouraged residents to review the plan on the township’s website. Supervisor Scott Boorse agreed, acknowledging the hours spent by the committee. The board will officially approve the Plan at a later date.
In other items, Anne Siemer, of the Recreation, Parks and Open Space committee, requested township funding for dog waste removal at Sandy Hollow Heritage Park. According to Siemer, dog owners have continued to disregard the “leave no trace” policy at the Park, creating a nuisance. The board approved the $21 per week maintenance fee for the remainder of the year. The waste receptacle will be located near the parking lot.
In public comments, resident Mary Evans questioned the chemicals that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has recently used along roads in the township. She provided the board of supervisors with a map of recent heavy spraying locations, emphasizing those near water and aquatic plants. “What chemicals are in PennDOT’s spray? As supervisors, can you request that they stop spraying? This is not necessary, and a concern to the environment,” said Evans.
Supervisor Conklin said that he did not know the answers, but said they will ask PennDOT. He also encouraged Evans to contact Pennsylvania State Representative Dan Truitt. Supervisor Boorse noted that spraying was done mainly on state roads.
Due to a lack of detailed information, the board was unable to discuss two agenda items – a potential new home in the historic district on Birmingham Road and the Brandywine Conservancy proposal for the Brandywine Creek Greenway.
Chief Thomas Nelling’s June police report included 1,163 calls, 6,966 patrol miles logged, and nine criminal arrests. He announced the resignation of Patrolman Benjamin Tobin, who is relocating to South Carolina.
The next meeting of the Birmingham Township Board of Supervisors will be held Monday, August 3rd at the Township Building, 1040 W. Street Road (Rt. 926), West Chester. For more information please visit: birminghamtownship.org
