Michelle's Blog

Sidewalks revisited

2009-09-16T13:52:00.002-04:00

I have had a number of requests for follow up on issues raised in my earlier posting. I spoke with members of the township staff and the planning commission and these are some answers to your questions, As provided by them:

Sidewalk width –
The 5’ design width was first suggested in the Township Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan (PROS Plan) that was prepared over the course of a year working with consultant Urban Research and Development Corporation and approved by the Board in the spring of ’05. They indicate that sidewalks should be 5 – 8’ wide.
The consultant retained to develop the first phase planning for implementation of the PROS Plan recommendations, Jacobs Engineering, also came in with the 5’ width. This is now becoming the normal standard across the country and the Planning Commission has briefly discussed the possibility of revising our current ordinance minimum width of 4’ to match this accepted standard practice, although no action has yet been taken.
They are connecting to existing narrower sidewalks since replacing them would have added more cost.

Curbing –
This issue was discussed at great length in the numerous meetings, both public and with the STAP (Sidewalk Trails & Path) Comm., with the consultant and Township Staff. There was a strong feeling by some members of the STAP Comm. that a curb should be required, but after further discussion with the consultants that a curb is not a real safety consideration and that stormwater can be effectively handled in other ways we were confident in the design. If curbs were used the cost to install the underground collection piping and to then find a place to take the outflow would result in staggering costs and kill the project. In fact we would have had to take some of the water to Easttown Twp. which would have caused additional problems. The project areas along Irish Rd. currently have existing curbs and a stormwater collection system.

Stormwater –
The stormwater collection system that has been designed to handle the impervious surface of the sidewalk and to handle normal runoff from the adjacent roadway was designed by a consultant team from West Chester, Cahill & Associates, who are part of the Jacobs Engr. team.
The Township engineer also provided input.

Trees, plantings, fences, etc. –
The location of the sidewalk was designed to be entirely within the legal right of way of each road, although some temporary grading easements were required for a few properties to ease slopes, etc. Unfortunately, many homeowners have planted trees, shrubs, hedges, fences, etc. in this area over the years and they will require attention. The consultant had an arborist look at each affected tree to see which could be saved or where the root system would be affected that it may eventually cause death. I have heard from the Township that they will do their best to replace trees, hedges, etc and to relocate fencing, mailboxes, etc. This additional cost work is not legally required but was done as a commitment by the Township staff and Board to try and make the work as pleasing to residents as possible.

Traffic calming -
One of the design elements on the section of Conestoga Rd. from Daylesford Station to Old Lancaster Rd. involves “bump out” sections that will act as stormwater control areas and delineate the “de facto” parking areas that will be provided. Again, the Township says it has taken the extra effort to ease the changes on residents by providing a design that retains numerous areas in front of their homes where vehicles can park as they do today. The Township provided stabilized grass areas that can be parked on. These “bump out” areas will also help to visually reduce the roadway width and traffic speed.
In addition, the two school crosswalks on Old Lancaster Rd. will be elevated “tables” that will reduce traffic speed.

Funding –
The Township recently was awarded a stimulus fund grant of $2.8 million to accomplish the construction of this project.

Township Budget crisis and Budget Advisory Working Group survey

2009-07-10T15:31:00.006-04:00

I, along with many members of the community, attended the recent Budget Advisory Working Group(BAWG) public information and commentary session. As a result of this meeting I contacted municipal officials in other areas and obtained a list of possible cost cutting solutions. While, not all of these measures may be necessary for Tredyffrin, they should be considered. I included this information in my response to BAWG’s survey. Examples of the measures that are being utilized in our region include:
Mandated, across-the-board department budget cuts (some up to 5%);
Mandated cessation of staff conference allowances, except where required for maintenance of professional licensures;
Consideration of furlough days and hiring freezes;
Elimination of overtime pay for salaried employees;
Mandated review of each departments’ personnel job descriptions and reassessment of job functions;
Detailed review of insurance and benefit expenditures;
Freeze on all capital project expenditures (unless required for safety reasons);
Development of purchasing trusts with neighboring municipalities;
Renegotiation of vendor contracts;
“Green” cost cutting methods such as turning off significant portions of lighting in and around municipal buildings and facilities; reduction in air conditioning use; and
Reduction in park maintenance and cleaning services for Township buildings.

BAWG and the Supervisors also must be aware that some of these measures present complex legal implications for Tredyffrin. I will be attending a conference in Harrisburg in August that will discuss, among other topics, the legal obligations of municipalities as they consider reductions in workforce, changes to health insurance premiums, pension costs, and relevant bargaining obligations for unionized employees.

Cost cutting will not be enough. BAWG and the Supervisors also need to reevaluate how Tredyffrin creates future revenue. Tredyffrin must continue to attract and maintain businesses in our area. We also need to maximize the use of our existing parks and public facilities to attract additional revenue for the Township.

Finally, the best way for Tredyffrin to weather difficult economic times is to continue to tap its best resource; a highly informed and educated population. This Township is one of the most successful in our Commonwealth because of its ability to obtain highly qualified volunteers for its many citizen boards and leadership positions. The membership of BAWG is an example of that. However, if residents don’t participate in the survey, our leaders cannot work with Township management to effectuate the necessary policy changes. I have been actively urging people through emails and grass roots contact during my door to door campaign to respond to the survey. Here is the website for BAWG: http://www.tredyffrinbawg.org/. Please fill out the survey!

Sidewalks in Tredyffrin

2009-07-02T06:20:00.002-04:00

Many years and lots of money has been spent on determining if sidewalks can be built in Tredyffrin. This winter I attended the series of board of Supervisor's meetings that discussed what to do with the project. This project is phased with early phases encomapssing safe routes to school sidewalks. Later phase include sidewalks that are meant to connect the community to parks and trails. Initially, when I heard about this project, I like many thought sidewalks are great. who wouldn't want sidewalks? I always envied the ability of residents in Wayne to walk evrywhere. I thought that it would be great, in my neighborhood (Conestoga /Woodlea) where kids walk to T/E middle and Conestoga High School and adults want to walk to the train. But like many projects you need to dig deeper and get facts.

At the Supervisors meeting it was evident that many residents on Conestoga Road were disappointed with the actual design of the sidewalks. The plan, as presented, indicated that the sidewalk would look different from existing sidewalks in the area. there was no curb planned and it would be 5 feet wide. It was also not an elevated sidewalk plan but rather it is level to the road and is separated from the road by a drainage swale. I must admit, like my neighbors I was surprised and disappointed by the design.

After the meeting I organized, on behalf of Conestoga /Woodlea a special meeting at the Township building. Paula Olson and Judy DiFilippo attended as representatives of the Board. The Township engineer was present, as well as the Township manager. Some concerns raised were: why does the sidewalk have to be so wide? and is it safe without curbs? who is paying for this?

The good news is that there appears to be grant money in the works for this project. I think we should find out some time in July if there is funding. Frankly, in this time of economic crisis, I think that any large capital project or expense should be put on hold. I think it is important to provide kids with safe ways to get to school so lets keep our fingers crossed for funds.

But back to the design aspect of the project. The Township engineer said that there is no evidence that curbs add any safety to a sidewalk. But the real reason for the design is that in order to have curbs, you need to have a stormwater system . This would involve working with PennDot(Conestoga Road is owned by PennDot) and spending more money to put in an underground stormwater system. Anyone that lives in this area knows people that live downhill from Conestoga Road (Old State and Hickory Roads in particular) have enormous water problems. Are the drainage swales going to be adequate??

The width of the sidewalk was discussed and left unresolved. Why 5 feet? No other sidewalk in the area is that wide. In fact it will connect with existing 3 feet and 4 feet elevated, curbed sidewalks in the area. The township will be taking many trees down on Conestoga Road in order to do this project. This is troubling because there are many historic Victorian homes in the area. But also, as one area resident, and former police officer, Tom Tartaglio testified by taking down trees the sightline on the road is expanded. As he explained when presented with a wider sightline people then believe that they can go faster.

This is a long posting but it is an example of why we need leaders that pay attention to projects such as this. I firmly believe that the Safe Rotes to School aspect of the sidewalks project is something we need. Kids need to be protected in their way to school. But what I came away with is a feeling that the design is not the best it could be. Why 5 feet? Will the drainage work? What impact on the speed on the road? I will continue to work with the neighbors so that some aspects of the design are revisited. We want the Berwyn community to still be as lovely as it is today and that people are happy that they have sidewalks.

If elected I really plan on carefully, reviewing any other phase of the Township sidewalk project. Particularly, in areas without grant money. We are in tough economic times. Lets not barge ahead with projects that are not necessary. As I do my door to door campaign I am getting input, that once you move away from the school zone, people don't want sidewalks. They are concerned with upkeep and the effect on their neighborhood. I will continue to monitor this situation.

Berwyn Victory Run

2009-06-21T12:05:00.003-04:00

Berwyn Victory Run - May 9, 2009

I spent the morning with the DeHaven family volunteering at this wonderful event that they organize to benefit the Berwyn Veterans Memorial. This year my husband Mike ran the race. My kids participated as well. I worked with Betsy Fadem (School Board President) and Supervisor J.D. Dibonaventura checking in all the runners. It was one of the biggest turn outs that the event has had. This is another example of the way we as a community can get together to do good for others without expending taxpayers money. This is totally a grassroots event, where local folks volunteer and local businesses donate services. In a bad economy people still can organize events like this that raise funds, without raising taxes!

Tidy up Tredyffrin Day

2009-06-21T11:33:00.002-04:00

Tidy up Tredyffrin Day

Community service is important to me. That is why I organized a group of neighbors to come out for Tidy up Tredyffrin Day. In this picture you can see me with my mom (a Tredyffrin resident ) and my 10 year old daughter Amanda. Also with me are the other Republican candidates Phil Donahue and E.J. Richter. We tackled the busy Swedesford Road area.

You can find out more about this great annual event by clicking on the following link : http://www.tidyuptredyffrin.org/html/april_25__2009.html

Meeting Comgressman Jim Gerlach at Valley Forge National Park

2009-05-08T12:37:00.004-04:00

I attended a grounding breaking ceremony for a new preschool facility in Valley Forge National Park. As you can see from the photo, this project has bipartisan support. The people that spoke that day mentioned the importance of early education to children. It was important to me to visit the groundbreaking to talk to both Congressman Gerlach and State Representative Drucker because this project, while using federal property in a unique way, also could present major problems for the residential neighborhood. As a lawyer with some background in zoning and planning I can see that the biggest issue will be ensuring that the traffic flow is handled appropriately. This school used to be in Walker Road and the traffic impact was minimal but new roads and locations can bring new challenges . I am trying to obtain the traffic study that was developed done for the new facility to see what is planned for the new site. This particular neighborhood will see many challenges with Traffic in the next few years, particularly because of the new casino being opened down the road at the Scanticon facility in Upper Merion. If elected, I plan on monitoring the area and working with neighbors to see what can be done to protect their quality of life.

My campaign is starting!

2009-05-08T12:26:00.007-04:00

I had a wonderful "kick off" Kichline in 09 fundraiser. It was great to get the support of so may friends and neighbors. I have a great Committee chaired by Steve Aichele and my treasurer is retiring Supervisor Judy DiFilippo. Now that all the organizational matters are behind me I am excited about the "grassroots" part of the campaign...meeting the people of Tredyffrin! Here are some pictures from my fundraiser! Thanks to all who came out!