Dear Neighbors,
As we move into the winter months, holiday season and New Year, Council wishes goodwill and prosperity to all in Lansdowne in the coming year.
We continue working to finalize the budget for next year and plan to retain the excellent services in Lansdowne in our Sanitation department and Police Department . We also will keep investing in projects to continue the economic development and improvements in quality of life issues for all residents in Lansdowne Borough.
Public Safety:
Lansdowne Borough Council is happy to report that Bodycams and the Bodycam Policy are now in full effect. Also, the Use of Force Policy has been reviewed and updated. The Lansdowne Police Department and Lansdowne Borough Council are committed to ensure public safety in Lansdowne for all residents.
Lansdowne Borough Council also is happy to report that the Council voted to approve a new fire truck for the Lansdowne Fire Department.
We are committed to providing the necessary resources to keep Lansdowne safe.
Community Relations:
We would like to invite all residents to join in the many festivities being planned in Lansdowne that are open to all of Lansdowne.
On December 4th, the Greater Gladstone Civic Association will be hosting a tree lighting at the parklet in Gladstone Manor from 4-5.
The Lansdowne Business and Professional Association is hosting a holiday Parade on December 4th from Greenwood Avenue to the Landing from 6-8.
Environment, Parks, and Recreation
Thank you to the Lansdowne Parks and Recreation Board for leading the clean up day at Reservoir Park on November 6th.
On December 4th, the Parks and Recreation board will be hosting another cleanup on December 4th, 2021 from 10 am to 12 noon.
Learn more here.
Economic Development:
Bicycle Facilities
On November 20th, 2021 Lansdowne Borough hosted a cohort of about two dozen bicyclists who from the Greater Philadelphia Bicycle Coalition who conducted a 20 mile tour through the Bicycle Routes in Eastern Delaware County from Haverford Township through Upper Darby into Lansdowne Borough. The bicyclists stopped on Scottdale Road at the base of the Gateway Slope project to learn more about the Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Plans in Lansdowne and work that has already happened.
Currently, Lansdowne Borough is the lead recipient of another TCDI grant received this past spring in partnership with Upper Darby, East Lansdowne, and Yeadon Borough to build our Bicycle network to extend through Eastern Delaware County into Philadelphia. Already, through collaboration with Penndot, Lansdowne Borough has incorporated Bike Lanes on Lansdowne Avenue.
Click here to see more about our recent event.
Recently, Council voted to apply for a Multi-modal funding grant to pay for the striping of the rest of the Bicycle Facilities Plan. Lansdowne Borough Council is committed to completion of the project without raising taxes.
Comprehensive Plan:
This past October, Lansdowne Borough Council contracted with Urban Research Design and Connect the Dots to develop the Comprehensive Plan. However, to best plan for the future of Lansdowne, we need the voice of all residents to participate. Beginning in January, there will be opportunities to participate throughout the community to have your voice contribute to the development of the next stages of the Comprehensive Plan.
Gateway Slope:
After initial delays, work continues on Gateway Slope and Lansdowne Borough Council is hopeful the building and paving of the project will be completed this year. Unfortunately, the plantings will not take place until the Spring.
Please see the progress by the following link.
Budget:
Lansdowne Borough Council has been working consistently on the budget for the past two months and we are happy to report that the tentative budget for 2022 continues Lansdowne’s investment in the projects to support the infrastructure of Lansdowne, parks maintenance in Lansdowne, Library resources in Lansdowne, and continues the economic development of Lansdowne.
Click here to view the 2022 preliminary budget.
Council is also happy to report that we are proposing a 5% reduction in real estate taxes. On the Borough level, we are remaining static on Sanitation Fees and Sewer Fees; however, both the County and Delcora are raising their rates and residents will see this increase in their fees.
On behalf of Council, I want to wish all of the residents in Lansdowne a wonderful time with their friends, family, and neighbors this winter and holiday season.
Please remember those who may need assistance and support the Borough and Police Departments Toy Drive and the Interfaith Cupboard.
Hope to see you around town!
Sincerely,
Benjamin Hover
President
Lansdowne Borough Council