Dear Neighbors,
As we enter the summer months, please join me in reflecting and recognizing the good news of the Spring and the coming building and planning that will be coming through the end of the year. This year, numerous projects in Lansdowne Borough and collaborations between Lansdowne Borough Council and community groups are all moving to fruition with consistent investment in our community. On behalf of Borough Council, I want to thank the many volunteers, donors, officials, and employees who have worked towards the realization of long term projects in Lansdowne.
Economic Development:
Lansdowne Borough continues to attract new businesses and works towards the development of our business districts, neighborhoods, and quality of life in Lansdowne. The real estate market in Lansdowne is strong and several new businesses have opened within the last month. This past month, Lansdowne Borough Council also continued our commitment to work with the Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation to create a contract that provides $50,000 to support the endeavors and programming of the Economic Development Corporation including work with the downtown businesses for collaborative plannings and a Farmer’s Market Agreement that allows for rent free space on Saturdays throughout the Summer. The LEDC and Executive Director should be congratulated for the work to implement facade improvements in the downtown, development of the Maker Space, and the continued work to attract entrepreneurs in Lansdowne.
Lansdowne Borough Council acted in May to allow the usage of The Landing and the front parking lot on Lansdowne Avenue to support the Lansdowne Business Professional Association in bringing a Night Market on June 16th to Lansdowne from 7-10. Thank you to the leadership of the LBPA and the members for making this market happen.
Comprehensive Plan Updates:
Over the past four months, the Lansdowne Borough Council Steering Committee has been working to update the Comprehensive Plan. There will be a special Public Meeting for the public to hear from the Comprehensive Planners and solicit feedback on the first chapters of land use and proposed changes to the Code. See link here for information about the meeting.
Project Updates:
Veteran’s Parkway:
Lansdowne Borough Council moved forward with the revised plan for the upgrades to the Landing and Veteran’s Park. Currently, NV5 Design is working on the engineering to be ready for construction once Lansdowne Borough has developed the funding to implement the plan. On May 12th, Borough Council President and Mayor Magda Byrne met with the LEDC Board and the Farmer’s Market Committee. Overall, the committee was pleased with the changes made to the initial design and observed how the Farmer’s Market would fit into the plaza. On Monday, May 16th, Mayor Byrne and the Council President attended the Parks and Recreation Board where I presented on the NV5 design with the changes. In Phase 2 of the Engineering plan with NV5 design, the Parks and Recreation Board will have the ability to provide input on the plantings, furniture design, and some paving—all with subject to Council approval.
Please find the revised plan passed unanimously by Council, here.
McKinley Avenue Tot Lot
On May 3rd, Lansdowne Borough Council and Mayor Magda Byrne celebrated the Groundbreaking of the McKinley Avenue Lot with Delaware County Council Chair Monica Taylor, State Senator Tim Kearney, Majovie Bland (representing State Representative Gina Hackett Curry’s office). Please find the link to the pictures here.
Since the Groundbreaking, the work on the lot has steadily progressed. Please look out for the McKinley Avenue Building notes written by Councilmember Carol Martsolf to chart the progress here.
Community Events:
On May 21st Lansdowne Borough revived the STEAM Festival for kids of all ages after a 2 year hiatus from COVID. Thank you to the many community organizations for making this event happen: Digital Divide for hosting the Drone obstacle course, the LEDC Maker Space for demonstrating the 3D printer and laser cutter, the Lansdowne Police Department’s Officer Albertoli for presentations on the science of speed enforcement and evidence, Cub Scout Pack 63 with a catapult, the Lansdowne Public Library for Children’s Story Time and a fun ink activity, the Environmental Advisory Council for information about composting and building birdhouses with Christine DuBois Buxbaum and Lansdowne’s Birdtown, DJ Joe Foley, and Franklin Fountain Sugar Shack for making this event happen. See link here for pictures of the event.
Upcoming Events:
Please mark your calendars.
There are a number of great events coming up hosted by Lansdowne Borough or community organizations:
On May 30th, the Memorial Day Parade hosted by the American Legion will begin at 9:00 at Ardmore Avenue elementary school.
On June 4th, Lansdowne Borough will host the LGBTQIA + Flag raising on Borough Greene at noon. Click here for the LGBTQIA resolution.
On June 5th, join in for the neighborhood clean up from 11:00-1:00 meeting at the Essex Avenue Lot at Penn Wood High School. See more here.
On June 12th, Lansdowne Pride will host a walk beginning at the Highland Avenue lot
On June 14th, the Borough will host the Daughters of the American Revolution, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and American Legion for Flag Day on Borough Greene at 7:00.
On June 18th, the Borough will be celebrating Juneteenth with a flag raising at 2:00 on Borough Greene. And, at 4:00, the Community Relations Committee and Juneteenth Committee have planned for a community celebration from 4:00-7:00 at the Lansdowne Landing. See flyer here.
On June 25th, from 9:00-1:00, Lansdowne Borough will collaborate with East Lansdowne Borough on a shredding event. Also, Lansdowne Borough will host a food drive with the Interfaith Food cupboard. The event will occur at the Highland Avenue Lot. Learn more here.
On June 25th, there will be a community meeting with residents at Hays Park to discuss the new solar tables being installed in the park, the possibility of new exercise equipment, and the Environmental Advisory Council will discuss their goals with residents as well.
On the 4th of July, Lansdowne Borough will host the 4th of July Parade with the theme of “Growing Together Again.” All community organizations are invited to join the parade. See more here.
We invite all residents who are interested in participating in local government to view the Boards and Commissions page to view the possibilities (see link). We also invite residents to attend the meeting of the Boards, Commissions, Council Committee meetings, and Borough Council meetings. Sign up for the newsletter and feel free to reach out to the Mayor or Council members with any questions or concerns.
Hope to see you around town or at any of the many community events.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Hover