Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As we move into the heat of Summer and the dog days of August, I, on behalf of Council, urge all members of the community to stay cool and find opportunities to check in on neighbors to be sure that all are well. If any members of the community need a cool place to be, please encourage them to go to the Lansdowne Library.
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 Farmer’s Market is once again open and thriving in the Lansdowne Avenue parking lot every Saturday from 9:00-1:00. A coffee shop, Camellia Coffee Shop, will be opening soon at 20 North Lansdowne Avenue. And Lansdowne Borough Council featured Tay’s Donuts, a new online Donut shop that recently opened in Lansdowne. Recently,, Lansdowne Borough Council voted to support the acquisition of a Liquor License for Room 55, a sit down restaurant and banquet space at 55 East Baltimore Avenue.
With the addition of new businesses, the expansion of current businesses, and the continued progress at the Lansdowne Theater, Lansdowne’s downtown is on the move.
Lansdowne Borough Council has 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.
Comprehensive Plan Updates:
The work of the Comprehensive Plan Committee continues with an end goal of October. Currently, the comprehensive plan team is interviewing stakeholder groups including Lansdowne Boards and Commissions. However, all residents are encouraged to answer the survey to provide input for the comprehensive plan. We encourage all residents to complete the survey HERE.
Project Updates:
Veteran’s Parkway:
Lansdowne Borough Council voted to award NV5 Design the contract to develop the building plan and engineering work to develop Veteran’s Parkway. 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 and furniture design,— subject to Council approval.
Please find the revised plan passed unanimously by Council, HERE.
McKinley Avenue Tot Lot:
The initial hardscaping phase of constructing McKinley Tot Lot is largely complete. In the coming weeks installation of various elements including play apparatus and plantings will be installed . A very special thanks to Councilmember Carol Martsolf for her in-depth and engaging Tot Lot Notes.
Hays Park:
On June 25th, Mayor Byrne, Council President Hover, and members of the Environmental Advisory Council and members of the Parks and Recreation Board met to discuss the imminent installation of Solar Tables, possible ideas of fitness equipment, and an event hosted in August 27th by the Environmental Advisory Council, Food and Our Planet. All residents are encouraged to attend the event. Read More Here
Community Events:
On July 4th, Lansdowne Borough Council hosted the 4th of July Parade. Thank you to the many community organizations that participated to create a successful event. Also, thank you to Mayor Byrne and Councilmember Kellie Bowker and the 4th of July Committee for ensuring a great event. (See pictures here)
On July 24th, Lansdowne Borough Council joined with members of the Liberian community in Lansdowne and United States Representative Mary Gay Scanlon, State Representative Gina Hackett Curry, and County Councilmembers to conduct a beautiful Flag Raising Ceremony on Borough Greene. Thank you to Alphonse Samukai, Saadiq Mohammed, and Joar Dahn for their organization and the many community members who supported the Flag Raising and celebrated the contributions of the Liberian community in Lansdowne. See pictures here.
Upcoming Events:
Please mark your calendars.
There are a number of great events coming up hosted by Lansdowne Borough or community organizations:
On August 2nd, Lansdowne Borough will be celebrating National Night out. Thank you to the Lansdowne Police Department for organizing the event. (More Info)
On August 27th, from 4:00-6:00, Lansdowne Borough will host through the Environmental Advisory Council a Community celebration at Hays Park enjoying Vegan and Vegetarian gifts. (More Info)
On September 17th, Lansdowne Borough will host a Community Bike Ride and walk along the Lansdowne Loop with the Delco Bike Coalition and Greater Philadelphia Bicycle Coalition. The event begins at 1:00 at Highland Avenue Parking Lot with a community celebration at the end. (More Info).
We invite all residents who are interested in participating in local government to view the Boards and Commissions page to view the possibilities. (see the 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 Councilmembers with any questions or concerns.
Hope to see you around town or at any of the many community events.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Hover