It’s somewhat ironic that the issue of signs has popped up in two neighboring townships at the same time. The concrete situations are different, but the concept behind the questions remains the same.

In Chadds Ford the issue is over businesses trying to stay alive. In Pennsbury it's about an elementary school wanting to crow about a national award.

The U.S. Department of Education named Chadds Ford Elementary School a National Blue Ribon School of Excellence last year when students scored well on national exams. It was part of the No Child Left Behind program.

Students, faculty, staff and members of the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District were understandably overjoyed. They and members of the Unionville-Chadds ford Education Foundation wanted to crow about the achievement. So the foundation paid for a sign that was erected on school property along Route 1 near the already existing school sign.

The sign went up in January, with the idea that it would be up for the remainder of the school year and the beginning of the next. But was only there for a few weeks when the Pennsbury code enforcement officer advised the school that the sign had to come down because it violated the township zoning code. And, according to school Superintendent Sharon Parker, the sign could not be displayed anywhere on school property. In order to get the sign put back, a variance is needed from the Zoning Hearing Board.

Dr. Parker asked the supervisors to waive that requirement or, at least, waive the $700 hearing fee. Her request was not granted.

That is actually as it should be. As ludicrous as it sounds, making the school adhere to township codes even for something like this, is the correct decision. For the supervisors to waive requirements for the school, they would have to do the same for every other person, business and organization in Pennsbury. Equality under the law is paramount. Without that, things disolve into special privilege.

What is most heartening, however, is that residents in the township are financing the hearing. Several people have promised to pay something toward the cost and one person, Dr. Parker said, has personally assured the foundation that the fee would be coverd.

Neighbors helping neighbors—what  a concept. A superb solution.

The Chadds Ford situation is a little different. A lack of signage for businesses could be financially ruinous. If customers can’t find the business, the business loses money and risk going belly up.

Members of the Chadds Ford Business Association want the township supervisors to modify the ordinances to allow for more temporary signs – especially for new businesses -- and for recurring events.

It appears that the supervisors understand the situation and are willing to make necessary changes once they get  a better feel for what the businesses need.

There are those within the township who may object, but allowing for the extra signage, especially in the current economic climate, is better than “Going out of Business” signs followed by vacant store fronts and deserted parking lots.

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