September 20, 2012 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Sheriff’s sale for Pennsbury Village project

The Pennsbury Village project has an uncertain future. Eagle National Bank has filed for an Oct. 18 sheriff’s sale against PVA, so financing for the townhouse development project is in doubt.

“We don’t know what the status of the Pennsbury Village Associates development is currently,” said Supervisors’ Chairman, Aaron McIntyre at the Sept. 19 supervisors meeting.

Township solicitor Tom Oeste said the township’s existing stipulation agreement with PVA “is only the beginning step. PVA, or whoever ultimately moves forward with residential development of the property, has to gain approval of [an Act] 537 sewage plan and final construction plans. Actual property development would be at least a year away.”

Supervisor Charles “Scotty” Scottoline addressed another area related to the PVA project. He said there’s no timeline concerning the status of the Hope House, located on the PVA owned land adjacent to the township building.

PVA agreed to move the house to another location if the township wanted it. One issue for supervisors was what it would cost the township to maintain the structure.

“We did receive a $30,000 estimate for stucco removal and re-pointing the Hope House and an approximate annual $1,200 ‘mothball expense’ estimate as the Pennsbury Historic Commission has no current usage plan for the house,” Scottoline said.

Other news

• McIntyre reported on the township concern regarding significant erosion at the rear of Hillendale Elementary School. He recently met with Unionville-Chadds Ford School District Superintendent John Sanville and his staff, and he the district agreed to construct and maintain erosion control facilities in accordance with control plans to be designed by the township.

McIntyre said the school district would pay for the project that includes a sediment retention basin estimated to cost near $150,000. The Brandywine Conservancy will provide input on erosion control environmental aspects of the project.

“Pennsbury Township’s cost will be very modest as we will be preparing the sediment retention basin engineering plan,” he said.

• Supervisors unanimously approved Boy Scout David DeJardins plan to build two purple martin birdhouses in the township park immediately behind the Route 1 township building. The construction of the birdhouses will not require any township expense and DeJardins will now seek final approval from Troop 31. Once approved, he estimated it would take him a few months to build the birdhouses.

• Township residents Charles Nichols and Damien Demnicki have agreed to serve on the Historic Commission. Nichols, who recently moved to the township from Rhode Island, has been an avid collector of colonial furniture. The Demnicki’s have previously lived in historic homes. The two appointments filled vacant positions the commission.

About Jim Phreaner

After 41 years of auditing large NYSE global corporations, former IRS Agent Jim Phreaner was looking for a project in retirement with fewer regulations and more people. He joined the staff at Chadds Ford Live more than a year ago. James Edward “Jim” Phreaner, 64, died suddenly in his Birmingham Township home on Dec.17, 2012. Jim was a devoted husband, son, father, friend, and neighbor.

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Wegman’s, Keystone Plaza hearings continued

Local News

The Chadds Ford Zoning Hearing Board continued to next month, two hearings — one involving a two-township development that includes a Wegmans supermarket in Concord Township.

The development is planned for one parcel of 33 acres. That parcel extends across the two townships in the area bordered by Route 202 and Applied Card Way, across from Hillman Drive.

The Concord Township side would include the Wegmans with parking, while the Chadds Ford portion — about 13 acres — would include retail shopping in an area zoned PBC, and an additional 181 parking spaces in a triangular piece of land that’s zoned for light industrial. Those parking spaces run along the township border at the side of the supermarket.

At issue is whether or not those 181 parking spaces are allowed or if a variance is needed. According to township code, parking is permitted in the LI district as an accessory use. The township’s interpretation is that a variance is needed because no building is planned in that area.

The developer is Chadds Ford Investors, a group made up of the Hineman family —which owns the property — and Carlino Commercial Development. Peter S. Miller, president of Carlino, said the development would also include building the southeast section of the loop road between northbound Route 202 and eastbound Route 1.

Opposing the application is JMVP Realty, of Concord Township, and two of its employees from Chadds Ford, Vince and Peter Abessino, brothers, who live in the Estates at Chadds Ford off of Hillman Drive.

The two briefly testified, with both saying they were concerned about increased traffic.

Also testifying was Bill Bunch of William Bunch Auction at Route 202 and Hillman Drive. He said that while traffic would increase and is a concern, “It’s a great opportunity to have access to a tremendous retail development.”

He added that the area needs the loop road to be completed.

The Chadds Ford portion of the plan also shows a garden with the previously reported upon Vietnam monument.

The Sept. 19 hearing was almost continued before it began. Attorney Garth Hoyt, representing JMVP Realty and the Abessino brothers, wanted the hearing continued before testimony began because, he said, the plans had been changed without proper notice and that he had no time to get an expert witness.

The board continued the hearing to Oct. 17.

Also continued to October was a hearing for Keystone Plaza on Route 202. Owner Andy Variale was seeking relief from the township sign ordinance so he can put up one replacement sign and one new one.

He testified that the current stand-alone sign listing the tenants is too small for motorists to read as they drive by the shopping center. He said drivers tend to slow down to read what’s there and that this causes accidents. A new sign would be larger, 24 feet by 11 feet.

Variale also requested approval for an LED sign.

Board members Bob Reardon, Joe Vaites and Paul Koch each indicated that they were opposed to the LED sign and wanted the tenants’ sign smaller.

Reardon, board chairman, suggested the continuance so the applicant can revise the plan.

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.

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Free wing offer attracts overnight crowd

Local News

Waiting — Free wing offer attracts overnight crowd

An offer of free chicken wings for a year drew a crowd for the opening of Buffalo Wild Wings in Concord Township. The first 100 guests received ticket for the free food.

The store opened Monday, Sept. 17, at 10 a.m. following a ribbon cutting. But some of the people, eager for free wings, camped out overnight having been at the store since 11 a.m. on Sunday.

“Free food tastes better,” said Erin Denning of Glen Mills, one of the early arrivals.

Anthony Agabides, of West Chester, said getting the “best wings for a year” was worth the wait.

If you go

Buffalo Wild Wings is at 920 Baltimore Pike near the Wawa and Malvern Federal Savings Bank and across from the Shoppes at Briton Lake. Hours are 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. until midnight on Sunday.

Food from the lunch menu, valid from 11 a.m. through 2 p.m. weekdays, ranges from $5.99 to $7.99. Manager Chris McCusker said there are specials Tuesday and Wednesday.

There are also 64 TVs in the restaurant giving it a decided sports feel, said fellow manager Mike Block.

Top photo caption: More than 100 wait for the Sept. 17 official opening of the new Buffalo Wild Wings in Concord Township. The first 100 guests received tickets for free wings for a year. (Photo by Rich Schwartzman)

Ribbon-cutting — Members of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, along with Concord Township Supervisors’ Chairman Dominic Pileggi, perform the tradition ribbon cutting ceremony. (Photo by Rich Schwartzman)

About Rich Schwartzman

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School board to spend some, save some

Local News

The Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board voted to spend money on a new entrance for the high school football stadium, but also to refinance some outstanding debt to save money in the long run.

In a 7-1 vote, the board decided to spend $35,000 to build a new ticket booth and relocate the stadium entrance as part of the board’s long range plan.

School Board Director Holly Manzone voted against the measure, calling it a “want, not a need.”

Board President Eileen Bushelow said she was not in favor of spending the money now, but was voting for the idea while relying on selling naming rights to the stadium.

Bruce Yeltin, of Pocopson Township, spoke out against spending the money early in the Sept. 18 meeting, saying the new stadium entrance won’t improve education and that it would fail if placed on a referendum.

While the board voted to spend on the stadium, it also voted to save some money — $100,000 — by refinancing $4.5 million of existing debt at a lower interest. The board will issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $6.72 million.

Other business

• U-CF and the Kennett Consolidated School Board will be teaming up for a joint Community Conversation on bullying from 6-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 29 at the Unionville High School cafeteria, according to School Board Director Kathy Do.

She also announced a free showing on the movie “Bully” at the AMC Theater in Painters Crossing on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. Do said space is limited, so those interested in seeing the film then should RSVP at www.ucfsd.org/bullymovie

The district will also be sending out flyers and information via e-mail.

• The next work session for the school board will be 6:30 p.m., Oct. 15. It will be preceded by a Curriculum and Educational Technology Committee meeting at 5 p.m.

The next regular board meeting will be 7:30 p.m., Oct. 22 in the Unionville Elementary School auditorium.

About Rich Schwartzman

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Birmingham still needs supervisor; township pushes back against state

Local News

See ***UPDATE*** below

Birmingham Township has yet to name a replacement for Al Bush, the supervisor who died Aug. 28.

The board has until Sept. 27 to appoint someone to fill the remainder of Bush’s term that expires at the end of 2013. To that end, the board scheduled a special meeting for 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 21.

There is no scarcity of people interested in the position, said Supervisors’ Chairman John Conklin. Two of those interested, he said, are former supervisors.

“There’s no absence of talent,” Conklin said. “We will have a good replacement.”

(ChaddsFordLive.com will update the story after the meeting.)

Other business

• Supervisors have rescheduled their Oct. 1 meeting to Oct. 2. There would not be a quorum for the first date, Conklin said. Oct. 2 was already scheduled as a public budget meeting. Both the budget and the regular meeting will be held together.

• Conklin and fellow Supervisor Bill Kirkpatrick are pushing back against a state requirement to update township’s National Pollutant Discharge System permit.

The NPDS permit deals with stormwater discharge and management plan.

Kirkpatrick has written a letter to be sent to the governor, Pennsylvania Environmental Protection Agency and the legislature saying the requirement to update the permit every five years is ridiculous and too costly.

Kirkpatrick said it costs the township a minimum of $20,000 and added that it’s a foolish requirement for Birmingham because “There’s been no significant building here for 15 years.”

“The only growth,” Kirkpatrick said, “has been regulatory growth.”

He added that more than 1,000 townships are in the same situation and some are also pushing back. Kirkpatrick cited Pocopson Township as another municipality writing a similar letter.

***UPDATE***

Scott Boorse has been appointed supervisor in Birmingham Township to fulfill the unexpired term of Al Bush.

Boorse, currently an alternate to the Zoning hearing Board, has previously served on the Recreation, Parks and Open Space committee and the Planning Commission.

Supervisors’ Chairman John Conklin said Boorse would be a “good contributor” to the board.

About Rich Schwartzman

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Around Town Sept. 20

Along the Ford

Andy Bell and Victoria Wyeth — Victoria Wyeth, granddaughter of Andrew Wyeth rides a Harley with Andy Bell, Andrew Wyeth’s friend and last model.

• Andy Bell and his wife, Diane, of Chadds Ford, will be special guests at Center for the Creative Arts’ Luck of the Draw. Luck of the Draw is a fund-raiser to be held on Sept. 29 at CCArts that features Victoria Wyeth as the emcee. The funds from this event support art scholarships for children and CCArts programs. Bell posed for Wyeth’s final Chadds Ford painting, entitled “Stop.” In the 2008 watercolor Andy Bell was painted sitting on his Harley Davidson motorcycle. A signed (by Bell and Victoria Wyeth) reproduction of “Stop,” signed by Bell and Victoria Wyeth will be auctioned off during the Luck of the Draw. Tickets are $85, $15 for non-participating guests. For more information on Luck of the Draw, call 302-239-2434 or visit www.ccarts.org, or stop in at 410 Upper Snuff Mill Row, Yorklyn. Reservations are required and space is limited. Caption for photo above: Victoria Wyeth, granddaughter of Andrew Wyeth rides a Harley with Andy Bell, Andrew Wyeth’s friend and last model. (Courtesy image)

• Everyone is invited to a party and dance, Saturday, Sept. 29, to celebrate 50 years of the Hadley Memorial Fund presenting free programs for the Kennett community. Come help the Hadley Fund celebrate 50 years with our party. A light supper will be available for purchase from 6:30- 7:30 p.m. and the free dance is 7:30-10 p.m. Come to dance or just listen to the 60’s music played by our DJ Del Bittle and maybe sing along. The celebration will be at the Kennett Senior Center, 427 South Walnut Street in Kennett Square. Parking is easy at the center and it is handicapped accessible.

web-drac-press-photo-11 — Brandywine Ballet presents "Dracula," Oct. 26 and 27 at Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall in West Chester. (Courtesy image)

• Brandywine Ballet, Chester County’s largest non-profit ballet company, announces its 2012-13 season-opening performances of Nancy Page’s Dracula. Brandywine Ballet continues its residency this season at Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall in West Chester. Individual tickets ($25-$40) and subscriptions are on sale now. Performances are Oct. 26, 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. Subscriptions, tickets, and a complete schedule are available by telephone at 610-696-2711 and on-line at www.brandywineballet.org.

• Joe Vilardo, emergency coordinator for Chester County ARES/RACES has announced that the all volunteer radio and data communications group, which backs up the Chester County 9-1-1 center and the Chester County Department of Emergency Services, is eagerly looking for new volunteers. Required for direct activity in the organization is an FCC issued amateur radio license. Vilardo and his team of volunteer trainers and examiners have set aside Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 13 and 14 for training and testing for the FCC exam. No prerequisites are necessary, other than a strong desire to serve. To learn more, including locations and times, visit www.w3eoc.org or call Lloyd Roach, PIO, Chester County ARES-RACES at 610-793-1900.

• The Kennett Symphony of Chester County begins its 72nd season with Opening Night Concert, under the direction of Maestra Mary Woodmansee Green, featuring pianist Igor Resnianski. The concert will be presented at West Chester University’s Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 29, at 8 p.m. The concert includes two youthful works: Prokofiev’s spirited and elegant Classical Symphony, and Brahm’s passionate First Piano Concerto performed by Igor Resnianski. Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Corigliano’s Creations, narrated by Leon Spencer, rounds out the program. Single ticket prices are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Students are $5. Subscriptions are available featuring a variety of packages and prices as well as group discounts. Free parking. For complete information visit www.kennettsymphony.org or call the Kennett Symphony at 610 444 6363.

About CFLive Staff

See Contributors Page https://chaddsfordlive.com/writers/

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Adopt-a-Pet: Kiki and Oreo

Along the Ford

Kiki-&-Oreo — Adopt-a-Pet: Kiki and Oreo

These two pretty ladies were surrendered to CCSPCA more than five months ago because their owner moved into an apartment where cats were unwelcome. Kiki and Oreo are sisters and have been together from the very start, so they will need to be adopted as a pair. Both cats are very sweet and lived with children in their previous home. Kiki and Oreo cannot wait to enjoy their golden years in their forever home, and since these girls are 7 years old, they qualify for the Cool Cats adoption fee of $25 per cat. If you are able to provide Kiki and Oreo or any of our other animals here at the shelter a home, visit the Chester County SPCA at 1212 Phoenixville Pike in West Goshen or call 610-692-6113. Kiki and Oreo’s registration numbers are 96807917 and 96807918. To meet some of our other adoptable animals, visit the shelter or log onto www.ccspca.org. Not quite ready to adopt? Consider becoming a CCSPCA foster parent! Additional information and applications are available online or at the shelter.

About CFLive Staff

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Photo of the Week: Late Summer Colors

Photo of the Week

SIW — Photo of the Week: Late Summer Colors

Late summer colors are on display at the SIW produce stand on Creek Road in Pennsbury Township.

About Rich Schwartzman

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Police log Sept. 20

Police

• An unidentified man had the license plate stolen from a brand new car while he was inside the Wawa on Route 202 at Naaman’s Creek Road. State police said the man had just picked up the car from a dealership in West Chester before driving to the store. When he came back out from making a purchase, he noticed the tag was missing. The incident happened Saturday, Sept. 15, about 5:30 p.m.

• State police from Troop K, Media barracks, are investigation a case of theft through fraud and forgery at David Dodge on Route 202 in Chadds Ford Township. According to police, two people entered the dealership on Aug. 22 and used another person’s identification to buy a vehicle. The pair then left the dealership heading south on Route 202.

• Police are also investigating the theft of construction material from a building site on Cooperhawk Road in Chadds Ford. No details were given. Police do not know who might have committed the crime, nor do they know how they left the scene or what direction they travelled. The theft happened sometime between Aug. 28 and Sept. 8.

• On Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Pennsylvania State Police, Media barracks and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your medications for disposal to PSP Media at 1342 W. Baltimore Pike, Media. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

About CFLive Staff

See Contributors Page https://chaddsfordlive.com/writers/

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Pileggi, Killion recognized by Pa. farmers for support of agriculture

Local News

State Sen. Dominic Pileggi, R-9, and state Rep. Tom Killion, R-165, both of whom represent portions of Chester and Delaware Counties, have been named “Supporters of Agriculture” by FARMER, the political action committee of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, the state’s largest farm organization.

FARMER (Farmers Allied for Responsive More Effective Representation) supports the election of “friends of agriculture” to the state General Assembly and based its support for Pileggi and Killion on their voting records on agricultural issues, as well as their personal philosophy on agriculture. In identifying candidates for recognition, FARMER also seeks the opinion of county Farm Bureaus and individual members.

“Both Senator Pileggi and Representative Killion have demonstrated a strong support for the farming community in the legislature,” said Joel Rotz, the director of legislative affairs for the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. “We greatly appreciate their support for agriculture and farmers in Pennsylvania.”

Rotz noted the support from Senator Pileggi and Representative Killion for Act 85 of 2012, landmark state tax legislation that will help protect the future of family-owned farms by providing farm exemptions from the inheritance and realty transfer tax.

Rotz also highlighted Killion and Pileggi’s support for expanding the scope of vocational agricultural education to include agribusiness management and marketing, agricultural research, energy systems, agricultural engineering, food science, food processing, horticulture and landscaping and related fields. Other important agricultural issues supported by Killion and Pileggi include state government regulatory reforms and joint and several liability reform.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the farming community for my support of agricultural issues,” said Pileggi. “As the Senate Majority Leader, I work to ensure that the issues and concerns of the farming community are heard in the legislature and I appreciate their support in my re-election campaign.”

“Pennsylvania farms are an integral part of the state’s economy and it is important that we work to ensure their viability in both the short and long-term,” said Rep. Tom Killion, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “I greatly appreciate having the support of FARMER in the November election.”

About Press Release

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