September 3, 2014 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Hilton eyes Chadds Ford Township

AERIAL---GAKIS-SITE — An aerial view of the Chadds Ford Business campus. The yellow rectangle shows the location of the proposed hotel and restaurant.

A Hilton hotel could be coming to Chadds Ford Township. At least that’s what’s being considered along with a 5,000 square foot restaurant and the completion of the fourth and final leg of the loop road around the intersection of routes 1 and 202.

The idea is still in the sketch plan only phase with no formal application yet presented, said Mark Eisenhardt, vice president of the Henderson Group. The site of the possible hotel and restaurant is on Henderson property west of Dickinson Road, in the Chadds Ford Business Campus at Route 1, and east of what could be the Hillman Drive extension.

Henderson also wants to build a restaurant on part of the property and is offering to extend Hillman Drive to Route 1 as the southwest segment of the loop road.

“That would be on our nickel,” Eisenhardt said of the road construction.

An architect’s rendering of the proposed Hilton Hotel.

Eisenhardt said a current Hilton franchisee is interested in operating another Hilton franchise, this one in Chadds Ford. He also said “a high end” restaurateur also wants in the township.

He said the restaurant can’t be named yet, but said, “We’re looking at a local operator.”

He added that the restaurant would about the same size as the TGI Fridays in Painters Crossing shopping center.

Nothing will happen until a formal plan is presented. The property has two parcels in two different zoning districts. The front portion, along Route 1, is in the B Business District, but the second parcel is in the Light Industrial District. That parcel would have to be rezoned Business to allow for the hotel.

According to Eisenhardt, Henderson would also have to go through a conditional use hearing to get the 107-room, four-story hotel approved.

The whole bureaucratic process — rezoning and conditional use — could take at least a year, he added.

But, according to Henderson President Brian Coyle, “Henderson’s in it for the long haul.”

Coyle said he’s sensitive to the concerns of residents at Painters Crossing Condominiums and the Estates of Chadds Ford in regard to the loop road, but said Henderson would work closely with the township supervisors and planning commission members who would scrutinize plans and the work to ensure the safety of residents.

“They’ll listen to feedback from residents, consultants and regulations set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation,” Coyle said. “We will meet those standards. We have a good working relationship with the township engineer on how the road should be built.”

Coyle added that safety of residents coincides with Henderson’s need to maintain a safe environment for its tenants.

“Traffic is not only an issue for the Estates at Chadds Ford and for Painters Crossing, but also for Henderson tenants. We want our tenants to be safe. Our interests align with those of the community,” Coyle said.

Eisenhardt added that there is a new design for the Hillman Drive extension — one developed with township engineer Joe Mastronardo — one that doesn’t bring the road as close to the condominium property as the original plan.

That newer plan, he said, will pull traffic away from the condominiums, incorporates a berm, landscaping and a retaining wall to reduce noise and light pollution.

“It will provide a safe path to routes 1 and 202 for residents of the condominiums and the Estates of Chadds Ford,” Eisenhardt said.

Coyle added that completing the loop road benefits everyone in Chadds Ford, but admitted a slightly selfish reason: “”It’s more attractive for tenants in the Chadds Ford Business Campus. It’s helps with traffic [flow].”

Two of the loop road segments — State Farm and Brandywine drives — are complete and a third — Applied Card Drive — is being built as part of the Wegmans development.

A sketch plan of the property shows 281 parking for the restaurant and hotel.

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.

Hilton eyes Chadds Ford Township Read More »

Adopt-a-Pet: Samuel

Home and Leisure

It’s hard to believe that handsome Samuel has not been scooped up yet. Samuel has been patiently waiting for his forever family to come adopt him since May. This gentle boy will make a great companion for just about any family. If you enjoy spending those lazy days watching TV all day, Samuel is your guy. This fellow is a very mellow boy with a laid back personality. He would love to hop on your lap and enjoy those quiet time with you. Please come by the shelter to meet Samuel or call at 610-692-6113 for more information. The Chester County SPCA is located at 1212 Phoenixville Pike in West Goshen. The web site is www.ccspca.org.

About CFLive Staff

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

Adopt-a-Pet: Samuel Read More »

Photo of the Week: Eerie Evening

Photo of the Week

The title says it all.

About Rich Schwartzman

Photo of the Week: Eerie Evening Read More »

Police Log Sept. 4: Illegal alien caught; many DUIs; toilet stolen

Police

• Pennsylvania State Police from Troop K, Media barracks, spent much of the long Labor Day weekend patrolling for traffic safety and stopping people for DUI. Malaquias Heredia-Lopez, 31, of New Castle, Del., was cited for DUI after being stopped along Route 202 at Hillman Drive in Chadds Ford at 1:17 a.m. on Aug. 30. He first provided false identification, police said, but once his true identity was learned, it was revealed that had been deported on two separate occasions and was in the US illegally. He was arraigned with bail set at $75,000.

• Victorino Anslemo, 22, of Chichester, was taken into custody for DUI after a traffic stop at 1:19 a.m. on Aug. 31 at Route 202 and Hillman Drive, police said.

• State police said Ameena Hasan, 25, of Lincoln University was arrested for DUI after a traffic stop on Route 1 at Cheyney Road on Aug. 31.

• Michael Harris III, of West Chester, was arrested for DUI shortly before midnight on Aug. 30. He was stopped near Jimmy Johns, on Route 202, police said.

• Lauren Estrada, 30, of Concordville, was arrested for DUI after a traffic stop on Route 1 at Brinton Lake Road. Police said the stop was made at 12:42 a.m. on Aug. 30.

• Police said Matthew Christopher Claudy, reportedly of Chadds Ford, was arrested for DUI after a traffic stop on Route 1 at Ring Road on Aug. 29.

• 49-year-old Donald Louis Harington, of West Chester, was arrested for DUI on Route 202 near the Sentinel Motel on Aug. 28, police said. The traffic stop was made at 1:30 a.m.

• Police arrested Wayne Thomas Bansfield, 26, of Newark, Del., for DUI on Aug. 28. A police report said Bansfield was stopped for vehicle code violations shortly after 2 a.m. at Route 202 near Watkin Avenue. The report said he showed signs of impairment.

• Robert Hendrix, 53, of West Chester, was arrested for DUI following a traffic stop on Oakland Road at Brinton’s Bridge Road on Aug. 28 at 1:30 a.m.

• A 57-year-old man from Pottstown was arrested for DUI after a one-car accident on Featherbed Lane in Concord Township. According to police, the accused — whose name was not released – ran his white Chevrolet Caprice off the road and into a tree about 10 p.m. on Aug. 23.

• Someone stole a Port-A-Potty from Pocopson Elementary School. State police from Troop J, Avondale barracks, said the portable toilet was stolen sometime between 10 a.m. on Aug. 29 and 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 30. The unit is gray in color with a white roof and has the logo of Snyder & Mylin Septic Services. The serial number on the lower right corner of the door is 1EEDG5959. Anyone with information should call the police at 610-268-2022.

About CFLive Staff

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

Police Log Sept. 4: Illegal alien caught; many DUIs; toilet stolen Read More »

Around Town Sept. 4

Along the Ford

• Chadds Ford Days is this weekend, Sept. 6 and 7, at the Chadds Ford Historical Society on Creek Road. There will be musket and cannon demonstrations, contemporary and colonial crafters and a visit from Gen. George Washington. Live music is also on tap and there will be a puppet theater. Events run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

• A Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony will be held at the Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chadds Ford Township Thursday, Sept. 11, beginning at 6 p.m. The ceremony is honor of those who fought in the 1777 Battle of Brandywine and those who died in the terror attacks of 2001.

• Darlington Arts Center will host an exhibit of paintings by long-time Concord Township resident, the late Mary Hoberg. The exhibit opens with a reception on Friday, Sept. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. The event is free with complimentary wine, cheese and light refreshments. Hoberg was a resident of Concord Township for more than 50 years. She served on the Concord Township Planning Commission and was the township zoning officer. Mary studied at Darlington Arts Center with Karl Kuerner.

• The Cunius School of Martial Arts in Old Ridge Village will host an open house for its Parent and Me fitness program on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 1-3 p.m. The day is open for kids 18 months to 4 years old. The studio is in suite 39, 100 Ridge Road in Chadds Ford Township.

• Saturday, Sept. 13 is CSA Day at the Brandywine River Museum of Art. Visitors to the museum courtyard can savor samples of locally grown fruits, vegetables, wine and cheese; meet the farmers and learn about the Brandywine Conservancy’s work to preserve family farms and open space. CSA Day runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is free.

• Wine and Dinosaurs return to the Delaware Museum of Natural History from noon to 4 p.m. on Sept. 14. Dozens of wines and beers to sample, hors d’oeuvres from top local caterers, live jazz, and a silent auction will be featured to benefit the museum. Admission is $45 for members, $55 for non-members; and $65 at the door. Must be 21 or older. For more information and ticket purchases, visit www.delmnh.org or call 302-658-9111.

• Delaware County SCORE, Brinker Simpson & Company CPAs, and Paychex will offer a seminar presenting the basic bookkeeping and record keeping concepts that a small business owner needs to master. The seminar, sponsored by Delaware County SCORE, Brinker & Simpson CPAs, Paychex, and WSFS Bank, will be held Sept. 18, from 8-10 a.m. at Pescatore’s Restaurant, 1810 Wilmington Pike (Route 202) in Chadds Ford Township. Sign-in begins at 7:30 a.m. and a continental breakfast will be available. There is no charge for the seminar, but advance registration is required at delawarecounty.score.org/local events/

• Unionville High School will host a field hockey clinic for grades 1 through 8 from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Sept. 20. Students should bring their sticks, mouth guards, shin guards, water bottles and sneakers. No cleats. The cost is $25 per child and includes a T-shirt if the student is registered by Sept. 12. To register, or for more information, e-mail uhsfhclinic@gmail.com or call Mary Hewes at 610-793-0422.

• YMCA of the Brandywine Valley and YMCA of the Upper Main Line are pleased to be able to offer a free membership to every seventh-grader in Chester County, thanks to the Seventh Grade Initiative, sponsored by Gawthrop Greenwood, PC. The goal of the Seventh Grade Initiative is to inspire youth to discover their passions, develop a healthy lifestyle, and gain the assets needed to avoid risky behaviors and succeed in school and life. To take advantage of the free membership, seventh grade students need to bring their school ID, roster or report card and a parent or guardian to the welcome desk at any of the nine branches of YMCA of the Brandywine Valley and YMCA of the Upper Main Line.

• September is National Preparedness Month and the Chester County Department of Emergency Services is launching a new web site to encourage residents to be prepared and know their risks. ReadyChesco.org promotes the advance preparation of kits that contain basic items your household might need during an emergency, such as food, water and medications in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours.

About CFLive Staff

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

Around Town Sept. 4 Read More »

Applied Belief: The only way to deal with evil

Religion Today

Today the Islamic State otherwise known as ISIS or ISIL released a horrific and graphic video of the beheading of Steven Sotloff. This follows the beheading of James Foley a few weeks ago. As Americans and as Christians we must pray for the families of Mr. Foley and Mr. Sotloff. We must continue to pray for the others held captive by this evil group of people as well as the many religious and ethnic minorities terrorized by this evil group.

There is a point where depravity is so great that it almost extends beyond the definition of evil. This describes what ISIS is. It must be dealt with decisively now. As you read you this you might be thinking what a pastor is doing writing about a terrorist organization. I write this because all religions are being threatened and because this is not the first time that Christians like other religions have had to deal with this kind of evil barbaric terrorism. To this we turn to the Old Testament.

In 1 Samuel 15:3, God commanded Israel via its King Saul to “attack the Amalekites and totally destroyall that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.” This is a passage that several theologians consider a passage of “terror.” At this point I would say that this is not terror this is justice. The Amalekites, like ISIS now, are evil people using terror tactics to abuse unarmed peaceful religious and ethnic minorities.

Several groups like Amnesty international and Crisis Relief International have reported that ISIS, which practices the most extreme interpretation of Islam, has systematically worked through their plan of ethnic and religiously cleansing anyone who will not adhere to their so called Caliphate.

Crisis Relief International (CIR) recently reported this, “We lost the city of Queragosh (Qaraqosh). It fell to ISIS and they are beheading children systematically. This is the city we have been smuggling food to. ISIS has pushed back Peshmerga (Kurdish forces), is within 10 minutes of where our CRI team is working. Thousands more fled into the city of Erbil last night. The UN evacuated its staff in Erbil. Our team is unmoved and will stay. Prayer cover needed.”

There is no justification for the actions of ISIS like there was no justification for the Amalekites treatment of Israel. God called Saul to destroy everyone and everything that was Amalekite because it was evil and because “what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt.” (1 Samuel 15:2)

We find out what the Amalekites actually did to Israel in Deuteronomy 25:17-19. It says “Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and attacked all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God. When the Lord your God gives you rest from all the enemies around you in the land he is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you shall blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget.”

The Amalekites, like ISIS now, has systematically gone after those that are peaceful which they deem to be weaker. This cannot continue. This is not just a threat to Christianity it is a threat to all religions and too peace everywhere. ISIS only wants one form of religion and in the process they desire the destruction of the West along with Israel and anyone Muslim or not.

The President of the United States last week said there was no strategy yet on what to do with ISIS. Perhaps the president should take advice from God’s strategy which we find in Deuteronomy 20:10-13. This passage is found both in the Christian Bible and the Torah. God tells Israel: “When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace. If they accept and open their gates, all the people in it shall be subject to forced labor and shall work for you. If they refuse to make peace and they engage you in battle, lay siege to that city. When the Lord your God delivers it into your hand, put to the sword all the men in it.”

God is love and the Father of Jesus Christ whom we call the Prince of Peace. God is also a just God with no tolerance for evil. No one wants to enter into another war. No one wants to have more of our men and women risk their lives in a foreign land. We all want peace and security. Sometimes though that peace is rejected at which point there is only one option as we just read above.

ISIS does not want peace. They want death to come to Christians, Jews, and anyone that will not bow down to their form of Islam. Mr. Sotloff, Mr. Foley, their families, as well as the thousands of Christian, religious and ethnic minority families many facing the reality of beheaded children, raped women, tortured and murdered men, all deserve peace. This peace will come when they have justice. Like with the Amalekites before them there is only one option with this kind of evil. We must, as God says, “blot out the name” in this case ISIS “from under the Heaven.”

About Rev. Marcos O. Almonte

Rev. Marcos O. Almonte is senior pastor at Brandywine Baptist Church, the oldest Baptist Church west of Philadelphia. Pastor Marcos is a graduate of Palmer Theological Seminary with more than 10 years working with families with an expertise in theology, trauma and addictions. Pastor Marcos and his wife Mary have three children, Carmen, Joseph, and Lincoln.

Applied Belief: The only way to deal with evil Read More »