Pocopson gets update on byways, roundabout

The rejection of a development’s offer of dedication, the selection of a new engineering firm, a roundabout update, and the approval of a conservation plan were among the actions taken by the Pocopson Township supervisors at their meeting on Monday night.

The supervisors unanimously rejected the proposed dedication for the Preserve at Chadds Ford, a Toll Brothers development of single-family homes on Corinne Road.

“We can’t accept the dedication until all the unanswered questions have been answered,” said Supervisor Georgia Brutscher, citing numerous unfinished items at the complex.

Weather permitting, the roundabout should open by Christmas, Pocopson Township officials were told.
Weather permitting, the roundabout should open by Christmas, Pocopson Township officials were told.

After some discussion, the supervisors agreed that McCormick Taylor was the best of four companies interviewed for township engineer and that Gilmore & Associates would get the nod as the alternate at the supervisors’ reorganization meeting on Jan. 5. They also voted to consider the proposal of United Inspection Agency as the township’s electrical inspector at the same meeting.

Public Works Director Mark Knightly said PennDOT was still having an issue with a guide rail on the Route 52 roundabout; however, on Wednesday, after meeting with PennDOT officials, he posted an update on the township’s Web site, said Susan Simone, the township secretary.

Wednesday’s posting said all work has been completed with the exception of the mast-mounted sign on the approach to the roundabout from the Route 926 side.

“The contractor is installing the footing today. Hopefully the mast will be installed Friday. The landscape plantings will be done in the spring of 2015,” the update said.

Weather permitting, the road will open by Christmas; however, temporary road closures for the remaining work are expected to continue through the spring.

Following a recommendation from Holly Manzone and George Zacharkiw, Pocopson’s representatives on the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byways Commission, the supervisors approved the Commission’s Corridor Management Plan.

“Overall, I think the plan is good,” said Manzone. She said she anticipated some editing changes that would make the 202-page report easier to read but would not alter its content.

The commission, a byproduct of the Pennsylvania Scenic Byways program, also includes representatives from Chadds Ford, East Bradford, East Marlborough, Kennett, and Pennsbury Townships. Its purpose is to promote and implement approved plans for the improvement and protection of the scenic area “in a manner that is sensitive to the needs of the residents, property owners, and visitors.”

Manzone said Kennett Township’s bike lane represents an example of the improvements that the initiative can produce. “There is very slow progress being made, but progress nonetheless,” she said.

The Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway runs in a figure-eight pattern through the countryside, along Route 52, former Route 100, and Route 162 in Chester and Delaware Counties. Among the commission’s numerous goals are to maintain an inventory of historic properties, expand educational resources, enhance scenic views, improve bicycle and pedestrian access, and implement traffic calming.

In the early 1990s, Pennsylvania used federal funding to create the Pennsylvania Scenic Byways program. In 2006, the program received $120,000 from the National Scenic Byways Discretionary Grant Program through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Matching funds of $30,000 came from the Chester County Visitors Bureau and an additional $10,000 was received from the state Department of Community and Economic Development, the report said.

In other business, Supervisor Barney Leonard submitted a signed letter of thanks to the township’s Planning Commission for its assistance on updating the township’s Wireless Communication Ordinance. Brutscher and Supervisors’ Chair Ricki Stumpo added their signatures. The ordinance will now go to the Chester County Planning Commission.

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