On Wednesday, Feb. 24, between 8:40 and 8:50 a.m. the New Garden Police Department received a spate of theft complaints involving unlocked vehicles that were parked in the lot of the New Garden Early Care in the 200 block of New Garden Road.
One of the three victims reported leaving their vehicle briefly while dropping off their child to daycare, which enabled law enforcement to identify the 10-minute time frame. The other two victims worked at that location. All of the vehicles were left unlocked, a police press release said.
Upon returning to their vehicles, the victims discovered that their wallets and contents were stolen. The suspects targeted the victims’ financial or personal identification items, such as checkbooks, credit and health insurance cards.
The investigation has been assigned to detectives who are working with regional law enforcement agencies, which have experienced similar incidents, the release said.
Here’s a creative way to beat the cold, even if only figuratively: Next month, the Kennett Public Library will offer mobile WiFi hot spots for library members to borrow and use for free.
Wireless HotSpots will offer free Internet access anywhere and are perfect for schoolwork, job hunting, travel or social networking; they will be available at the library the month of March, thanks to a generous donation from T-Mobile, said a library press release.
“We are grateful to T-Mobile for giving us this opportunity to test the waters on this new technology and make it available to our community,” Library Director Donna Murray said in the release.
The Wireless HotSpots will be available free of charge for three days at a time to any library member with a current Chester County Library system library card. As part of the pilot program, users will be asked to complete a short survey, and must return the devices to the Kennett Library, the release said.
For more information on this or other library programs, visit the library at 216 E. State St., in downtown Kennett Square, or call 610-444-2702.
Last night’s rain has created a tricky situation in Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, Superintendent John Sanville said in an email, causing an early closing of Unionville High School and Patton Middle School.
“We have been monitoring water levels and road closures since 5 a.m. Things have changed rapidly and, in light of the number of bridges and roads that are closed, we are dismissing high school and middle school students at 1:30. Our elementary schools will dismiss on time. By doing this we are allowing extra time for the buses to get everyone home safely. In addition we have cancelled all after school activities.”
A new proposal for the final leg of the loop road between Routes 1 and 202 through Hillman Drive shows four changes the developer hopes will satisfy concerns of residents.
Proposals include changing the dedicated turn lanes at Hillman Drive and Route 202, having a right turn only from Dickinson Drive onto Hillman, adding a roundabout on Hillman in front of Evergreen Place and giving Painters Crossing Condominium residents an access to Hillman through a driveway behind an office building in the Chadds Ford Business Campus.
Hillman Drive runs through the business campus, which is owned by The Henderson Group and it’s Henderson that’s willing to build the road at its own expense.
The meeting room at the Chadds Ford Township municipal building was packed with residents wanting to hear the updated proposal during the Feb. 24 Board of Supervisors’ workshop.
There is still no formal plan, but Henderson wants to know from supervisors whether it should continue with the project to generate a fully engineered plan.
One change involves the creation of a 90-foot roundabout on the already existing portion of Hillman Drive at its intersection with Evergreen Place, the lone access point to and from The Estates at Chadds Ford.
Residents of the Estates have expressed concern over the extension because they believe there will be more traffic in front of their development.
“The intersection of Routes 1 and 202 is the busiest intersection in the state,” said resident Sal Faia. “Henderson wants to bring that that traffic to the front of our homes. It’s a matter of safety for people who live here.”
However, traffic engineer Matt Hammond said the roundabout would work “efficiently and safely.”
When asked later how much traffic would be generated in front of Evergreen, Hammond said there needs to be an updated traffic study to get a better projection, but he thinks it would be about 350 to 400 vehicles per hour during peak hours. He said the intersection of 1 and 202 gets 5,000 vehicles per hour.
One of the other changes that concerns residents of the Estates is that traffic from Dickinson Drive would not be allowed to turn left to get to Route 202. Instead, traffic from Dickinson would have to go right on Hillman, go to the roundabout and then turn 360 degrees to get to 202.
Chadds Ford Planning Commission Chairman Craig Huffman brought up another concern, that of traffic backing up, or “queuing” from Hillman, possibly as far back as Dickinson Drive.
The Hillman Drive extension would complete the loop road system, if and when it gets built.
There are two lanes of traffic heading to Route 202 on Hillman. Currently, there is a dedicated left turn lane for traffic to go north on 202, and a shared lane for right turns and for those wanting to go straight through toward the Wegmans development.
However, if the lead vehicle in that right hand lane wants to go straight while the light is red, motorists can’t make the right turn on red, which causes a back up.
Hammond said the new idea is to make the right lane a right turn only lane, and make the left lane a shared lane for left turns and straight through traffic.
A fourth proposed change would also bring traffic toward Evergreen, but would address concerns of residents at Painters Crossing Condominiums.
Instead of having access for condominium residents in the vicinity of a condo building, the idea now is to build a driveway from the southern portion of the condos. That driveway would connect with an already existing driveway behind the office building on Hillman at Evergreen Place.
Residents of the condos have always been concerned about traffic coming too close to their 1500 building. The roadway is still 120 feet away — a distance the residents say is too close — but changing the access point from that location to the new one would prevent headlights from pointing directly into a residential building and allow for better buffering between the roadway and the 1500 building, according to engineer Chuck Olivo.
“We can buffer the area better than what was previously proposed,” he said.
Clark Hoffman, president of the Painters Crossing Condominium Association, said the current proposal is a move in the right direction and told supervisors to give Henderson the time needed to fully engineer a plan, adding that Henderson would do better than PennDOT.
PennDOT has previously said that the Hillman Drive extension would be built one way or the other, sooner or later. If PennDOT builds the road, it would be at taxpayers’ expense. Henderson is willing to pay for the project on its dime, if the board approves a final plan.
Former Supervisor Debora Love offered one suggestion that could help residents of the Estates, to change their emergency egress point on Heyburn Road to a regular, everyday point.
“Maybe it’s time for supervisors to look at that possibility,” she said.
Love was on the Board of Supervisors that approved development plans for the Estates. She said the reason for only having ingress and egress on Evergreen is that supervisors at the time listened to residents on Heyburn, Ridge and Summit who didn’t want traffic from the Estates on their streets.
She said that Ridge, Ring and Heyburn roads are more heavily trafficked now because people are using those streets to avoid the intersection of Routes 1 and 202. Extending Hillman Drive to complete the loop system would alleviate the extra traffic there and keep it on a road designed as part of the loop system.
Current Supervisors’ Chairman Frank Murphy said the board could decide during its March 2 meeting whether to reject the proposal or to accept Henderson’s offer of an extension so that the developer could have time to draw up fully engineered plans for the project.
Ross Weiss, the attorney representing Henderson, said his client would appeal the decision if the board nixed the project.
(Photo: Residents pack the Chadds Ford Township municipal building to listen to changes for the proposed Hillman Drive extension, the fourth and final segment of the loop road system around the intersection of Routes 1 and 202.)
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.
Come meet all the wonderful animals available now for adoption at the Brandywine Valley SPCA. All featured pets are “Name Your Price” adoption fee until Monday, Feb. 29. If you’re not ready to adopt, then sponsor a pet and provide a safe place for our companions to rest until they find their forever homes. Help us give them a second chance at a fresh start.
Emme
Emme
Are you looking for a dog that doesn’t need to run five miles a day? Yeah, that’s me. I’m a low-key kind of girl who is looking for love and affection, because I know I can return the favor. I arrived at the BVSCPA as a stray and have quickly won the hearts of the staff and volunteers. No one came to claim me, so now I am up for adoption and hoping you will take a look at me. I’m an easy girl to walk, and an easy girl to fall in love with.
Gus
Gus
Hi I’m Gus, the second most famous dog in Pennsylvania, and today is your lucky day. One look at my handsome, distinguished face and you can see that I’m a little older than some of the other dogs at the shelter, but that just means I’ve developed extra sweetness and smarts. I have the heart of a much younger dog but the manners of a mature guy. I’m super smart, knowing commands like sit, stay and down. I love to cuddle up on blankets and roll around for belly rubs. I’m the real deal, a happy, loving guy just looking for a family to call my own. Are you the family whose life I will complete?
Hercules
Hercules
Hi, my name is Hercules and I am a big, strong boy who will just lick your face to death. I play nicely with toys and love to cuddle up next to you for some love. I will melt your heart with my adorable face and my spunky personality. Don’t be fooled by my large size, deep down I am a huge love bug just looking for a family who will love me.
Click HERE to learn about all of our dogs at our Pennsylvania Campus.
Primo
Primo
I’m a bit timid and shy around other humans but I enjoy the company, so an experienced hat owner is preferred. It was only when they noticed that I made my way into the cage of another cat and we were both snuggled next to each other sleeping. I’m a low energy cat and like to spend my days lying in the sun, or on the couch. I was surrendered to the shelter on Jan. 20.
Jupiter
Jupiter
I may be on a small size but my affection is as big as the cosmos. I was a stray that made my way to the shelter on Jan. 20 and have been searching for a forever home ever since. I’ve been told that I have a very deep purr and would be a great companion cat or cat for a family.
Misu
Misu
I’m a bit on the older side but with that comes charm, wit and appeal that’s unmatched by some of the younger cats in the shelter. I’m a stray cat that found myself here on Jan. 20 and I’m no stranger to other animals or people. I like to spend my time laying on your lap and rubbing up against you. I’m looking for a companion or a loving family to call my own.
Click HERE to learn about all of our cats at our Pennsylvania Campus.
• Unionville High School’s gymnasium is hosting the 21st Unionville High School PTO Used Book Sale, starting on Friday, Feb. 26. Donated by a diverse group of avid readers, the approximately 80,000 books cover a wide variety of genres, including children’s books, art books and classics. The used book sale is the high school PTO’s primary fundraiser and allows the PTO to support enrichment projects to enhance the educational experience. Sale hours are Friday, Feb. 26, from 4 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 27, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with a half-hour break to prepare for the $10 bag sale from 3 to 5 p.m.
• Anyone who travels the Route 30 corridor in western Chester County is invited to share ideas about future land use and transportation improvements during an open house on Monday, Feb. 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. The public meeting, which will be held at the Wagontown Banquet Hall, 412 West Kings Highway, in Wagontown, will focus on issues such as plans for six Route 30 Bypass interchange areas and alignment options for regional trail connections. Visit www.chescowest.com for more information about the project.
• A cast of 19 talented young Hedgerow Theatre School students will present two performances of the Broadway musical Godspell JR. on Saturday, March 5, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology, 800 Manchester Avenue in Media. The production is the culmination of a performance class taught by Executive Director Penelope Reed and Music Director Shaun Yates. The students, who range in age from 9 to 16 were taught acting and musical-theatre techniques while preparing to appear on stage. The “junior” version is designed for younger performers and audiences, and is appropriate for all ages. It has only one act and runs about one hour. Tickets are $10. For more information or to reserve a seat, call 610-565-4211 or visit www.HedgerowTheatre.org.
• The YMCA of Greater Brandywine, in partnership with Kacie’s Cause, and the Chester County Chapter of PRO-ACT, will host a public screening of The Anonymous People – a documentary about the 23.5 million Americans living in long-term recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs. This event will be held 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, at the Jennersville Y, 880 W. Baltimore Pike, West Grove. A panel discussion will follow the screening. There will be no cameras or media present. Be a part of a community of support and action in the battle against addiction. For details, call 610-869-9622, ext. 2546.
• The 67th annual Chadds Ford Elementary School Art Sale and Show is Friday and Saturday, March 11 and 12 at the school. The Friday night opening with reception is for adults only and runs from 7 to 10 p.m. The show opens Saturday at 10 a.m., goes to 4 p.m. and is open to the whole family. More than 70 professional artists will have their works on display for sale, with 30 percent of the sale price going to the CFES PTO.
• The Chadds Ford Community Emergency Response Team will be holding a free Active Shooter Emergency Preparedness Presentation on Wednesday, March 23, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Chadds Ford Township Building, 10 Ring Road, Chadds Ford. Joe McGinn, homeland security liaison, will provide information on what to do if you or your family is confronted with an active shooter situation similar to the recent tragedies in Paris and San Bernardino. Email chaddsfordcert@gmail.com to reserve a seat.
• The Kennett Area Senior Center offers a Gentle Yoga class led by Alexis Donahue on Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. Call the KASC for more details, or just drop in and check it out for $8. All are welcome. Call 610-444-4819 for more information.
• Chadds Ford students Matthew Edward Foster and Patrick H. Scharr were named to Dean’s List at Clemson University for the fall 2015 semester. Foster is majoring in economics and Scharr is majoring in mechanical engineering.
To be named to the Dean’s List at Clemson, a student achieved a grade-point average between 3.50 and 3.99 on a 4.0 scale.
• Edward Leonard, of Chadds Ford and a member of the Class of 2019 at Loyola University of Maryland, was named to Dean’s List for the fall of 2015.
In order to qualify for the Dean’s List at Loyola, a student must achieve a minimum QPA of at least 3.500 for the term, provided that, in the term they have successfully completed courses totaling a minimum of 15 credits.
• Dakota Raymond, of Chadds Ford, has been named to the fall 2015 Dean’s List at University of the Sciences. Selection for this award is based on completing and passing all assigned courses with no grade below a “C” and attaining an academic average of at least 3.4 for courses taken in the fall of 2015.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a tornado watch for the region until 11 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24.
What this means is that a line of strong thunderstorms is approaching from the south and west that could produce an isolated tornado. There is also a risk of damaging straight-line winds with gusts near 70 mph, NWS said.
Emergency officials are advising residents to stay away from windows during thunderstorms and head to the lowest floor of your home if a tornado warning is issued. To keep up with the latest conditions, visit www.weather.gov/phi.
Guenther Hendrich, 87, of Kennett Square, died Saturday, Feb. 20, at his residence. He was the husband of Maria Arbe Hendrich, with whom he shared 22 years of marriage.
Born in Jena, Germany, he was the son of the late Kurt and Charlotte Scholze Hendrich.
Mr. Hendrich was the director of sales for the Nestle Company, Berlin, Germany, retiring after 25 years of service.
He traveled extensively throughout the world. He met his wife on a European cruise in 1993, and was married the following year and settled in Kennett Square.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Dieter Arbe and his wife Jan of Lake Worth, Fla; one daughter, Jutta Manfredonia and her husband Frank of Devon, and five grandchildren.
You are invited to attend his Memorial Service at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, 250 West State Street in Kennett Square. His burial will be private.
Eugene “Mose” F. Coyle, 84, of Oxford, died Friday, Feb. 19, at the Hospital Of The University Of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He was the husband of the late Marie Elser Coyle who died in 2009 and with whom he shared 54 years of marriage.
Born in Riverside, N.J., he was a son of the late Charles and the late Sara (Beekler) Coyle.
Mose served our country during the Korean War in the Navy.
He was a Camp Ranger for the Girl Scouts of Delaware County for 37 years, retiring in 2003. He coached and enjoyed playing baseball and basketball. He loved Notre Dame football. He was a skilled carpenter, building birdhouses for anyone who cared for him or his family throughout his life. It is likely, that a birdhouse exists on a street near you.
Survivors include two sons, Bruce M. Coyle (Tracy) of Ottsville, Pa. and Brian P. Coyle (Tricia) of West Grove; one daughter, Sally Grimes of Oxford; sister in laws, Marlene Coyle of Reno, Nevada and Patricia Coyle of Medford Lakes, N.J.; five grandchildren, Logan and Nicholas Coyle, Brianna Grimes and Jason and Johnathon Thiboutot and three great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by two sons, Eugene J. and Daniel T. and three brothers, Charles, James and Richard.
You are invited to visit with Mose’s family and friends from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (610-444-4116) 250 W. State St. Kennett Square, PA 19348. His funeral service will follow at 11. Interment will be in New London Presbyterian Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to LaMancha Animal Rescue. P.O. Box 656 Unionville, PA 19375. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecocares.com
