March 11, 2016 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Roadwork for week of March 12

PennDOT has announced the following road projects, which are weather-dependent and could affect residents in the greater Chadds Ford area during the week of March 12 through March 19. Motorists are urged to allow extra time if they are traveling through one of the construction zones.

Utility installation will necessitate lane closures on Route 926 in East Marlborough Township. The work is scheduled to be done between West Clay Creek Lane and River Birch Circle from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16, through Wednesday, March 23.

Patching crews will be out on Wednesday, March 16, and Thursday, March 17, on southbound I-95 between the state of Delaware and the Philadelphia County line. Crews are scheduled to work from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and lane closures will be needed.

Lane restrictions will continue on Route 202 in both directions in Birmingham, West Whiteland, West Goshen and East Goshen townships between Boot Road and Route 926. Crews are scheduled to work on patching from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Tuesday, March 15, through Thursday, March 17.

Work is continuing on the project to widen Route 202, which is scheduled for completion in August 2016. Motorists should expect delays for traffic pattern shifts in Tredyffrin and East Whiteland townships.

Work will also continue on the Speakman Covered Bridge in East Fallowfield and West Marlborough townships. Frog Hollow Road between Concord Bridge and Strasburg roads will be closed and detoured until the estimated completion date of Sept. 20.

Burnt Mill Road in Kennett Township remains closed and detoured indefinitely between Norway and Spring Mill roads while advance work continues on repairs to the Burnt Mill Bridge, which was closed on April 24, 2014.

The Birmingham Road Bridge in Birmingham Township is also closed indefinitely to repair structural damage discovered in September. Posted detours will be in effect between Lambourne Road and Stoney Run Drive.

Brandywine Creek Road is scheduled to close between Harvey Bridge Road and Route 162 in Newlin Township on Monday, March 14, through Wednesday, March 16, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for core boring. During construction, Brandywine Creek Road through traffic will be detoured over Harvey Bridge Road and Route 162; local access will be maintained up to the construction zone.

Traffic signal work on Route 100 in Uwchlan and West Whiteland townships will require lane closures from Monday, March 14, through Friday, March 18. Crews will be working in both directions between Swedesford Road and Sheree Boulevard from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Overnight lane restrictions are scheduled on the Route 30 Bypass between Airport Road and Manor Avenue in Caln and Valley townships, on Sunday, March 13, through Tuesday, March 15, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for concrete median barrier and guide rail installations.

If you want to report potholes and other roadway maintenance concerns on state roads, call 610-566-0972 in Delaware County or 484-340-3200 in Chester County, or visit www.dot.state.pa.us and click on “submit feedback.”

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Adopt-a-Pet March 11

Home and Leisure

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, March 14. 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.

Buddy

Like the hilarious elf in that Christmas movie with Will Ferrell, I am oh so great at singing. In fact when you get me to purr, you might look around for a bird or maybe even a plane, but it’s me, chirping away in heavenly bliss. I am a very curious 9-year-old male orange tabby with slimming white trim and light green eyes. The ladies here call me handsome all the time, but I don’t let it go to my head (too much). I like attention, but can be independent at times. Don’t worry, when those days come around it’s pretty easy to figure out and I totally give signs. I pretty comfortable around my human friends, but can be a little particular about other cats so a home where I’m the only love would most likely be best. Do you have a place in your nest for a guy like me? Come down to the Brandywine Valley SPCA and ask for Buddy.

Chips

Hi world, Chibbs here. I’m a 4-year-old male stud, beautifully marked with dark brown and black tabby stripes and white paws. As you can see I’m pretty curious and like to wonder around, exploring all parts of my space. I am incredibly independent, but always succumb to people giving me lovin’ or better still, treats. As my favorite song goes “I’m all about that treat, bout that treat, no trouble.” Like Meghan, I’m a solo artist that can sing my way into your heart, but don’t always feel comfortable doing so with other kitties around. Do you have a stage for me to serenade you? Think you can handle this feline? Well then come speak to my pals at the Brandywine Valley SPCA, I’ll be waiting with my bags packed.

Jesse

Hi, my name is Jesse and I am simply one of the most chill dogs you will ever meet. I’m a happy-go-lucky dude who is just looking for a family to have a good time with. I’m well behaved, obedient and nice to walk on a leash with. I know some commands and will gladly perform with my ever-present smile. I’m good with other dogs and tend to take a low-key approach to play. I’m just a cool guy looking for a cool home. Could that be with you? Swing by the shelter and ask for Jesse.

Denise

I’ve been told I have the most soulful eyes, and there is a reason for that- I have a beautiful, sweet soul. I’m a gorgeous terrier mix who is smart as a whip! I already know sit, shake and down, and I enjoy showing off my great skills! I’m friendly and bask in the attention of my human pals. If you take me home, we will become fast friends and loyal companions. I like to have fun and can’t wait to find a family to goof off with. I do hope that you will come meet me and make me a part of your clan!

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Kennett Twp. lauded for growing greener

Local News, Local News Kennett

A dynamic initiative designed to save land, steward natural resources, and connect people to nature led to Kennett Township’s selection for the Growing Greener Communities Award from Natural Lands Trust and the Chester County Association of Township Officials.

Kennett Township is the recipient of the Growing Greener Communities Award from Natural Lands Trust and the Chester County Association of Township Officials.

Calling the recognition exciting, Kennett Township Supervisors’ Chairman Scudder G. Stevens said the township received the award on Thursday, March 10, at the CCATO spring conference in Great Valley. In addition, state Sen. Andy Dinniman presented the township with a Senate citation.

“Kennett Township has provided a model for excellence in their ambitious plan to balance ecological protection and sustainable growth,” Molly Morrison, president of Natural Lands Trust, said in a press release. “Again and again we have seen the benefits that trails bring to a community. When people have access to green space, it improves the health of people and the environment.”

The township earned the award for the development of the Kennett Greenway, a 12-mile, multi-use trail. The greenway is designed to improve the township’s quality of life by providing residents with safe, convenient bicycle and pedestrian routes, connecting to residential areas, commercial centers, parks, schools, and other facilities throughout the township, the release said.

“CCATO is pleased to be able to highlight the efforts and true dedication of our local government members, the County of Chester, and Natural Lands Trust in the area of open space preservation and maintenance,” Ernie Holling, CCATO president, said in the release. “Efforts to preserve open space will help to maintain the character of Chester County for years to come.”

David Conner, representing CCATO and the review committee, said that Kennett Township’s application identified several community stakeholders, a very large project ($4 million for phase 1), and, “most importantly, provides the backbone for an alternative transportation system,” the release said.

Conner noted that by giving residents and visitors an alternative to driving, the plan offers the potential to reduce traffic congestion as well as air, noise, and water pollution. When completed, “it will be the largest contiguous pedestrian and bicycle trail system in southern Chester County.”

Kennett Township Manager Lisa M. Moore said the township has worked diligently with neighboring communities “to make the Kennett Greenway project possible, and I am delighted that Kennett Township has been chosen to receive the prestigious 2015 Growing Greener Award from Natural Lands Trust and Chester County.

Moore expressed gratitude to the Kennett Township Board of Supervisors for sharing the vision “to make this happen. In addition, we want to thank two very important local advocacy organizations, The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County and Kennett Trails Alliance, for their visionary efforts to establish the very first segments of the greenway, indispensable steps towards completing the rest.”

The Growing Greener Communities Award was developed in 2013, and its inaugural recipient was East Bradford Township, which was cited for a host of conservation achievements, which included securing conservation easements on more than 80 acres of township land, galvanizing a volunteer effort to plant 750 trees, and constructing more than two miles of trails. East Bradford has 6,000 acres of permanently protected land, 16 parks and 26 miles of trails.

This past summer, Kennett Township officials used East Bradford as an example of a township of similar size and population that had done a superior job of capitalizing on grants to preserve more than half of the township.

Jeff Yetter, who heads the township’s Land Conservation Advisory Committee, said Kennett Township has preserved about 1,813 acres, roughly 18 percent its land, which includes 63 acres on three properties conserved in the past year. “We still have a little less than 1,200 acres to go to get to our 30 percent goal set by the supervisors,” he said.

Yetter pointed out that the process requires time as well as cooperation. Even with a willing buyer – the township – and assistance from state and county funds, “that is only half the equation.” Landowners need to be willing to participate, he said, adding that the township is working on 14 properties that total more than 500 acres.

Stevens said the award and plaque would be formally announced at the next supervisors’ meeting on Wednesday, March 16.

Natural Lands Trust is the region’s largest land conservation organization and is dedicated to protecting the forests, fields, streams, and wetlands that are essential to the sustainability of life in eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. Since its founding in 1953, Natural Lands Trust has preserved more than 100,000 acres, including 42 nature preserves. For more information, visit www.natlands.org.

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PennDOT: DUI patrols for St. Paddy’s holiday

Local News, Local News Birmingham, Local News Chadds Ford, Local News Concord, Local News Kennett, Local News Pennsbury, Local News Pocopson

Southeast Pennsylvania DUI task forces will be out in force to conduct impaired driving enforcement operations for the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, which runs from March 11 through March 19, a PennDOT press release said.

These operations will be in the form of sobriety checkpoints and roving DUI patrols. Law enforcement reminds drivers that Pennsylvania’s legal alcohol limit is .08 for most drivers, .04 for commercial vehicles and .02 for school bus operators. Responsible adults need to be aware of the alcohol content of what they are consuming.

The Southeast Pennsylvania DUI task forces are comprised of 70 municipal police departments from Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. They are committed to reducing the number of impaired driving crashes, injuries, and fatalities across southeast Pennsylvania, the release said.

The methods used to achieve this goal will include educating the public on the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code and DUI laws, deterring motorists from driving after consuming alcohol or drugs, and apprehending violators.

The operations are part of the Pennsylvania High Visibility Enforcement Program and is funded partly by PennDOT’s statewide distribution of $4.6 million in federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Visit www.justdrivePA.com for more information. For more information on alcohol education and consumption, visit www.lcb.state.pa.us.

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Actor, county focus on plight of homeless

Local News

Chester County can add Hollywood actor Richard Gere to the growing list of people assisting with Decade to Doorways, its ambitious 10-year plan to prevent and end homelessness in the county – even if Gere’s contribution was inadvertent.

Richard Gere gives an evocative performance as a homeless man in 'Time out of Mind.' — Richard Gere gives an evocative performance as a homeless man in ‘Time Out of Mind.’

A free screening of his provocative 2015 film, “Time Out of Mind,” at the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville on Wednesday, March 10, served as a springboard for calling attention to the problem of homelessness. It attracted an audience of several hundred.

Lauren E. Hutzel, administrator of Decade to Doorways, introduced the film with some sobering statistics. Despite Chester County’s affluence, 615 people experience homelessness on any given night. During the past year, 350 of the people who went through the system were under the age of 17, and more than half of them were infants and toddlers.

Even more troubling, 51 percent of the people in need of emergency shelter who called ConnectPoints, a county hotline, had to be turned away because beds weren’t available.

Hutzel explained that Decade to Doorways oversees about 35 organizations that work daily to provide emergency or transitional shelter, supportive services, permanent housing, and prevention services. She said a major obstacle to solving the problems involves debunking the many myths that exist about the homeless.

Four of the primary ones are that street people make up the majority of the homeless population (the actual number is 15 percent), that some homeless people choose that life, that homelessness cannot be ended, and that individuals can’t do anything to prevent homelessness, she said.

Hutzel said “the vast majority of chronically homeless people are extremely vulnerable, have disabling conditions, may not be on the medication they need to function, were victims of abuse, and do not have the benefit of supportive relationships with capacity to help.”

Recent statistics found that only 30 percent of Americans have enough liquid savings to replace one month of income, Hutzel said. That means that if 20 people suddenly lost their jobs – not uncommon in today’s economy – only 14 would be able to make it for a month without severe repercussions. “Fact: No one chooses this life. It just happens,” she said.

Although ending homelessness sounds like a virtually impossible task, several counties in the area have succeeded in ending veterans’ homelessness. One key need is to ensure that the supply of housing exceeds the demand, she said.

“Henry Ford, the creator of the seemingly impossible, said: ‘Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right,'” said Hutzel. “So the fact is, if we have the right mindset, we can do this.”

Finally, Hutzel said individuals can contribute to the solution in myriad ways – from spreading the word to help change perceptions to volunteering with organizations committed to preventing and ending homelessness, such as Family Promise of Southern Chester County, Kennett Area Community Services, Safe Harbor, and the Domestic Violence Center.

Another way to get involved is to attend the Decade to Doorways’ 2016 Data Release: Homelessness in Chester County. This free event will provide current information on the Decade to Doorways’ Plan to prevent and end homelessness. It will be held on Thursday, March 24, from 4 to 5:15 p.m. in the third-floor cafeteria at the Government Services Center, 601 Westtown Road. Click here to RSVP.

Hutzel said Gere’s film, an unflinching look at a homeless man’s struggle to survive in New York City, might make some members of the audience uncomfortable.

“You may leave feeling unsettled and frustrated, but that’s precisely the point,” Hutzel said. “I hope you will leave this theatre frustrated enough to do something. Tell someone, give something, and get involved.”

For more information on Decade to Doorways, visit http://www.decadetodoorways.org.