Child-care center, security system get OKs

Two agenda items that prompted delays at previous meetings of the Pocopson Township Board of Supervisors received unanimous approval on Monday, June 27.

 Amanda Sundquist, Pocopson Township's solicitor, reads a lengthy list of conditions attached to the land development plan for the Ducklings Early Learning Center.
Amanda Sundquist, Pocopson Township's solicitor, reads a lengthy list of conditions attached to the land development plan for the Ducklings Early Learning Center.

The supervisors first approved a preliminary land development plan for the Riverside Daycare Partnership’s proposal for a Ducklings Early Learning Center on Winston Lane in the Riverside at Chadds Ford community. The supervisors said lingering questions regarding traffic patterns, parking and a recreation fee had been addressed, and the plan was OK’d with a list of conditions, including a provision that no attendees of special events at the center would be permitted to park on public streets.

A number of Riverside residents have attended several township meetings involving the plan to express opposition to the 10,000-square-foot center, expressing numerous concerns that included noise, traffic, lighting and parking. The center is expected to operate with about 128 children and 15 teachers five days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

After the meeting, Scott Kirkland, who is president of the Riverside subdivision's homeowners' association, said the HOA planned to file a legal challenge to the plan’s approval on Tuesday, June 28.

Pocopson Township Supervisors Alice Balsama (from left), Elaine DiMonte and Ricki Stumpo sign bills during their meeting on Monday, June 27.
Pocopson Township Supervisors Alice Balsama (from left), Elaine DiMonte, and Ricki Stumpo sign bills during the meeting on Monday, June 27.

The second approval that occurred after a series of postponements involved the security system for the Barnard House, the last step remaining before the Kennett Underground Railroad Center (KURC) can occupy the historic building. Supervisor Alice Balsama said the Protection Bureau had agreed to the township’s request to change some of the contract terms and also supplied a price to lease rather than buy the equipment.

Balsama said the difference of about $1,000 did not make leasing a preferable option, and the supervisors approved the $19,853 contract. It includes the purchase and installation of a security system with locks, fire alarms and cameras as well as the annual maintenance fee of $360.

In other business, the supervisors received an update from Brad Piper, one of the township’s two new representatives on the Kennett Library Board of Trustees. Piper said the library was very grateful for the township’s financial contribution to the library, the first that has occurred in several years.

The relationship between the township and the library became strained in May 2013 when the library’s board rejected the township’s two nominees for seats on the library’s board. Previously Pocopson had contributed $8,000 annually to both the Kennett and the West Chester libraries, each of which serves its residents. However, the township stopped its Kennett Library contributions until earlier this month. Piper and Chris Larsen, the other Pocopson representative, joined the library board in May.

Supervisors’ Chairwoman Ricki Stumpo said the board was pleased to have representation again. Piper said it’s an exciting time to be involved with the Kennett Library as it moves forward with plans for a new facility, an overdue initiative that could result in a partnership with Kennett Square Borough on a multi-use building. He said the library’s recent Home and Garden tour attracted more than 500 people and raised $33,000.

Piper also announced an option for parents who want to take advantage of the borough’s popular Third Thursdays: child care. On Third Thursdays, the borough closes State Street from Broad to Center streets so visitors can enjoy outdoor dining, extended shopping hours, live music, and strolling entertainers.

Since 2014, the library has set up activities on the street so that children can be kept busy while families are waiting for dinner to arrive, according to Library Director Donna Murray. She said the addition of sidewalk chalk and a giant Connect Four game were huge hits in June. Giant bowling, mini golf and more sidewalk chalk are planned for July and August, she said.

Continuing the theme of positive news, Stumpo applauded the efforts of the township’s Historic Committee, which recently held its second garage sale, raising another $1,000 for the restoration of the Locust Grove Schoolhouse, a project that has been financed entirely with grants and donations. Stumpo said one of the volunteers from the Exton office of XL Catlin, a global insurance company, made a $10,000 donation after doing painting at the schoolhouse during a day of giving in May.

Stumpo reminded the audience that the committee is also sponsoring an Oct. 1 fundraiser at Applebee’s restaurant. The all-you-can-eat event featuring pancakes, sausage and beverages will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. at the restaurant, which is located at 815 Baltimore Pike in Kennett Square. Tickets for the breakfast are $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. They can be purchased at the township building, from committee members, or at Founders Day, which is the preceding weekend. They will also be available at the door.

“We’re very, very pleased with the schoolhouse,” said Stumpo, adding that she believed the committee was close to attaining the $15,000 needed to redo the floors. “They [committee] have done a terrific job.”

The supervisors voted to table a resolution to terminate one of its loans for the purchase of open space until some revisions could be made. “When you read something, you should be able to understand it,” noted Supervisor Alice Balsama, explaining that some of the language wasn’t as clear as it needed to be.

The board also agreed to recommend that the Pocopson Township Zoning Hearing Board grant a special exception request from Donna and Lawrence Suglia for an addition to a garage at their property in the 1400 block of Unionville-Wawaset Road. The supervisors said they agreed with the Planning Commission that the proposal did not create any problems.

Finally, Stumpo said the board welcomed the addition of Matt Murphy to the township’s Planning Commission.

 

 

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