July 28, 2016 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Rt. 202 widening project nears end of road

With Mother Nature’s cooperation, the second, newly-widened segment of Route 202 will debut next week.

PennDOT said it plans to open 2.5 miles of Route 202 to six lanes between the Routes 401 and 30 interchanges in East Whiteland Township by Friday, Aug. 5, substantially completing construction on the $63.3 million second phase of the improvement project, which began in April 2013, a PennDOT press release said.

In September 2014, PennDOT opened four miles of Route 202 to six lanes from just south of the Route 252 Interchange to just north of the Route 401 Interchange. Construction on the first contact, worth $105.4 million, started in April 2011.

Crews will work Sunday, July 31, through Thursday, Aug. 4, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. to complete line striping and other preparations for opening the rebuilt and widened expressway to six lanes. The opening caps several weeks of nighttime construction by the contractor to complete final operations, including installation of concrete median barriers, removal of construction barriers, and repainting traffic lines in the work zone.

Following the opening to six lanes, crews will close one lane in both directions between the Routes 29 and 30 interchanges from 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5, to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6. The lane closures will allow the contractor to complete miscellaneous construction items in the work area. Crews will continue to work and close lanes on Route 202 at night periodically for the next several weeks to complete miscellaneous construction activities in the work zone, the release said, adding that all work is weather-dependent.

The project included rebuilding and widening northbound and southbound Route 202 to three lanes in each direction from just north of the Route 401 Interchange to approaching the Route 30 Interchange; reconstructing the Route 401 Interchange; rebuilding bridges over Route 401 and Planebrook Road; installing a culvert to carry the Chester Valley Trail under Route 202; upgrading the highway drainage system; and installing sound walls, Intelligent Transportation System components, and new highway signs, the release said.

Prior to starting construction in 2011, PennDOT replaced six overhead bridges under two contracts worth $45 million to create space needed to expand the highway. PennDOT also installed Intelligent Transportation System equipment along the corridor under a $14.7 million project.

For more information on the improvement and widening of Route 202, visit www.us202-300.com.

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Chadds Ford special events ordinance delayed

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

Chadds Ford Township supervisors Wednesday tabled a possible special events ordinance until “we get it right,” according to Supervisors’ Chairman Frank Murphy.

Ordinance 144 calls for a person or organization to apply for a permit to hold special events in the township and would establish requirements for planning events, exemptions and permit fees.

Murphy said supervisors have discussed the idea for several months because “some controls are deemed necessary.”

The board opened a hearing on the proposed ordinance during its July 27 workshop, but Murphy said he wasn’t ready to vote on it. He explained that they wanted to be neutral in balancing property rights and making sure to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, but might have gone too far.

He cited the list of six exemptions to make his point. One of the exemptions is for religious services, and another exempts “an event that constitutes an approved use for the property at which it is hosted.”

(A draft of the ordinance can be found here.)

Murphy wants to delete the religious services exemption because they are a by-right use on religious property.

Supervisor Noelle Barbone agreed with Murphy, saying, “We need to get it right. An approved use is not a special event.”

The ordinance allows for up to 10 events for an organization, but board Vice Chairman Samantha Reiner said that’s too many because they could pose a problem for neighbors.

During public discussion, residents Maurice Todd and Alan Horowitz mentioned situations where an organization might hold an event that falls under the approved use exemption, but there might not be ample parking.

Horowitz suggested there could be an event at the Brandywine River Museum of Art that falls under the approved use category, but if there were 10,000 people coming in 8,000 cars, there would be a problem.

Todd followed up saying compatibility is needed between the event and the site. He also asked, rhetorically, why there were any exemptions at all, noting the ordinance exempts the township from its provisions. “Even the township should do the required planning,” he said.

Also as part of the public comment, Murphy read into the record a letter from Harvey Lane resident Eric Gartner. Gartner’s residence abuts the Calvary Chapel property.

In the letter, he asked the board to reconsider the “religious services” exemption and cited four reasons.

He said there is no legislative requirement to include this language, and “based on multiple complaints spanning five years by multiple township citizens that firmly establish ungoverned outdoor religious services such as outdoor revival events as a public nuisance.”

Gartner further said, “these same events have violated a legal agreement, existing ordinances, and laws designed to protect the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life of this township’s citizens.”

Citing the state’s Municipal Planning Code and statements he said were previously made by Murphy to residents of Harvey Lane, Harvey Road, and Carnation Drive, he said:

“[T]he decision to completely abrogate township responsibility to govern these events by providing a blanket exemption for religious special event services appears to be both contrary to and not within the ethical standards of good government,” according to Gartner’s letter.

Supervisors closed the hearing, and then authorized Township Manager Amanda Serock to re-advertise a hearing for a later date, after revisions are made to the ordinance. They currently anticipate the new hearing to be in September.

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.

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Danielle Haegele Steckel of Landenberg

Obituaries

Danielle Haegele Steckel, 53, of Landenberg, died Monday, July 25, at Season’s Hospice in Newark. She was the wife of Eric W. Steckel, with whom she shared 30 years of marriage.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of Ruth Teel Haegele of West Chester, and the late Warren Haegele.

She was a homemaker and loved taking care of others. She enjoyed cookouts, going to the beach, and being with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by one son, Tyler L. Steckel of Landenberg two daughters, Kiersten Geist and her husband Steve of Avondale, and Tiera Steckel of Landenberg; three brothers, Mark Haegele of Cochranville, Kurt Haegele of Oxford, and Warren Haegele of Philadelphia; one sister, Trina Carney of Folcroft, and two grandchildren, Landon Steckel and Zinnia Geist.

You are invited to visit with family and friends from 10a a.m. to noon on Friday, Aug. 5, , at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, 250 West State Street in Kennett Square. A Graveside service will follow at 12:30 p.m., at the Union Hill Cemetery, Route 82 in Kennett Square.

In memory of Danielle, a contribution may be made to The Humane Society or The COAD Group (Council on Addictive Disease) of Chester County.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com

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Adopt-a-Pet July 28

Home and Leisure

Arnold---Horizontal — Adopt-a-Pet July 28

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, Aug. 1. 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.

ARNOLD

Hey there, I’m a real cool cat named Arnold. I’m a super chill, laid back, handsome ball of love and am looking for a family to lounge around with. I’ve been here with my friends at the BVSPCA for a while now and they think I’m astonishing. One look into my big bright eyes and you’ll see for yourself. I’d love to finally find my forever home. Come meet me.

YOGI

Don’t let my big blockhead fool you, I am a lovable sweetheart with giant floppy ears that are impossible to resist. I’m a complete gentleman on a leash and I am happy to see anyone and everyone. I listen like a champ and will sit and more for a treat. I’m a staff and volunteer favorite who is just looking for a special family to take home all of my handsomeness and love me forever.

SADIE

Hi. My name is Sadie and I’m a gorgeous 8-year-old kitty with a shorthaired brown and black tortie coat. You may notice that I also that I have a cauliflower ear, also known as crinkle ear. It’s not detrimental in any way; it just gives me a unique appearance. I absolutely love attention and I’m not shy about asking for it. I’d do best with an owner who can give me the love I want when I want it, but also let me have my own space. Stop by the shelter and meet me today.

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Around Town July 28

Along the Ford

• It’s an evening at the Kuerner Farm on Aug. 2 for artists. Get access to Kuerner Farm, a National Historic Landmark, where Andrew Wyeth found intriguing subjects for hundreds of tempera paintings, watercolors and drawings for more than 70 years. Artists working in all media are invited to explore the property where they can sketch, paint or photograph and may gain insight into Wyeth’s creative process on an optional guided tour. Participants will meet at the Brandywine River Museum of Art parking lot at 4:15 p.m. before driving to the farm. Water and bathrooms are available at the site. Participants are responsible for providing all art materials. Spaces are limited; register online at www.brandywine.org/museum/events or by calling 610-388-8326. Event will be held rain or shine. Costs are $15 for members, $20 for nonmembers. For more information, contact Laura Westmoreland at 610-388-8120 or LWestmoreland@brandywine.org.

• The Marshall Steam Museum is having an open house on Tuesday, Aug. at 7 p.m. Admission is free for the event that explores the history of the Stanley Motor Co. and the connection between that company and Auburn Heights. There will be a cash bar, pizza and a raffle. There will be no car or train rides during the open house. The museum is at 3000 Creek Road in Yorklyn. Call 302-239-2385 for more information.

• Members of one of the original Chadds Ford area families are inviting the general public to their special event. It’s the Brinton 1704 House Family Day, Saturday, Aug. 13, from 1 to 5 p.m. The family is making its extensive genealogical database available for research. Discover some family connections you might not have known. In addition, its World Explorer membership subscription to Ancestry.com will be available for use. While you’re learning more about genealogy, the kids can play authentic colonial games, such as Hoops, Nine Pins, and more. General admission is $8, free for children younger than 12.

• Terrific Tuesdays for children aged 3 to 10 will continue in August from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library. Each week will focus on a different medium and venue with crafts and activities, a guest conservator, and a local craftsman. In the event of inclement weather, crafts will be made indoors in the Brown Horticulture Learning Center. The program is free for members with discounted admission for non-members: $5 per child with one free adult. For more information, visit http://www.winterthur.org/?p=1282&src=eblast-terrific-tuesdays.

• Join La Comunidad Hispana and participate in its first annual 5K & Family Fun Walk on Sunday, Sept. 25, at Anson B. Nixon Park in Kennett Square. The 5K race is a fast, fun course with chip timing, which will start at 9 a.m. The event will include food, live music, goody bags, event t-shirts, and family activities, including an appearance by Philadelphia Union team members. Registration is now open, and teams are welcome. To sign up, visit https://www.runtheday.com/registration/race_info/lch-lets-choose-health-run.

• The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary & Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is holding a public listening session to discuss a two-year process to revise the Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan for the estuary, a network of rivers and streams in four states that supports all life in the region. It will be held on Thursday, July 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge, 1400 Delmarva Lane, in Wilmington. For more information or to register for the free forum, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/delaware-ccmp-listening-session-tickets-26181393252.

Explorer Family Workshops run each Thursday morning through Aug. 25

• The Brandywine River Museum of Art is hosting Explorer Family Workshops each Thursday morning now through Aug. 25. These family-friendly mornings include an interactive tour of the museum and a hands-on art activity inspired by the exhibition, “Get the Picture! Contemporary Children’s Book Illustration.” Join us on Thursday, July 28, to meet artist Bryan Collier, whose artwork is featured in the exhibition, as he greets families and signs copies of his books from 11 a.m. to noon. Participate in one or all of the workshops, which are free for members, making this a good time to join. For more information, visit http://www.brandywine.org/brandywine/get-involved/become-member.

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