AccuWeather and the National Weather Service are reporting a flash flood watch in effect from 7 p.m. Thursday until midnight Friday, July 10. Heavy rain associated with a coastal low is expected to bring 1-2 inches of rain.
A flash flood watch means that there is the potential for flash flooding which can be life-threatening. Heavy rain is expected to occur over a short period of time. Rapidly rising flood waters may quickly inundate roadways and areas of poor drainage. Streams and creeks could leave their banks, flooding nearby properties.
Chester County Commissioners are scheduling a public meeting for a proposed trail plan that would connect Pennsbury Township with Oxford. Commissioners last year accepted a grant award to perform a study that would examine the feasibility of developing a multi-use trail to serve the communities in southern Chester County.
On Tuesday, July 14, the Chester County Planning Commission will hold the first public meeting discussing this project. The meeting will be held from 7-9 p.m. via Zoom. The meeting will also be streamed live via CCPC’s Facebook page. Register here.
“We’re excited for the county to begin this public engagement process,” said Executive Director Brian O’Leary in a press release. “We’re looking forward to receiving feedback from local residents and potential trail users.”
The Southern Chester County Circuit Trail Feasibility Study seeks to connect the boroughs and growth areas along the Route 1 corridor in southern Chester County (from Oxford to Chadds Ford — Pennsbury), to the Brandywine Trail and the Circuit – the Greater Philadelphia region’s 800-plus-mile network of existing and planned trails.
Given the interest in trails and the need for more pedestrian and bicycle mobility options in southern Chester County, the study seeks to find a route where an off-road, multi-use path could possibly be developed. The path would provide a safe and viable connection between the communities of Kennett Square, Avondale, West Grove, and Oxford Boroughs, as well as Pennsbury, Kennett, New Garden, London Grove, Penn, Upper Oxford, Lower Oxford, and East Marlborough Townships
“Many of our residents are becoming more interested in using alternative modes of transportation, as well as wanting more outdoor recreational opportunities,” said Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Marian Moskowitz in the release. “This trail would help address both of those needs.”
Commissioner Josh Maxwell said, “Trails make Chester County special and their interconnections are vital to ensuring our residents have safe trail access for decades to come. I hope our residents take this opportunity to share how they would like to see us continue to improve our trail network throughout Southern Chester County.”
The intent of the Southern Chester County Circuit Trail project was identified in Landscapes 3 (the county’s comprehensive plan), which recommends creating a countywide, interconnected trail network.
“The goal of this study is to determine whether a trail is feasible and, if so, what is needed for it to be built,” said Commissioner Michelle Kichline. “If a trail is not feasible, the report will also identify potential alternate options.”
The feasibility study is expected to be complete by the end of 2020.
Partial funding for this project comes from the Regional Trails Program, administered by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, with funding from the William Penn Foundation.
Upon approval of the study’s funding, the county formed a steering committee, including representatives from municipalities, county departments, and other partner organizations in the area.
There is also a public survey available in both English and Spanish, which remains open through the end of July.
•State Sen. Tom Killion, R-9, and state Rep. Chris Quinn, R-168, will hold a food and pet food drive this Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Concord Township municipal building for the benefit of those served by the Media Food Bank and Brandywine Valley SPCA. The Media Food Bank needs nonperishable food such as canned tuna, peanut butter, jelly, canned soups, rice, pasta and noodles, cold cereals, and items such as toilet paper, feminine products, soaps, shampoo, and other personal care products. The Brandywine Valley SPCA requests contributions of dry dog food and wet, paté-style cat food. Grocery store and pet store gift cards are also welcomed.
•Concord Township pickleball players are about to get their dedicated outdoor pickleball courts. In the township municipal complex at 43 S. Thornton Road, the courts will have a grand opening on Wednesday, July 15, at 10 a.m.
•The Grand is having its second event in the Concerts by Car series featuring Echoes: The American Pink Floyd on July 17 at 7 p.m. in the Frawley Stadium parking lot on Wilmington’s Riverfront. Children under 12 are free, so no need to worry about a babysitter. There will be bigger digital screens during the concert for easier viewing — no smoking onsite. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are $25 per person (up to four people per car), plus fees. They are available by calling The Grand Box Office at 302-652-5577 or online at www.TheGrandWilmington.org. The Grand is not accepting any in-person purchases at our box offices due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Darlington Arts Center is now taking registrations for its fall dance classes. The classes are for ages ranging from pre-K and kindergarten to teenage. For a list of classes, times, and costs, visit Darlington’s website.
•While the Rachel Kohl Library Board of Trustees will discuss on July 27, whether to fully reopen and allow patrons into the library, curbside pickup continues. Curbside hours are Monday – Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. To take advantage of the curbside service, patrons are asked to park in the front lot, call, and wait for library staff to give you the okay before driving around to retrieve your order. As a reminder, please do not approach library staff during the curbside pickup process. If staff are still outside, remain in your car until they reenter the library. Be sure to wear a mask when picking up and returning books. For more information, phone 610-358-34445.
•Pennsylvania residents can apply for the CARES Act Rent or Mortgage Relief Program being offered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. Renters can receive up to $750 a month for up to 6 months, paid directly to their landlord. Those with mortgages are eligible for financial relief up to $1,000 a month for up to 6 months, paid directly to their mortgagee. In order to be considered eligible for these funds, renters and homeowners will need documentation that shows at least a 30 percent reduction in annual income since March 1. The reduction must be directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic or the individual must have become unemployed after March 1. Funds will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. Residents can learn more and apply online at www.phfa.org Delaware County is collaborating with the Community Action Agency of Delaware County to process applications for rental assistance. CAADC can be reached at 610-874-8451.
