July 28, 2022

The novel “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” was published in 1943. In 2022, about 100 new trees will be planted in Chadds Ford Township.

Chadds Ford Township supervisors Wednesday night authorized spending up to $550 for 100 trees to be part of a tree initiative to be held this October. The tree initiative is the idea of the Open Space Committee. Open Space Chairman Peter Mattes said the idea came about after the committee members discussed that many trees in the township are dying but aren’t being replaced.

The trees will be American Hybrid Chestnut Trees and will be available to the first 100 residents arriving at the township’s Recycling Day on Oct. 29. Each tree will come with care instructions, two four-feet long bamboo poles, and two strips of wire that are four feet long each.

Residents must show identification and proof of residency to get a tree. Any trees left over will be planted in locations to be determined later. Mattes said the committee hopes this to become an annual event.

Also, during the July 27 work session, supervisors approved a massage therapy application for a suite in Olde Ridge Village and issued HARB Certificates of Appropriateness for a sign replacement at 1620 Baltimore Pike and a sign for Brinton’s Run Preserve at 6 Oakland Road. Certificates were also given for two sheds at Brandywine Baptist Church and a roof, shed, and garage at a property on Bellefair Lane. That home is the residence of Supervisors’ Vice Chair Noelle Barbone. Barbone was not present at the meeting and did not vote.

The board also approved special event permits for a Battle of Brandywine Re-enactment/Chadds Ford Days at the Historical Society on Sept. 10 and 11 and for the Brandywine Conservancy’s Bike the Brandywine scheduled for Sept. 17, also at the Historical Society.

However, the board denied a special event permit for Calvary Chapel. The church wanted to hold Wednesday night outdoor worship services in September. Several residents said Calvary hadn’t notified them that it was applying for the permit.

Resident Eric Gartner also said that the church had added more outdoor activities over the years and while the staff usually keeps the noise under control, the noise level has increased.

“We are all trying to be good neighbors in balancing our right to the quiet enjoyment of our homes with what was allowable in their conditional use of the property,” Gartner said.

No representative from Calvary attended the meeting to respond.

Though the board denied the permit, Supervisor Frank Murphy said Calvary Chapel could reapply.

Board Chairman Samantha Reiner announced the board would not have its August meeting on Aug. 3, the first Wednesday of the month. Instead, the session will be on Aug. 31.