Hillendale learning pavilion approved

Hillendale Elementary School got its wish. The Pennsbury Township Zoning Hearing Board approved the school district’s request for a pavilion at Hillendale to be used as an outdoor classroom. The vote was 2-0 in favor.

At issue was a request for a covered pavilion that Hillendale Principal Joshua Leight said would be 40 feet by 24 feet that’s open on three sides. The fourth side — 24 feet by 8 feet — would be closed and locked and used for storage. The district had to go to zoning for approval because the school is in a residential zoning district where educational use is allowed by special exception.

The decision came after two hours of testimony and another 30 minutes or so for deliberation.

The lengthy testimony was due to discussion and arguments over matters that had little to do with the pavilion. However, the Zoning Board members took some of those points to place some conditions on the approval.

School district Director of Facilities James Whitesel began the testimony by saying the Pennsbury Township Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission both were in favor of the special exception being granted.

He said the structure would be to the southeast of the main building, 60 feet from the property line along Hickory Hill Road, and that there is adequate screening and buffering between school property and nearby homes. He said that the pavilion is a learning area, not a recreation area so there would be no noise generated.

Leight corroborated Whitesel‘s testimony saying the pavilion would “provide an innovative outdoor learning experience where students can learn about nature while in nature,” and referred to it as a “high-quality educational experience.”

He added that the three other elementary schools in the district — Chadds Ford Elementary, Pocopson, and Unionville Elementary — have their own outdoor classrooms and that the district wants the same for Hillendale.

He said the structure would be on a concrete slab with picnic tables and a pitched roof. Leight again repeated that the pavilion is an educational area, not a play or recreation space.

Under questioning from Loren Szczesny, the attorney representing the district, Leight also said the location chosen was the best possible location. He explained that it was a flat area with no other shade, and it was close enough to the main school building so students would have easy access to bathrooms or the nurse’s office if necessary.

He also said under questioning that there would be no adverse effect on other properties and that it would have a positive impact on the students.

Several parents were on hand to express their support for the project, and some even brought their elementary school-aged kids to speak in support.

Janette Grieb, the PTO president at Hillendale, said the pavilion “is my baby. It will be a fantastic learning space, she said, and studies show kids learn better and retain information better when they can learn outside.

Chelsea Wirth, another PTO mom, said the reaction to COVID helped prove the value of outdoor learning spaces, that they are needed, and that they benefit students and teachers alike.

However, not everyone attending the May 31 hearing was in favor of the application.

George Cletso, who lives on the Kennett Township side of the school’s western property line, said he was concerned about “unintended consequences.” His specific concern was that people would get onto school property at night and use the pavilion area to do drugs.

The most vocal opponent was Kathleen Carmody who lives on Hickory Hill Road. She asked for and received party status which gives her the right to appeal the decision.

Carmody said she loves education and the idea of an outdoor classroom but called for the application to be denied or a decision tabled until more facts could be discovered. Her complaints centered around parking, noise, trash, and trespassing — by both visitors to the school and by students with teachers — things with which she’s often had to contend over the years.

Szczesny countered saying her issues “are beyond what’s being proposed.” But he added the district would be happy to discuss her concerns and the concerns of others one on one.

However, the Zoning Hearing Board incorporated her and Clertso’s concerns as conditions in the motion to approve.

Those conditions include complying with all screening requirements, having a security camera running 24/7, that the pavilion not be equipped with a public address system, that all lighting should be angled downward and shielded, and that the district shall have a policy of cleaning up the area and removing any and all trash before mowing. Two other housekeeping matters — completing the project based on testimony and evidence given, and that the district comply with all local, county, state, and federal laws.

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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