Conservancy gets zoning variance

Business, Headlines, Local Life, Local News Chadds Ford

DSC_2488-under-café — The area below the café is to be enclosed to help prevent future flood damage.

The Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art received zoning approval to build an overhang enclosure on the back end of the building to help with flood mitigation. That approval came from the Chadds Ford Township Zoning Hearing Board during an hour-long hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

While the building at 1 Hoffmans Mill Road is in the HARB District, HARB approval wasn’t needed because the area of the enclosure is not visible from neighboring properties that include an abandoned railway and PECO property.

The area below the café is to be enclosed to help prevent future flood damage.

The specific location for the desired enclosure is below the museum’s café. According to hearing documents, the enclosure will create an “unoccupied space that will comply with all applicable floodplain ordinance requirements. A portion of the enclosure will be within 50 feet of the top of the bank of the Brandywine Creek, necessitating the requested variance…Enclosure of this area is essential to achieving comprehensive floodproofing of the structure.”

Hurricane Ida of 2021 destroyed 10 of the conservancy’s buildings and caused severe damage to the lower level of the museum.

“Protecting the museum building is critical to preserving the operational continuity and ensuring the safety and long-term protection of the artwork housed within,” the hearing document continued.

The conservancy’s Director of Facilities, Wade Abnett, and engineer Marc Henderson of Meliora Design, confirmed the statements in the documents during their testimony. Their direct examination was conducted by Ryan Jennings, who was representing the conservancy.

Jennings preceded his questioning, saying there is no expansion or enlargement planned, just the enclosure beneath the café.

“We’re undergoing a flood mitigation project,” Abnett testified. “We’re working to mitigate future floods…to keep water out of the building.”

He added that the proposal comes at the direction of both Chadds Ford Township and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and said that the plan follows the township’s flood plain ordinance.

“Whenever your building is substantially damaged, you have to go with whatever code requirements are required for certified occupancy,” Abnett said.

Under questioning, he said the conservancy is operating under a temporary certificate of occupancy. With approval of the variance and compliance with. state and federal regulations, the conservancy can get a regular certificate of occupancy.

Henderson later testified that the only things in the area of the future enclosure are HVAC, plumbing, and ductwork for the café.

He added that there will be no new walls built in the flood plain, and that even with the approval of the variance, the conservancy must still get approval from the state Department of Environmental Protection, which will be administering FEMA requirements.

Other business

During a brief reorganization session, ZHB members Paul Koch, Bill Mock, and Larry Smith reelected Bob Reardon in absentia to resume his position as chairman and Koch as vice-chairman.

Additionally, Don Petrosa was reappointed as ZHB solicitor with Adam Matlowski named as conflict solicitor.

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Beat Cabin Fever With a Hair Makeover at Tribe

Business, Chadds-Ford

From Cabin Fever to Fresh Hair: A Makeover at Tribe

As winter stretches on and routines start to feel repetitive, many people find themselves craving a change. One of the simplest ways to shake off cabin fever is with a new hairstyle or beauty refresh. A fresh cut, updated color, or polished blowout can instantly lift your mood and make the season feel lighter. For clients in the Brandywine Valley and northern Delaware, Tribe offers a thoughtful and inviting place to do just that.

Founded in 2013 by owners Emily and Andrew De Stefano, Tribe is a beauty and lifestyle brand built on creativity, intention, and connection. The husband and wife team set out to create a salon experience that feels authentic and inspired, focusing on quality service and an environment where clients feel genuinely welcomed. Emily’s background in beauty, retail, and skincare pairs naturally with Andrew’s experience in design and branding, shaping both the aesthetic of the salons and the experience clients have from start to finish.

Design plays a central role in the Tribe experience. Each space reflects inspiration drawn from travel, nature, and hospitality, with every detail chosen thoughtfully and with purpose. Emily and Andrew have long worked with local artisans, carpenters, and metalworkers to create custom furniture, fixtures, and displays. The result is a setting that feels warm and intentional rather than trendy or impersonal, offering a calm escape from the everyday.

Tribe offers a full range of hair and beauty services designed to meet clients wherever they are in their style journey. Services include precision haircuts, lived in color, gloss treatments, extensions, blowouts, makeup applications, and facial services. Stylists take a collaborative approach, helping clients find looks that fit their lifestyle, personality, and maintenance preferences. Whether it’s a subtle update or a complete transformation, the focus remains on confidence and individuality.

Sustainability is also an important part of Tribe’s mission. The salon is committed to making mindful choices in both products and practices, working to reduce waste and prioritize clean beauty whenever possible. By partnering with sustainability focused programs and choosing responsible brands, Tribe aims to lessen its environmental impact while maintaining high standards of quality and care.

Tribe operates two locations, each rooted in its surrounding community. The flagship salon is located in the heart of historic Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, at 882 Baltimore Pike. The space is white and bright, filled with greenery and anchored by Tribe’s signature living wall. It also neighbors Husk, Tribe’s sister brand and a full service nail salon, spa, and wellness retreat specializing in clean beauty.

The Wilmington location is situated at 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 103, offering convenient access for city residents and visitors alike. Both locations share the same welcoming atmosphere, elevated design, and commitment to thoughtful beauty.

When cabin fever hits, a visit to Tribe offers more than a new hairstyle. It’s a chance to reset, recharge, and step back into the season feeling refreshed and confident.

To learn more, visit https://www.tribebeauty.com/

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Get the latest police reports, arrests, incidents, and blotter updates from Chadds Ford, Kennett Township, Chester County, and Pennsylvania State Police. Updated daily.

Police Log Jan. 28: Drug possession, car theft, crashes

Police, Police Log

Pennsylvania State Police

• A 40-year-old man from Philadelphia, not named in the report, was arrested for drug possession in Chadds Ford on Dec. 15. The man was lying down at a booth in the McDonald’s, shaking and sweating. Two glass smoking pipes consistent with drug use were found on the floor where the man was lying.

• Police are investigating the reported theft of a motor vehicle from Enterprise in Concord Township on Jan. 8.

• Marshall’s in the Concord Town Centre was ripped off on Dec. 15, according to a police report. The report said someone stole close to $1,000 worth of merchandise. Police are investigating.

• Police said Dorothy G. Davenport, 77, of Chadds Ford, was citied following a two-car crash on Route 202 at Applied Bank Boulevard on Jan. 15. According to the police report, Davenport southbound in the left-hand turn lane attempting to turn onto Applied Bank, and the other car was traveling north in the right lane Police said Davenport failed to yield and made a careless lane turn and struck the other car.

• A 63-year-old man from West Chester, not identified in the report, was arrested for DUI following a one-car crash at Route 202 and Dilworthtown Road on Jan. 20. Troopers determined the driver was under the influence of alcohol and was taken into custody.

Avondale Barracks

• State police are investigating a case of criminal mischief in Pennsbury Township on Jan. 23 at Parkerville near Pocopson roads. There were four victims.

• Police said Shyam S. Srinivasan, 45, of West Chester, was cited for careless driving following a two-car crash on Baltimore Pike near Chadds Ford Elementary School on Jan. 19. According to the report, Srinivasan was driving north in the right lane on Route 1 while the other car was in the left lane. Srinivasan then moved into the left lane, striking the other car. No injuries were reported.

• Police say speed was the cause of a two-car crash in Pocopson Township on Jan. 19. The accident happened on Lenape Road near Wayne Drive. They identified the errant driver as Hunter S. Firment, 25, of West Chester. According to the report, Firment was driving north on Lenape, and the other vehicle was south on the same road. Firment was driving too fast for conditions, police said, and lost control of the car and swerved into the oncoming traffic lane. No injuries were reported.

• Police said they arrested a 36-year-old woman from Augusta, Ga., not identified by name in the report, on assault charges. According to the report, the woman and a 27-year-old man were fighting over the car keys to their rental car when the woman punched the man in the arm. The incident happened on Tapeworm Road in West Marlborough Township.

• Danielle M. Days, 50, of Newark, was cited for speeding in Pennsbury Township on Dec. 23, police said. The accident happened on Hickory Hill Road. According to police, Davis lost control of her car and hit a street sign.

• Police said Haley R. Wilks, 30, of Landenberg, was cited for failure to stop at a red signal and struck another car on Dec. 20 at Baltimore Pike and Onix Drive. No injuries were reported.

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