Chester CountyPRESS
www.chestercounty.com
Covering Avon Grove, Chadds Ford, Kennett Square, Oxford, & Unionville Areas
Volume 158, No. 32
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
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Judge hears testimony from customers irate over proposed Aqua PA rate hikes Rep. Sappey: ‘The privatization of water and wastewater in our Commonwealth is a dangerous practice which finally has a bright light shining on it’ By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer In a room that provides a maximum seating capacity of 105, more than 200 Chester County residents initially filed into the New Garden Township meeting space on Aug. 8 to lend their voices to a public input hearing in opposi-
INSIDE
tion to Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc.’s proposal to increase its water service rates by nearly 19 percent and its wastewater rates by more than 20 percent. Aqua filed the request to the Public Utility Commission (PUC) on May 24, who ordered an investigation on June 13 to determine the “reasonable-
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Continued on Page 2A Photo by Richard L. Gaw
More than 200 Aqua Pennsylvania water and wastewater customers packed the New Garden Township Building on Aug. 8 for a public input hearing, where they expressed their opposition to Aqua’s proposed rate increases.
Moran Farm Development moving forward By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer
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ness” of the proposed and existing rates and assigned
The Moran Farm Development is finally moving forward after some delays. Oxford Borough Council overcame what was the last stumbling block for the development during its Aug. 5 meeting. Borough Council closed the meeting and opened up the public hearing to adopt Ordinance #965-2024 Chapter 27, Zoning, of the Borough of Oxford Code of Ordinances regarding maximum building height in the PD-1 and R-1 Zoning District for Lot Clustering. It was noted that the hearing only related to zoning districts PD-1 and R-1, and the decision doesn’t affect how many houses would be allowed under the guidelines, just the maximum height. Beth Thompson, a local resident, spoke during the hearing saying, “It’s a wonderful borough. I moved here from Delaware County and had a historic picture of what is in Oxford. I looked at the neighborhoods, and I’m not against the 35-foot height, but I’d be careful where they go. “New homes should stay like the neighborhood homes. I took pictures of Sycamore Crossing and would like to keep neighborhoods in kind. On West Locust, almost all of them are ranch homes, and wouldn’t like to see that
height change.” Council member Peggy Russell said that there are concerns about homes on Third Street that might be overshadowed if taller buildings were constructed nearby. Russell asked, “Can you have the first row of homes staying at 25 feet?” She explained that if the first row of homes could have a maximum height of 25 feet, then the other homes that would be 35 feet wouldn’t be right behind the homes that have been there much longer. Debra Shulski, attorney for the Moran farm development said, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen the height just at 25 feet at any other places. Even mobile homes can be 35 feet.” Borough Manager Pauline Garcia-Allen said, “We already have all other districts at 35 feet.” Council member Bill Fitzpatrick said, “Just get it done. Mr. Frost has been more than patient, they can build what they already plan by 35 feet.” As the discussion continued, Thompson said, “The property is close and has no green space.” Shulski replied, “I respectfully disagree with that.” Council member Luke Neidigh said, “We need to get this done or we may lose it.” Garcia-Allen said, “We should get it done. The borough is not going to create
a special zone just for this.” Shulski said, “Requirements are different dependent on the lots. This development has certain area of open space which is open to the community.” The hearing was then
closed and the regular meeting resumed. The motion to adopt was seconded. Council then voted in favor to adopt the ordinance, except for Russell and council member Amanda Birdwell, who both voted
against the motion. In other business, William Fasick, a member of Boy Scout Troop 13, updated council on the 9/11 Memorial being planned for Oxford Memorial Park. Continued on Page 3A
FROM OUR LENS Al fresco on State
Courtesy photo
The popular Third Thursdays on State Street in Kennett Square will once again unfurl the tablecloths and set up tables, chairs and cutlery from several restaurants on Aug. 15, beginning at 5:30 p.m. for an evening of outdoor dining, extended shopping hours, live music and family-friendly activities. Participating restaurants include Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen, Lily Asian Cuisine, La Verona, Portabellos, Trattoria La Tavola, and Sweet Amelia’s. Third Thursdays will also be held on Sept. 19 and conclude on Oct. 17.
Kennett Township supervisors vote to increase support of Fire & EMS Regional Commission By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer The Kennett Township Board of Supervisors voted at the Aug. 7 meeting to support the Kennett Fire and EMS Regional Commission (KFERC) in seeking out funding opportunities to help meet future capital equipment needs of KFERC firefighters and EMS personnel. The board voted in favor of the motion after a presentation by township Manager Alison Dobbins and Director of Finance Amy Heinrich proposed that the township recommend to the KFERC that it increase
its capital contribution to $1.25 million in 2025, with smaller increases over the next four years, which would subsequently raise the township’s contribution to the KFERC by $462,000, an increase of $185,000 over 2024. The result will see a $48 yearly real estate tax increase for each township household that will help fund the KFERC’s capital equipment needs, but only on the condition that KFERC approves the plan as recommended. If approved, the increase would not be earmarked for facilities. Currently, the KFERC is
setting aside $750,000 this year to help pay for new fire and EMS vehicles, with that contribution to raise to $1 million in 2025. Their presentation served as a follow-up to the KFERC’s July 9 meeting, when the results of an updated Fire Apparatus Fleet Review and Assessment Report spelled out major changes that have greatly impacted fire and EMS services. Among the many challenges fire departments face are: • Unprecedented increases in vehicle pricing that has seen consistent double-digit price jumps annually since
2021, a severe disruption of the supply chain, and extended delivery times of fire and EMA apparatus that have gone from 10 to 14 months to between 38 to 54 months • Geographic and topographic challenges facing firefighters and EMS units that require a constant upgrade of vehicles to meet these demands • Two hospital closures, extended wait times at the remaining facilities, and increasing call volumes that have put major stress on EMS units • The lack of competition in the Fire and EMS vehicle/apparatus industry
has reduced supply despite the increased demand • Increases in call volume, that has risen to 146 at the Longwood Fire Company this July as compared to an average of 51 calls per month in 2015 • Pennsylvania has seen a decrease in its number of volunteer firefighters over the last 40 years, from 300,000 to 38,000 -- a loss of 262,000 volunteer firefighters The original study, conducted in October 2021, reviewed the fire department apparatus, equipment, and maintenance provisions for each fire and Continued on Page 3A