Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As we wrap up the year 2020, we can all agree that this year has affected our community both here in Lansdowne and the whole United States in significant ways. Although there are not enough words to express the concern that we on Council and Mayor Campuzano have for the community, just know that we are dedicated to the work set for 2021 continuing the preservation and development of Lansdowne Borough as the town that we all love—where neighbors are friends, and a short walk around the neighborhood, creates chance meetings with folks who look out for each other.
Accomplishments and Events:
To end the year, Lansdowne Borough Council and Mayor Campuzano would like to provide an overview of the major business taken up by Lansdowne Borough Council:
Virtual Communications/ Marketing Strategy: updates to the website, E-newsletter; update the website, development of social media strategy to help market the Borough,
Emergency Response Team to COVID: work with the County and State to develop COVID protocols in response to the pandemic.
Shift from in person to virtual meetings to conduct Borough Council meetings.
Shift from in person to virtual business in Borough offices.
Collaboration with the William Penn School District, Lansdowne Police Department, and Yeadon Borough Council and Yeadon Police Department to provide inter-municipal support for the Black Lives Matter march.
Worked to review policies in the Lansdowne Police Department and identify areas of success and areas for reform.
Supported the progress of the Historic Lansdowne Theater Corporation: discussions of land development and stormwater management; Borough application for Blight Remediation Program for approximately $300,000 with DCED to assist Theater in restoration.
Completion of the Streambank Restoration Project at Reservoir Park.
Worked with Callahan Ward and LEDC to bring new housing development in Lansdowne.
Creation of the Inclusion committee, which led to the development of recognition of holidays and ceremonies to honor diverse groups within the Lansdowne Community.
Passage of the Bicycle Facilities Plan.
Application for two CDBG Projects:
Solar Workstations for Hays Park and Lansdowne Library
Gladstone Manor “The Island” Beautification Project
0% Tax increase for next year.
Goals for the beginning of next year:
Sanitary Sewer Repair Work: Approximately $1,000,000 worth of work upgrade Sanitary Sewer lines in several areas in Lansdowne
Gateway Slope Project construction and completion
McKinley Tot Lot Installation
Design work for revision to “The Landing/ Veteran’s Park” and implementation of the Walkshed Plan
Fundraising for the Bicycle Facilities Plan
Design work for the Eastern Delaware County Bicycle Facilities with Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.
Hiring New Police Chief
Purchase of Body Cams for Police Department and development of policies to accompany the purchase
Continue work on Hoffman Park Repairs from Tropical Storm Isaias
Shift to Virtual Permitting in the Police Department for Overnight Parking
Creation of Lansdowne Cultural Commission
Economic Development Forum
Human Resources Development
Develop a Green Town Marketing Strategy
Development of Inter-municipal Planning Plan--Eastern Delco Council of Governments
Happy New Year
As we end the year 2020, we can all agree that much of this year has been a struggle for us as a community. From the beginning precautionary measures announced by the Governor, COVID 19 has affected each of us in the community through the precautionary measures, to neighbors taking ill, to the effects on many friends' struggles with employment and the struggles of our small businesses.
To all of my friends and neighbors, I hope to see you around the town.
Happy Holidays to everyone in the community and Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Benjamin Hover
President
Lansdowne Borough Council