Dear Neighbors,
To begin, I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of Borough Council to the many individuals in the Lansdowne Police Department, Lansdowne Fire Company and EMS Squad, our Sanitation and Highway Crews, the Librarian, and our Office Staff who are keeping the Borough running. In these extraordinary times, their work, sacrifice, and daily operations help to maintain a sense of order and calm when our world seems so out of kilter.
The Governor's Stay-at-home orders for Delaware County and Pennsylvania extended through April 30 has a significant impact on Lansdowne Borough's residents and businesses. All subcommittees, boards, and commissions of the Boroughs have been suspended, the library is closed indefinitely, and our playgrounds, ball courts, and recreation programs are closed. In addition, many cultural events that are hallmarks of Lansdowne life have been cancelled or postponed.
Each week, an Emergency Team-- including the Mayor, representatives from Borough Council, the Chief of Police and Chief of the Fire Company and Lansdowne's Emergency Manager Tom Young, and the Borough Manager--meets (telephonically) to discuss the issues faced by the Borough of Lansdowne during this emergency and refer pertinent matters to Council. While concerns or issues are addressed at this meeting, Borough Council also meets to ensure that all matters are deliberated on and voted on by the elected representatives at meetings that they have moved into a virtual forum.
With the changes, Borough Council has been forced to make difficult decisions, but know that the decisions are made always with the consideration of public safety, fair treatment and health of Borough employees and residents, and proper management of Borough resources--the taxpayer's money. For example, Lansdowne Borough Council voted unanimously in favor of a plan to disburse $25000 to the Lansdowne Fire Company to help staff the Fire Station in an effort to reduce the danger to the Volunteers and prevent the potential spread of Coronavirus.
Borough Council and the Mayor saw the need for this Emergency Mailer to apprise all of the residents about our actions since the whirlwind commenced with Mayor Campuzano's Emergency Declaration on March 13th and Council's Resolution to extend the Emergency on March 18th. We know that Lansdowne residents have many questions and concerns.
Although information has been posted on the Borough website and social media daily, we want to make sure that all of Lansdowne Borough receives the information. Each day as the number of confirmed cases rises and events change rapidly, we want to ensure that we are all doing all we can in Lansdowne to support the residents of Lansdowne, our neighbors, with their physical health, but also to provide timely and accurate information to reduce anxiety in these times.
In this eNews, please find pertinent information about community resources, changes in tax deadlines, as well as contacts for Borough staff and Council. Importantly, please also find how to access timely information from the State, County, and our Borough on our Social Media, webpage, and the new E-newsletter.
To my friends and neighbors, please be safe and I hope to see you all in the neighborhood.
Benjamin Hover
President of Borough Council