Dear Lansdowne Neighbors,
Happy March! As we enjoy the first buds of spring flowers with the crocuses, daffodils, and tulips in bloom, we can look forward to many exciting events and progress in Lansdowne.
Community Events/ Recognition:
First of all, I want to thank the many residents highlighting on a daily level the unsung women who are our local heroes working on boards and commissions and leadership in the many institutions within the Lansdowne community.
Lansdowne Borough is hosting a number of events for the upcoming Spring and encourage residents to join in the planning and enjoyment of the community coming together for these events.
Please save the dates and be on the lookout for more information:
April 1st, Spring Egg Hunt, Hoffman Park
April 22nd, 1-3: Earth Day at Interboro Park.
April 28th, Arbor Day Event
May 13th: STEAM Festival *Please note the date change.
June 1st: Pride Flag Raising, Borough Greene 6:00
June 2nd, 3rd, 4th: Lansdowne Founder’s Weekend
June 17th and 18th: Juneteenth Events
Economic Development:
Lansdowne Borough Council continues to work with community partners and Lansdowne businesses to build the downtown in Lansdowne. Lansdowne Borough Council voted to extend and expand on the contract with the Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation. As a long-time partner of the Borough, the Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation works hard to promote Lansdowne.
As part of the new contract with the Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation, Lansdowne Borough will collaborate with the Lansdowne Economic Development. Corporation to develop and Lansdowne Arts and Cultural Council with representatives from arts organizations in Lansdowne to develop events and an arts marketing strategy.
Lansdowne Borough Council hosted Nilaa Coffee (the roaster affiliated with Camellia Coffee at its Council meeting on March 15th. We wish Camellia Coffee luck in the upcoming National competition they in which will be participating.
Also, the Historic Lansdowne Theater Corporation is moving forward with the marshaling of their resources to begin construction this year. As part of the process, the HLTC was required to create a for profit entity to take advantage of the use of historic tax credits to help with the funding.
This summer promises to be a busy season with probable building at the Lansdowne Theater Project, the Callahan Ward project, and the new townhomes from Habitat for Humanity.
Veteran’s Parkway:
Finally, Lansdowne Borough Council is committed to the procurement of funds for the Lansdowne Landing and Veteran’s Park areas to upgrade the parks as a community gathering space and upgrade the parking lots in Lansdowne Borough.
On Thursday, March 16th, Lansdowne Borough learned from Senator Tim Kearney and Representative Gina Hackett Curry, that two of Lansdowne Borough’s grant applications were successful at the Pennsylvania State Level:
The Borough of Lansdowne will receive $500,000 “to cover construction costs to transform a municipal parking lot located in the borough’s Central Business into a multipurpose space from the Local Share Account.
And, the Borough of Lansdowne was also the recipient of a Multimodal grant of $400000 for the construction of pedestrian walkways for Veterans Parkway.
With these two grants, we are much closer to having the necessary funding to turn this great plan into a reality.
Comprehensive Plan:
The draft Comprehensive Plan is currently in review with the Lansdowne Planning Commission, the Delaware County Planning Commission, and surrounding communities. After the review period has ended, Lansdowne Borough will host a public meeting for all residents to submit comments. Please find the draft Comprehensive Plan here.
Facilities/ Infrastructure:
As reported in January, Lansdowne Borough will continue the housekeeping tasks to improve beautification of facilities and plan for upgrades to facilities in the Borough. Painting has been completed in Borough Hall and the new Borough Lansdowne Flag hanging in Council Chambers. Along with other facilities improvements, Borough Council is investing in the Borough property maintenance.
On March 29th at 7:00, Borough Council will hold a special meeting to discuss the scenarios plan for Facilities upgrades to the Library, Borough Hall, and the Police Department. This meeting will continue the presentation of the scenarios developed by GKO Architects to allow for potential upgrades to Borough facilities. The special meeting will provide a presentation to Lansdowne Borough Council and allow time for residents to ask questions about the scenarios. Currently, the scenarios presented do not include detailed architectural plans. Also, the Special meeting will focus specifically on the facilities scenarios. We encourage all residents to attend to be informed about the process and provide input about the scenarios.
Lansdowne Borough Council voted to upgrade the road signs throughout the Borough and will be replacing all of the signs throughout the Borough with signs that have reflective paint and the Lansdowne Borough Sycamore Tree within the coming months.
Boards and Commissions:
Lansdowne Borough has numerous opportunities for residents to participate as appointed members on Boards and Commissions. Currently, we have need of participants. Please find more information about the Boards and Commissions here.
We wish everyone a continued celebration of Women’s History Month and Irish-American Heritage Month and look forward to celebrating and honoring Fair Housing Month, Celebrating Diversity Month, and World Autism Month.
To all of my friends, neighbors and fellow residents, I hope to see you around the town. Enjoy the blooms and birds and the beautiful spring days.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Hover
Council President