2015-2016 school year - east pikeland township3f7567ad-ba35-41a6... · 3. each photo must be...

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We’re Back! We’re Back! 2015-2016 School Year is Off to a Great Start! School District News Page 20 Township News Page 38 Special Section: Trends in Education Page 85 Phoenixville Area An INCOMMUNITY Magazine FALL 2015 in-philly.com

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Page 1: 2015-2016 School Year - East Pikeland Township3F7567AD-BA35-41A6... · 3. Each photo must be clearly identifi ed as being taken from the French Creek Trail. The submitted photo does

We’re Back!We’re Back!2015-2016 School Year is Off to a Great Start! School District News

Page 20

Township NewsPage 38

Special Section: Trends in Education

Page 85

Phoenixville Area

An INCOMMUNITY Magazine

FALL 2015in-philly.com

Page 2: 2015-2016 School Year - East Pikeland Township3F7567AD-BA35-41A6... · 3. Each photo must be clearly identifi ed as being taken from the French Creek Trail. The submitted photo does

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BOARD OF SUPERVISORSMeets 1st Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.Ronald M. Graham - Chairman • Russell L. Strauss - Vice ChairmanJ. Benson Campbell - Supervisor

TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATIONKimberly Moretti - Manager • Kisha Tyler - Zoning Offi cer

EAST PIKELAND TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPT.610.935.0606 • Chief James Franciscus

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENTAl Cushman - Director

1158 Rapps Dam Road P.O. Box 58 Kimberton, PA 19442

Hours: Monday - Friday / 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.www.eastpikeland.orgPhone: 610.933.1770 - Fax: 610.933.0919

September 20151st: Board of Supervisors Meeting - 7:00 pm7th: OFFICE CLOSED - Labor Day12th: Household Hazardous Waste Event - Oxford School Dist. Admin. Bldg., 125 Bell Tower Lane, Oxford PA - 9:00 - 3:0014th: Planning Commission Meeting - 7:00 pm15th: Open Space Committee Meeting - 7:00 pm16th: Historical Commission Meeting - 7:00 pm17th: Park & Recreation Meeting - 7:00 pm

October 20153rd: Community Shred Event3rd: Outdoor Movie Night at Kimberton Park6th: Board of Supervisors Meeting - 7:00 pm10th: Household Hazardous Waste Event - Gov’t Services Center, 601 Westtown Rd., West Chester, PA - 9:00 - 3:0012th: Planning Commission Meeting - 7:00 pm15th: Park & Recreation Meeting - 7:00 pm20th: Open Space Meeting - 7:00 pm21st: Historical Commission Meeting - 7:00 pm

November 20153rd: Election Day9th: Planning Commission Meeting - 7:00 pm10th: Board of Supervisors Meeting - 7:00 pm17th: Open Space Meeting - 7:00 pm18th: Historical Commission Meeting - 7:00 pm19th: Park & Recreation Meeting - 7:00 pm21st: Last day EPT Recycling Yard will be open on Saturdays26th: OFFICE CLOSED - Thanksgiving27th: OFFICE CLOSED30th: Deadline for French Creek Trail Photo Contest

East Pikeland Township Family

Movie Night at Kimberton ParkSaturday, October 3 • Fun begins at 6pm

Movie begins at dark

Snacks & Drinks will be available for purchase starting at 6:00 pm

State Roads vs. Township RoadsThe past two winters have wreaked havoc on area roadways. The staff received

more calls regarding pothole repairs than ever before. Although many of the

complaints that were received were regarding State owned and maintained roads,

we decided to take measures to work with the State in the assistance of the pothole

problem. Our Public Works crew will continue to address pothole problems on both

Township and State roads. Many people have commented that it is very noticeable

which roads are State roads and which are maintained by the Township, and

questioned why Township roads are in better condition. I can only answer this by

giving credit to the Township’s road crew for implementing a long term

maintenance program for the Township owned roads. Unless the State implements

a maintenance program on our roadways, we will continue to have infrastructure

problems. I encourage township residents to contact State legislators –

Representative Becky Corbin and Senator John Raff erty – and ask them to pursue

legislation that would implement a maintenance program for State roadways.

Ron Graham, Chairman

Board of Supervisors

70 Phoenixville Area

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2015 French Creek Trail Photo Contest

In an eff ort to encourage use of the French Creek Trail, the Township’s volunteer Park & Recreation Board is sponsoring a contest for the best photo taken along the trail. The French Creek Trail is accessible from the trailheads on Hares Hill Road and Rapps Dam Road.

All Township residents are welcome to participate. Photo entries are due by November 30, 2015 and will be judged by the Park & Recreation Board. Entry rules are as follows:

1. Entries must be received by Monday, November 30, 2015 by 5:00 pm. The Park & Recreation Board, at its December meeting, will select winners based on the minimum contest requirements.

2. The photo/s may be submitted either:a. electronically(.jpeg) via email to [email protected]. as a printed copy mailed to the Township building at P.O. Box 58, Kimberton, PA 19442c. as a printed copy hand delivered to the Township building: 1158 Rapps Dam Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460

3. Each photo must be clearly identifi ed as being taken from the French Creek Trail. The submitted photo does not have to be taken in 2015. Photos can be submitted from any year as long as the date and location of the photo are identifi ed.

4. Winners will have their photo displayed on the Township’s website and awarded a certifi cate and a prize. There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.

5. Minimum requirements: a minimum of 3 contestants will be needed in order to award the prizes.6. East Pikeland Township reserves the right to use the contest photo entries on the Township website and in print or

promotional Township items including the township magazine.

HOW GREEN DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?With the approach of fall it is a perfect time to think about next summer’s garden. Mixing compost into your garden soil now can

provide you with a fertile base for your vegetables next spring. The township’s yard waste recycling program has plenty of mulch available for pick-up or delivery. OR, you can start your own compost pile. The internet has many sites that teach you how to make a compost pile. The most important tips about composting are:

• Always mix browns (leaves) and greens (grass).• Keep your compost pile moist.• Turn your compost periodically to better distribute the moisture. • You can add kitchen scraps to your compost pile, but never add meat,

fats, dairy or fi sh, which will attract rodents. • Vegetable and fruit waste, coff ee grounds, teabags and paper towels

are perfect additions to the compost pile. • Do not add pet waste to your compost or you will attract insects. • For quickest results use an enclosed compost bin.• Locate your compost pile/bin in a shady area so it doesn’t become too

warm and dry out.

Township resident Tom Kaste shared photos of vegetables grown in his garden that was fertilized with township compost.

Discount Movie TicketsEast Pikeland

Township is now

selling Regal Cinema

PREMIERE Movie

Tickets.

NEW TICKET PRICE

Tickets are only $9.50

(cash or check only)

Tickets are available year-round at the Township offi ce – Call for availability. Premiere Tickets are redeemable nationwide at any Regal Cinemas, Edward Theatres or United Artist Theatres, excluding Cayman Island locations. SURCHARGES apply to all IMAX®, RPX®, Large Format, 3D and 4DX fi lms. Other surcharges may apply at Premium or Luxury Seating locations or select theatres. Premiere tickets never expire.

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Places to Visit in East Pikeland Township Kimberton Village

Kimberton Village is locally signifi cant for its namesake, Emmor Kimber, an enterprising educator who arrived here in 1817 and promptly established himself as the community’s leading citizen and a prominent county fi gure. Located between Phoenixville on the Schuylkill River and the popular resort of Yellow Springs, Kimberton became an important early 19th century stagecoach station. As early as 1818, a regularly scheduled stagecoach ran three days a week between Philadelphia and Kimber’s boarding school. The arrival of the Pickering Valley Railroad in 1871 shifted economic activity and greatly expanded farmers’ markets. The fertile farms surrounding Kimberton helped to make that village’s station the busiest on the line. The Kimberton Village Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Remember When…

Change is Coming to the Village…

2218 Kimberton Road – Built in 1947 as Wilson’s Farm Store.

Kimberton Whole Foods will be adding a new look to its Kimberton Road location, which will include an outdoor café.

Now renovated the building now houses Applied Video Technology.

Kingsway Art Gallery will be constructed later this year at 2152 Kimberton Road.

Kimberton Zoning Public WorkshopOctober 12, 2015

East Pikeland Township is evaluating and considering amendment to its zoning ordinance for context appropriate development and redevelopment of historic Kimberton Village. The Township has been working for several years to encourage the revitalization of Kimberton with combinations of use, development, and design standards that include mixed use zoning, historic preservation, traditional neighborhood development, and plans and policies to promote a “walkable Kimberton”. With economic conditions improving and a concurrent renewed interest in development, it is now time to evaluate zoning policy to assure that future changes are refl ective of the community’s values in East Pikeland’s physical, cultural, and historical center.

The public is invited to participate in a workshop at the Township Building, 1158 Rapps Dam Road, at 7:00 PM on October

12, 2015 to provide visionary assistance in shaping the future of Kimberton Village.

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BAMBOO GONE WILD…

Were you looking for that inexpensive, natural landscape feature as a privacy screening for your property, or were you just intrigued by the tall, narrow sprouts of its evergreen foliage? Has that beautiful bamboo now grown out of control, becoming a maintenance nightmare?

Bamboo is technically a giant grass, and if not aggressively maintained can become invasive. Once established, it is literally next to impossible to control.

The sprouts that shoot up from the ground each spring can grow 12 inches a day! The underground roots of common running “fi shpole” bamboo can easily reach 15 feet tall, and can travel as far as 20 feet or more from the original clump. There’s no denying bamboo makes a pretty exotic screen; and with its slender form, is seemingly ideal for tight urban spaces.

If you want to control its spread, it’s best to create a barrier (which sometimes may not work). Dig a trench two feet deep around the clump and insert 24-inch-wide aluminum fl ashing, leaving several inches of it above ground to prevent its roots from climbing over. Still, know that bamboo has been known to run even below concrete barriers and resurface on the other side, so this is no guaranteed fortress.

If you want to get rid of the bamboo, brace yourself for being a vigilante. As soon as the fi rst sprouts emerge in spring, knock them back to ground level using a shovel and continue for several weeks while the shoots are tender and before they become woody and tough. Then, using a paintbrush, apply the strongest recommended strength of Roundup to the cuts. Finally, keep an eye out throughout summer for those stubborn renegade runners.

Not all bamboo is evil… some clumping varieties such as Green Panda are not invasive at all. To be safe, it’s best to limit them to container gardens, which make great accents and focal points!

Winterizing Your Swimming Pool

As pool water evaporates, minerals and contaminants (such as dust,

sunscreen, pool chemicals, etc.) become concentrated, eventually making it diffi cult to maintain the

chemical balance in your pool. You may need to drain a fraction of your

water to improve water quality or make repairs. If your total dissolved solids (TDS) exceed 1,500 parts per million (ppm) or if your calcium hardness exceeds 350 ppm (or about 20 grains), it may be time to replace some of the water in your swimming pool. Don’t drain your pool water without a chemical analysis from a pool professional or pool supply store.

As you prepare your pool for winter closing, DO NOT drain pool water into the street, gutters or storm drains: this is a violation of local and state regulations, and you could be cited! Discharging chlorinated pool or spa water into storm drains, streams or ponds is harmful to fi sh and other aquatic life, and violates of the Clean Streams Law! Discharge or use the water for irrigation in an area on your property where the water will not fl ow into a stream or storm drain.

DO NOT drain your pool into an on-lot septic system! You can however drain the pool into the sanitary sewer system by directing a hose into your sewer cleanout pipe. This allows the pool water to be properly treated at the sewer plant.

Prior to disposing or using the water for irrigation, shut off the chlorination system if you have one, or stop adding chlorine. Hold the water in the pool or hot tub for two weeks to reduce the chlorine level.Cleaning Pool Filters

When cleaning your pool fi lters, don’t let water fl ow into the street! Rinse the fi lters over landscaped areas. The fresh water from your hose will dilute the chlorine so it won’t harm plants or grass.

Contact a pool supply store or licensed pool service if you have questions or need assistance.

Volunteer Openings:There are currently vacancies on the following volunteer committees: Open Space Committee, Park & Recreation Board, Historical Commission and the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC). If you are interested, go to the township website and fi ll out a Volunteer Position Form found under the Boards and Personnel Tab.

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THE A-B-C’S OF BUILDING, CODE ENFORCEMENT & ZONINGAccessory Uses, Buildings and StructuresAny shed under 500sf, free-standing gazebo or free-standing pergola requires a Zoning Permit, and must be setback 15 feet from the side and rear property lines. No accessory structure shall be located in the front yard. Footings or other anchoring methods may be required depending on the size of the structure. Sheds over 500sf, detached garages, barns and other large accessory structures require a Building Permit and must be setback a minimum distance equal to the height of the structure (but not less than 15 feet from the property line). The minimum distance between the principal building and the accessory structure is 10 feet.

Building Permit RequirementsBuilding and zoning permits are required for all construction and most renovation projects. If the project is structural or involves plumbing, electrical or mechanical work, you must obtain a permit: this includes new home construction, residential additions and renovations, a detached garage, deck, swimming pools, etc. You do not need a permit for routine property maintenance such as re-shingling a roof, replacing windows, doors or siding. Construction or renovation of any commercial, industrial, educational or other non-residential building including roof projects ALWAYS require a permit. Processing takes approximately 3 weeks (if the plan meets code requirements).

Burning is PROHIBITED!East Pikeland Township Ordinance No. 136 prohibits outdoor burning for purposes of disposing of any municipal waste, leaf waste, yard waste or recyclable materials. An outdoor fi replace, a patio or lawn fi re pit, a small campfi re for recreational purposes, and any outdoor wood burning unit for home heating are allowed as long as they are used for their intended purpose. For farm use properties over 5-acres, controlled burning is permitted for agricultural purposes.

Trash, Rubbish and GarbageAll exterior property and premises, and the interior of every structure, shall be free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage. Every occupant of a structure shall dispose of all rubbish and garbage in a clean and sanitary manner, and shall be responsible for the removal of such from the premises. Ordinance No. 136 requires each household and commercial business to have trash and recycling collection service.

Visibility ObstructionsVegetation protruding into the roadway or overgrown at an intersection can create a dangerous situation for motorists. At all times, a clear line of sight must be maintained at an intersection to prevent a potential accident. Property owners are responsible for maintaining roadside vegetation.

Weeds and VegetationGrowth of noxious weeds, plants and vegetation in excess of twelve (12") inches on property within the Township is declared to be a public nuisance and is prohibited. Weeds are defi ned as grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees and shrubs. Natural meadows, ornamental grasses, cultivated fl owers and gardens are excluded. Vegetation should also be trimmed back from any sidewalk or roadway, to ensure pedestrian safety.

All ordinances, forms and permit applications can be found on our website at www.eastpikeland.org

74 Phoenixville Area

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Open Space UpdateThe Open Space Committee exists based on a 2006 East Pikeland Voter Approved Referendum and was formed

for the purpose of purchasing land or interest in land, including easements and transferable development rights, for protection, preservation and conservation of open space uses in the township.

Properties that are defi ned as “eligible” for consideration as open space must be a benefi t to the citizens of the Township and be predominantly undeveloped open space or areas, (ii) the protection and conservation of forests and lands being used to produce timber crops; (iii) the protection and conservation of farmland; (iv) the protection of existing or planned park, recreation or conservation sites; (v) the protection and conservation of natural or scenic resources, (vi) the protection of scenic areas for public visual enjoyment from public rights of way; (vii) the preservation of sites of historic, geologic or botanic interest; and (viii) the promotion of sound, cohesive, and effi cient land development by preserving open spaces between communities.

Completed Transactions To Date:• Purchase of Development Rights on 63.4 acres of farm land located in the northwestern section of township

adjacent to East Vincent Township.• Purchase of Development Rights and Trail Easements on 16.3 acres of land along the French Creek near Hares Hill

Road.• Purchase of Development Rights on 17.0 acres of land in the Southeastern portion of the Township adjacent to

Protected Lands in East Pikeland and West Vincent Townships.

Transactions in Progress:• In cooperation with Natural Lands Trust, the Township is participating in an off er to purchase the development

rights on 101 acres located in the southern portion of the township. • Purchase of 2.89 acres of land along the French Creek on Township Line Road. This land completes access to the

French Creek Trail and will serve as a trailhead in the future.• Purchase of 1.5 acres of land in Kimberton Village abutting the existing Kimberton Community Park.• Possible purchase of 25.36+/- acres of land as Open Space in the central portion of the Township. This property

located between Pike Springs Road, Hares Hill Road and Cold Stream Road has several possible future uses as passive recreation along with permanent open space for the Township.

Future Transactions:The Open Space Committee has reviewed all possible properties in the Township that may meet the future Open

Space or Recreational needs of the Township.Many of the owners of these properties have been contacted by the Open Space Committee to determine their interest in open space preservation. Properties are considered following these procedures:

• The property is evaluated for appropriateness and presented to the Board of Supervisors as a possible purchase, trail easement or development rights acquisition prospect.

• The Supervisors may then authorize an appraisal of the property which is used to determine the maximum amount that the township is authorized to spend for either acquiring the property or placing an easement on the property, depending on the Open Space Committee recommendation.

• If the property owner is in agreement with the off er, the Supervisors may then authorize the solicitor to prepare documentationfor the purchase of the property or requested rights.

• A Public Hearing is held to present the plans for the property. At that point the Supervisors can authorize the purchase if they deem it is in the best interest of the Township to do so.

Monthly Meetings:The Open Space Committee holds monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of each month and the public is invited to

attend.

keland Voter Approved Referendum and was formed ng easements and transferable development rights, for s in the township.

s open space must be a benefi t to the citizens of ther areas, (ii) the protection and conservation of forests ction and conservation of farmland; (iv) the protection (v) the protection and conservation of natural or scenic enjoyment from public rights of way; (vii) the preservation promotion of sound, cohesive, and effi cient land ties.

land located in the northwestern section of township

n 16.3 acres of land along the French Creek near Hares Hill

n the Southeastern portion of the Township adjacent to nships.

s participating in an off er to purchase the development he township.

on Township Line Road This land completes access to the

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Fall ushers in crisp autumn days, outdoor activities, football games and fall foliage. As the season changes and we revisit the to-do-list of chores around the house, take a moment to evaluate the safety of your home as you work on your chores. While you are working in the yard, identify areas that may be accessible by unwanted intruders. Make sure to trim shrubbery that may provide cover for intruders, especially bushes blocking front windows. Consider installing outside lights with motion sensors and using timers for inside lighting to create the image that you are home, even when you travel. Make sure all windows and doors are locked that are not in use and never leave doors or windows open when you are not at home.For drivers, fall also brings challenges to roadway safety. Leaves create hidden dangers on the roadways. Wet leaves can create slippery and dangerous driving conditions. Falling leaves litter the roads, obscuring traffi c lines and other pavement markings. Please avoid parking near leaf piles to prevent fi res that could ignite from your vehicle’s catalytic converter.Back-to-school traffi c creates a higher volume of cars and buses on the roads. Please be alert to increased pedestrian traffi c as children walk to and from school and to their neighborhood bus stops. Always be mindful of your speed, especially in school zones and near school buses.

The change in Daylight Saving Time creates reduced visibility. Watch for pedestrians and cyclists that may be less visible in the changing light. Fog that forms on cold fall mornings can inhibit visibility. Always allow a safe distance between vehicles to give you more time to react if necessary. Also be on alert for deer running and darting across the roadways.The frequent changes in the weather and temperatures cause tires to expand and contract, and thus, lose air pressure. Check your tire pressure during the fall season and make sure your tires have plenty of tread. One of the most common types of theft is theft of valuables from your vehicle. The best defense against theft is to keep your car doors and windows locked all the time! Keep your valuables out of sight and never leave cell phones, electronics, briefcases, suitcases or your newly purchased packages in plain view. Take these items with you or secure them in a safe place, such as the trunk, every time. The old adage, “out of sight and out of mind,” is very true today. Take the time to secure your valuables; it does make a diff erence and helps keep you safe.I would like to thank the community for their support of the police department. It is only by working together that we can make East Pikeland Township a safe and pleasant place to live and work. If we can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call us.

POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATE

From the desk of Chief Franciscus:

Kimberton Fire Company

All proceeds from the Fire

Company’s fundraisers enable

the volunteer fi refi ghters

to continue to operate and

maintain a state-of-the-art

fi re department that provides

fi re and rescue services to

residents in East Pikeland, West

Pikeland, Charlestown, East Vincent and West

Vincent Townships.

Don’t miss out on any Kimberton Fire

Company fundraisers! For details on upcoming

events, visit www.kimbertonfi re.organd click on

the “Fundraising Events” link on the home page.

Donut Days – September 28

& 29 and Oct 26 & 27. These popular

donuts aren’t just for Fair time! The Fire

Company’s Auxiliary has Donut Days throughout

the year. Visit their website at www.kfcdonuts.

comfor details about upcoming sale dates and

instructions on how to pre-order.

Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

Did You Know?Pennsylvania recently passed a law that requires all multi-family dwelling units (i.e. townhomes, apartments, condos) that are heated with fossil-fuel, have a fi replace or have an attached garage to have a Carbon Monoxide detector in the home. Under the law, the owner or landlord can face fi nes up to $50 for failure to comply. This law took eff ect in June of this year. What does my local Fire

Department recommend?

The Kimberton Fire Company recommends that you consider purchasing a Carbon Monoxide detector unit with a digital display. The benefi ts to this are that it tells you if it’s simply a low battery alarm or if it’s an actual activation. A digital unit will provide a parts per million (PPM) display. This helps both you and the fi re department know what the detector is reading. Upon activation of a CO detector – you should go outside the home and dial 911. Do not call the fi re station. Do NOT open doors and windows. Leave your home closed up. This will allow the fi re company to get accurate readings

with their meters. Leaving doors and windows open allows the CO to escape, making it diffi cult to determine if the alarm is legitimate. If you have any of the symptoms for carbon monoxide poisoning, please make sure to tell the 911 dispatcher.What are the symptoms

of CO poisoning?

If you think you have been exposed to CO you should seek immediate medical care. Thesymptoms are: headache, dizziness, nausea, Flu-like symptoms, fatigue, blurred vision, shortness of breath on exertion, impaired judgment, chest pain and confusion. Article contributed by Chuck Fields, Deputy Chief of Kimberton Fire Co.

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KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

✦✦ 1.5 million children are transported on Pennsylvania roads each day.

✦ These children are transported more than 400 million miles to school each year.

✦ Every year, children are needlessly injured or killed by drivers passing stopped school buses.

PENNSYLVANIA’S SCHOOL BUS STOPPING LAW

✦ When you meet or overtake a stopped school bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you MUSTSTOP.

✦ When you approach an inter section where a school bus is stopped with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended,you MUST STOP.

✦ You MUST STOP at least ten (10) feet away from the school bus.

✦ You MUST WAIT until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been withdrawn before moving.

✦ DO NOT MOVE until all the children have reached a place of safety.

You MUST STOP on roadways with ridged/grooved dividers.

You MUST STOP on roadwayswith painted lines.

MUSTSTOP ▼

LOADING ORUNLOADING

MUSTSTOP

MUST STOP ▼

LOADING ORUNLOADING

MUSTSTOP

PAINTED LINERIDGED/

GROOVEDYou MUST STOP at anintersection, whether it is or isnot marked with a stop sign.

All traffic MUST stop.

▼LOADING OR UNLOADING

▼MUST STOP

MUST STOP

PENNSYLVANIA’SSCHOOL BUS STOPPING LAW

Keeping Children Safe

PUB 97 (9-11)

Our Children’s Safety Is In Your Hands.

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The best approach to minimize flooding and improve water quality is to allow rain to be absorbed close to where it falls – reducing stormwater runoff.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FOR SMALL PROJECTS: What a Homeowner Needs to Know

What is stormwater and why is it a problem? Stormwater is rainfall that runs off of roofs, driveways, lawns, roads, parking lots, sidewalks, farm fields, and other surfaces created or disturbed by manmade activities. This runoff picks up pollutants (such as dirt, oil, litter, pesticides, fertilizer, etc.) as it flows across these surfaces, and eventually enters local streams. While rainfall is natural, stormwater is manmade.

Large volumes of stormwater overwhelm, erode and pollute local streams, and flood low lying areas. To lessen these destructive stormwater impacts and help ensure any existing problems do not worsen, municipalities across Chester County have adopted new stormwater management ordinance standards. These new standards are a key tool in reducing these stormwater impacts, safeguarding properties from flooding and erosion, and protecting streams and local water quality. Why is stormwater management important? The purpose of stormwater management is to protect property, infrastructure and streams from destructive stormwater impacts by ensuring rain can be absorbed close to where it falls, thereby reducing the volume of runoff. By controlling stormwater runoff from new impervious and disturbed surfaces on individual properties, we can:

protect downstream properties, roads and infrastructure – from increased erosion and flooding. protect water quality – in our streams and reservoirs to provide clean water for drinking, businesses, farming,

and swimming, and for fish and other aquatic living resources. Without effective stormwater management, problems caused by too much runoff, erosion and pollutants (such as sediment, nutrients and bacteria) become very difficult and costly for property owners and communities to fix. How will the updated stormwater standards help reduce these problems? In decades past, local stormwater management was designed without regard to the cumulative impact of runoff on downstream properties and streams. To address this and the future increase in population and development across Chester County’s watersheds, updated stormwater management ordinance standards were necessary to meet state and federal requirements. The updated standards require new development and redevelopment projects (large and small) to be constructed in a way that maintains or reduces the amount of stormwater that leaves the site; this will help reduce the cumulative impacts of flooding and erosion on downgradient properties and streams. It will also help keep our waters clean that serve as a critical source of public drinking water.

84% of Chester County’s

watersheds are sources of public drinking water.

55% of Chester County’s

streams are listed as “impaired” (polluted) by stormwater.

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Co-Sponsored byBorough of Phoenixville, Charlestown Township, East Pikeland Township and Schuylkill Township

Protect yourself from identity theft by shredding confidential and unwanted documents at this FREE community shred event.

Paper clips, staples, and report covers are okay but please do not bring plastic, 3-ring binders, binder clips, metal or electronics of any kind.

Date: Saturday October 3, 2015 Time: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. sharp

(or until truck is full)

Rain or Shine

at the CCIU Technical College High School Campus

(formerly CAT Pickering Vo-Tech) 1580 Charlestown Road, Phoenixville

FOR RESIDENTS OF PARTICIPATING MUNICIPALITIES ONLY LIMIT OF 5 BOXES (STANDARD FILE BOX) OR BAGS PER VEHICLE

NO COMMERCIAL SHREDDING WILL BE ACCEPTED

Shredding will be provided by PROSHRED , a locally owned and operated company based in Paoli.

The Charlestown Day 5K Run is taking place on October 3rd. Be prepared for intermittent closures of intersections on Charlestown Road between 9a.m. and 10 a.m. Affected intersections will be Charlestown Rd & Broadwater Ln, Charlestown Rd & Coldstream Rd and Charlestown Rd & Buckwalter Rd.

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Approximately two million additional people expectedin the area for the Papal Visit.

Closure of Route 76 at 476 (Blue Route; Conshohocken) will likely cause gridlock along 76 which could result in major traffi c congestion of local highways including Routes 422 and 29.

Major congestion could also occur on Bridge Street in Downtown Phoenixville; Route 23, including the Valley Park Road detour; and Route 113, as locals attempt to avoid Route 422.

Pennsylvania State Police have been working with their counterparts from New Jersey west to Ohio, and New York south to Virginia to notify commercial trucks to avoid southeast PA from 9/24-9/28, if possible. This, combined with heavy traffi c congestion and major highway closures, could aff ect deliveries to local businesses, including restaurants and grocery stores.

#WalkTheWeekendPXV

We would like to encourage people to prep in advance and fi nd something local to do. As of right now two events are scheduled in town that weekend that are fun for the whole family. Get Well Gabby Carnival – www.getwellgabby.org Phoenixville Farmers’ Market - www.phoenixvillefarmersmarket.org

Please check www.phoenixville.org

for more updates and new events closer

to the papal visit weekend.

Papal Visit 9/25-9/27 2015

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