Winter 2014

Lansdowne News
Winter 2014
Mayor’‛s Column
By Tony Campuzano
I would like to thank the residents of
Lansdowne for the confidence and trust
they showed in electing me the next mayor
of Lansdowne. It is a great honor that I
take very seriously. I look forward to
working hard for all the residents in helping
them with any problems and issues. Also
working with the business community
promoting Lansdowne as a great place to
shop and live. The Lansdowne movie
theater is a vital part of our downtown, I
look forward to supporting the
revitalization. I will be working to assure
that public safety and other services are
maintained at a high level for all residents.
My past experience in government will be
put to good use in my new role as your
mayor.
I would like to thank Jayne Young for all
her hard work as our mayor for the past
four years. She represented the borough
with dignity and class. She always held the
borough and it's residents needs as a
priority. She will be missed and I wish her
all the best in the future.
Jennifer Hoff Recipient of the 2013 Helms Award
And the 2013 Helms Award Winner Is….. Jennifer Hoff. Seen here next to former Mayor Jayne Young with past years winners from left: MaryKay Bowden, Jo Stevenson, Tony Campuzano, Bob Herre and, Betty Merlino. The Helms Award, named for Mayor William Helms is our most prestigious award given to a resident that gives service “ Beyond All Recompense” to Lansdowne Borough.
Newly Elected Officials
Congratulations to the following newly elected or re-elected officials in Lansdowne:
Mayor — Anthony Campuzano
Council Members — Eric Aubrey, Magda Byrne,
Janet English, Michael Schleigh
Tax Collector — Joseph
Urban ( not pictured)
William Penn School
Board— Charlotte K.
Hummel
Stormwater Info and
Reminders
for driveways and sidewalks, and native vegetation and mulch
can replace high maintenance grass lawns. Homeowners can use
fertilizers sparingly and sweep driveways, sidewalks, and
roads instead of using a hose. Instead of disposing of yard
Did you know that because of impervious surfaces like
waste, they can use the materials to start a compost pile. And
pavement and rooftops, a typical city block generates more
homeowners can learn to use Integrated Pest Management
than 5 times more runoff than a woodland area of the same
(IPM) to reduce dependence on harmful pesticides. In
size?
addition, households can prevent polluted runoff by picking up
after pets and using, storing, and disposing of chemicals
properly. Drivers should check their cars for leaks and recycle
How Urbanized Areas Affect Water Quality
their motor oil and antifreeze when these fluids are changed.
Increased Runoff
Drivers can also avoid impacts from car wash runoff (e.g.,
The porous and varied terrain of natural landscapes like
detergents, grime, etc.) by using car wash facilities that do
forests, wetlands, and grasslands traps rainwater and
not generate runoff. Households served by septic systems
snowmelt and allows them to filter slowly into the ground. In
should have them professionally inspected and pumped every 3
contrast, impervious (nonporous) surfaces like roads, parking
to 5 years. They should also practice water conservation
lots, and rooftops prevent rain and snowmelt from infiltrating,
measures to extend the life of their septic systems.
or soaking, into the ground. Most of the rainfall and snowmelt
remains above the surface, where it runs off rapidly in
Controlling Impacts from New Development
unnaturally large amounts. Storm sewer systems concentrate
Developers and city planners should attempt to control the
runoff into smooth, straight conduits. This runoff gathers
volume of runoff from new development by using low impact
speed and erosional power as it travels underground. When
this runoff leaves the storm drains and empties into a stream, development, structural controls, and pollution prevention
strategies. Low impact development includes measures that
its excessive volume and power blast out streambanks,
conserve natural areas (particularly sensitive hydrologic areas
damaging streamside vegetation and wiping out aquatic
like riparian buffers and infiltrable soils); reduce development
habitat. These increased storm flows carry sediment loads
impacts; and reduce site runoff rates by maximizing surface
from construction sites and other denuded surfaces and
roughness, infiltration opportunities, and flow paths.
eroded streambanks. They often carry higher water
temperatures from streets, roof tops, and parking lots, which
are harmful to the health and reproduction of aquatic life.
The loss of infiltration from urbanization may also cause
profound groundwater changes. Although urbanization leads to
great increases in flooding during and immediately after wet
weather, in many instances it results in lower stream flows
during dry weather. Many native fish and other aquatic life
cannot survive when these conditions prevail. Increased
Pollutant Loads and Urbanization increases the variety and
amount of pollutants carried into streams, rivers, and lakes.
The pollutants include:
 Sediment
 Oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from motor vehicle
 Pesticides and nutrients from lawns and gardens
 Viruses, bacteria, and nutrients from pet waste and
failing septic systems
 Road salts
 Heavy metals from roof shingles, motor vehicles, and
other sources
 Thermal pollution from dark impervious surfaces such as
streets and rooftops
These pollutants can harm fish and wildlife populations, kill
native vegetation, foul drinking water supplies, and make
recreational areas unsafe and unpleasant.
Managing Urban Runoff What Homeowners Can Do
To decrease polluted runoff from paved surfaces, households
can develop alternatives to areas traditionally covered by
impervious surfaces. Porous pavement materials are available
Controlling Impacts from Existing Development
Controlling runoff from existing urban areas is often more
costly than controlling runoff from new developments.
Economic efficiencies are often realized through approaches
that target “hot spots” of runoff pollution or have multiple
benefits, such as high-efficiency street sweeping (which
addresses aesthetics, road safety, and water quality). Urban
planners and others responsible for managing urban and
suburban areas can first identify and implement pollution
prevention strategies and examine source control
opportunities. They should seek out priority pollutant
reduction opportunities, then protect natural areas that help
control runoff, and finally begin ecological restoration and
retrofit activities to clean up degraded water bodies. Local
governments are encouraged to take lead roles in public
education efforts through public signage, storm drain marking,
pollution prevention outreach campaigns, and partnerships
with citizen groups and businesses. Citizens can help prioritize
the clean-up strategies, volunteer to become involved in
restoration efforts, and mark storm drains with approved
“don’‛t dump” message.
For More Information U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency
Nonpoint Source Control Branch
(4503T) 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue,
NW Washington, DC 20460
www.epa.gov/nps
Flushable vs. Flow able?
A question that you may not have thought of. Unfortunately we now have products that are
marketed as flushable and while this is true it does not tell the whole story.
An item marketed as flushable is in my opinion, true in every case I have come across. The
problem is that most modern toilets can flush just about anything. Look for yourself on youtube and you
will see promotional video’‛s from toilet manufactures showing what these toilets are capable of flushing
(cell phones, ping-pong balls, golf balls, and even hot dogs).
Now while all of these items are “flushable” are they flow able? Short answer, NO. Lansdowne’‛s
sewer mains are primarily older terra cotta lines with some concrete, iron, and PVC mixed in. Our
sanitary mains and in most cases the property owners laterals are not capable
of handling these products. If one or two “flushable” wipes make it down your
sewer line it is not in all likelihood going to cause a problem. In most cases it is
the continued daily use that is causing blockages. Mix in some grease with your
flushable wipes and you have a sanitary sewer back-up waiting to happen. For
your own peace of mind and to help keep sewer fees from rapidly rising please
bag and dispose of wipes in normal trash.
Please, Please, Please Recycle, Recycle, Recycle
The Financial Importance of Single Stream Recycling
As of October 2013 the borough spent $90,670.60 to deliver our trash to the Delaware County Solid Waste
Authority ( tipping fees). That is the charge to landfill 2,733 tons of waste. At the same time we only recycled 706
tons which resulted in $10,079.66. These figures are as of October 2013. The point is the more we recycle the
lower our tipping fees will be.
Research shows:
 The average person generates over 4 pounds of trash every day and about 1.5 tons of solid waste per year.
 In 2009, Americans produced enough trash to circle the Earth 24 times.
 Over 75% of waste is recyclable, but we only recycle about 30% of it.
 We generate 21.5 million tons of food waste each year. If we composted that food, it would reduce the same
amount of greenhouse gas as taking 2 million cars off the road.
 Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to listen to a full album on your iPod. Recycling 100 cans could
light your bedroom for two whole weeks.
 Recycling aluminum cans saves 95% of the energy used to make alum cans from
new material.
 Americans throw away 25,000,000 plastic bottles every hour.
 Over 87% of Americans have access to curbside or drop-off paper recycling
programs.
 In 2009, Americans threw away almost 9 million tons of glass. That could fill
enough tractor trailers to stretch from NYC to LA (and back!).
 In 2010, paper recycling had increased over 89% since 1990.
 If every American recycled just one-tenth of their newspapers, we could save
about 25 million trees each year.
Community Involvement will assist with converting multi units dwellings back to or closer to single family is Just One Board Position homes. One vacancy.
Away Parks and Recreation Board – This board There are many opportunities to get involved here in Lansdowne. Below is a list of our boards and commissions and some of them have vacancies, Arts Board – Supports the Borough’s mission of becoming an Arts’ destination by recommending events and uses of some of Lansdowne’s buildings. Vacancies
Board of Health - is responsible for looking out for the wellbeing of our residents through inspecting and monitoring the cleanliness and sanitation of our local food establishments.
Civil Service Commission – This 3 person board has oversight responsibilities for administering testing for new hires and promotions within the Lansdowne Police Department.
Codes Appeals Board – This 3 person board is responsible for hearing and ruling on appeals that are brought forth by residents who have been cited for code violations or who request a variance from a building code requirement. Two vacancies.
Darby Creek Joint Authority – One individual represents Lansdowne on the multi-municipal Authority that manages a sewage conveyance system.
oversees the management of all outdoor recreation areas and facilities owned or operated by the Borough of Lansdowne subject to the approval of Borough Council. Two vacancies.
Planning Commission - This 7 person board assists the Borough by reviewing developers plans as well as changes to our various ordinances that govern development activities.
Tree Advisory Board – The specialist for our most notable signature, our trees. They advise residents on tree care and they sponsor the borough’s tree planting events.
Vacancy Board - This 1 person board is responsible for making appointments to our elected offices in the event of a vacancy that has not been filled within 30 days.
Zoning Hearing Board - This 5 person board hears and rules on requests for variances from the Lansdowne Zoning Ordinance. One vacancy.
If you are interested in getting involved in your borough simply send a letter of interest to Craig Totaro, our borough manager, with your resume. His e-mail is: [email protected]
Do You Have a Front Yard in Historical Architectural Review Board - Need of a Tree?
This board makes recommendations to Council on façade treatments for buildings in A tree that will beatify your property and our downtown historic district. Two add to its value. Trees absorb carbon vacancies.
dioxide, fight the greenhouse effect and clean the air we all breath.
Human Relations Commission - Established to ensure that persons who live and work in Lansdowne are protected from Planting trees save energy, by acting as air conditioners that cool and filter unlawful discrimination. One vacancy.
impurities in the air. Studies show that Library Board – Responsible for trees have a calming effect on people and determining policy, providing fiscal and reduce crime . physical oversight, and long range planning in order to provide the best possible library Bare root trees will be service to the Lansdowne community.
available for planting this spring. Multi-unit Conversion Committee - This committee, comprised of residents from our To request a tree, call Mary Lou Jennings Elm Street area in Southeast Lansdowne, oversees grant applications for funding that at 610-622-0162
Continued Relief from Unbearable Leaflets
This article originally appeared in the Newsletter Fall 2004 but it bares repeating.
Many Lansdowne residents have experienced unwanted leaflets or flyers littering their driveway, sidewalk or front yard. These "commercial handbills", advertising a variety of products or services, are scattered randomly throughout our residential neighborhoods. More often than not, they are an unsightly nuisance, just another piece of trash we have to throw in the can.
In response to complaints from residents, the Lansdowne Borough Council recently passed an ordinance designed to restrict the distribution of these handbills.
If you are finding your front lawn littered with unwanted material you can now do something about it. In a conspicuous place in front of your house (e.g. on the mail box, fence, or on a stake in your yard) place a sign, poster or sticker (not exceeding two-square feet in area) with these words: "Leave No Unsubscribed Material." This will alert those who are distributing the material that your house is off limits. If, after you have posted your house, you are still receiving these handbills, save one of the handbills and call the Lansdowne Code Enforcement Department at 610-623
-7300. A code enforcement officer can help you identify who is delivering the material to your home and bring a stop to it. Please note that because of protections on free speech, the ordinance does not and cannot restrict the distribution of political flyers, certain newspapers and other non-commercial printed materials.
Building permits and zoning approval are not that hard! Visit the customer-friendly “early assistance desk” at Lansdowne Borough Hall, 2nd Floor, Code Department, 12 E Baltimore Ave, Lansdowne, Pa 19050. Or call the appropriate office: Property Code Enforcement 610-623-7300 Ext 210
Zoning Office – 610-623-7300 Ext 232 Permits – 610-623-7300 Ext 210
Christmas
tree pick up
January 8th
curbside
2014 Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra Concert Calendar
All performances at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center
Valentine's Day Concert
Sunday, February 9, 2014, at 3PM
Spring Concert
Sunday, March 23, 2014, at 3PM
Concluding Concert
Sunday, April 27, 2014, at 3PM
http://www.lansdowneso.org
Thursday, January 23rd John Francis with Hot Breakfast
Thursday, February 27th Kim and Reggie Harris
Twentieth Century Club
84 S. Lansdowne Ave.
Cost: $15/18
For more information call,
610-622-7250
DONATE BOOKS TO LANSDOWNE LIBRARY The Friends of the Lansdowne Public Library and the Lansdowne Library are hoping for donations of gently used books. These books are to be sold at the library at a big book sale to be held in the Spring 2013.
Guidelines for Donating Books:
 Donations will be accepted Monday through Thursday 10 am to 2 pm.
 Call the library prior to donating large quantities of books.
 Do not leave donations outside the library doors or in the library drop box.
 Books must be in good condition.
 Books not used by our library will be placed in the books sale.
 We will not accept books that are torn, moldy, water damaged or bug infested.
 We will not accept any textbooks, encyclopedias, magazines or books with inscriptions.
We will not accept serial collections like Readers Digest, Time Life etc.
Thank you for keeping these guidelines in mind. Call the library for further information 610-623-0239.
Overnight Parking Permits
2014 Parking permits are available at borough hall. The fee is $40.00 for the year if you purchase your permit January– March. From April on the cost prorates to $4.00 per month. Parking permit s ckers are required for overnight street parking. Any vehicle, without a permit, on borough streets overnight will be cketed. Guests cars can be called into the police department. For complete rules visit www.lansdownepolice.com
News from the Board of
the Lansdowne Public
Library
This is an exciting time for the Lansdowne Public Library
as we develop a five year plan. Our recent library
community survey clearly identified the Library as a hub for
community activity where citizens find knowledge, attend
programs for kids and adults, obtain career and small
business assistance, and get free access to computers, books,
movies, music, downloadable audio, and other materials.
Last year, 128,626 visits were made to the library where
patrons participated in 48,722 computer sessions and
borrowed 84,824 items. Through its innovative services,
programs, and collection the Lansdowne Public Library
staff strives to represent the scope of community’s interests
and needs. During the current economic recession, libraries
across the country are seeing upsurges in use as people
borrow what they cannot buy, attend programs that don’t
require an outlay of cash, retool for a new career, hunt for
new jobs, or simply enjoy a welcoming place to be. How
should we determine the direction of our Library’s finite
resources to address the needs of our community? Good
planning helps make this possible!
The Lansdowne Public Library Board is announcing an
upcoming opportunity for community organizations to
discuss the role of the Library in the community and shape
library services in the future.
When: Saturday, January 25th, 2014
Time: 9:30am-12noon
Where: 20th Century Club, 84 S. Lansdowne Ave.
Register by: January 15, 2014 by contacting Andrea Kenyon
at
[email protected] or 610-626-6119
Questions we will be discussing include:
 What do you see as our community’s greatest challenges
in the next few years?
 How can the library increase your organization’s
impact?
 What do you see as key attributes to ensure a successful
future for the Lansdowne Library?
The perspectives and viewpoints shared will play an
essential role in assisting us to craft the Library’s strategic
priorities for its immediate and long-term future. If your
organization did not receive your invite, please contact
Andrea Kenyon, Vice Chair and Strategic Planning
Coordinator via email [email protected] or telephone
610-626-6119 to register for this event.
The Union Athletic Association of Lansdowne
The UAA is proud to announce the election of a new Board of
Directors. Leading the Board is President, Mary Kay Bowden
with Pat Arone stepping in as Vice President. Helen Bowes will
serve as Secretary and Dale Nupp will serve another term as
Treasurer. The new Board promises to continue the tradition of
a fabulous July 4th.
Most agree, it wouldn't be the Fourth of July without a morning
parade through town and a spectacular fireworks show at sundown. Children, adults, businesses and other community groups
are encouraged to participate --- build a float, ride a bike, or just
put on some red, white and blue and step into the parade. In the
evening, bring a blanket or chair ato see the exploding rockets
that light up the sky over the Penn Wood High School field.
In 2014, the UAA will celebrate 110 years of active service to
the Lansdowne community. A successful event each year takes a
dedicated group of volunteers and generous contributions /
donations from residents and businesses. No tax dollars are
sought to support the event.
Funding the Fourth of July
As costs continue to rise, the UAA has been raising funds by
hosting the Red, White and Bluesy party, with DJ music, dancing and a tasty buffet for guests. This year's "Bluesy" will be on
April 26th at the 20th Century Club. Please mark the date.
Another event we're really excited about is a wine tasting on
Saturday, February 8th - just when football season is over and
those winter doldrums are ready to kick in. The tasting will be
held at 2312 Garrett Bar & Restaurant., 3-5 pm. Plan on joining
us to sample delicious and affordable wines....and, afterward,
consider staying for dinner.
Tickets for both events will go on sale soon. They can be purchased online at www.uaa.org or by calling MaryKay Bowden at
610-733-4863.
Please like our FaceBook page. Search Lansdowne Fireworks.
The Union Athletic Association of Lansdowne
meets monthly. 2014 meetings will be held on 3/6, 4/3, 5/1,
and 6/5. All are welcome to our meetings.
Save the Date
Mostly Free* Electronic Waste Recycling Questions?
Call 610-3531555 ext. 222 or e-mail [email protected]
Saturday March 15, 2014
9-1 pm
Highland Ave. Parking Lot Next to the Lansdowne Firehouse
Bring your old computers, printers, peripherals, tvs, remote controls, game consoles, cables, audio equipment etc. etc
* $5.00 charge for Tvs and Monitors
appliances (small only)
audio equipment
cable & satellite receivers
cameras
camcorders
CDs & DVDs (including cases)
cell phones
coffee makers
commercial printers (free standing)
computers
computer peripherals (keyboards, mice, cords)
CRT tubes
digital photo frames
digital converter boxes
DVD players
DVRs & Tivos
electric can openers
eReaders
fax machines
GPS/navigation systems
gaming consoles
hand-held audio & video devices
iPads
iPods
iPhones
microwaves
monitors (CRT & flat screen)
MP3 players
notebooks (laptops)
PDAs
printers
servers (small only)
satellite dishes
telephones
toasters
TVs (CRT & flat screen)
VCRs
wires & cords from listed items
zip drives
Borough Information Meeting Dates 2014
January
February
March
Monday January 6, 2014– Wednesday, February 5, 2014– Wednesday, March 5, 2014– Borough Council Business Meeting Borough Council Business Meeting Borough Council Business Meet-­
7:30 PM
7:30 PM
ing 7:30 PM
Wednesday, March 19, 2014– Wednesday, January 15, 2014– Wednesday, February 19, 2014– Borough Council General Meeting Borough Council General Meeting Borough Council General Meeting 7:30 PM
7:30 PM
7:30 PM
Important Phone Numbers
Emergency 911
Police Department– 610-623-0700
Borough Office– 610-623-7300
(Fax): 610-623-5533
Overnight Parking– 610-623-7677
Tax Collector– 484-588-0438
[email protected]
Visit us on the web at
www.lansdowneborough.com
This is your Lansdowne Borough Newsletter
Borough of Lansdowne
12 E. Baltimore Avenue
Lansdowne, Pa. 19050
Bulk Rate
U.S. Postage
Paid
Lansdowne, Pa.
Permit No. 856
Anthony Campuzano
Mayor
Craig Totaro
Borough Manager
Barbara A. Henry
Borough Secretary
Borough Council:
Eric Aubrey
Magda Byrne
Janet English
Robert Radich
Marianne Saylor
Michael Schleigh
Stephen Wagner
Postal Customer
Lansdowne, Pa. 19050
Are you 60 years or older and living in
Aldan, Colwyn, Darby, East Lansdowne, Lansdowne or Yeadon?
Is anything preventing you from, or concerning you about,
remaining in your own home? We can help you!
Aging At Home — A Community Network
is a community program coordinated locally by Senior Community Services.
Through this program, caring professionals work with committed volunteers to bring services
and peace of mind to you so that you may remain living safely in the comfort of your own
home. Aging At Home provides a wide variety of at-home services such as door-through-door
transportation, vetted home repair referrals and volunteer chore services.
(See back for comprehensive list.)
Connect With Senior Community Services
For a consultation or to volunteer, contact Christine Helmandollar
at 484-534-2201 or [email protected],
or stop in Friendship Circle Senior Center on the campus of Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital,
1515 Lansdowne Ave, Darby 19023 (off Wycombe Avenue across from Holy Cross Cemetery)
Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM
SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICES
@SCS_DELCO
Aging at Home – A Community Network*
In Your Community at Friendship Circle Senior Center:
• Socialize and Make New Friends!
• Join Book Clubs, Bible Study, Pool Teams, Red Hat Society
• Gain Health and Nutrition Tips, Watch Cooking Demos, Get Health
Screenings
• Take Classes in Art, Computers, and much more!
• Energize with Exercise - Zumba, Yoga, Dance
• Enjoy a Hot Lunch every Weekday
In Your Home - Receive:
• Friendly At-home Visitor to Engage You in Activities - Gardening,
Scrapbooking, Reminiscence, Music, Games
• Emergency Response Buttons, Stair Glides, Grab Bars
• Money Management and Assistance Paying Bills
• Chore Services - Inside and Outside Your House
• Hot Lunches delivered Monday through Friday
• Vetted Home Repair Referrals
In Your Community and in Your Home:
• Caregiver Support - Reimbursement and Education
• Guidance to Understand Health Insurance and Prescription Coverage
Options
• Transportation for Medical Appointments and Errands
• Help with Hearing Loss - Loaner Devices
• Connection to Federal and State Benefits
• Brain Fitness Activities
*Costs apply to some programs