East Marlborough planning commission talks about the Wickersham barn

As expected, the status of the old Wickersham double barn across from St. Michael's Lutheran Church was discussed at the April 28 meeting of the East Marlborough Township planning commission. 
The barn is owned by the Unionville-Chadds Ford school district, which is proposing to build "outdoor facility enhancements" on the site: "a multi-use synthetic turf field, a varsity softball field, a middle school baseball field, associated utility structures, paths, and an 81-space parking lot along East Doe Run Road." 
The current plan does not call for razing the barn. But because it is already falling into disrepair, several members of the planning commission expressed concern that without being stabilized, it might become subject to "demolition by neglect."
They said they'd like to see the barn preserved because it is part of the area's history and "cultural landscape," as commission member Marnie Conley phrased it.
However, James Whitesel, the school district's supervisor of buildings and grounds, characterized the barn as "not in good shape." He said renovating it would cost $400,000 to $500,000, which he said was "extremely out of the realm" of possibility. However, he agreed to reach out to John Rosecrans, who heads the township's historical commission, to talk about the situation.
The entire project will need to be approved by the township supervisors before construction can begin.
The commission also discussed the proposed parking lot. The sight distance for motorists pulling out from the lot onto Doe Run Road is more than the required minimum. The size of the lot was determined based on estimates of one car per player. To minimize light pollution, the commission didn't think lighting was needed in the parking lot. If it became a "hangout" for youths, a gate could be installed across the entrance. 
The plan engineer agreed to consult with the Po-Mar-Lin Fire Co. to check that their vehicles could gain access to the site in case of an emergency.
The commission members often ask developers to install trees for screening, but in this case they said they didn't think it was needed.
"The existing viewshed is more appealing than putting trees around the perimeter," said Cuyler Walker, who chairs the planning commission.
Macadam paths will be installed as part of the project, but Mr. Whitesel said installing them along the eastern and northern edges of the site -- in other words, along Doe Run Road and Route 82, near the roundabout -- would cost $40,000 to $50,000.
Attending the videoconference were, in addition to Mr. Walker and Ms. Conley, were planning commission members Shelley Mincer, Charles Streitweiser, Mary Nell Ferry, Jane Donze, Lisa Henry, Pat Montague, and Rob Jerger; township supervisors Robert McKinstry, John Sarro, Eric Matuszak, and Kathryn Monahan; and several interested members of the public.  

West side of the barn.

POCOPSON: An ethics debate and a COVID-19 update

The problems that can arise when an elected township supervisor is also a township employee took center stage at the April 27 Pocopson Township meeting, which was conducted by videoconference.
The receptionist at the township office, Ricki Stumpo, who also chairs the township Board of Supervisors, was laid off from her receptionist job effective April 13. The other supervisors explained that the layoff was necessary because the township office was closed due to the pandemic and Ms. Stumpo could not do her job from home. 
They stressed that it was not an easy decision to make and was "nothing personal." The supervisors said the need for the receptionist position will be re-evaluated when the township office reopens.
Also at the meeting, the township's Board of Auditors responded to a complaint from a resident earlier this year about the way they handled a 20% pay raise for Ms. Stumpo (to $21.43 per hour) before the layoff.
One of the auditors, Tim Connolly, said they could have done a better job documenting their discussion about the raise (specifically that it represented a one-time adjustment) but said it was granted because of her extensive experience and "how she added value beyond what was required." 
(See http://www.pocopson.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Auditor-Minutes-1-7-2020.pdf for the minutes from that meeting.)
Auditor Charlie Benzel said he thought the raise was justified but said in retrospect the board could have gathered more information before making the decision. 
The third auditor, Joyce Wertz, said, "I was unaware we could put this on hold ... I assumed the decision was supposed to be made at that meeting."  
The auditors and supervisors agreed that more guidelines and more communication were needed should the issue arise again.
Pocopson resident Randy Mims, a member of the township's historical committee, described the interaction between the auditors and Ms. Stumpo as yet another in a series of "egregious" conflicts of interest that he was once again bringing to the township's attention. He thought she should resign as supervisor.
Also at the meeting, township officials announced that as of April 27 there had been 30 COVID-19 cases reported in the township, nine of them at the Pocopson Home. One person had died. Also, the site for the June 2 primary election has been moved from the Pocopson Home to Pocopson Elementary School. Although the township office is closed to the public, the road crew has been working every day on staggered shifts, and the office staff are working from home on a rotating basis.
Also, the township's Zoning Hearing Board is scheduled to meet May 4 to review a request by Michael and Michele Doyle to add a garage to their house at 1342 Lenape Road. The edge of the proposed garage will be closer to the side lot line than the zoning ordinance permits.

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A warm welcome to my neighbors Nancy & John! They were loyal readers of my newspaper column and have just started reading it here online. Thank you!

A letter addressed to running

This heartfelt piece was written by Gemma Krautzel, one of the Young Relative's UHS track teammates. It ran on the website of pa.mile.split, which covers high school track and field in Pennsylvania.

Dear Running,

I just wanted to write to you during this period of chaos and uncertainty. We have known each other for a long time now... 4 years... 6 years if you count middle school. Throughout all of these years, you have brought me joy and pain. But the happiness you bring completely surpasses the hurt. These moments of joy are unforgettable and truly have been the best times of my life.

You have given me structure to my days and have transformed me as an athlete, student, and person. I have become more passionate, dedicated, and disciplined than I ever thought I could be. I have learned how to communicate as a leader, to voice my opinion, and to leave my mark on a program that is so close to my heart. I take great pride in being a leader as I was able to help mold the future of the team.

I've spent hours upon hours running, cross training, and racing all with the support of my team. And I would never trade these experiences for anything in the world. The long days do not feel like a burden or time wasted as I was able to see myself and my teammates improve, empower one another, and become stronger.

I've realized why I can't give you up, Running, and why I can't forget you. You are a part of me that I want to stay with me forever. I wake up knowing I will run today, not because I have to, but because I want to. Sure, there are days when I have little motivation and it is hard to bring myself to do something that will cause pain, but I always come back to you... why? I think it's because you give me so much happiness, confidence, and strength. You're a constant reminder to get out of the house and go do something meaningful with my life.

You have given me my best friends and my best mentors. My teammates and coaches inspire me everyday. They inspire me to be the best leader, best teammate, and best version of myself. Because of running, I make certain that I give 100% effort every day and nothing less.

I received news a few weeks ago that my senior track season was cancelled. My last track season--gone-- and taken from me and my other teammates. We are devastated. Although I'll never wear a Unionville uniform again, all of my teammates have contributed to memories that will last a lifetime.

You, Running, have taught me that I am strong-- that every single one of my teammates is strong-- and that we will endure this and come out even stronger on the other side. This journey has not come without difficulty. This journey has not been easy. I have encountered setbacks, like an iron deficiency, that have tested my passion and love of running. However, I never gave up on you, Running, and I have become more resilient than ever because of the challenges I have overcome.

After thinking and reflecting, I have realized that I will never forget you Running because I love you too much. I will always run. Run to relieve stress, run to be with friends, and run for me. Thank you, Running, for everything you have given me and for always being a source of stability in my life.

Saturday morning at the dump

The SECCRA landfill on Route 926 was so busy Saturday morning that they were handing out numbers at the weigh station (we were #07). It seems that people have realized that they have a lot of junk sitting around their homes and are taking advantage of their time off to get rid of it, hauling it to the dump in pickups, work trucks, horse trailers, or carts covered with bungeed-down tarps.
We saw folks unloading hot-water heaters, a mattress, branches and other yard waste, and what looked like a windsurfing board. In the electronics shed a worker was organizing a row of old computer monitors and speakers.

KACS is helping those hurt by the pandemic

Kennett Area Community Services has been extra-busy of late, according to an update board president Lynn Majarian sent me this morning. She said KACS has provided food to over 1,000 families (including a trip to Luther House), compared to the normal 450 families per month. They've had 100 emergency assistance requests from families, mostly for rent, and have been averaging $20,000 per week in payouts for these emergency cases, compared to an average of $10,000 to $11,000 per month in normal times. They've also been spending $3,000 to $3,500/week to buy meats, milk, eggs, fresh produce and bread.

Food is being collected in the parking lot of the Kennett Y on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. According to Lynn, "The food collection at the Y has been great and we have been able to pack 724 boxes of food (5- to 7-day supply). Many other boxes were packed from food existing at the food cupboard. Food is coming in at a steady, manageable rate."

For those who may need help, information on emergency assistance is available on the KACS website, https://www.kacsonline.net/, and is posted on the KACS Resource Center windows, 138 W. Cedar St., Kennett Square. "We are working on emergency assistance by appointment only."

The KACS Food Cupboard is open every Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for food distribution, with no appointment necessary.

Camp Dreamcatcher gets a $10,000 grant

Patti Hillkirk, founder of Camp Dreamcatcher, shared some good news: the Kennett Square-based group, which provides free programs to youths affected by HIV/AIDS, just received a $10,000 grant from the PHL COVID-19 Fund. 
Patti writes:
"The grant will ensure that we can continue to assist our Camp Dreamcatcher families, many of whom have been hard hit by the crisis, with shipments of food, clothing, toiletries, and household supplies. Thus far, we have provided emergency support to forty-seven families (190 people) during this crisis."
The PHL COVID-19 fund is a partnership between the Philadelphia Foundation and United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey to support nonprofits like Camp Dreamcatcher during the coronavirus crisis. 
Patti said although the camp's board retreat, trainings, meetings and fundraisers have gone virtual, they are still planning to hold "camp week" in August.