Board Of Supervisors Chair Message

As we enter spring and warmer weather in the Township, it is a natural time to think about transition - reflecting on where we've been and where we are headed.

While the pandemic pressed on and uncertainty swirled, our Township and citizens have continued to demonstrate remarkable resiliency and normalcy, and we have maintained our high quality of life. As we've done so, we have supported our first responders - both our dedicated police department and the three volunteer fire companies that serve our community - to ensure continued public safety, fire protection, and emergency medical services for our residents. This support has included a recent (and first of its kind) joint commitment of $4.5 million in funding with Easttown Township to build a renovated fire station in Berwyn. We have made big strides to protect our local and global environment, including switching all Township-owned buildings to 100% renewable energy beginning this coming fall. We are also renewing investment in our local community resources, such as through an upcoming revitalization of Wilson Farm Park funded by over $1 million in State grant funding and Township matching funds. Looking ahead, this next year will be vital. Our Board will be making decisions that have great impact on the future of the Township and its overall well being. At the center of many of these conversations will be the challenge of stormwater management. Over the last 12 months, multiple storm events have dropped over 1-month worth of rainfall in less than a day and caused extensive flooding and damage to public and private infrastructure, residential homes, and businesses. Many of us are directly feeling the impact of stormwater, and we are all contemplating how we can work together to solve this increasingly severe problem. While no solutions can come fast enough, we are taking concrete steps to tackling our stormwater problems now and are planning for the longer-term needs for funding and projects in the future. Reflecting on the input of residents as organized by the Stormwater Task Force, we have initiated several projects and will be engaging engineering consultants to help develop a prioritized project plan going forward. For instance, we are beginning designs for a flood reduction project at Woodcrest, Willis, Upper Weadley, and Harwick Roads. We were also awarded a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection grant under the State's Growing Greener program for an infiltration, water quality, and flood mitigation project on Bair Road. Finally, we have new means for all residents to help limit the impact of water runoff with the establishment of a rain garden program, also funded by a Growing Greener grant, in which residents of Tredyffrin can apply to have a rain garden designed and built on their property. Longer-term solutions, though, will require sustainable funding and careful prioritization. A critical step will be to identify funding mechanisms to support the long-term goals of the Township. We have started financial discussions including community participation through two public workshops. We are excited to be moving forward and eager to engage with the community as we take action for our future.

Like the buried winter bulbs that are out of sight until they sprout in the spring, the hard work that has led to these and many other successes has happened over a long period of time, and often beyond obvious sight. It takes the collective effort of many individuals, paid staff as well as numerous volunteers, to make this Township what it is. We recognize Township staff for their hard work and dedication and extend our appreciation on behalf of the community. Our Public Works Department provides consistent and responsive work to keep our roads clear and our community safe. Our Engineering Department, central to the progress on stormwater, works tirelessly for our community in many other capacities as well. The Howellville Road Bridge replacement project serves as an example accomplishment by this team. We also thank the many volunteers on our various boards and committees who are willing to share their time and energy. Together, we are taking actions to keep our Tredyffrin community a wonderful place to live. I look forward to a bright future for Tredyffrin Township.

L-R: 2022 Supervisors David Miller, Sharon Humble, Matthew Holt, Julie Gosse, Murph Wysocki, Mark Freed, and KS Bhaskar