Newtown Departments' Reports and Happenings Since January

Number of Library Patrons from Edgmont Township Increase

According to Tom Sullivan, , director of the Library Board of Trustees, the current statistics were "relatively flat" in January, considering the four snow days but mentioned the increase in Internet usage and new registrations.

The number of new registrations in January were a total of 34–23 residents and 11 non-residents.

"I bring that up because I noticed we have a tremendous increase in usage from Edgmont Township," said Sullivan at a Board of Supervisors meeting Feb. 28. "Proportionately they do contribute to the library but proportionately not enough, which I plan to address this year."

Sullivan said there may be an increase in support from Edgmont residents towards the use of the library sometime in the near future.

As Economy Improves, Number of Planning Applications Increase

There were a total of four applications submitted to the since January, a sign of the improving economy.

According to the commission, a Sewage Facilities Planning Module for BPG Town Center Phase I was submitted on Jan. 13. The application involves the  portion of the Ellis Preserve Town Center located southeast of Winding Way. The proposed uses for the Phase I portion of the property include hotel, retail, restaurant, and a grocery store. This component for the sewage facilities planning was approved with signature by the Planning Commission.

Another application was submitted to the commission on Jan. 13 by the for the preliminary/final plan review of the project. The project calls for land development for the demolition of portions of the existing community center, renovation of the remaining building, and site improvements, states the application. The Planning Commission approved the.

On Feb. 10, Leggoe subdivision submitted an application for a sketch plan review at 146 Hunt Club Lane to subdivide the resident's land into three different parcels. No action was needed from the commission as the application was a sketch plan.

The final application was also submitted on Feb. 10 for a preliminary/final plan review of the Veterans Memorial at The Shoppes at Marville to subdivide and lease the 15,227 square feet to the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association. The project includes the construction of a Veterans Memorial and site improvements.

Over 1,000 Tons of Salt Used; 504 Hours in Overtime for DPW

According to Township Manager Jim Sheldrake, the township's Department of Public Works (DPW) picked up 645 Christmas trees this year.

Due to the frequent storms the area saw this winter, the DPW used 1,006 tons of salt on ice and snow-covered roads, said Sheldrake. 1 ton of cold patch were also used to fill potholes in the roads.

The department also replaced a "Watch Children" sign and two stop signs on Andover Road, one stop sign on Roberts Road, "No Trucks" sign on Winding Way and a "No Parking" sign on Barren Road.

In the month of January, Sheldrake said the department was "actually under our snow budget with salt but we got killed on the overtime because there were so many events." Approximately 504.5 hours were paid out to employees for overtime.

Movie in the Park Dates Set, 'Green' Grants on Horizon

The Parks and Recreation Department have scheduled their summer outdoor movie dates for July 16, Aug. 6 and Aug. 27. The department is currently in the process of picking the movies to show.

According to Board of Supervisors Vice Chairwoman Linda Houldin (R-6th District), the department is looking to apply for a around May or June.

More Involvement in Billboards Issue, Fundraisers in the Works

The Environmental Advisory Committee is gearing up for a hanging basket fundraiser campaign.

At St. David's Circle, a landscaping and eragation program is in the works, said Sheldrake. A meter box has been agreed to be installed as well as plants.

The committee is also hoping to expand the blue bird house project into 2011. Two houses in each park is part of their plan. The houses will cost $7 each. A butterfly garden has also been proposed at Drexel Lodge.

The committee is also hoping to get more vocal on the billboards issue. The second hearing will be held on March 30 before the Newtown Zoning Hearing Board.