Schools

Number of Trees in Question for Community Center Renovations

Talks about how many trees are needed on the renovated site of the community center are in the works betwen Marple Newtown School District and Newtown Township.

NEWTOWN SQUARE–A discussion about the number of trees to plant around the 's property for its renovation project was brought up at the school board meeting March 8.

The total estimated project cost for the construction and renovations to the community center will be about $7.6 million with a projected $1 million grant, in which requirements made by have been including in those costs.

Some of the major requirements the township calls for include adding parking lot lights, curbing, and landscaping around the property as well as along Media Line Road.

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The approximate cost breakdown for these requirements is $37,000 for curbing, $42,000 for parking lot lighting and $103,000 in landscaping.

Michael Dumin, director of operations for the district, said the township has a tree ordinance that requires a certain number of trees for the number of square footage of a property.

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According to Damion Spahr, vice president of business development of Reynolds Construction, the district is hoping to lower the landscaping costs but plant trees that is appropriate for the property.

"The district and the township are reviewing the landscape scope, which includes planting trees and shrubbery," said Spahr. "The scope as initially discussed is estimated to cost $103,000, but the township and district are having discussions to determine the appropriate amount of landscaping to benefit the community, meet the intent of the ordinances and be equitable to local taxpayers."

The last week to demolish nearly half of the 71,000-square-foot community center to a renovated 35,000-square-foot building to house the district's administrative offices and recreational facilities.


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