Mayor's Message 11/17/2021

Mayor’s Message
November 17, 2021 

Good evening everyone,

Tonight, we are continuing our discussion of Upper Darby’s 2022 budget, and I would like to thank our department heads, council, and our treasurer for their time and input as well as the public’s comments. We have put a great deal of time and careful planning into this budget, and it is proof positive of our commitment to reinvestment, revitalization, and reform in Upper Darby. 

Congratulations are in order for the Upper Darby High School Band. which placed first in the state and 6th nationally in recent competitions.

As a reminder, yard waste collection in Upper Darby continues this week. Curbside leaf pick-up has already started and will occur alongside the street sweeping schedule. We will be doing a bonus week of yard waste collection the week after Thanksgiving, November 29th through December 3rd. We encourage residents to bag their leaves as yard waste in brown paper bags since not all the leaves have fallen yet from trees. Make sure to put out your yard waste at your curb line with your recycling. 

Tragically, we lost one of our residents last week in a house fire. Our hearts go out to the family during this difficult time. As we head into the holiday season, it’s important to remember fire safety and community risk reduction are critical priorities. I was honored to canvass the neighborhood together with Chief Sawyer and a group of our firefighters passing out free smoke alarms. If you are in need of a fire alarm, please contact the fire department for one at 610-734-7673 or through request@upperdarby.org.

As we enter the holiday season, getting vaccinated against Covid-19 remains a critically important way to protect yourself and those around you. Everyone age 5 years and older is now eligible to be vaccinated. To find a free vaccine location, please call 484-276-2100 or visit www.delcopa.gov/vax. For resources about vaccine hesitancy, please visit www.factsoverfiction.info. 

This week, members of our Public Works Department will be picking up about 60 trees which will be planted by staff and UD Tree Tenders.  I am deeply grateful for the work our staff has done throughout the year in conjunction with the Tree Tenders and the many volunteers to plant, mulch and maintain trees throughout the township especially at Gillespie Park and the Sellers Library area.

This week, work has begun on the Darby Creek Trail, starting at Rosemont Avenue and extending into Gillespie Park.

Last but not least, I would like to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. 

Thank you and have a good evening.