Mayor's Message 5/26/2021

Mayor’s Message
May 26, 2021

Good evening everyone,

A couple of updates…

I would like to thank Chief Derrick Sawyer and all of the members of Upper Darby Fire Department who assisted with the two clean-up events that happened on May 22nd and 23rd, at the 2nd Ward Playground and the Swedish Cabin, respectively. 

On a related note, there will be a presentation tonight by the state Department of Community and Economic Development on their fire department management study.  My administration applied for and was awarded this opportunity in early 2020, and I would like to thank the career and volunteer firefighters who worked with the DCED over the last year to make the study as thorough as possible.  This study will be available on the township website after the meeting tonight. 

A little more than a week away,Habitat for Humanity is sponsoring a Rock the Block event in Upper Darby.  The targeted areas are the 200 block of Chapman Avenue and the municipal parking lot on the 700 block of Long Lane.  I am so grateful that Habitat has chosen Upper Darby as a focus municipality.  I would like Habitat to be a consistent partner here.  Habitat does not build new housing.  This is our inaugural Habitat Rock the Block event and there is an opportunity for members of our community to participate this year.  Tomorrow, we will send a link for volunteer spots for June 5.  I do encourage our residents to like and/or follow the township Facebook page.

Delaware County Park Police Superintendent Scott Mahoney passed away last week, and he was laid to rest today. Not only was he a decorated member of our law enforcement community, he was also a volunteer firefighter with the Upper Darby Fire Department and a neighbor. Scott’s dedication, professionalism, and kind nature will be greatly missed by all who knew him, and we send our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues.  

May 8th through 15th was Police Appreciation Week, and I would like to take a moment to formally acknowledge Upper Darby Police Superintendent Tim Bernhardt and the entire department for everything they do to keep our community safe. Their jobs can be difficult even in the best of times, and they conduct themselves with honor and commitment in their efforts to protect the Upper Darby community. 

The number of new COVID-19 cases across Delaware County continues to decline and it is important to remain vigilant and protect yourself and your loved ones. Please continue to wear masks as appropriate and mandated by law. If you have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine, please call 484-276-2100 or visit www.delcopa.gov/vax to register for an appointment. If you need to schedule an appointment and are having any difficulty doing so, please email mayor@upperdarby.org or call 610-734-7625.  

Lastly, a reminder that Monday, May 31, is Memorial Day. The Township offices will be closed, and trash and recycling will not be collected that day. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend. 

Thank you and have a great evening.