Mayor's Message 4/21/2021

Mayor’s Message
April 21, 2021

Good evening everyone,

Yesterday’s conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd is a tremendous relief for many people, and my administration acknowledges that there is still much work to be done to address the issues of systemic racism and bias that plague our society. Justice is a process and not a single moment or outcome, and we must continue the hard work of correcting these inequities for years to come. However, let there be no doubt that this verdict is a watershed moment and a clear affirmation that George Floyd’s life mattered.

We also recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication of our public safety personnel here in Upper Darby leading up to the verdict announcement. Enduring change and real equality are our goals, and it is more important now than ever that we come together as residents of Upper Darby to look out for and protect each other. 

Communication is the foundation creating an engaged community and I think it's fair to say that these have been some tough times for all of us. On top of the complications and adjustments of our COVID-life, we are all still grappling with the struggles of daily life as well as the larger social problems that things such as the pandemic and the Chauvin verdict shine a spotlight on. 

In times like these or in any times at all, there is no harm in being vulnerable and expressing how you are feeling, especially in the trying times that we are living through today. If you feel like you need a different outlet or perspective, please contact the Delaware County Telehealth Helpline at 855-464-9342. The helpline is dedicated to providing emotional support to anyone in Delaware County, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The line is staffed by Certified Peer Specialists and Mental Health Professionals. All calls are confidential and can be made anonymously.

Switching gears…

On a positive note, directly related to Upper Darby, I am very happy to announce that we have received a $425,000 commitment from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to do work to enhance the area around Market and Powell to create greater walkability and an improved streetscape. I want to thank Senator Kearney for all of his support for this application and for our community. 

The Upper Darby Environmental Advisory Committee and the Friends of Upper Darby Trails will hold a Learn and Hike event this Saturday, April 24, in honor of Earth Day. There will be three separate hikes throughout the day: one along the Recreation Area Trail beginning at 9 a.m, one at the Underground Railroad Trail Spur beginning at 1 p.m., and one at Naylors Run Park Trail beginning at 6 p.m. More details can be found on the Environmental Advisory’s Facebook page.

On Friday, April 30, we are partnering with the Upper Darby Shade Tree Commission, the Upper Darby Township Library staff, the Tree Tenders of Upper Darby and the 4th District Community Group for this year's Arbor Day Celebration. We will be planting several new trees in the recently cleared space on the grounds between Sellers Library and Sellers Park, starting at 10:30 a.m. The Tree Tenders of Upper Darby and the Upper Darby 4th District Community Group will also be on hand with free yard and house plants, and free plant kits for children.

As a reminder, our new weekly yard waste collection service is now ongoing until Friday, November 19. Yard waste will be collected weekly on residents’ regularly scheduled recycling pick up day. Yard waste is defined as leaves, garden residues, shrubbery and tree trimmings, and similar material. Please do not use plastic bags to collect your yard waste. Instead, place it in biodegradable paper bags which are available at local hardware stores, or place the yard waste loosely in trash cans without bags.

I would like to say a few things about the ZHB application for the proposed development of the Thompson Tract.  First, the Thompson Tract is not “open space”, it is privately-owned land that is currently zoned for development.  Except for a single home on the property, it is private undeveloped land.  I hear the concerns of neighboring residents - I had the same concerns almost 12 years ago when the township attempted to rezone the Thompson Tract and the Mozino Tract, across from the Drexeline Shopping Center, for high-density housing. It’s important to remember that the Thompson Tract is private land and that anybody is allowed to submit an application to the ZHB. To be even more clear, the only reason that a zoning application is necessary in this case, or any case, is because my administration denied the initial plan application. 

The ZHB is a quasi-judicial, independent body and it is the job of the ZHB to hear each and every application and make decisions based on its merits.  As Mayor, I don’t tell the ZHB how to vote.  The ZHB is there to provide checks and balances so that all applicants are assured a fair and balanced process. 

It’s great to see this high level of participation from Upper Darby residents and to get their input on applications such as this one.  That’s what local government is about and that’s why the ZHB, and all of our other boards and commissions, like the Civil Service Commission and the Historic Commission, are so important in guiding us to the future.

I am happy to report that the number of COVID-19 vaccines available in Delaware County has been steadily increasing. If you have not yet received the vaccine, please call 484-276-2100 or visit www.delcopa.gov/vax to register for an appointment. Unfortunately, there has also been an increase in the number of positive cases in our area over the past few weeks. It is vitally important that everyone gets vaccinated as soon as possible, and please continue to wear masks in public and practice social distancing.  For my part, myself and my younger daughter will be getting our first vaccines on Monday and my husband and older daughter will be getting their second doses within the next two weeks.  If you want to schedule an appointment and are having difficulty please contact my office at mayor@upperdarby.org or call 610.734.7625.  If you are helping someone get an appointment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.  We’re here to help.

Thank you and have a great evening.