Upper Darby Township Withdraws Appeal Regarding UDAEF Funding

For Immediate Release

Upper Darby Township Withdraws Appeal Regarding UDAEF Funding

Mayor Edward Brown’s Statement On The Decision

Upper Darby, Pa- After careful deliberation with members of the Township Council, we have made the decision to withdraw our appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court concerning the allocation of ARPA funding for the proposed Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation (UDAEF) Cultural Arts Center at Barclay Square.

Initially, I had concerns regarding how the funds would be distributed, particularly regarding the emphasis on rent and salaries over youth programming. However, after further reflection, we agree, in the spirit of cooperation and a commitment to champion the interests of our kids and families, to fully support providing this grant to the Arts Center project.

The collaborative vision shared by Upper Darby Township, the Upper Darby School District, and UDAEF has long been a source of pride, especially in regard to the Upper Darby Summer Stage program. Over the past three years, this partnership has been a positive force, enriching the lives of our residents. I remain deeply committed to ensuring that even more children and families in our Township benefit from these remarkable programs.

To move forward, the Township will work closely with UDAEF to establish a sub-recipient agreement for the Cultural Arts Center. I am confident that our working together will ensure Upper Darby Township families experience the full benefits of our investment in the arts, while fulfilling the promise to enrich our community and provide valuable opportunities for our youth.

I want to extend my gratitude to all those involved for their ongoing dedication and partnership as we continue to strengthen Upper Darby’s cultural and educational offerings. Together, we will ensure this project serves our community for years to come.

Sincerely,
Mayor Edward Brown
Upper Darby Township