Delco Masthead 4.jpg

The Delaware County Weekly

Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!


—— September 30, 2022 (36th edition) ——

The Foundation for Delaware County and the County of Delaware Announce Emergency Action to Halt Prospect Crozer’s Closure of DCMH

The Foundation for Delaware County filed a petition seeking an emergency injunction from the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas to suspend Prospect Crozer’s planned closure of Delaware County Memorial Hospital (DCMH). 


The Court has ordered that a hearing be held on Friday, October 7 to decide the matter.


Both the County and the Foundation agree that the September 21 Prospect Crozer announcement regarding its intention to close DCMH within 60 days and transition the facility to an outpatient behavioral health center with reduced services and a greatly reduced staff was not only damaging to the public health of County residents, but also not in accordance with the terms of the agreement signed by Prospect.


While Delaware County and a number of county stakeholders and local elected officials oppose Prospect Crozer’s plans to close a hospital that has served Delaware County residents for more than 100 years, it is The Foundation for Delaware County which holds legal standing, due to the terms of the July 1, 2016 sale of the Crozer-Keystone Health System to the California-based Prospect Crozer. 


Per the terms of the sale, Prospect Crozer committed to operating DCMH for a period of no less than 10 years, and the Foundation has the authority to enforce the agreement.


“Closing Delaware County Memorial would be catastrophic for our residents that have depended on its services for generations,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “And, over 300 high-quality jobs would be lost due to this hastily announced plan, developed without input from the County. It is an unacceptable course of action by Prospect Crozer, and the County remains committed to ensuring that the public health needs of our residents are a priority over the financial considerations of a for-profit corporation.”


The plan outlined by Prospect Crozer constitutes a public health emergency that would subject the residents of Delaware County to seriously degraded health services—especially those residents in eastern Delaware County, including those in Upper Darby, who would find it more difficult to access an emergency room.


The planned closing will also adversely impact a total of 334 employees. A letter sent by Prospect Crozer to its employees includes a target date of November 26, meaning that many employees may face termination on the Saturday of the Thanksgiving holiday.


The County and the Foundation continue to support all local leaders in an effort to bring about a positive solution to address Crozer Health’s long-term operational and financial viability.


Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor Visits White House to Discuss Federally-Funded Investments in the County's Future

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor participated in the "Communities in Action: Building a Better Pennsylvania" event at the White House in Washington, DC on September 29.

  

Dr. Taylor, who was one of 40 participants, detailed the impact that federal investments are making in Delaware County to White House staff. "Communities in Action: Building a Better Pennsylvania" is part of a new series featuring local elected officials and community leaders discussing their work to create opportunities and improve the lives of the people in the communities they serve. 


Dr. Taylor cited the broad impact federal support is having on some of the most important issues facing Delaware County, including key public safety and health programs, creating opportunities for every resident, and long-term investments in the county's infrastructure. Delaware County, with the assistance of the policies and programs of the Biden-Harris Administration, is making rapid progress toward solutions for some of the most important issues facing our county and our residents.


Among the programs Dr. Taylor highlighted:


  • Expanding Public Health Infrastructure. The 2022 Recovery Plan included $26M to support the establishment and operations of the new Delaware County Health Department (DCHD). Delaware County had been the largest county in Pennsylvania without its own health department to guide decision-making and expand access to services.


  • Increasing the supply of quality, affordable housing. Delaware County is working to increase access to quality, affordable housing by making an initial investment of $750,000 in the Delaware County Redevelopment Authority to institute Blight, Remediation, and Redevelopment programming, creating an ACT 135 Pilot Program to transition commercial and residential properties from being vacant or abandoned hazards into useful, productive community contributors and establishing a land bank to ensure land is being used in the most productive way.


  • Improving public safety by supporting returning citizens. Delaware County allocated nearly $900,000 in American Rescue Plan funds over two years to fund five non-attorney advocates from Partners for Justice embedded in the Public Defender’s Office as part of an overall plan to reduce jail time and recidivism by addressing the underlying social service needs of the justice-impacted community. The Delaware County Workforce Development Board also received $1.5M in funding from the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration to provide training and employment services to adults reentering the workforce following incarceration at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility.


  • Creating new jobs. Delaware County was one of 32 awardees selected from over 500 applications, awarded $23M for the “Good Jobs Challenge”. The County is targeting three industry areas: Healthcare/Life Sciences; Construction; and Energy Resiliency.  



  • Supporting every community. With $475,000 of funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Economic Development Initiative (awarded through Community Project Funding), the County is on the cusp of launching the Community Partnering Program, a micro-grant program in the County specifically designed to provide outreach to historically underserved communities by funding projects organized and sustained by neighborhood residents and community groups. The first applications for funding will be reviewed for award in the coming months by a committee led by the County’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer.


“Like every community, Delaware County was strongly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Taylor. “With the support of and working in partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration, we are in a position to emerge stronger than ever, address long-overdue and necessary changes, and build a community that works for every Delaware County resident.”

Delaware County Department of Emergency Services Issues Guidance as Remnants of Hurricane Ian are Expected this Weekend

Remnants of Hurricane Ian, which battered Cuba and Florida over the past few days and is tracking north along the eastern seaboard, will pass through the Delaware County area over the weekend, beginning late Friday and continuing through Tuesday morning.


Although the storm system is expected to be greatly diminished, our region will likely experience heavy rains and high winds. Flooding is not expected, but individuals in low-lying areas should remain prepared.


Power outages and some tree damage are the most likely threats to the County. 


The Department of Emergency Services reminds residents to take precautions for weather-related events. 


  • Charge all phone and communications devices
  • Secure loose equipment, decorations or furnishings outside of your home so they do not blow away
  • Never operate a portable generator inside your home
  • Never connect a generator directly into your home’s wiring (unless a transfer switch has been installed)
  • Stay away from downed power lines (If you encounter a downed power line, stay at least 35 feet away and do not touch the line or anything that may be in contact with the line.)
  • Never drive through flooded streets. Remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown!
  • Always use GFCI outlets in areas where water and electricity may come in contact
  • Do not use electrical equipment and electronics, including receptacles, that have been submerged in water
  • Have a qualified electrician inspect any water-damaged electrical equipment and electronics


Individuals can report power outages to PECO, at (800) 841-4141, and are asked to report any flooding or wind damage to local Municipal Management Teams (residents can check their own municipality’s website for contact information).


Residents are encouraged to continue to monitor the latest forecasts throughout the weekend as this storm system continues to move across the mid-Atlantic region.

Exciting Changes Coming to Route 291 in Ridley Township, Eddystone, and Chester City!

Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer and Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Barry Seymour announced an award for $150,000 to fund a road safety study on Route 291 in Ridley Township, Eddystone Borough, and Chester City. It is one of 13 projects to receive a total of $1.2 million in funding through the Transportation and Community Development Initiative (TCDI), a grant program that supports smart growth initiatives that improve the multimodal transportation network. 


The study will identify safety improvements that also positively impact economic development opportunities. Possible improvements include traffic calming elements and more bicycle and pedestrian facilities. 


Route 291 is a regionally significant thoroughfare that provides access to residential, commercial, and industrial areas. It’s located within close proximity of I-95, 322, the Commodore Barry Bridge, 476, and the Philadelphia International Airport. It also serves as a primary detour for I-95 and provides access to regional destinations such as Harrah’s Philadelphia and Subaru Park.


Its current design has led to multiple hazards for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Sections of Route 291 have little to no shoulders and there is no middle turning lane. In addition, there are no sidewalks along much of the road and speeding is an issue. There have been hundreds of crashes involving cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists in recent years. Between 2015 and 2019, there were 355 crashes along 291 in Ridley, Eddystone, and Chester—of which: 10 were fatal, 8 involved pedestrians, and 3 involved bicyclists.


The safety issues also make it difficult to accommodate the preferred corridor for the East Coast Greenway, a 3,000-mile trail that connects Maine to Florida. 


“This project will help us identify a safe and sustainable path forward for residents and visitors who travel on Route 291, whether in vehicles or by foot or bicycle. In addition, this study will help all of the stakeholders understand the options for incorporating the East Coast Greenway into this important corridor,” said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer. “Making the road safer, increasing travel options for residents, improving traffic flow, and building green infrastructure will reduce congestion and air pollution–creating a positive impact on both the community and the environment.”


Now in its 20th year, DVRPC’s TCDI program strives to create livable communities in Greater Philadelphia. It uses federal transportation funding to support planning for local development and redevelopment efforts. The program has invested over $21.4 million dollars and leveraged over $250 million dollars to municipal and county partners.


“The TCDI Program supports local planning efforts that lead to more residential, employment, or retail opportunities; improve character and quality of life; enhance the transportation network; and reduce congestion–ultimately creating more livable communities throughout our region,” says Barry Seymour, Executive Director, DVRPC. “The Route 291 Road Diet Study supports TCDI’s goals, allowing local and county governments to work together to improve their communities, which in turn helps build our vision for an economically strong, sustainable, resilient, and equitable Greater Philadelphia region.”


This year, $1.2 million is being awarded to 13 projects in Pennsylvania through the TCDI program. For more information, and a full list of projects, visit the Delaware Valley's Regional Planning Commission's Transportation and Community Development Initiative (TCDI) website.

Transportation & Community Development Initiative Website

Deadline Approaching for 3rd Round of Successful Delco Green Ways Grant Program

Delaware County is thrilled to offer a third round of its popular municipal grant program for open space, trails, and recreation. The grant program—Delco Green Ways—makes funds available to municipalities and non-profit organizations for projects that advance the goals of the County’s 2035 Open Space, Recreation and Greenway Plan.


The Delco Green Ways program has been lauded for its simplicity and accessibility, helping propel communities forward to get wish-list projects funded and completed.


The application period for Round 3 of the Green Ways Grant Program officially opened on September 7, 2022 and closes October 7, 2022. Awards will be announced by County Council later in the fall during the open application period. 


Building upon the success of the previous rounds, Grant Round Three has been further tailored to meet the unique needs of Delaware County’s community. Enhancements made were driven by the guidance of the Delco Green Space Task Force (GSTF), which is comprised of thought-leader volunteers representing the fabric of Delco. Task Force members share their expertise in the fields of green space preservation, natural lands conservation, parks and recreation management, fundraising, economics, business, real estate, law, health, communications, and community organizing. 


The group is tasked with guiding the County’s vision and policy direction for green space and based on their recommendations, the County made the following changes to the Round 3 Grant guidelines:


  • While there is still no match requirement, applications including an in-kind or cash contribution now receive a scoring bonus.
  • The County is committed to investing in communities identified by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s (DVRPC) as demonstrating “Indicators of Potential Disadvantage” and/or those mapped by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection as Environmental Justice Areas. Projects in these areas now receive a scoring bonus.
  • Electronic signatures are now accepted for the purposes of submitting applications, executing contracts, and submitting payment requests.
  • There’s now an expedited contracting process with grant agreements including boiler plate municipal contracts. Applicants submit signed contract agreement signature forms at the time of application, and, if the application is selected, staff will fill in the blanks with the application’s details.


Eligible municipal or multi-municipal projects may include fee simple acquisition of land, conservation or trail easements on private land, capital improvements to existing public parkland, regreening efforts, construction of trails, and planning services such as comprehensive open space plans, feasibility studies, design, and engineering plans. 


A more comprehensive list of eligible project types, program guidelines, and sample grant applications are available on the Delco Green Ways Grant Program, linked via the button below.

Apply Now! Delco Green Ways Grant Program

Additional Grant Opportunities available through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission : Watch Zoom for Details

In addition to the grant opportunities offered by the Delco Greenways Grant Project, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) have millions of dollars in grant funding available to municipalities (including townships and boroughs), municipal agencies and partner organizations, non-profits, land trusts, and other stakeholders. 


This past week, Delaware County Council and the Delaware County Office of Sustainability, along with representatives from DVRPC and DCNR, participated in an instructive one-hour Zoom session organized by State Senators Tim Kearney and John Kane to discuss details of grant opportunities that will benefit Delaware County communities.


Grant money remains available for a variety of projects related to conservation and preservation efforts, including tree plantings, trail development, parks and recreation, community and watershed forestry, land acquisition, green development, river conservation, green planning, community partnerships, and more.


PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources: Special Fall Grant Round

Available Grants: Approximately $38M

Deadline: Thursday, October 27


Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission: Fall Grant Opportunities (Trails Program, Phase 9)

Available Grants: Up to $1M

Deadline: Thursday, November 10


For details regarding grant qualification requirements and guidance regarding how to apply, please watch the recorded Zoom session, linked below.

Delaware County and the Pennsylvania Resources Council to Hold e-Waste Recycling Event on Oct. 4

Delaware County, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC), is sponsoring an Electronics Recycling Collection Event this Tuesday, October 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Upland County Park. 


This event is FREE to all Delaware County residents.


Residents can drop off the following electronics for recycling:


  • Televisions (2 TVs permitted* per registration, 1 registration per person)
  • Computer monitors and printers
  • CPU (towers), laptops, mice and keyboards
  • Desktop copiers and scanners
  • Tablets, routers and modems
  • Home and cell phones
  • Cable boxes and electronic cables
  • DVD players, VCRs, stereos and video game consoles
  • Vacuum cleaners


Do NOT bring: Freon-containing devices (i.e. refrigerators, dehumidifiers), large appliances, mixed recyclables (i.e. cans, plastic, glass, cardboard, paper), batteries, lightbulbs, smoke detectors.


Please note that REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. To register, please visit the PRC website, linked via the button below, or call or call (610) 353-1555 (extension 3). 


Event Details


Delaware County/PNC e-Waste Recycling Event

Tuesday, October 4, 2022, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Upland County Park, 280 6th Street, Upland, PA 19015 | Click Here for Map


Registrants are asked to place materials to be recycled in trunk or truck bed, and arrive on site at the allotted time


*Additional TV's accepted for a fee. $30 for each additional CRT or Flat Screen TV, $40 for each additional rear projection or console TV.

Register for e-Waste Recycling Event in Upland

COSA and DCHD Partner with PA Link to provide COVID-19 vaccinations at Harrah’s Casino

The Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) and the Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) will partner with PA Link at Harrah’s Casino on Friday, October 7, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, to provide COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.


Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations and boosters will be available to all individuals ages five and older.


All doses are free, and walk-ins are welcome—no registration or health insurance required!


COSA / DCHD / PA Link Vaccination Clinic

Harrah’s Casino & Racetrack

777 Harrah's Blvd, Chester, PA | Click for Map

Friday, October 7, 9 a.m. – 12 noon


Free masks and COVID-19 at-home tests will also be provided to those who receive a vaccination/booster.


More About DCHD


For the latest information regarding COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, please visit the Delaware County Health Department’s COVID-19 website, at delcopa.gov/covid, or contact the Delaware County Health Department Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100. 


More About COSA 


For information about COSA’s many programs and services for Delaware County’s older population, please visit the COSA website, at www.delcosa.org, or call (610) 490-1300.


More About PA Link


The PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources is PA's effort designed to help persons with disabilities and seniors find information that will connect them to supports and services in their community.


Individuals can contact the Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources by calling 1-800-753-8827 or visit their website (linked below).

COSA Website
DCHD Website
PA Link Website

Celebrating Diversity and Culture in Upper Darby!

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor was honored to participate in the 5th Annual Upper Darby International Festival last weekend. The annual event celebrates the diversity and rich culture of Upper Darby, where over 100 languages are spoken. 


The event featured performances, artwork, and food that showcased the rich heritage of local residents and embodies Upper Darby’s motto of “The World in One Place.”


During the festival, Dr. Taylor presented a resolution declaring National Hispanic Heritage Month in Delaware County. 


National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15. Each year, Americans observe the month by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.


Thank you to Upper Darby Mayor Barbarann Keffer, Upper Darby Council, and the dozens of vendors, artists, and performers who participated and made the day a fun and successful event for residents in Upper Darby and across the county.

The Arts Come Alive this Fall in Delco! Delco Arts Week runs October 1 through October 9

Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer joined members of the Delaware County Arts Consortium on State Street in Media on September 27 to present a resolution declaring October 1-9 to be the 4th annual Delco Arts Week. 


During this week, 65 different performances, exhibits, workshops, concerts, tours, and other events will be taking place at over 30 venues throughout Delaware County. 


“Delaware County is rich in culture, and we have many talented artists and performers who enhance the fabric of our community,” said Vice Chair Schaefer. “The arts are thriving in Delaware County, and Delco Arts Week brings an exciting assortment of art, music, theater, and dance, to our community.”


Some of the events include productions at the Hedgerow Theater, Media Theatre, the Players Club of Swarthmore, and Villanova Theatre, performances by the Delaware County Symphony, cellist Jason Calloway, a Musical Instrument Petting Zoo along the Chester Waterfront, an Art Gallery at the Darlington Arts Center, free admission to the Brandywine River Museum of Art, an Arts on the Avenue Festival in Lansdowne, and more. 


A complete list of the events planned during Delco Arts Week can be found on the Delco Arts Week website, linked below.

Delco Arts Week Website

The Delaware County Arts Consortium, formed in 2009, has representatives from ten different Delaware County organizations and the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. They strive to advance the economic vitality of the nonprofit arts and culture community and promote the value of Delaware County’s cultural resources to the local community and beyond.


The group has worked to create Delco Arts Week to showcase the arts in Delco and introduce residents to the many unique artistic venues and experiences that Delaware County has to offer. 

Delaware County Elections Providing News and Resources In-Person, over the Phone, and Online

The November 8, 2022 General Election is rapidly approaching! 


With less than 40 days until Election Day, and less than 25 days until the October 24 voter registration deadline, the Delaware County Elections Department is providing voters with a variety of helpful resources to ensure that they have the information they need to successfully cast their vote this fall.


The Delaware County Voter Service Center


Once again Delaware County will be operating a Voter Service Center to provide residents with an easy-access in-person site for a variety of election-related services.


The Voter Service Center is located on the first floor of the Government Center Building, at 201 W. Front Street, in Media.


Residents are encouraged to stop by, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for any election-related need, including registering to vote, applying for a vote-by-mail ballot, checking the status of their registration, confirming their registration details, getting information about their polling place, obtaining a 3rd-party ballot return application, submitting their voted mail-in or absentee ballot, or simply speaking to a Delaware County Bureau of Election staff member.


All forms and services available online can be obtained at the Voter Service Center.


The Delaware County Election Hotline


In addition, residents can contact the Delaware County Election Hotline at (610) 891-VOTE, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with any election-related question. 


The Election Hotline is staffed by trained employees prepared to answer Delaware County residents' questions related to the upcoming election.


Please note that on Election Day, Tuesday, November 8, the Election Hotline will remain open from 6:30 a.m. until approximately 10 p.m.


The Delco Votes! Website


Residents can also get the latest election news, easy access a variety of forms and resources, and find sample ballots, ballot drop box sits, polling place locations, and election results from the Delaware County Elections Department website, Delco Votes!, at delcopa.gov/vote

Delaware County's Peace, Justice, & Unity Walk to be held Oct. 7

The community is invited to participate in Delaware County's Peace, Justice, & Unity Walk in Media on October 7 hosted by Delaware County Sheriff Jerry Sanders, the Delaware County Park Police, Media Borough Police Department, and the Second Baptist Church.


Members of Delaware County law enforcement and faith-based organizations are once again participating in the annual National Faith & Blue event, which takes place Oct. 7-10 this year.


Faith & Blue was launched to facilitate safer, stronger, more just, and unified communities by directly enabling local partnerships among law enforcement professionals, residents, businesses, and community groups through the connections of local faith-based organizations. The initiative aims to re-calibrate police-community relations through solutions-focused activities that are organized jointly by faith-based or other community groups and law enforcement agencies.


Delaware County will kick off the weekend with a Peace, Justice, & Unity March on Friday, October 7 at noon. Law enforcement, faith-based organizations, and the community are invited to gather at Second Baptist Church (400. E State St., Media, PA) at noon and walk down State Street to the Delaware County Courthouse (201 W. Front St., Media PA).


Learn more about the National Faith & Blue program website, linked below.

National Faith & Blue Program

Reminder: Department of Emergency Services to Hold Saturday, October 1 Open House

Delaware County Department Emergency Services is holding a full-day informational open house on Sat., October 1, to recruit new 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators.


There are several openings and Emergency Services is actively recruiting within the County. These positions provide competitive pay (starting $51K annual salary) and a great benefits package.


The full-day open house will allow Delaware County residents interested in pursuing a job at the 911 Center to speak directly with the team, gather information about open positions, and get details about the upcoming Department of Emergency Services 2022 Fall Class of Public Safety Telecommunicators—a comprehensive 20-hour paid instructional class that provides new employees with all of the training and preparation they’ll need to succeed at the 911 Center.


OPEN HOUSE DETAILS


Delaware County Emergency Services Open House

360 N. Middletown Road, Media, PA 19063

Saturday, October 1, 2022, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.


While walk-ins are welcome. Attendance at the Open House is NOT a requirement for consideration. Interested individuals can apply for open positions directly through the Delaware County website at delcopa.gov/jobs

Delaware County Job Listings (Alphabetical)
Delaware County Emergency Services Website

Delaware County Govt Official 2022 Calendar

footer_council.png

Meet your Delaware County Council members

footer_dchd.png

The Delaware County Health Department website

facebook.png
instagram.png
twitter.png