Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor joined Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, Senator John Kane, and a representative from Senator Kearney’s office to tour areas of Chadds Ford that were severely damaged by strong thunderstorms and high winds on August 7. The tour, led by the County’s Director of Emergency Services Tim Boyce provided an update on the homes, businesses, and roads that were impacted. 

On August 7, several Delaware County municipalities experienced a strong thunderstorm with straight line wind gusts estimated by the National Weather Service at 85 to 95 mph, which is equivalent to an EF-1 Tornado but without rotation.  

The storm caused trees to fall, bringing down powerlines and utility poles, causing electrical fires, and damaging homes and businesses. Approximately 1300 calls for service were dispatched to first responders through the county by the County’s 911 Center during or immediately following the storm. Over 600 calls came in from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

The majority of the storm damage was in the western section of the county. Chadds Ford, Concord, Thornbury and Chester Heights have declared disasters.  

The County estimates that 100 homes suffered damage and reports are still being filed. Over 30 homes in Chadds Ford, Concord, and Thornbury were damaged, including a home in Chadds Ford that was split in half and a home in Thornbury that was moved off its foundation. Homes in Haverford Township, Middletown, and Norwood also suffered varying degrees of damage. Thankfully, no major injuries were reported. 

“The destruction that the storm caused is devastating,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “We’ve seen hundreds of trees down, dozens of homes damaged, and roads unpassable. We know many residents have a great deal of clean up ahead of them and the County is working with state and federal leaders to provide financial assistance.”

Residents are urged to report downed trees and property damage to their municipalities. The County’s Department of Emergency Services is continuing to work with affected municipalities to obtain damage reporting data from their residents and business owners. They are beginning to obtain cost recovery data for storm related damage to infrastructure, cleanup of streets and/or public land for submission to PEMA for possible Public Assistance Re-imbursement. 

Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer, Delaware County Councilwoman Christine Reuther, and Delaware County Planning Department Director Gina Burritt were honored to join Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, members of the Friends of 1724 Chester Courthouse including historian Carol Fireng, and various elected officials at the 1724 Chester Courthouse to announce that the County has been awarded a National Park Service grant in the amount of $522,872 for rehabilitation of the historic structure.

Located less than a block from the current Chester City Hall, the 1724 Chester Courthouse is the oldest continuously occupied building in public use in the country and has served as the County Courthouse for Delaware County and Chester County, as well as the City Hall for Chester City. The two-and-a-half story Georgian Colonial-style building has long served as a point of pride for Chester, where early American concepts of justice, equity, and freedom were created. 

“This work will preserve the historical and architectural significance of this nationally important building in time for upcoming milestones including the 300th Anniversary of the Courthouse next year and America's 250th Birthday Celebration in 2026,” said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaeffer. “After the rehabilitation, the Courthouse will be open as a historic site and museum for visitors and we are thrilled that future generations will be able to visit this incredible piece of history we have here in Delco!”

In 2021, Delaware County leased the property from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to take a more active role in the preservation of the structure and began the process of obtaining grants. 

“The 1724 Chester Courthouse is truly a highlight of the rich history in Delaware County and it is important to Council that we work to preserve it and have the opportunity to restore it and create a historical attraction for our community,” said Delaware County Councilwoman Christine Reuther.

National Park Service's Semiquincentennial Grant Program

Funding for the National Park Service grant was made available through the Historic Preservation Fund’s Semiquincentennial Grant Program, created by Congress in 2020 to support a wide variety of historic preservation projects to help preserve the nation’s cultural resources.

“The spirit of Delaware County is reflected in its historic cultural gems like the 1724 Chester Courthouse,” said Congresswoman Scanlon. “Thanks to this new funding from the National Park Service’s Semiquincentennial Grant Program, our community has the exciting opportunity to put the courthouse back together in a way that keeps the building in public use and ensures future generations of Pennsylvanians can reap the cultural, educational, civic, and economic benefits.”

The 1724 Chester Courthouse is one of 20 projects across the country that is a recipient of this year’s round of funding.

Grant funds will be used for the restoration of the exterior stonework, second floor windows, and interior second floor walls and floors, updates to existing building systems and bathrooms, and the installation of a kitchenette. Following renovations, the building will be fully open to the public, with the Courthouse to open as a historic site and museum for visitors. 

Delaware County Council thanks the Delaware County Planning Department, the Department of Human Services, the Public Works Department, and the Delaware County Commerce Center for their role in securing this critical grant.

Delaware County Council also commends the National Park Service and the Friends of the 1724 Chester Courthouse who will be working with the County on programming and fundraising for the Courthouse. The Friends of the Courthouse include the Delaware County Planning Department, the Chester Historical Preservation Committee, the Bar Association, the Delaware County Heritage Commission, the Delaware County Historical Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Chester City and Chester Upland School District officials and interested residents.

The 1724 Chester Courthouse interior, restored in 1920 to original 1724 design

Pictured, left to right: Margie Johnson, Upper Darby Historical Society; Elizabeth Williams, Chester City Councilwoman; Andrea Silva, America250PADelco Chair; Kate Clifford, Senior Planner & Grant Writer; Gina Burritt, Director, Delaware County Planning Department; Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer; Delaware County Councilwoman Christine Reuther; Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon; Historian and Friends of 1724 Chester Courthouse member Carol Fireng; and Karen Micka, Vice Chair, Delaware County Heritage Commission

The Delaware County Health Department will be hosting a final Community Conversation, on August 17, from 6:00 p.m. to – 7:30 p.m. at the Radnor Township Municipal Building in Wayne.

These Community Conversations are an opportunity for residents to share their thoughts regarding existing barriers to good health, community factors that guide healthy choices, and insights for improving health opportunities in Delaware County. 

Results from the Community Conversations will help the Delaware County Health Department and its partners set health priorities and develop a plan to address the health needs of residents across the county. 

Radnor Township Municipal Building

301 Iven Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087

Thursday, August 17, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

RSVP Here

RSVPs are requested to assist with planning but are not required. Click the RSVP links above to sign up or call the Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100. 

These events are open to all in Delaware County and are not limited to residents living in the municipalities the events are held. Each event will include a brief presentation, followed by table discussions about health in Delaware County.

A healthy meal will be provided at each event, and children are welcome to attend. Volunteers are available to help look after kids at the craft table while parents join in the conversation.

Attendees are asked to please arrive 10 minutes early for registration.

We hope to see you there!

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging is committed to ensuring that Pennsylvanians of all sexual orientations and gender identities can grow older with access to resources and services that are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and LGBTQ+-affirming. 

As part of this commitment, the Department invites residents to attend its Master Plan for Older Adults Virtual Town Hall for LGBTQ+ communities on Wednesday, August 16 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The town hall will provide an opportunity for LGBTQ+ community members, caregivers and service providers of LGBTQ+ older adults, and stakeholders of LGBTQ+ services to learn more about the plan, how the department will develop the plan, and what attendees believe should be incorporated into the plan. 

This event will also be a forum for LGBTQ+ older Pennsylvanians and those with disabilities to share their experiences, concerns, and suggestions for improving the delivery of aging services to LGBTQ+ communities. 

The department also wants to hear from providers about their successes with implementing LGBTQ+ culturally competent, age-friendly programming. Feedback gained from this town hall will strengthen the Master Plan for Older Adults and efforts within the aging services network to become more responsive to the needs of LGBTQ+ communities.

August is National Water Quality Month

Delaware County's Office of Sustainability offers suggestions to help keep our water clean!

Even though water makes up over 70% of Earth’s surface area, the total amount of freshwater found on our planet makes up just 3% of the water supply — of which only 1% is easily accessible. This 1% accounts for all of our lakes, rivers, groundwater, aquifers, and streams.

National Water Quality Month is dedicated to making the most of the relatively small amount of fresh water we have, because having clean water is vital to our individual health, our collective agricultural needs, and the needs of our environment.

In Delaware County 97.8% of streams are considered impaired, meaning they are not currently meeting water quality standards established by the PA DEP. Some of the largest culprits to our poor water quality include urban runoff, excess nitrogen (from chemical fertilizers), and sediment. 

National Water quality month reminds us to take a moment to consider how important these water sources are not just to humans, but also to the other inhabitants of these ecosystems— whether it be the fish that live in the waters or the plants and animals that rely on these lakes and rivers for water just like we do. By thinking about the little things that you do on a daily basis that could have a negative effect on water quality, you’ll be one step closer to making a difference.

The Delaware County Office of Sustainability provides the following tips to help us improve our local water quality:

• If you live on a streamside property, don't mow to the edge! Riparian buffers help minimize erosion and naturally filter runoff.
• Cut back on lawn fertilizers. Much of the fertilizers you apply in the spring flows directly into local water bodies. If you must fertilize, only do so in the fall, or use a mulching mower to create a healthy, organic yard.
• Use native plants with deep roots to help filter pollutants and stop erosion.
• Don’t hose down your driveway, use a broom.
• Do not flush expired or unwanted medication down the toilet: These products have toxic chemicals that should not be flushed down the drain.
• Take used oil or antifreeze to a service station or recycling center.
• Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater: Installing a rain barrel will not only save you money, but can also be used for watering your lawn or washing your car.

For more information about National Water Quality Month and how you can help improve the quality of our water here in Delaware County, visit the National Water Quality Month website. 

The Delaware County Department of Parks & Recreation annual Rose Tree Park Summer Festival concert series continues, with free concerts scheduled throughout the summer, Wednesdays through Sundays, typically at 7:30 p.m.

Below is the slate of upcoming concerts!

Concerts are weather permitting; there are no rain dates. Admission and parking are free and handicapped parking is available.

For the complete schedule, visit the Rose Tree Summer Festival website (linked below). For more information — including recorded messaging about cancelations that may occur due to inclement weather or air quality concerns — please call (610) 891-4455.

Delaware County Council’s next Preliminary Agenda Meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 15, with a start time of 10:00 a.m.

Council's Regular Public Meeting, held on the day following the Preliminary Agenda Meeting, is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 16.

What are “Preliminary Agenda Meetings” and “Regular Public Meetings”?

Council holds bi-weekly Preliminary Agenda Meetings, typically on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, for the purpose of updating themselves, other government representatives in attendance, and the public on matters of discussion pertaining to County Government before Council votes on agenda items at the Regular Public Meeting scheduled for the following evening.

During the Regular Public Meetings, County Council members discuss County activities and important developments, make announcements, issue reports and resolutions, and review and vote upon administrative matters ranging from County contracts and purchases to agreements, ordinances and amendments to the County code.

In addition to County Council members, the Chief Administrative Officer, County Controller, County Solicitor, and County Clerk, invited speakers, and members of the public are typically present during these meetings.

County Council meetings are open to the public and Council encourages public participation. Meetings are held in the County Council Meeting room, on the first floor of the Government Center Building at 201 W. Front St., in Media, PA.

Downloadable agendas, including key documents related to items enumerated on the agenda, are available for download from the County website linked below as are full recordings of all County Council meetings. The website also includes a link to the live-stream of any County Council meetings in session.

Delaware County Govt Official 2023 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

The Delaware County Health Department website