Visit our online community forum here for more information on these topics or read the current Community Newsletter here .

John has been very busy this year working on several initiatives as your new commissioner.  Some of these initiatives include The Garrett Hill Master Plan (overlay district zoning), pedestrian safety, community policing, student housing issues and the spillway beautification project. 

The Garrett Hill Coalition has completed the planning process for Garrett Hill.  Their plan was unanimously aproved by the Board of Commissioners and the Zoning and SALDO Code was been referred to the Delaware County Planning Commission and the Radnor Township Planning Commission.

John is working on pedestrian safety.  He helped residents in getting a much needed speed reduction (35 to 25MPH) from the State on Lancaster Avenue and regularly attends police staff traffic meetings to support resident requests. 

In September of 2007, John hosted a town hall meeting concerning the sharp increase in crime in the area and had representatives from Radnor police attend.   In 2008 the crime rate in the 7th Ward is dramatically lower with only 1 burglary on record.  Much thanks to the Radnor Township Police and the residents for their vital role in community policing.

John has also worked on and resolved specific issues for residents concerning municipal services which include shade trees and Parks and Recreation Services.

Finance and Budget are two areas that John is concerned about with the current township debt at $50M.  This debt plus the School District's $115M put our township residents at risk of rising taxes during an economic down-turn like we are seeing in 2008.  With township fuel prices increasing 50% and property transfer tax revenues down 60% in July 2008 over prior year we need to be very responsible in our spending.  We did see an increase in Act 511 (Business Privilege Tax) due to improved compliance which is helping stave off any shortfalls.

John pushed for and voted for the new township Fund Balance Policy (August 18, 2008) and Pay-As-You-Go funding.  Both policies will create reserves in the general fund and reduce long-term bond funding for capital assets with relatively short life spans like cars and light trucks.  This saves taxpayers $1.20 for every $1 spent on vehicles and prevents vehicle funding from continuing for decades beyond the vehicle life.   No more paying for that 2008 Police car in 2038!

A few months ago, the Willows Cottage was slated for demolition.  John voiced his opposition to this demolition and since that time the Friends of the Willows Cottage was formed by like minded volunteers (Thank you for your efforts!).  John continues to support that cause and hopes the Cottage can be restored to its original splendor with little or no cost to taxpayers.

For a more detailed list of issues, please visit the Radnorward7 online community forum here.