Tredyffrin Residents Overwhelmingly Prefer Stormwater Fee Plan

TREDYFFRIN TWP. —About 30 residents participated in a public meeting Monday night providing input on funding solutions to alleviate problems with massive flooding throughout the 19.85-square mile township and upkeep of firefighting services.

The options on the table are bonds, earned income tax, stormwater management fee and sale of the township-owned sewer system.

All seven township supervisors thanked the community members for providing input during several meetings to help in the decision making process.

The supervisors are expected to vote on a financial plan at a public meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, April 18, in the township building, 1100 Duportail Road, Chesterbrook.

Several residents from other municipalities in Chester County advised the board to keep its sewer plant.
They said selling it, from experience, ends up costing the taxpayers more in the long run.

The township looked at selling the plant to Aqua for $75 million as an option to get a quick stream of cash.
Bill Fergeson, of New Garden Spring Township, was among the participants who said the township will end up paying more in the long run.

Another option addressed is to implement an earned income tax. Supervisors spoke out against the option because the township does not charge a tax to work in the township, which is one of the most appealing aspects of working in township.

Thomas Torresson, president of the Berwyn Fire Company board of directors, said the fire company needs additional staff and equipment.

The supervisors each provide their opinions after hearing concerns of the residents.

The board members expressed favoritism toward a stormwater management fee coupled with bonds.

Matt Holt, vice president, said that the sewer system is in need of repair, but if it is sold the township will lose control of costs.

Sharon Humble, supervisor, said she favors tax increases, short-term bonds, and stormwater management fees.

The fees would be based on the property sizes, property owners of larger lots with more water issues paying a higher rate than property owners of smaller small property owners.

Dr. Julie Gosse, chairwoman, said that emergency medical services are also a priority. She suggested working with neighboring Easttown to develop a funding plan for fire services.

Gosse also said she had been in contact with PennDOT regarding flooding problems on state roads.

Torrential downpours from Hurricane Ida in September caused flooding at the Gateway Shopping Center, closing many of the stores and knocking down a stone wall at the entrance of the shopping center.

Crews from Meco Constructors Inc., Bensalem, Buck County, are building a dam on the bank of Trout Creek to lay the foundation for a new wall.

The wall collapsed when Hurricane Ida flooded along the creek and highways throughout the region The hurricane caused flooding in many of the stores and covered the parking lot in mud.

The project is expected to be complete next month.