Council Considers Accessibility, Parking, and Trees
Parklets for outdoor dining in Swarthmore will remain in place through the end of the year. Photo: Satya Nelms
At the Swarthmore Borough Council meeting on September 21, Swarthmore resident Samina Iqbal reported on efforts to improve accessibility in the borough. She described walking through the town center with Town Center Coordinator Anita Barrett, Borough Manager Jane Billings, and Borough Building Inspector Harry Williams, considering ways to improve accessibility. “We had a productive conversation,” she said.
Questions of when existing buildings are legally required to be brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act are complex. The group discussed making more of the town center accessible, including privately owned buildings. Iqbal hopes to work with borough council to draft a statement supporting full ADA compliance.
New Parking Rules
Council voted unanimously to prohibit overnight parking on several streets near Michigan Avenue. The ordinance limits parking on Westminster Avenue, Bryn Mawr Avenue, School Lane, and Drew Avenue between Strath Haven and Michigan avenues to residents of those blocks. Residents had been concerned that several new houses on Michigan Avenue would bring more parked cars to their narrow streets.
Council member Betsy Larsen, who lives on Bryn Mawr Avenue, recused herself.
More Trees in Swarthmore
Environment Committee Chair Lauren McKinney moved that council approve the purchase of 12 trees through the Tree Tenders Program sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. The trees would be planted in areas identified in a recent survey as “hot zones” lacking street trees.
Larsen and Billings expressed concern that volunteers planting trees in the borough right of way (typically the roadside edge of a property) could lead to problems, including interfering with utilities. Pennsylvania’s Public Utility Commission might fine the borough “if things are not done correctly,” said Billings. This could be avoided if trees were planted on private property instead.
After extensive consideration of the merits of participating in the program versus the possible risks, council agreed to allocate $600 for the purchase of trees. Trees will be made available at no cost to homeowners in the hot zones. Some may be planted elsewhere and will cost $50.
Council ultimately agreed that trees will not be planted in the borough right of way. Instead, they will be planted by volunteers on private property or by borough employees in Swarthmore parks.
Parklets Through December
The council voted unanimously to keep parklets in the center of town through the end of 2020. These blocked-off portions of some downtown streets permit outdoor restaurant seating. Council member Sarah Graden noted that part of council’s job during the pandemic is “to make sure that it is as easy as possible for our business community to survive and thrive right now, as long as it’s safe.”
Council member Jill Gaieski, a restaurant owner, recused herself.
Support for Delco Arts Week
Council voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2020-08, a proclamation supporting Delco Arts Week. The proclamation acknowledges the role of the arts in enriching the community. It recognizes the rich culture that artists and arts organizations contribute to the county and encourages residents to take advantage of the plethora of events available throughout the week of October 3-10.
HRC Finalizes Mission
Human Relations Commission chair Melissa Kennedy and members Jasmeet Ahuja and Kourtney Knop announced that the commission finalized its mission statement as well as a statement on antidiscrimination and inclusivity.
The mission affirms the commission’s commitment to investigate discrimination and take appropriate action when necessary. The antidiscrimination and inclusivity statement speaks to creating a culture of inclusivity. It also promotes community accountability for discriminatory action and behavior. Council member Sarah Graden elaborated in a later email that these statements “clearly communicate, without equivocation, where the HRC stands and what they will work on in our community.”
Both statements are available on the borough website.
The Mayor’s Report
Mayor Marty Spiegel recognized lifelong Swarthmore resident Betty Ann Wilson, who died on September 14. Among many contributions to the borough, Wilson was a former council member. Spiegel attended her celebration of life and proclaimed September 14 Betty Ann Wilson Day. Spiegel also acknowledged Alice “Putty” Willetts, another long-time resident and former member of council, who died on June 6.
Spiegel reported that several community members have told him they feel the borough, and the mayor in particular, have not been vocal enough regarding “recent events related to racism.” Spiegel indicated he felt it was important to address these concerns on the record.
“When I took the oath of office, I agreed to uphold the laws of the commonwealth and the borough without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or anything else. My belief has always been and will always be that there is no place in Swarthmore or anywhere else for discrimination of any kind,” he said. “I expect all individuals to be treated with respect and fairness.”
Spiegel noted that borough police officers agree to uphold the laws equally for all, and the borough expects them to uphold their responsibilities without bias.
View this or any other Swarthmore Borough Council meeting.
The next council meeting is Monday, October 5, at 7:30 p.m. Details will be available on the borough’s website.
