By John Chambless

Staff Writer

The East Marlborough Township Board of Supervisors got the year underway with a reorganization meeting on Jan. 6, welcoming new member John Sarro, who replaced Richard Hicks on the board.

Sarro and returning board member Richard Hannum, Jr., were appointed for six-year terms. Board chairman Cuyler Walker was unanimously approved to return as board chairman. Walker administered oaths of office to Hannum and Sarro.

The members of the planning commission, historic commission, zoning hearing board, and the historic and architectural review board were also approved to continue in their positions. There was some discussion of selecting a new liaison from the road crew to work with the board. Board member Robert Weer, Sr., said he intended to nominate Sarro "to get some new blood and new energy in that position," and Sarro responded that he was going to nominate board member Eddie Caudill. Walker, however, said the board should discuss the appointment with roadmaster Dennis Mellinger. "I suggest we step back and get his thoughts about if there is a more effective way to approach the role of liaison," Walker said. It was decided that Walker and Sarro would meet with Mellinger before making a decision.

In other business, township resident Kathy Brown addressed the board about the possibility of turning a barn owned by the school district into a community youth center. The barn, which is near Unionville High School and Patton Middle School, would need to be refurbished, Brown said, but that neighbors had agreed to the idea, provided that no substantial changes are made to the exterior of the building.

The youth center would be patterned after the successful Garage facilities in nearby communities, Brown said. The center would be a place for teens to meet after school for tutoring, social events, games and performances. The facility would not be run by the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, but would have paid employees to run programs. She said the school district would be approached about donating the building. Refurbishment would be paid for by donations and fundraising, and not with township funds.

Brown submitted an outline of the plan to the board of supervisors and asked for their input. "I'd like you to start thinking about it and get back to me with any suggestions," she said. "Then we can prepare a formal proposal."

The board seemed generally in favor of the idea, but Walker cautioned that, "the building is in a residential district, so its uses would be limited. You may be required to ask for a zoning variance. You would need to work with the township on that."

The board voted unanimously to allow the fifth annual Unionville Run For Our Sons to benefit muscular dystrophy research, which is slated April 5. The 5K race and community fair typically draws about 600 participants, event coordinator Paul Johnson told the board, and would require that some roads, including Route 82, be closed for about an hour on the day of the event.