Kennett Square Borough has been eyeing an expansion of its parking garage for the last several years, but officials have been taking a deliberate financial approach to the project as they worked to secure grants and line up the funding. At the April 1 council meeting, council member Wayne Braffman reported that the bids for the parking garage expansion project came in at about $500,000 more than what had been anticipated.

The borough had earmarked about $1.9 million from the parking fund to help pay for a project that would add more than 90 spaces to the parking garage, and county and state funding has also been secured, but now, Braffman said, the Finance Committee will go back to work exploring potential options on how to pay for the expansion.

In better financial news for the borough, Braffman noted that there is an operating surplus in the sewer fund so far this year. If the surplus continues to grow throughout 2019 the borough might be in a position to pay off some of the sewer fund’s debt later this year, according to Braffman.

After a presentation and brief discussion about the possibility of the borough accepting dedication of some of the streets and alleyways that are located in the Magnolia Place community, borough council opted to direct the borough’s Public Safety and Infrastructure Committee to consider the most recent communications between Magnolia Place residents and the borough regarding the issue. There are 79 townhomes and approximately 150 residents who live in the community. Last year, the borough rejected a request to accept dedication of some of the streets and alleyways—in part because they are not wide enough to qualify for liquid fuels funding. The borough receives liquid fuels funding to offset the costs of making road and street repairs.

With the matter referred to the Public Safety and Infrastructure Committee meeting, borough council is hoping for a committee recommendation in time for borough council to discuss the issue at the second council meeting in May.

Borough council authorized the advertisement of a public hearing regarding an ordinance amending the borough’s zoning code, Chapter 23 for the C-2 District, which will define an “Alternative Learning Center,” and make it a use by right in the C-2 District. The alternative learning center is being planned for a location near Kennett High School.

Borough council approved the HARB application for a demolition for 120 North Broad Street, which is necessary in advance of the parking garage expansion. The borough’s Historic Architectural Review Board made the recommendation to approve the application.

Kennett Square Borough Council approved the Special Event application for the Memorial Day Parade. The event will take place on Monday, May 27.

The April 1 meeting was preceded by an executive session regarding personnel matters and the lease or purchase of real estate.