By Richard L. Gaw

Staff Writer

After a bit of financial wrangling at their June 17 meeting, the New Garden Board of Supervisors voted to replace two New Garden Township bridges in 2020 – one on Bancroft Road and the other on Egypt Run Road.

The cost estimates to replace the bridges was supplied by Contech Engineered Solutions of Hanover, Md. on June 3, who projected that the cost to replace the 14-foot-long structure on Bancroft Road as a pre-fabricated concrete structure will total $200,000, while the estimate to do the same for the 14-foot-long bridge on Egypt Run Road will be $175,000. 

Currently, there is $240,000 in the township's capital fund for bridge replacement this year, not enough to pay for the $375,000 needed to replace both bridges this year. While board chairman Steve Allaband said that the replacement of the Bancroft Road bridge is the most pressing of the two projects, he recommended that the township bid out both projects next January for a projected June 2020 construction.

Looking at the township's numbers, Allaband said that beginning next year, the $240,000 designated for bridge repair will be carried over, as well as an additional $180,000 that is now funding the townships' capital, which will also be carried over to next year.  Added up, Allaband said that would make $420,000 available, more than enough to replace both bridges next year.

The board agreed to the recommendation by a vote of 4-0.

In other township business, the board gave to go-ahead to the start of the New Garden Township Park Phase II Project, which is expected to begin in July and be completed by November. The project was awarded to CH+N Construction, Inc. of Lancaster, Pa., and was estimated at $1,283,221.

Phase II expansion will include an amphitheater that will be used for community concerts and theatrical events, a multipurpose athletic field, basketball courts, a sledding hill, a playground, a pavilion, passive recreation areas, extended walking and running trails, a rain garden and the construction of a parking lot. The price tag of the expansion will be offset by $400,000 in state and county grants that will be applied to the cost.

The board also conducted a conditional use hearing involving Basciani Brothers Properties' application to open a barbershop on 1153 Newark Road in Toughkenamon, that is projected to conduct business in an existing 2,400-square-foot stone building on the property.

The hearing also heard the testimony of barber Jose Lopez, who told the board that he envisions the business being housed on one floor, with two to three hair-cutting stations, the eventual hiring of four to five barbers, and as many as 10 parking spots for customers, a configuration that Basciani Brothers Properties agreed to develop plans for. The owner of the property also agreed to install a sidewalk near the business – in keeping with the plans to revitalize the Village of Toughkenamon, which calls for the inclusion of sidewalks – and secure necessary permits from the township that would be needed for renovation.

Lopez, who has been barbering in Kennett Square for the last 11 years, told the board that he intends to name the business “Pepe's Barbershop, LLC,” and said that the hours of operation are tentatively scheduled to be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The board told Michael and Joseph Basciani and Lopez that it will render its decision on the application by its next meeting in July.

Township engineer Mark Harmon gave the board an update of the township's annual Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System report, in compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection permits, requirements and standards. The report is scheduled to be included on the township's website by September.

The board also approved Resolution No. 814 to dispose of old township administrative documents and municipal records.

The township will sponsor its Wine and Wheels Summer Concert Series event on June 19, beginning at 6 p.m. at the New Garden Township Park, and its next Tuesday Family Fun Night in the township park on July 9.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email [email protected].