Story and photos by HaLeigh Abbott

A packed agenda for June’s Kennett Square Borough Council meeting set forth many projects and changes this summer. 

Mayor Matt Fetick began the June 7 meeting by honoring Bill Taylor of Taylor Oil with a proclamation for his hard work and dedication to the Kennett Memorial Day Parade. An Army veteran, Taylor served as chairman of the parade for 17 years. 

“Parade participants come from everywhere—New Jersey, Maryland…and they love this town,” said Taylor in his acceptance speech. 

Joann Donlick accepted a second proclamation of the month on behalf of the Beautification Committee, for the commitment to spreading beauty through horticulture since 1965.

Public comments voiced many continuing concerns for community access to the Kennett Square Community/YMCA pool this summer. At the close of the meeting, Fetick confirmed the borough is still working with the YMCA to reduce the cost and availability of passes, which is currently only available for weekends for $10 per person. Fetick and the council feel the price is too high, and that weekday access should also be allowed.

The Kennett Square Police Department sought, and received approval, to hire a new officer. An officer resigned on June 5, which created the need to find a replacement. The Police Department will be filling the role based on the list of eligible officers developed in May.

The HARB (Historical Architecture Review Board) submitted and received approval for four building renovations: 205 S. Union Street, a currently unoccupied building, is being renovated as a boutique hotel; 201 Birch Street will be undergoing renovations to the facade of the motel wing of the building; 321 S. Union Street, a private residence, will be demolishing an existing non-original living area and building a new living area to the rear of the original house; and the Friends Home at 147 W. State Street will be demolishing a stair tower to install an elevator wing for better building access. 

The Borough Council approved Parking Garage fee sponsorships for free parking during special events. The proposed sponsorship fee for a non-for-profit is $400 and a for-profit business is $500. This would allow anyone to use the garage free of charge during the sponsored time. The cost of garage parking will also be waived for Third Thursday events, based on feedback from visitors who saw a hefty delay of 30 to 40 minutes when trying to exit the garage. 

A lease agreement for parking spaces created in 1961 between the Library and the Borough was voted to be terminated. Parking spaces at the old library location were leased to the Borough since the December 1961 Borough Council meeting, but with the sale of the property, the Library requested the spots be turned over to the new property owner. The library offered a $2,500 payment to the borough for termination of the lease, which is a higher profit than the parking meters on the spots bring in annually for the borough.

The Wednesday Workshop was presented by Natasha Manbeck, project manager for the Kennett Connection Study. This project, which is in the planning and feasibility phases, aims to connect Kennett Square Borough, East Marlborough and Longwood Gardens to each other via walking and bicycle paths. The Active Transportation method allows for any human-powered mode of transport, including scooters and e-bikes. The project has an anticipated budget of $75,000 to be funded by grants and fundraising, and is open for public review on the website: https://www.kennectivity.com/planning-kennett-connections.