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Chester County Press

Oxford Borough Council supports Pa. Commission for semi-quincentennial

07/10/2024 11:17AM ● By Betsy Brewer Brantner

Oxford Borough Council unanimously approved Resolution #1386-2024 supporting the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semi-Quincentennial (America250PA), which will take place on July 4, 2026.

In 2026, America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the nation. Chester County is asking for everyone to join in the celebration as they move toward 2026. With the national goal of making this the largest, most inclusive celebration in U.S. history, 250 Commissions are active at the national, state and county levels. Chester County is asking for volunteers to help to enhance and showcase Chester County when they encourage municipalities, institutions, businesses, nonprofits, neighborhoods and residents to join in the year-long commemoration and celebration of the 250th anniversary of the nation’s Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. 

Chester County had been operating for nearly a century when the Declaration of Independence was adopted in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. In fact, it was one of the three original counties of Pennsylvania, established by William Penn in 1682. So, it stands to reason this county's current residents would be eager to get a head start on planning the region's celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026 by establishing the America250PA Chester County Commission.

“We have so much to be proud of in Chester County, including the contributions we've made and continue to make to America’s history,” said Chester County Commissioners Chair Marian Moskowitz, adding that they are seeking 10 to 30 “America and Pennsylvania Proud” residents, of all ages and from all areas of the county, who want to help plan these festivities. 

Commission members will serve for up to three years. Chester County representatives will coordinate activities with the statewide group, America250PA.

“In the short term, the commission will determine where Chester County wants to plant a liberty tree in May, part of Pennsylvania’s Liberty Tree program. Similarly, they will chart their approach to the Bells Across PA program. Those are more symbolic activities. The commission will then have input into a historic heritage tourism plan,” said former Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline, who represents the county on the America250PA County Advisory Committee, and who is a board member of the Chester County History Center.

America250PA is focusing on 14 areas around which to create celebratory activities. One of them is agriculture, with Pennsylvania having 59,000 farms and the largest rural population in the nation. Other categories include arts and culture; commerce and workforce; diversity; education and innovation; the environment; government; healthcare; history and preservation; legacy; nature; military; veteran’s and women; technology; and tourism.

To get involved, visit ChesCo.org/America250.

America250 represents a coalition of public and private partners to create initiatives and programs that honor the first 250 years and inspire Americans to imagine the next 250 years. The America250PA Chester County Commission was created to celebrate Pennsylvania’s leading role in the commemoration of the U.S. 250th anniversary in 2026.

In other business, the following motions were approved:

  • Ratification of the approval of the side letter agreement between the Borough and the Oxford Borough Employees Association regarding change of the borough-provided health plan, changing healthcare coverage from the Delaware Valley Health Trust (DVHT) AETNA PPO Plan to the DVHT AETNA $2,500/$5,000 HSA Plan.
  • Notice of intent to award contract for the Community of Love Lutheran Church stormwater project to SLC Excavating, LLC, the lowest bidder, in the amount of $64,626.32, conditioned upon the contractor’s execution of the contract, supply of the required bonds and insurance and solicitor review and approval. This project is approved for the stormwater best management process. The project is being funded in large part by a $105,104 grant through the Chester County Conservation District’s C3AP Non-Ag Implementation Program. The project will complete the final design process through spring of 2024.
  • 100 S. 5th Street request for on-street ADA parking space. The space is actually located on Broad Street since the property is a corner lot. It is adjacent to the driveway.
  • Pennoni proposal in the amount of $12,500 to complete a pavement management survey to assist the borough with developing, planning, and managing a road maintenance program. The borough participated in a grant-funded financial assessment through the state’s Strategic Management Planning Program, also known as STMP or “STAMP.” The Borough of Oxford has over $1 million of roads to repave. The last road that was repaved was N. 2nd Street from Lancaster Avenue to Mt. Vernon Street, which cost over $1.2 million. A grant from DCED will cover the cost of the pavement management survey. 

The next Oxford Borough Council meeting will be held on Aug. 5 at at 7 p.m. at the Borough Hall.