By Richard L. Gaw
Staff Writer

The Kennett Township Board of Supervisors approved the following agenda items at their Aug. 21 meeting:

• Approved the amended Parkside preliminary/final land development plan in order to construct a 16.1-acre residential and commercial development on the east side of Walnut Road, in accordance with the traditional neighborhood development statutes identified in the township’s zoning ordinance.  The proposed development includes seven single-family dwelling units, 72 multi-family attached dwelling units, 104 apartment units, three detached garages and two commercial/retail uses. The preliminary/final subdivision and land development plan for Parkside was originally approved with conditions by the supervisors on March 20 and now reflects design changes to the plan that include the elimination of age restricted housing in the development, and transfer of development rights.
• Approved a sewage facilities planning module for the Parkside residential and commercial development, that will see the addition of a gravity sewer collection system that will flow to a proposed pump station on development lands. Sewage flows will be conveyed via a force main along North Walnut Road to the existing Kennett Square Borough collection system, with treatment and disposal at the Kennett Square Borough Wastewater Treatment Plant. The planning module also indicates potential for future connection of one existing residence along North Walnut Road in the event of on-lot sewage system problems, as well as potential future public sewer service for a restroom at Anson B. Nixon Park. 
• Approved a resolution that accepts the dedication of the six sections of additional right-of-way along Chandler Mill and Hillendale roads in the township. The resolution is associated with the Falcons Lair development.

In other township business, Manager Alison Dobbins referred to a showing of the documentary film, Honorable but Broken: EMS in Crisis, that was screened at a recent Chester County EMS Council meeting. She said the film, narrated by actor Sarah Jessica Parker, documents the severe challenges facing the EMS industry related to workforce shortages and decreases in funding.

“It’s an old subject, but it hasn’t been much discussed and put forward to the public,” supervisor Pat Muller said of the film. “It is applicable not just to Kennett Township but across the country and most of the civilized world, in terms of EMS coverage and service. It is a must-see film to educate yourself on EMS’ ability respond and remain in operation.

“We expect a response [from EMS and ALS units], and we are at the point where that very response may not happen, not in Kennett now but in the future if we do not fix the system.” 

In Public Works developments, Director Ted Otteni informed the board that the township’s 2024 milling and paving project is complete. The following roads were milled and paved with 1.5-inch-thick asphalt: Center Mill Road from Burnt Mill Road to South Fairview Road; the entire length of Burrows Run Road; and the entire length of Rosedale Road from Bayard Road to McFarlan Road.

Responding to a question about the issue of security in schools in and around the township, Police Chief Matt Gordon said that the police department’s partners at the Kennett Consolidated School District are “ahead of the curve compared to most school districts.” He pointed to roundtable meetings being held every month, active shooter training drills the department holds at area schools and its collaboration with other school districts and police departments. 

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