Mayor Herrin's BOROUGH BRIEFS September 8, 2019 |
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Ride Share Pick Up/Drop Off Locations Now in Town! Fireworks in the Borough? Borough Strengthens Tree Program. DHerrin@west-chester.com |
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NEW RIDE SHARE PICK UP/DROP OFF LOCATIONS |
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We now have ride share pick up/ drop off spaces in town on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10pm-3am. During these times, when passengers request rides to or from a location in the geofenced area (see below), they can choose their pick up/drop off locations on a digital map. The Mayor's Office introduced this initiative to ensure late-night customers have access to ride share services for their own safety, and to help prevent double-parking and blocking of the roads by Uber and Lyft drivers. |
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A recent study showed decreases in DUIs of up to one-third or more since ride sharing took hold in 10 cities across the country. We selected the geofenced area and pick up/drop off locations based on proximity to bars with a high volume of late-night patrons and, so far, the new program is working well! |
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Map shows the four pick-up/drop-off locations within the geofenced area. |
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Fireworks in the Borough PA state law effectively prohibits aerial fireworks in the Borough due to the density of our community. According to PA law: - Aerial fireworks are strictly prohibited within 150 feet of any occupied structure, whether or not people are present.
- When space does permit, property owner permission is required. NOTE: The Borough prohibits fireworks in all Borough-owned parks.
- Aerial fireworks may not be set off from, within or toward a building or vehicle, or by anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If you suspect aerial fireworks are being set off in the Borough, call the Police ASAP so they may investigate: 610.696.2700. Calling after the fact won't help, as our PD will lose the chance to locate the perpetrators. Thank you! |
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We are losing trees to age, disease and stress, and we now have a new ordinance to help restore our urban forest! Here are highlights: - The Borough will share 50% of the cost to remove condemned street trees!
- Property owners are required to replant all condemned street trees per Borough tree selections and guidelines.
- All tree wells must be preserved; anyone who eliminates empty tree wells must uncover and restore the wells.
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- During sidewalk repairs, abutting empty tree wells must be replanted. If no well exists where one should, as required by ordinance, a new tree and well must be installed.
- Permits and financial security deposits are now required for all street tree work, and for wall renovation/construction projects when the wall is > 3' high and within 10' of a street tree.
- Anyone seen damaging a street will be fined $200 per inch of trunk diameter.
- All contractors performing tree work must meet professional qualifications outlined in the new ordinance.
- Property owners who preserve a heritage tree (>/= 24" diameter) on private property can receive a 33% credit on their annual Stream Protection Fee, or more if they have >1 heritage tree.
The new ordinance will also be supported by a more robust tree program that aims to replant empty tree wells throughout the Borough and improve the care and planting of downtown trees. Read the new ordinance here. Have a tree question? Contact Michael Taggart in the Public Works Department 610-696-5282 mtaggart@west-chester.com |
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DID YOU KNOW? Trees absorb greenhouse gas pollution, clean the air of particulates, manage stormwater, provide shade, reduce air-conditioning costs, increase real estate values, enhance the desirability of our community due to their aesthetic value, and support mental and physical health. |
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