Andrew Kirk

This chapter of the Westtown Township Comprehensive Plan outlines the future land use and housing strategy, aiming to reflect the Township's goals and objectives in response to existing land use conditions. Key priorities include the specific regulation of institutional uses, promoting housing diversity for all demographics, enhancing access to open spaces and walkable areas, and fostering new mixed-use development in aging commercial zones. The plan also proposes policy actions such as establishing new zoning districts, improving pedestrian connectivity, supporting aging-in-place initiatives, and preserving open spaces and natural resources within designated land use categories like Neighborhood Conservation, Mixed Use Areas, Open Spaces, and Greenway Corridors.

The budget reflects no increase in real estate taxes in 2026, but includes a trash and recycling fee increase to $130 per quarter. The General Fund budget is balanced with a $903,581 transfer from the cash account balance to cover deferred road maintenance and increased service costs due to inflation. The Sewer Fund reflects the close out of a project and continues to transfer funds to replenish reserves for future projects. Capital expenses include upgrades to administrative offices, stream restoration projects, park improvements, and public works equipment. Sanitary sewer capital expenses include the close out of a project, pump station construction, and repairs to the sanitary sewer system. Open Space Fund capital expenses include items associated with Crebilly Preserve maintenance and the development of a Master Plan.

The budget reflects no increase in real estate taxes for 2026, but the Refuse Fund refuse and recycling fee will increase to $130 per quarter. The General Fund budget is balanced with a $910,693 transfer from the fund balance to cover deferred road programs and increased service costs due to inflation. The Sewer Fund focuses on closing out the Pleasant Grove Force Main project and replenishing reserves for future sanitary sewer projects. Capital Fund expenses include upgrades to administrative offices and public works facilities, stream restoration projects, park improvements, and equipment purchases. Sanitary sewer capital expenses involve the Pleasant Grove Pump Station project and repairs to the sanitary sewer system. Open Space Fund capital expenses cover Crebilly Preserve maintenance and the development of a Master Plan.

The Brandywine Battlefield Heritage Interpretation and Connectivity Plan is a multi-municipal plan focused on interpreting the Battle of Brandywine within seven partner municipalities. It serves as a guide for heritage interpretation planning and connectivity in Chester and Delaware Counties, establishing a plan structure for Heritage Centers, Interpretive Sites, trails and bikeways, and open space. The plan aids in local heritage interpretation, tourism, economic development, and open space preservation efforts through identifying additional community interest. The plan spans seven communities located in Chester and Delaware Counties: Birmingham, Kennett, East Bradford, Thornbury, Pennsbury, and Westtown Townships in Chester County and Chadds Ford Township in Delaware County.

The workshop of the Board of Supervisors included discussions on proposed ordinance amendments for fences and walls, focusing on regulations for interior fences, garden fences, and in-kind fence replacements. Key points of discussion included the definition of interior versus garden fences, permit requirements for fence replacements, and the setback distance from property lines. The board also discussed a Brandy Wine flood study, including feedback on land use calculations and recommendations for flood plane restoration. Additionally, the board discussed a hazard risk evaluation for the Chester County hazard mitigation plan, including cyber security, AI generated misinformation, and civil unrest.