Radnor Township Board of Commissioners Meeting - July 20, 2026
Radnor Township Board of Commissioners Meeting - July 20, 2026
The Radnor Township Board of Commissioners met on Monday, July 20, 2026, in the Radnorshire Room. The agenda listed a 6:30 p.m. start; the meeting was called to order at approximately 6:45 p.m. The board approved the consent calendar, heard public comment, adopted three parking ordinances, introduced an ordinance for a new Magisterial District Court site, and approved several capital and emergency spending resolutions. The board also gave notice of executive sessions held June 22, July 13, and July 20 to discuss real estate and legal matters.
Public Recognition
The board recognized Sara Pilling, a longtime Garrett Hill resident who passed away July 5, 2026, honoring her love of Garrett Hill, tenacity in neighborhood advocacy, and lifelong dedication to environmental protection. One commissioner described her as his favorite resident and said the township is still working on a memorial to her. Several speakers offered tributes.
Consent Calendar
The board approved the consent agenda, including the June 15, 2026, Board of Commissioners minutes; the July 2026 chief's monthly report; June 17, 2026, Staff Traffic Committee minutes; HARB certificates of appropriateness for 401 Woodland Ave, 208 Bloomingdale Ave, 401 Audubon Ave (two items), 303 S Wayne Ave, 120 Bloomingdale Ave, 225 Lansdowne Ave (with a linked PDF label reading 114 N Wayne), and 234 Lenoir Ave; a donations memo supporting the Environmental Advisory Council and Shade Tree Commemorative Fund; Resolution 2026-86 authorizing an electronics recycling and shredding event with eForce Compliance and ProShred Security at a cost not to exceed $15,000 from the 2026 General Fund; a motion to sell surplus township vehicles and equipment; Resolution 2026-89 authorizing payment of $9,602.25 to PECO Energy for emergency gas line repairs; Resolution 2026-90 authorizing $10,365.38 for the one-year renewal of the Radnor Connect 411 app with Granicus, LLC; and Business Tax Settlement 2026-BPT-02, settling at a receipt amount of $24,000.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Roberta Winters, 326 Williams Road, Garrett Hill, delivered a tribute to Sara Pilling, calling her 'a lifter, not a leaner,' and describing her work on solar energy, composting, community gardens, a rain garden, walking advocacy, and civic participation.
- Greg Stagley, 502 Shawmont Drive, said he needed help with issues related to his new neighbor at 506 Shawmont Drive and asked to be placed on the next agenda with 15-20 minutes to present exhibits. Commissioner Norsini suggested waiting until Solicitor Rice is available to decide whether it is a board agenda item.
- Kathleen Wright, Noor Avenue, opposed the introduction of Ordinance 2026-19, saying the magisterial district court does not belong in a neighborhood, and suggested locations on Lancaster Avenue, including the Villanova Center, the former Sinclair building, or the former De Bruno Brothers store. She also recounted a commissioner's response about the building paying for itself through county rent in ten years.
- Baron Gamer, South Wayne Avenue, offered a tribute to Sara Pilling, saying she was now united with John Lewis making 'good trouble.'
- During the UPenn signage settlement discussion, Michael Maynardy asked what the proposed sign would say and how high it would be; staff answered approximately 51 feet off the ground with the Penn Medicine shield and text.
Discussion Items
3.A Emerson Group Waiver of Land Development
Commissioner Norsini recommended approval subject to Solicitor Rice's developer agreement. Applicant's attorney Cameron Wolfson of Riley Riper Holland and Colagreco said the project at 420 E. Lancaster Ave involved facade renovations and structural repairs, not land development, because there was no increase in impervious coverage, building footprint, employees, occupancy, traffic, parking, or utility use. The board approved the waiver.
3.B UPenn Signage Settlement
Staff reviewed the history of Penn's two denied variance applications for a sign on its parking garage facing the Blue Route and the appeals pending in the Court of Common Pleas. The settlement allows a sign that complies with the size ordinance but exceeds the height limit; it will not be lit and will face only the Blue Route. The board approved the settlement 5-0 with one abstention.
3.C Ordinance 2026-16 Handicapped Parking at Wayne Senior Center
The board adopted the ordinance converting four metered parking spaces on the west side of the Wayne Senior Center to handicapped parking. Supporters noted the center's expanded services and the need for safer access.
3.D Ordinance 2026-14 Trianon Lane No Parking
The board adopted a no-parking zone extending 650 feet between signs at 215 and 219 Trianon Lane. The chief said residents requested it because of limited visibility, sufficient alternate parking exists, and the township will monitor.
3.E Ordinance 2026-15 Francis Avenue No Parking
The board adopted an ordinance prohibiting parking on the west side of Francis Avenue for its full length, citing public safety, challenges near the Wawa, and snow, trash, and plow access. The chief said residents supported it.
3.F Ordinance 2026-19 Introduction - 405 W. Wayne Avenue Purchase
The board voted to introduce an ordinance authorizing the acquisition of 405 W. Wayne Ave, approximately 0.3887 acres with a 16,933-square-foot commercial structure, to locate offices for the Delaware County Magisterial District Court in Radnor Township. Commissioner Larkin argued for the purchase: the township currently must travel to Newtown Square for its district court, officers lose time and overtime, the county has been unwilling to pay Radnor real estate rates, the property provides parking and overflow access to the Friends of the Radnor Trail Park, and the court is a low-intensity commercial use. Commissioner Agnew noted a three-year search and public outreach. The board voted to introduce the ordinance.
3.G Resolution 2026-88 Water Source Heat Pump Replacements
The board approved spending $146,200 from the 2024 Facilities Improvement General Obligation Bond to replace 10 water source heat pumps in the Township Building. Staff said 37 of roughly 50 units have been replaced, leaving about four after this phase.
3.H Resolution 2026-85 Ithan Valley Park Upstream Bridge
The board approved $82,500 for Carroll Engineering to prepare design, permitting, and bidding documents to rehabilitate the upstream bridge at Ithan Valley Park. The bridge had missing blocks and severe cracking; its weight limit had been reduced from 5 to 3 to 2 tons and the bridge is closed. In response to a question about the September Villanova Day of Service, staff said construction is unlikely before Q2 2027 because DEP stream permits are required; park access remains available.
3.I Resolution 2026-87 Emergency Traffic Signal Replacement
The board approved paying Charles Higgins and Sons $77,185.93 for emergency traffic signal replacement at Glenbrook and County Line after a January 17, 2026, auto accident. Temporary and permanent poles were installed; the amount will be reimbursed through an auto insurance claim.
Other Board Business
Under old business, a commissioner described a personal experience with a pool company discharging pool water onto the commissioner's lawn and asked how the 2025 ordinance on pool water dumping was communicated to contractors. Commissioner Norsini said DEP already prohibits the practice, pool companies often ignore it, and the township could add a 'pools' section to its website covering rules and permits. No formal action was taken.
Key Outcomes
- Approved the entire consent calendar.
- Approved the Emerson Group land development waiver.
- Approved the UPenn signage settlement, 5-0 with one abstention.
- Adopted Ordinances 2026-16, 2026-14, and 2026-15.
- Introduced Ordinance 2026-19 for the 405 W. Wayne Ave acquisition.
- Approved Resolutions 2026-88, 2026-85, and 2026-87.
- Agreed to consider a public website 'pools' resource; no formal action taken.
Meeting Transcript
Like to call the Board of Commissioners meeting this Monday, July 20th, 2026 at 6.45 p.m. to order. Will everyone please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance? I'd like to give notice of executive sessions held on June 22nd, July 13th, and July 20th to discuss real estate and legal matters. Public recognition. Recognizing Sarah Pilling, a longtime resident of Garrett Hill, who passed away July 5th, 2026. For her love of Garrett Hill, her energy and her tenacity in promoting what she believed to be in the best interest of the neighborhood. And for her lifelong advocacy for the welfare of all Radner residents through her unwavering dedication to protecting the environment. Sorry, Roberta. Sarah is my favorite resident. Came up to meet every meeting. She'd be back in the corner. I met her over 20 years ago when I was helping running Radna Wayne Little League. And there was issues that were happening at M. Linton L Field. She called me. I met over there on a Sunday with her. And she was great. She she would never complain. She would tell what's happening and tell how to fix it too, which is awesome. And that happened for the next seven years back then. So I knew her fairly well, or at least would see her a lot during the season of softball, and that was when Radhaway and Little League softball was the largest in the nation. It was big. And then through the years when I got elected, she would send me emails after I got elected here. And then going back to when she was here last, she pointed out that the sidewalks need repair in front of M. Linton L Field. So that was on a Monday. So the township listens to her, which is great. And uh it was like she she was always trying to help in anything that she did, which was awesome. Um so yeah, that's why she's my favorite. Uh any public comment. Roberta Winters, 326 Williams Road in Garrett Hill. I'd like to give a tribute to Sarah as well. On a torn piece of paper, tucked under the match box holder in my kitchen at Rhode Island. My mother had a quote. As I recall it, Red, there are two kinds of people in the world, lifters and leaners. Sarah Pilling was a lifter. She saw what needed to be done and did it. When it came to sustainability, she just didn't talk the talk. She walked the walk, reducing her carbon footprint, installing solar, composting, establishing community gardens, helping build a rain garden, and more. As a lifter, she brought others with her into such initiatives. Sustainability for Sarah encompassed it more than being green. Whenever possible, she walked rather than drove. This gave her a special connection with the Garrett Hill neighborhood, its challenges and its opportunities. She lifted up the issues of the special community, promoted change, and made a difference. Her public comments that to others may have seemed personal were directed to make a difference for others. Whether it was a crumbling sidewalk, the height of a speed bump, or a questionable tax increase, she was the guardian for all of us who live, work, and play in Radner Township. Learn from Sarah. Take time to walk the walk in your community. Tune out the distractions.
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