Public Meetings - Radnor Township, Pennsylvania

The Radnor Township Board of Commissioners met on September 29, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Radnorshire Room. The meeting included public testimony on noise issues, approval of the consent agenda, discussion and tabling of an electric bicycle and scooter ordinance, introduction of a tree ordinance, and approval of several resolutions for capital projects. The board also introduced a new police chief. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously: - Approval of meeting minutes from September 8, 2025. - Monthly police chief report for September 2025. - Staff Traffic Committee minutes from August 20, 2025. - Resolution 2025-137: Authorizing agreement with Acrisure for pension actuarial services ($6,225 annually per plan). - Resolution 2025-138: Authorizing $44,672 from the 2024 Facilities Bond for carpeting updates (note: this item was pulled from the consent agenda and will be rebid). - Resolution 2025-129: Change order for nine street light pole replacements along Lancaster Avenue (not to exceed $52,425, funded from 2019 GOB and $10,000 donation from KMO). - Resolution 2025-134: Emergency sewer main repair payment of $13,186.52 to Horn Plumbing and Heating, LLC. Public Comments & Testimony - Robert (Inverary resident, Lindsay Circle): Expressed ongoing frustration with noise from The Willows (wedding/party venue). Stated that there have been 47 events this year—about twice as many as last year—and a higher percentage include music. Described the noise as a public nuisance and called for a designated leader to enforce the lease and control volume. Noted that the lease is not being enforced. - Anthony Spitako (Inverary resident): Thanked Commissioner Abel for listening but questioned who has the authority to enforce the lease. Noted a sound consultant (Nick Mondo) had proposed speaker direction and placement solutions, but investments in equipment were not used. Suggested moving music inside as a solution. Asked for leadership and accountability. - John Ball (Inverary resident, 608 Lindsay Circle): Read a note from neighbor Jerry Ciano (610 Lindsay Circle) who was recovering from a medical procedure. The note stated that while the noise has improved, it still disturbs quality of life. John Ball added that after three to four years of talk, no solution has been reached. Mentioned that the issue affects not only Inverary but also other areas like Mill Dam. Urged the township to hire an expert. - Sarah Pill (Garrett Avenue): Raised concerns about carpeting in the township building. Asked about the surface under the carpet, when it was last installed, how often it is vacuumed/shampooed, and cited a study linking carpets to indoor air quality issues. Suggested replacing stair carpet with rubber treads and adding outdoor doormats. Discussion Items - 3A – Caucus: Minor Subdivision Plan – 518 Askin Road (no vote): Applicant Nick Cinelia presented a plan to subdivide a 63,000 sq. ft. vacant lot into two lots (32,498 sq. ft. and 31,975 sq. ft.), each with a planned residential dwelling. The property is on a private road (Askin Road) with 10 existing lots; the subdivision would create an 11th lot. Waivers were requested for showing utilities within 500 feet (aerial photo provided instead) and for sidewalks (neighbors prefer no sidewalks). The applicant agreed to regrade, mill, repave, and widen the road by 4 feet on his property. Commissioners discussed road width, private road status, and the lack of a turnaround. No vote was taken. - 3B – Preliminary Land Development – 800 Lancaster Avenue (Villanova University Connelly Center): Applicant requested additional time to respond to township consultant comments regarding parking and building square footage. The board tabled the matter to October 31, 2025. - 3C – Ordinance 2025-08: Electric Bicycle and Electric Scooter Regulations (introduced, then tabled): Solicitor Nelson explained the ordinance is based on state law. Chief Lanigan noted enforcement concerns. Commissioners debated the scope: some supported a ban on e-scooters on public roads due to safety, while others argued it was overreach and opposed a blanket ban. Commissioner Mulrooney opposed allowing e-scooters on public roads; Commissioner Coates and Commissioner Riley favored a more limited approach (e.g., helmets, speed limits, age restrictions). Police Chief (newly introduced) suggested redrafting with a focus on education, youth aid panels, and safety from helmets to lights. The board voted unanimously to table the ordinance for revision. - 3D – Ordinance 2025-09: Tree Ordinance Amendment (introduced and approved for advertisement): Mr. Gibbons explained that the amendment clarifies when a clearing permit is needed. Previously, removing more than six trees required a $250 permit and a Shade Tree Commission meeting. The change allows removal of dead or dying trees without a permit, provided a hazard tree report is submitted and approved by the township arborist. The board voted unanimously to advertise the ordinance. - 3E – Resolution 2025-133: Roof Replacement and Solar Installation at Municipal Building and Public Works Complex: Awarded to Dezigns Construction, Inc. and TerraSol Energies, Inc. for a total of $3,351,126 (including contingency and inspection costs), funded from the 2024 Facilities Bond. The project was rebid due to few bids; the award includes schedule flexibility for long-lead items. Approved unanimously. - 3F – Resolution 2025-135: Change Order for Lancaster Avenue Traffic Adaptive System: Authorized payment of $77,678.55 to Lenni Electric Corporation for a new pad-mounted controller, conduit repairs, and credits for unused items. The net change order covers unexpected issues discovered during installation. Approved unanimously. - 3G – Resolution 2025-136: Heat Pump and Mini-Split Installation in Township Building: Awarded to JJ White, Inc. for $212,300 (including contingency), funded from the 2024 Facilities Bond. The project addresses extreme temperature swings in the sergeants' office, highway patrol, detectives' office, and server room. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (all items except 2E, which was pulled). - Ordinance 2025-08 (E-bikes/e-scooters): Introduced, then tabled for redrafting by staff. Unanimous vote to table. - Ordinance 2025-09 (Tree removal): Introduced and approved for advertisement. Unanimous vote. - Resolution 2025-133 (Roof/solar): Approved unanimously. - Resolution 2025-135 (Traffic adaptive system change order): Approved unanimously. - Resolution 2025-136 (Heat pumps/mini-splits): Approved unanimously. - New Business: None. - Old Business: Introduction of new police chief, Jim Smith, who was previously appointed. - Adjournment: Motion carried unanimously.

The Radnor Township Shade Tree Commission met on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Radnorshire Room. The commission approved six grading-permit applications, reviewed fall planting and volunteer events, considered 2024 right-of-way tree cost data, and made budget-related recommendations to take to the Board of Commissioners. Consent Calendar - Approved the August 27, 2025 meeting minutes. - Approved consent application 215508-303 Walnut Ave (pool; 104 cubic yards of dirt removed; 0 trees removed; no compensatory trees required). New Grading Permit Applications - 789 Darby Paoli Road - Garage and Driveway: 382 cubic yards removed; 0 trees removed. Applicant Julie Parish described a 13-foot garage expansion, a small retaining wall, and driveway widening. Approved. - 516 King of Prussia Road - Pool: The agenda noted no cubic-yard figure; applicant Peg Prizer of Bancleaf Engineering stated 110 cubic yards of subsoil would be removed and 0 trees removed. Commissioners noted the recommendation to keep work outside tree drip lines. Approved. - 800 Lancaster Avenue - Doherty Hall Driveway: 586 cubic yards removed; 2 trees removed. Mike Roth of Pannoni Associates and Jim Darkin of Ground Reconsidered represented Villanova University. The project will create a new driveway connection, remove one small 8-inch tree and one 42-inch London plane tree, and plant 7 replacement trees (3 scarlet oaks, 3 Yoshino cherries, and 1 dawn redwood). Commission discussion addressed protecting an 82-inch beech near the work and matching the required replacement. Approved. - 610 King of Prussia Road - Driveway Improvements: 1 cubic yard to remain; 0 trees removed. Mike Roth explained widening the driveway radius for shuttle buses by about 300 square feet of impervious surface; no tree protection or landscaping was needed. Approved. - 610 King of Prussia Road - Montefalco Hall Patio: The agenda listed no cubic-yard figure; applicant Al Grigga of Chester Valley Engineers stated about 1,500 cubic yards of soil would be imported. The project includes a 10,000-square-foot patio, two walkways, removal of two 8-inch beech trees, and replacement with two ginkgo trees. Recycled-plastic mats were proposed to protect root zones. Approved. - 244 Abrahams Lane - Barn: 1,400 cubic yards to remain; 2 trees removed. Applicant Matthew Pellino described a detached garage/barn for storage and antique cars, removing a 24-inch tree and an 8-inch tree. Approved. Old Business: Fall Planning and Events - Villanova University Day of Service: More than 90 students/scouts planted 75 red cedars at The Willows in about 1.5 hours as part of the reforestation project. The commission plans to interplant other bare-root species for diversity. - Fall planting: The commission ordered 80 bare-root trees from PHS (Pennsylvania Horticultural Society): 42 for residents, 34 for The Willows, and 4 replacements for West Wayne Cemetery trees lost over the winter. Township pickup is scheduled for November 13; resident trees are to be planted by a private contractor between November 13 and 21; volunteer planting at parks is planned for November 15. - Resident registration opened without formal promotion, and 20 of 42 resident trees were already claimed. Waitlist and replacement residents were prioritized. - Wayne Business District and Aberdeen Terrace: Mr. Gibbons won the bid for tree work; removals and plantings are expected in October-November, pending Board of Commissioners funding approval. - Fall Festival recap: The commission shared a table with Radnor Conservancy and Bird Town and raffled a tree. Radnor Conservancy is planning a Tree-toberfest on October 26, 12-3 PM at The Willows with about 400 container trees, Locust Lane Brewery, music, and raffles; the Conservancy also offered around 200 volunteers for future service. Right-of-Way Tree Management Discussion - Kristen presented 2024 calendar-year data on township right-of-way tree work, broken out by parks vs right-of-way, dispatch type (removal, fallen, pruning), and tree diameter class. Total 2024 costs for the analyzed right-of-way work were about $45,000. A hypothetical fee model using the residential compensatory fee of $300 per tree, with percentage-based fees by diameter, would generate roughly $8,000 and fund about 27 compensatory trees, nearly a one-for-one offset. - Public works staff explained that budget season makes a commission recommendation necessary. Under current ordinance, the township inspects and removes hazardous right-of-way trees; a resident can avoid township removal only by sending a letter accepting full liability, typically with a tree company. - Commissioners debated flat fees versus percentage-based fees, stump-grinding costs, administrative burden, and the goal of maintaining a net-neutral or positive tree inventory. One commissioner supported percentage fees as keeping pace with cost increases; another favored a simple flat fee aligned with the $300 compensatory fee. Staff noted some townships pay 100%, some do nothing, and at least one uses a 70/30 resident/township split. - A commissioner proposed converting an underused township-maintained grass area at an Ithan Avenue intersection into a forest to reduce mowing costs. Staff was open to considering it but raised sight-line and driver-visibility concerns; Odorisio Park's back field was also mentioned as a candidate. Key Outcomes - Approved all six permit applications listed above. - Voted to continue township maintenance of right-of-way trees. - Voted to charge residents a contribution toward right-of-way tree work, with details to be determined later (passed 5-1). - Voted to charge residents a flat fee, rather than a percentage of cost, for hazardous right-of-way tree removals of trees greater than 6 inches DBH (passed 5-1); pruning and fallen-tree cleanup were not included. - Voted to request reinstating a $10,000 township budget line item for the Shade Tree Commission's big tree fund, available for maintenance and planting. - Voted to support an additional public works head count to help with commission programs and other township needs; public works staff will present supporting data to the Board of Commissioners. - No new annual goals were proposed beyond the items discussed; the 2026 annual goals file still needs to be started and the 2025 file completed. Hazardous Tree Review - The commission reviewed resident hazardous removals at 20 Ridgewood, 555 Sproul, and 1234 Upper Gulph. - The commission reviewed Radnor Township hazardous removals, including large trees at 438 Belrose, 682 and 813 Malin Road, 618 Pembroke, 401 N. Wayne, Wyldhaven, Emlen Tunnel Park (36-inch locust), 892 Briarwood (45-inch ash), Encke Park (38-inch ash), and 430 Barclay Road (55-inch silver maple), among others. A comment noted that the many Belrose trees were in serious decline or leaning toward the road. No public comments were offered during the public participation portion, and the meeting adjourned.

The Radnor Township Zoning Hearing Board met on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Radnorshire Room. The Board considered six appeals, including a major application from Villanova University for a Welcome Center/Bookstore, which was denied after extensive deliberation. Other appeals involving residential variances were approved, and one was continued. Consent Calendar No consent calendar was presented; all items were heard individually. Public Comments & Testimony Appeal 3210 (Villanova University): The record was closed at the prior hearing (June 26, 2025); no new public comment was taken. The Township Solicitor’s office (Will Edinger) argued against the application, stating the welcome center was not purely office use and that the proposed sign variance was based on aesthetics, not hardship. The applicant (Nick Cenelia) argued the use was permitted and met all criteria. Appeal 3220 (Galloway): The applicant (Diana Galloway) presented testimony about safety issues (unstable stairs) and the need for a dining room for a family of five. All contiguous neighbors submitted letters of support. Appeal 3234 (Murphy): Elizabeth Springer, representing the applicant, presented the proposal. No public comment from neighbors was offered. Appeal 3236 (Elkins): Scott Elkins testified that the second kitchen was a main reason they purchased the home and that a kosher oven would support religious observance. Nick Cenelia argued the variance was supported under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. A deed restriction was offered to prevent rental or commercial use. Appeal 3237 (150-158 E Lancaster Partners LLC): Multiple witnesses (Matt Johnson, Jason Bach, Nicholas Markley for The Little Gym, Kelly Wilson for Strong Pilates, traffic engineer Frank Tavani) testified about market difficulties attracting pure retail tenants, the need for parking variances, and proposed uses (restaurant, children's gym, Pilates studio). The Township's parking study (by Tavani) was questioned by board members regarding its timing (June, not school season) and coverage of daytime hours. The applicant requested a continuance to update the study. Discussion Items Appeal 3210 (Villanova University): The Board discussed the legal questions of changing one non-conforming use to another and simultaneously expanding the non-conformity, and whether the office use included the auditorium and bookstore. Board member Rich (Nick?) provided a detailed analysis, concluding he would vote to approve the special exceptions but could not support the expansion due to setback issues from a lack of a merger ordinance. Other members disagreed on the definition of “road” vs. “driveway” regarding St. Thomas Way, and whether the road separated the lots. The motion was initially complex, then withdrawn, then re-presented as a single motion to approve. The motion failed 4-1 (with Rich as the sole vote in favor). The sign variance was not reached due to the denial. Appeal 3220 (Galloway): The board clarified the exact measurements of the encroachments. A motion to approve the rear setback and separation variances was made and seconded. Passed unanimously. Appeal 3234 (Murphy): The applicant lacked a full deed; ownership was established via testimony and a mortgage document. The board agreed to proceed conditioned on production of the deed within 30 days. The variance was for a roof overhang extending 18 inches into the rear setback. Approved unanimously with condition. Appeal 3236 (Elkins): Discussion focused on the religious accommodation argument and the deed restriction. A motion to approve the variance for a second dwelling unit with a full kitchen, conditioned on the recorded deed restriction of non-commercial use, passed 4-1 (one opposed). Appeal 3237 (150-158 E Lancaster Partners LLC): The board raised concerns about the parking study (June, non-school period) and the adequacy of the proposed 18 on-street spaces and nearby lots. The applicant (Nick Cenelia) requested a continuance to update the traffic report. The board agreed to continue to the October 16, 2025 meeting, with an extension to November if needed. Key Outcomes Appeal 3210 (Villanova University): DENIED (4-1) – Motion to grant special exceptions and variance failed. The Board did not reach the sign variance. Appeal 3220 (Galloway): APPROVED (unanimous) – Variance granted for rear yard setback (1.2 ft encroachment) and 10-foot separation from principal building (2.9 ft encroachment for stairs). Appeal 3233 (Elebah): CONTINUED to the October 16, 2025 meeting (as noted in agenda). Appeal 3234 (Murphy): APPROVED (unanimous) – Variance granted to reconstruct sunroom and extend roof 18 inches into rear setback, conditioned on submission of a satisfactory deed within 30 days. Appeal 3236 (Elkins): APPROVED (4-1) – Variance granted for second dwelling unit with full kitchen, conditioned on a recorded deed restriction prohibiting rental or commercial use. Appeal 3237 (150-158 E Lancaster Partners LLC): CONTINUED to the October 16, 2025 meeting (with extension to November if needed) to allow an updated parking study.

The Radnor Township Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) held its regular meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Radnorshire Room. The meeting included updates on ongoing projects, discussion of a proposed gas leaf blower ban, approval of donations, and planning for future public education events. Key speakers included Chair Dan, members Bess, Sven, Donell, and Ben, along with public comment from resident Diana Pope. Public Comments & Testimony - Diana Pope (Windomere Avenue, Wayne) suggested using the upcoming Wayne Business Association Fall Festival (September 21) to pilot a community survey on eco-friendly yard practices, given the opportunity to test question clarity with attendees. She also informed the Council that the Delaware County Council was voting that evening on a 69-page Zero Waste Plan, which she recommended the EAC review in the context of local recycling efforts. Discussion Items - Gas Leaf Blower Phaseout: Chair Dan submitted a draft proposal for a seasonal ban on gas leaf blowers for Council review. No comments had been received. Dan noted that support among the Board of Commissioners waxes and wanes; he plans to seek a meeting with the Board. Lower Merion Township’s EAC has developed a similar seasonal ban, which will be up for public comment on October 8. State Representative Lisa Borowski confirmed that state-level legislation on leaf blowers did not advance and suggested working at the municipal level. - Grass Height Ordinance: The Council discussed amending the existing weed ordinance to allow naturalized lawns with a clean border (e.g., 2–4 feet) rather than adopting a more complex model ordinance. Members favored a simpler approach to ease enforcement and resident adoption. - Fenimore Pond Algae Overgrowth: Carol reported that recent pond skimming was ineffective, with algae returning quickly. She called for a comprehensive solution (e.g., dredging) and noted issues with surrounding beech trees and trail drainage. - Stream Water Sampling: Dan and Bess attended a meeting with Willistown Conservation Trust to plan fall stream water sampling for salt content. A second planning meeting is pending. - Public Education: The Council agreed to schedule future EAC lectures in hybrid Zoom/in-person format. Upcoming events include: Joyce Platfoot on the Radnor Memorial Library Seed Library (immediately after the meeting), Mike Weilbacher on “Our Fungal Future” (November 13), and a joint presentation on road salt with Lower Merion EAC, Jenkins Arboretum, and Trout Unlimited (December 18). - Aronimink Golf Club Clear-Cutting: Noted as a new business item, but no action was taken; the Council will monitor the situation. - Recycling and Waste Management: Dan plans to visit the public works building to understand the township’s waste and recycling processes. - Municipal Energy Conservation: Sven reported that from March 1 to August 18, 2025, electric vehicle charging stations saved 7.7 metric tons of CO2 emissions compared to gasoline. The police department and public works will consider electric vehicles and landscaping equipment for 2026. LED lighting was installed at township buildings, and solar panel installations for the roof and public works building are expected to be completed by spring 2026. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: The August 20, 2025 meeting minutes were approved unanimously by members present (Dan, Donell, Ben, Bess, and Sven joining later). - Donations Approved: The Council voted unanimously to donate $500 to the Radnor Memorial Library Seed Library and $250 to support a garden/nature club at local elementary schools (STEELS books purchase). - Budget: The EAC’s 2026 budget proposal of $15,000 was previously supported in August. Current 2025 balance is $1,825, with $1,106 in pending expenses (including the two donations), leaving approximately $700. The Council seeks additional speakers for the remainder of the year to utilize allocated funds. - Upcoming Events: - Wayne Business Association Fall Festival (September 21, 12–4 PM) – EAC table staffed by Laura Lucer. - Owl Encounter & Night Hike at the Willows (November 14, 7–9:30 PM; rain date November 15). - Delaware County Household Hazardous Waste Collection (October 11, registration required). - Treefest (October 26) at the Willows. - Next Steps: Dan will contact Kathy Agnew to request a presentation to the Board of Commissioners on the gas leaf blower ban. Bess and Sven will draft short articles for township social media on fall planting and “Leave the Leaves.” Dan will seek detailed suggestions from members on amending the grass height ordinance.

The Radnor Township Board of Health met on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 5:30 PM. The board approved June minutes, received a communicable disease update, launched the student intern recruiting season, welcomed a new school liaison, and reviewed county public health activities. Consent Calendar - Motion to approve the June 9, 2025 Board of Health meeting minutes was made, seconded, and approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Health Dates: The chair noted National Suicide Prevention Week was September 8–14, 2025, and World Patient Safety Day is September 17, 2025; the return to school was highlighted as a community health milestone. - Communicable Disease Update: Board member Dave reported influenza background activity remains very low nationally, with no local quantitative surveillance; he recommended flu vaccination and advised that vaccination in early-to-mid October is generally optimal unless a local uptick appears earlier. CDC data indicate vaccine protection lasts roughly 4.5 to 5.5 months. - Bird Flu: Surveillance for avian influenza in animals was moved from CDC to USDA and is voluntary; the virus is endemic in wild birds, with no alarming poultry or dairy outbreaks and no new human cases since the last meeting. Dave cited public health experts, including Mike Osterholm, warning that the U.S. remains poorly prepared for a future pandemic. - RSV: Based on ACIP/CDC guidance, RSV vaccine is recommended for adults 75 and older, and adults 50–75 with risk factors including lung disease, heart disease, immunodeficiency, diabetes, BMI over 40, neurologic disease, neuromuscular disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, or chronic hematologic disorders. Because protection is long-lived, vaccination now makes sense; parents should consult pediatricians for children. - COVID: Another summer COVID peak occurred—the smallest since the pandemic began—peaking around the end of June. Peaks in cases, ER visits, hospitalizations, and deaths were all small relative to prior years. Vaccination decisions are complicated by unresolved questions about who should pay and lack of data on current strains; long-haul COVID risk is not captured in current risk evaluations. Board members noted high COVID activity anecdotally in workplaces and hospitals; hand washing, avoiding face-touching, nasal saline, N95 masks, and testing were discussed. Delaware County offers free COVID testing at clinics and kiosks with results usually within 48 hours. - Student Intern Program: The board plans to host two student interns for the 2025–2026 school year. Radnor High School students were invited through Schoology; applications are due September 22, 2025, and applicants will be notified the week of October 6, 2025. One application had been received as of the meeting. The chair recused from screening because her daughter attends the high school. Three members volunteered to review applications; two members volunteered to mentor. - 2025–2026 Planning: No speaker program was scheduled for this meeting. Members were encouraged to suggest 10–15 minute community-focused health topics; a June talk on GLP-1 agonists received positive feedback and could be built upon. - School Liaison: Jenny Lasage has retired as the board's school liaison. Kate Jumper, Radnor's supervisor of student services under Director Kara Miller, attended as the new liaison; she is based in central administration behind the middle school and will relay school health concerns such as illnesses, vaping, and alcohol use. - County Update: The last Delaware County health meeting was June 12, 2025, and the next is expected later in September. The county's annual epidemiology report compared 20 townships: substance abuse deaths are higher in the county than the rest of Pennsylvania; Upper Darby ranked first for coronary heart disease and cancer deaths; Radnor ranked 10th for coronary heart disease. County community health improvement plan goals include reducing substance abuse and decreasing breast cancer deaths; a planned Jefferson mobile mammography program has been slowed by shortages. County health data are on the county website but can be buried in presentations. Public Comments & Testimony - No in-person public comments were made. An emailed public comment was received; it will be included in the meeting report and addressed at the next meeting. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved unanimously. - Intern application review and mentoring assignments were made. - Next meeting scheduled for October 20, 2025, at 5:30 PM, when the emailed public comment will be addressed.

The Radnor Township Design Review Board (DRB) met at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in the Radnorshire Room. The board approved the August 13, 2025 meeting minutes, reviewed one old-business item and eight new applications, continued one application, and deferred portions of two others pending additional information. Consent Calendar - Motion to approve the August 13, 2025 DRB meeting minutes was made, seconded, and approved by voice vote. Old Business - DRB 2024-55 - Life Cycle Wellness, 918 County Line Road (approved): Kate McHugh, Executive Director of Life Cycle Wellness Birth Center, requested approval for a monument sign change after the center changed its name last summer. The new sign has a white background, includes the street address, is repositioned about 10 feet back from the curb, and is visible from both eastbound and westbound County Line Road. It is not electrically lit; only small solar lights are used. The board approved the relocated monument sign. Discussion Items - DRB 2025-53 - RMS, 57 West Avenue (sign and facade approved; fence deferred): Mike Phillips of RMS presented a two-part proposal at 57 West Avenue. The freestanding ground sign would be replaced in the same location with a 60-inch by 48-inch sign, or 20 square feet of sign area, below the 60-square-foot maximum. It would be solid black with the logo and address, face-lit with low-voltage LED landscape lighting rather than internally lit. The facade renovation would add larger windows, replace two doors with one wider door and sidelights, remove awnings, and update light sconces while touching up the existing building color. The applicant also proposed a 96-inch-tall cedar visual-break fence extending about 12 feet from the building to screen an adjacent AT&T utility lot. Zoning staff advised that a fence over 72 inches would require a variance, so the board approved the sign and facade but excluded the 96-inch fence; the applicant is expected to resubmit revised plans next month. - DRB 2025-54 - Trianon, 4 Chalus Lane (approved): Dennis McLaughlin of Denron Sign Company proposed replacing two carved signs at the Trianon community entrances. The new signs would have black backgrounds with 23-karat gold leaf lettering and logo, be single-sided, have no lighting, and be set in concrete. The proposed height was reduced from 76 inches to comply with the 72-inch maximum. The board approved the two signs at 72 inches. - DRB 2025-55 - Wayne Fine Arts, 122 East Lancaster Avenue (approved): A representative of Wayne Fine Art and Framing requested changing the existing blue awning to black-and-white stripes by re-wrapping the same frame, with no wording changes. The board approved the awning color change. - DRB 2025-56 - Villanova University/Cabrini Grace Hall, 610 King of Prussia Road (approved): Scott Cousin, an architect representing Villanova, presented exterior renovations for Grace Hall, which is being renovated internally into a student center. Exterior work includes patching and repairing stone, stucco, half-timbering, and terracotta roof tiles; infilling an unused door; replacing skylights; replacing exterior lighting with Villanova standard fixtures at two main entrances; and painting wood trim and stucco. The board discussed the paint scheme: an earlier stark white-and-black concept was replaced with a brown/stone palette consistent with nearby Widener Hall. The applicant agreed to submit paint chips with the permit. - DRB 2025-57 - Villanova University, 800 East Lancaster Avenue (approved): Hallie Ammons, Villanova's Assistant Director for Government and Community Relations, presented a proposed carved marble memorial on a stone base in front of John Barry Hall on Mendel Field to honor Villanovans who served and passed. One board member asked how the list of names was compiled and noted a local World War II connection. The board approved the memorial. - DRB 2025-58 - Philadelphia Print Shop, 122 West Lancaster Avenue (continued): The applicant was not present, so the board continued the wall-sign application to the next meeting. - DRB 2025-59 - Radnor Racquet Club, 175 King of Prussia Road (approved): Owner Lloyd Goodman and architect Craig Miller presented a multi-part improvement plan: replacing a north-side ballroom roof with gray architectural shingles, stucco side walls, and clear-story glazing; replacing a tarp canopy over the existing walkway with a glass/aluminum-framed canopy using hanger rods instead of support posts; installing small lights under the canopy; removing two underground liquid propane tanks and installing one 1,000-gallon above-ground LP tank; adding a covered staging area with a retaining wall, concrete stairs, walk, and handrail; adding an 11-foot by 17-foot second-floor office extension; and installing two new storage sheds approximately 10 feet by 16/18 feet. The board asked that the office addition be added to the written application description when the permit is submitted. The motion approved the canopy, above-ground LP tank, new paving, retaining wall with metal-framed roof, two storage sheds, new shingle roofing, and paint. - DRB 2025-60 - 192-196 Landover Road (facade approved; signage and ADA ramp deferred): Andrew Moore, general contractor, presented a facade renovation for three addresses. The property will include Brood (Brynmar Beverage, at 194-196) and Distilled (a new takeout wine/spirits store, at 192). The facade plan includes relocating power lines, black siding on the lower four feet, hardie panel with copper-colored dividers, an extended parapet, repaired exterior lighting, and two cut-out metal letter signs for Brood and Distilled. The applicant also proposed seven display boxes described as movie-theater-style signs for beer and deal advertisements and a concrete pad with an ADA ramp. The board approved the facade only. The signage, movie-theater-style display boxes, and ADA ramp were continued pending a site plan, demising/frontage dimensions per address, legal documentation of business names, and a zoning determination on whether the display boxes qualify as signage. One board member expressed concern about approving the movie-theater-style displays because they would advertise alcohol and be visible to children. Key Outcomes - Approved: August 13, 2025 minutes; Life Cycle Wellness sign change; RMS sign and facade excluding the fence; Trianon signs; Wayne Fine Arts awning; Grace Hall exterior renovations and lighting; Villanova memorial; Radnor Racquet Club improvements; 192-196 Landover Road facade only. - Continued: Philadelphia Print Shop wall sign; RMS 96-inch fence proposal; Landover Road signage and ADA ramp. - Next DRB meeting: October 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM. Applications for that meeting must be submitted on or before September 17, 2025.