Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Radnor public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in environment
Floodplain construction variance at 124 Poplar Avenue
A floodplain variance request for construction and grading at 124 Poplar Avenue. Building in a floodplain raises questions about drainage and neighbors' flood risk, which is why it needs special relief.
Municipal Solar and Energy Projects
Radnor's new rooftop solar panels at the Public Works and Municipal buildings are live and already avoiding over 23 tons of CO2, with LED building upgrades headed to bid in December. PECO bills should reflect energy credits.
Proposed Gas Leaf Blower Ban
Radnor is discussing phasing out gas-powered leaf blowers township-wide. That would mean quieter neighborhoods and less exhaust and dust in the air, but landscapers and homeowners who rely on the equipment would need to switch to electric alternatives.
Shade Tree Commission Funding
The volunteer-driven Shade Tree Commission asked for its first township funding: $20,000 to keep planting trees and maintaining riparian restoration projects. Its donation-funded account is nearly exhausted after planting 1,400+ trees since 2020. The request will be folded into the upcoming budget, where commissioners will decide.
Street tree survival tracking
Of 83 street trees planted in fall 2025 and spring 2026, 64 are alive and six are dead. The commission built a master spreadsheet so every future planting gets tracked the same way — and wants to compare mortality rates with other townships.
Grading Permits and Tree Removal Oversight
Commissioners discussed challenges with unpermitted tree removals on residential properties and debated adding a look-back period to the shade tree ordinance to improve enforcement.
Willows Riparian Repair Grant Budget and Maintenance
The first planting put in 72 container trees and 134 shrubs, with a second planting of 20–40 bare-root trees set for Nov. 8 and 14 — volunteers welcome. Filipone Park got a cleanup and pruning as well.
Open space reduction on the Roberts Road tract
The site is roughly 88% green today; the plan proposes 64% pervious area with the required 15% contiguous open space. Neighbors pressed hard on the loss.
Air Quality Monitoring and Diesel Pollution
The Board of Commissioners invited the EAC to present their proposal for a phased ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, with public town halls scheduled for April.
WearWell Textile Recycling Partnership
Radnor High School students co-founding WearWell proposed expanding textile recycling bins and increasing community awareness to divert clothing from landfills.
Exterior Lighting and Resident Impact
Monroe Muffler presented updated lighting plans and shielding to address light pollution concerns raised by nearby residents.
Native Plantings and Pollinator Corridors
The EAC is preparing for its annual native plant giveaway on May 2, distributing 2,500 perennial plugs packaged in pre-assembled bags to local residents to promote biodiversity.