Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Radnor public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues with high priority
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.
Residential Setback Variances and Neighborhood Character
Three separate requests for relief from residential setbacks: a rear addition on Moscia Lane, a pergola on Barcladen Circle, and a two-story addition on King of Prussia Road. These show how often existing homes bump up against zoning limits.
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.
Building Energy Benchmarking Ordinance
A finalized ordinance would require large building owners to track and report energy use. It could be introduced November 30 and adopted by the Board of Commissioners on December 14.
Agnes Irwin temporary classrooms during renovation
The school will place modular learning cottages on campus green space for one school year while renovating its Middle and Upper School interiors. The units are set back 120 feet from Ithan Avenue and screened by trees, and the school held neighbor meetings ahead of the request.
Proposed Data Center Zoning Ordinance
Radnor is getting ahead of data center development by drafting rules: limiting them to the PLO district, capping building coverage, requiring noise limits, decommissioning plans and annual compliance checks. A second draft comes back after commissioner and public input.
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.
Spring Tree Planting & Fundraising Campaign
All 35 subsidized bare-root trees for residents sold out fast. Pickup is Nov. 12–13, and everything should be in the ground by Nov. 20, with commission members helping install.
2027 Preliminary Operating and Capital Budget
Township Manager Bill White rolled out the draft 2027 budget: no real estate tax increase proposed, a possible sewer fee bump from $13.46 to $14, and a likely stormwater fee increase to cover new bond debt. Adoption is expected December 14, with workshop dates in November.
Parking Space and Width Variances at 105 N. Aberdeen Avenue
A proposed coffee shop and community foundation headquarters requested significant parking variances, sparking pushback from a neighboring shopping center over potential overflow parking issues.
Communicable Disease Monitoring and West Nile Virus
The board reviewed regional health data, noting an increase in influenza B cases in local schools while COVID-19 and RSV trends remain stable.
Road Salt Contamination in Local Streams and Tap Water
The board explored water quality concerns, including road salt and heavy metal runoff affecting local streams and tap water. Members discussed potential collaborations with the Environmental Advisory Council to pursue filtration and mitigation strategies.
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Ordinances
Board members discussed developing a local municipal ordinance to prevent lead poisoning, noting Radnor's older housing stock. They are partnering with student interns and water utilities to check service lines and raise public awareness.
Chamounix Road Traffic and Safety
Residents pressed the traffic engineer on adding hundreds of daily trips to a narrow, hilly, 25-mph road with no sidewalks, a low railroad bridge, school bus stops, and popular running routes. The engineer's own tables show 547 to 1,114 estimated new daily trips against about 2,300 today.
Stormwater Management for Downtown Infill Development
Neighbors with existing overflowing storm drains questioned whether new buildings and driveways on steep slopes will worsen runoff. The engineer said basins will detain water so rates don't increase, but detailed calculations haven't been done yet.