Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Radnor public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
28 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stryker EMS Equipment Acquisition
The township proposed purchasing nearly $844,000 in advanced EMS equipment, including monitors, automated CPR devices, stretchers, and stair chairs, using a 7-year zero-interest payment plan. Commissioners tabled the vote to examine the physical equipment firsthand.
Villanova University Parking and Connelly Center Expansion Review
Villanova University and township engineers are at odds over how to calculate parking requirements for the Connelly Center expansion based on an older zoning code. The dispute centers on whether office parking ratios should be applied per building or lumped together campus-wide.
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.
Zoning Code Amendments for Nonconforming Uses
The township enacted an ordinance overhauling regulations for nonconforming uses, structures, and lots to provide clearer legal protections and remove registration fees.
Fenimore Woods Park Renovations and Grant Funding
Staff provided a positive progress report on the Fenimore Woods stable restoration, noting construction is on track for a summer opening. The board also discussed the need for broader capital funding for other park maintenance needs, such as the Fenimore Woods pond.
Historic District Architectural Oversight
The review board evaluated and approved eight residential modification requests to ensure exterior changes comply with historic preservation standards in Wayne.
Creutzberg Center Renovation and Architectural Services
The township is weighing a major multi-million dollar overhaul of the historic Creutzberg Center, leased to Main Line School Night, though commissioners pumped the brakes on approving a $491,200 design contract until they inspect the property firsthand.
Commercial Signage Standards and Visual Clutter
Flagship Carwash sought extensive new signage including wall signs, pole signs, pay lane signs, and vacuum station graphics. The board expressed concerns over sign sizes, heights, and excessive red coloring, continuing several elements for redesign.
Restaurant Parking Relief at 385 W. Lancaster Ave.
Voracious Enterprises sought parking variances to open a restaurant in a former DeBruno Brothers space, utilizing a shared parking agreement with a nearby farmers market.
Oak Hill Project Revised Land Development Plan
The developers of the Oak Hill continuing care retirement community on Eagle Road are adjusting their site layout to improve building entryways and traffic flow. The changes require variances to disturb small bands of man--made steep slopes.
Wayne Post Office Roof Lighting and Unpermitted Work
The post office secured conditional approval for roof floodlights, but officials flagged that the underlying roof replacement was done without proper township permits.
Commercial EV Charging Infrastructure Proposal
Radnor Crossing Apartments wants to install electric vehicle charging stations, raising questions about how commercial EV hubs fit into local parking rules and signage standards. Because these stations take up parking spots and feature brand signage, the board referred the project to the zoning hearing board to establish clear guidelines.
Senior Daily Check-In Software Service
Radnor Township is partnering with the Wayne Senior Center and ConfirmOK, LLC to offer automated daily phone check-ins for senior citizens and vulnerable residents aging in place. Half of the $650 monthly cost will be covered by the senior center, creating a safety net that alerts emergency services or staff if check-ins are missed.