Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Radnor public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
48 issues with medium priority
Commercial Signage Standards on Lancaster Avenue
A continued appeal seeking taller-than-allowed wall signs at 363 West Lancaster Avenue in the commercial-office district. Taller signs can improve business visibility but also shape the look of the corridor.
Radwyn Apartments Development Plan, Landover Road
A development plan for the Radwyn Apartments on Landover Road is coming before the council as new business. Environmental impacts — likely stormwater, trees and shade-tree ordinance issues — will be part of the conversation.
Delaware County open space bond referendum
County voters will decide on a $120 million line of credit for land conservation — protecting drinking water, wildlife habitat, trails and parks. The average homeowner (about a $400,000 home) would pay roughly $24 a year.
Radnor School District administration building renovation
The district is renovating its 1901 administration building at 135 S. Wayne Ave — new windows, masonry repair, an accessible front ramp, landscaping, and a multi-purpose room infilling the courtyard. Construction runs summer 2027 to summer 2028.
Holiday Parking Suspension
The township is making the West Avenue and South Wayne lots free for December and January and suspending paid parking township-wide on Saturdays in December to draw shoppers downtown. It costs about $6,000 in forgone revenue but supports local businesses during the holidays. Just remember: it's temporary and ends February 1.
Skunk Hollow Trail Emergency Safety Markers
The township is considering decommissioning the Brooke Farm Trail over safety conditions and access concerns. Trail users could lose a recreational resource, so this discussion will matter to neighbors who use it.
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.
Brooke Farm Trail Safety and Decommissioning
The township is considering decommissioning the Brooke Farm Trail over safety conditions and access concerns. Trail users could lose a recreational resource, so this discussion will matter to neighbors who use it.
Shade Tree Commission Website Relaunch
The old Shade Tree site now redirects to the township's new site, and most fixes from a full content review are live. Once broken images and links are patched, the commission will review and then promote it.
Resident-requested removal of right-of-way trees
A Radnor Valley Road resident wants healthy sweet gum trees on the right-of-way removed because gumballs pile up and pedestrians have twisted ankles. The commission wouldn't condemn healthy trees for fruit drop, but is exploring a policy that would let residents pay to remove their own street trees under the same replacement rules as private trees.
Stormwater Authority appointments
Five members were appointed to the new Stormwater Authority, which can set stormwater fees. Commissioner Agnew opposes the authority itself but voted for the people; staggered one-to-five-year terms were assigned alphabetically per state law.
Election Guide
Get ready for the 2026 midterms with this handy guide covering your ballot options and where to vote in Radnor. It's a quick way to make sure your voice is heard without having to dig through confusing government websites.
Impervious Coverage Variance at 407 Midland Avenue
Homeowners Jennifer and Edward Brennan are seeking permission to keep an existing stone patio that pushes their property's impervious coverage slightly above the legal limit.
Dimensional Variance for Front Stairs at 621 Heather Lane
Hiromi and Steve Ciarrochi need zoning relief to expand their back patio and redesign front steps that encroach into the right-of-way area.
New Board of Health Member Appointments
The board was scheduled to evaluate three prospective candidates for membership.
Utilities: water, sewer, and electric grid capacity
Residents asked whether a 225-unit community will strain the local power grid — where outages are common — and water pressure. The engineer said PECO and the water company do their own assessments and the applicant pays for needed upgrades.
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.
Institutional Zoning Dispute
Valley Forge Military College is thinking about packing up and leaving Radnor Township after clashing with local officials over zoning rules. If they actually pull out, it's going to completely change the look and feel of the neighborhood.
Proposed EMS substation on the Waverly property
The applicant disclosed that the Township has asked to build an EMS substation on the site — a use permitted by right, not part of the zoning application. Residents were told the Township will separately inform the community.
Town Square Development
Locals are seriously doubting whether the proposed Wayne Commons town square project is actually going to pan out. If you spend time shopping or hanging out in Wayne, get ready for a major shift in the local vibe and downtown layout.
Small Cell Wireless Telecommunications Equipment
Crown Cellular/T-Mobile proposed small cell wireless antennas on existing utility poles on Landover Road and Coopertown Road to improve local cell coverage.
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.
Neighbor Dispute and Code Enforcement at 506 Chaumont Drive
A resident expressed deep frustration over alleged unpermitted grading and property damage caused by a next-door neighbor, criticizing township staff for inaction and lax enforcement.
Exterior Lighting and Resident Impact
Monroe Muffler presented updated lighting plans and shielding to address light pollution concerns raised by nearby residents.
Neighborhood Traffic and Parking Restrictions
Commissioners reminded residents of upcoming primary election polling place changes, including the move of Mullen Center voters to Radnor Elementary and Ward 5 voters to Ithan Elementary. Residents were also warned of heavy traffic due to Villanova University graduation.
Residential Conversion at 823 Glenbrook Ave.
Property owners received approvals to convert an underutilized commercial storage space into two additional residential apartments, creating a four-unit building near Bryn Mawr Hospital.
Highland Avenue Handicap Parking and Fire Hydrant Enforcement
A resident requested a handicap parking space on Highland Avenue, and staff noted illegal parking near a nearby fire hydrant requiring enforcement.
Creation of Township Public Art Commission
A new Public Art Commission is being established to explore public art programs, engage residents, and beautify township spaces.
Board of Commissioners Meeting Updates
Radnor’s commissioners met, got committee updates, and unanimously passed a routine consent agenda. No drama—just the usual township business moving forward. It matters because these low-key meetings are where local services and spending decisions get queued up.
Bellevue Avenue Hazardous Trees and Streetscape
A resident requested street tree plantings along Bellevue Avenue near the AT&T property, prompting coordination between township staff and property management.
Accessory In-Law Suite Kitchen Permitting
Homeowners on Radnor Valley Drive successfully secured permission to build an in-law suite with a full kitchen for aging parents, backed by a promise not to turn it into a rental.
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.
Evaluation of Federal Dietary Guidelines and Food Pyramid
Board members discussed the updated federal food pyramid and nutritional guidelines, weighing the messaging around whole foods, lean proteins, and processed items.
Main Line School Night Facility Support
The township approved up to $20,000 in funding for facility upgrades at Main Line School Night, including fire suppression, acoustic panels, and lighting improvements.
Community Events Recycling Ordinance
The township is updating its solid waste code to require recycling at public community events, which is a mandatory step to qualify for a state recycling grant.
Residential Fencing and Gate Variances at 12 Welwyn Road
Homeowners sought permission to install an oversized driveway gate and a deer fence with wooden posts instead of metal. Neighbors supported the project, citing aesthetics and recent security concerns, though some board members debated wildlife management and child safety.
Garage Addition at 234 E. Beechtree Lane
A proposed garage addition to a historic Horace Trumbauer-designed home, navigating corner lot setbacks and material matching.
Rental Property Fee Administration and Online Payment
A long-time property owner raised concerns about paper-based rental permit forms, lost mail, and steep late fees, requesting modern online payment and form submission options.
Man-Made Steep Slope Disturbances for Life Care Facility at Eagle Road
Rockwell Radnor LLC received approval to disturb a small fraction of man-made steep slopes to refine the site circulation and building placement for an approved senior living community.
Villanova and Cabrini Campus Security Fencing
Villanova University proposed a 1,700-foot security fence along Eagle Road for its Cabrini campus. The board reviewed the materials and approved the black powder-coated aluminum fence.
Transition to Pay-by-Plate Parking
The township is transitioning its metered parking system from pay-by-space to pay-by-plate due to vendor software termination. The change aims to streamline operations and eliminate the need for painting space numbers.
Commercial Parking Reduction at 110 Gallagher Road
A local commercial property needed permission to reduce required parking spaces by eight because a new spa tenant's hours won't conflict with existing businesses like a Pilates studio.
Restaurant Food Safety Inspections
A review of recent county food inspections showed excellent scores at some local eateries, while noting common infractions such as missing refrigerator thermometers and unnotified specialized food preparation methods.
Emerson Group Exterior Renovations at 420 E. Lancaster
The Emerson Group proposed exterior office renovations matching their nearby project. The board approved the plans with a recommendation to consider varying the color palette.
Police Cellebrite Digital Forensics Equipment Purchase
The police department is purchasing Cellebrite software and hardware for $20,995 to extract data from cell phones and tablets locally, cutting down on months-long county and federal backlogs.
Historic Preservation and Architectural Standards at 407 Midland Avenue
Homeowners are planning a major garage studio addition and kitchen roof modification for a historic stone home. The board reviewed exterior materials, design scale, and window styles to ensure changes match the historic neighborhood character.
Fire Department Leadership
Radnor Township just got a brand-new Fire Chief, James Smith. He's stepping in to lead the local fire department and keep everyone safe.
Emergency Services Leadership
Radnor Township just hired its very first Fire & EMS Chief, shaking up how local emergency services are managed. This new leadership aims to streamline operations and response times across the community.