Radnor Township · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Radnor public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Agnes Irwin temporary classrooms during renovation
Agnes Irwin School plans a Middle and Upper School renovation and wants temporary "learning cottages" on green space by the Lower School for one academic year. Neighbors near S. Ithan Avenue may notice the modular units and the school is proposing to minimize impacts on parking and circulation.
2027 Preliminary Operating and Capital Budget
The commission's pitch to the Board of Commissioners is set for Nov. 9, projecting a $14,000 balance going into next year plus a continued Channel Clear donation. The pitch highlights how the commission supports the township's state stormwater (MS4) obligations.
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.
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.
Community Grant Program Establishment
The township awarded its first-ever round of community grants — $100,000 split among recipients chosen from 18 applications seeking nearly $380,000. A resident suggested posting future applications online for public input.
Proposed Data Center Zoning Ordinance
Radnor is getting ahead of data center development by defining the use, limiting it to the PLO district, capping size, and requiring noise, decommissioning and financial-security standards. Commissioners and residents raised concerns about noise setbacks and developer bankruptcy risk.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Residential Setback Variances and Neighborhood Character
A homeowner on Camp Woods Road received approval to expand their house, accommodating a growing family and aging parents despite a tight corner lot.
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.
Building Energy Benchmarking Ordinance
Radnor is considering adopting a regional building energy benchmarking program that requires commercial, institutional, and municipal buildings over a certain size to report energy use. The program aims to track efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and encourage energy upgrades.
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.
Chamounix Road Traffic and Safety
Residents requested speed humps and a crosswalk light system following a pedestrian accident, prompting staff to consult PennDOT.
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.
Lancaster Avenue Traffic Adaptive System
The township reviewed the performance of the newly installed traffic adaptive signal system along Lancaster Avenue, which aims to improve main corridor traffic flow while residents adjust to changing signal cycles.
Retail Pet Store Animal Sales Ban
The township is moving to ban commercial retail sales of pets, expanding the rule to cover all species from dogs and cats to rabbits, birds, and reptiles to prevent inhumane breeding.
Shade Tree Ordinance Lookback Criteria
The commission is reviewing a proposed ordinance amendment that would introduce a 3 to 5-year look-back period to account for tree removals prior to grading permit applications, aiming to prevent premature clearing by developers.
Corporate Headquarters Expansion and Use Change at 418 E. Lancaster Ave.
The Emerson Group requested special exceptions to convert a non-conforming commercial building into corporate office space and to expand the structure with a sloped roof. The board permitted the use change but rejected the roof expansion due to parking and architectural discrepancies.
Proposed Gas Leaf Blower Ban
The Environmental Advisory Council proposed a phased ban on gas-powered leaf blowers to reduce severe air pollution and noise. Residents raised concerns about the economic burden on small landscaping businesses and seniors, leading to upcoming town halls in April.
Departmental Reorganization and Creation of Fire & Rescue Department
Radnor is overhauling its administrative structure by combining the Engineering and Community Development departments, moving IT under Finance, and creating a dedicated Fire & Rescue Department with an official Fire/EMS Chief.
Lancaster Avenue Commercial Redevelopment and Auto Repair Expansion
3D Body Works received approval to consolidate three commercial parcels and modernize its auto repair facility, replacing vacant retail and restaurant spaces with upgraded buildings and improved parking layouts.
Daycare Facility Establishment at Radnor Corporate Center
Little Eagle Daycare secured zoning relief to open a new childcare facility at 100 Matsonford Road, helping address regional waitlists for infant and toddler care.
Brookside Avenue Sidewalk and Trail Connection
The board approved a budget amendment transferring $250,000 in previous Penn Medicine donations to fund a new Radnor Trail entrance near Brookside Avenue, creating safer pedestrian access.
Signage and Fence Variances for Wawa at 302-306 East Lancaster Avenue
Wayne Property Acquisition sought extensive sign, wall, and fence height variances for the new Wawa gas station and convenience store, reflecting long-running development plans.
Anthony Wayne Movie Theater Facade Renovations
The historic Anthony Wayne Theater is planning exterior updates and storefront replacements as it prepares to reopen. The design board reviewed and approved the initial exterior plans.
3 Meadowcrest Road Subdivision and Development Waivers
Neighbors pushed back hard against a plan to demolish an existing home and build two oversized houses on a narrow private road. Commissioners agreed that the local infrastructure couldn't handle the extra density and denied the project's waivers.
Stormwater Management for Downtown Infill Development
Developers of 118-120 North Wayne Avenue proposed a green roof to manage stormwater on a 100% impervious lot, but commissioners urged them to look at higher-capacity retention systems. Because downtown Wayne lacks robust underground stormwater conveyance, managing runoff effectively without overwhelming neighboring properties is a major hurdle for new downtown projects.
Sign Code Interpretation and Amendment
Several local businesses sought sign approvals ahead of an upcoming township ordinance vote that will adjust size allowances. The Design Review Board implemented conditional approvals to streamline the process once the ordinance passes.
Mountain Biking Trails and Skills Parks Proposal
The Delco Revolution Mountain Biking Team pitched expanding mountain biking trails and pump tracks in Radnor parks, sparking a debate between youth sports advocates and nearby homeowners worried about safety, erosion, and trail crowding.
Responsible Contractor Requirements for Fee Waivers
The board updated contractor rules so that any large institution asking for fee waivers on major construction projects must use responsible contractors who provide certified apprenticeship and safety training.
Plastic Bag Ban
Radnor Township's new plastic bag ban starts today, meaning you'll need to remember your reusable bags for all your local errands. It's a quick shift in routine, but one that means trading single-use plastic at checkout for sustainable carrying.