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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.