Upper Darby Township · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Upper Darby public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Fire Station 74 and Volunteer Fire Funding
Council members raised serious concerns regarding long-standing municipal fueling arrangements and billing disputes involving the Garrettford Fire Company and township paramedic services, prompting calls for a formal investigation.
Debt Reimbursement Resolution for Real Property Acquisition
The township is issuing new general obligation bonds to fund capital improvement projects and refinancing older 2021 debt to save on interest. Residents questioned the exact financial impacts, interest rate caps, and the lack of a bond rating during public hearings.
Proposed FY2027 Township Budget and Fee Increases
The township proposed a $97.7 million budget for fiscal year 2027 that keeps real estate taxes flat but introduces a $100 increase to annual trash fees and a 30% sewer fee hike to establish self-sustaining enterprise funds. Residents and council members questioned the long-term sustainability and impact on fixed-income homeowners.
Preservation of the Mozino Forest
Activists and residents urged council to protect the Mozino Forest and provide updates on conservation efforts.
Rat Infestations and Sanitation Services
Residents reported severe rat infestations and missed trash collections, demanding better municipal services and property maintenance.
Public Safety and Police Response
Residents and council members discussed recent local violent crimes, police staffing, and public safety committee initiatives.
School District Schedule Proposal
Council members expressed opposition to the school district's proposed four-day school week and planned collaborative talks.
Immigration Enforcement and Local Services
Residents and council discussed a proposed policy preventing local police from cooperating with civil immigration enforcement by ICE. Supporters urged council to pass stronger protections, while some raised concerns about federal law compliance.
Municipal Pension Funding Obligations (2027 MMO)
Council approved the statutorily mandated minimum municipal pension obligation totaling nearly $13 million for police, fire, and municipal workers.
Property Maintenance Quick Ticket Program
The township introduced a new quick-ticket program to let inspectors hand out fines immediately for property violations like high grass and trash, aiming to clean up neighborhoods.
Lead Poisoning Prevention and Hazard Control
Council introduced a new ordinance requiring lead inspections and safety certifications for pre-1978 rental and childcare properties to protect children from lead poisoning.
MS4 Stormwater Permit Compliance
Residents voiced frustration over clogged storm drains, chronic flooding on Marshall Road and surrounding areas, and delayed maintenance.
El Car Wash Land Development Project
Developers presented plans to convert a vacant Rite Aid at 832 N. Lansdowne Ave into a modern car wash, promising stormwater improvements, tree planting, and local jobs.
Sewer Infrastructure and Storm Flooding
Residents highlighted ongoing stormwater flooding issues on Marshall Road and questioned the effectiveness of recent sewer fund investments.
Public Safety and Paramedic Staging
Council members and residents discussed ongoing traffic safety concerns, speeding on local roads, and efforts to establish a paramedic staging area.
Environmental Advisory Committee Formalization
Council advanced an ordinance to officially formalize the Environmental Advisory Committee, giving structured backing to local environmental volunteers.
Taxicab and Commercial Vehicle Parking Regulations
Taxicab drivers and union representatives asked Council to exempt yellow cabs from strict commercial vehicle parking restrictions, explaining that their vehicles serve as both family transportation and their sole source of income.
600 Garrett Road Mixed-Use Development
Residents strongly criticized proposed zoning changes and mixed-use developments along State Road and West Chester Pike, citing concerns over overpopulation, traffic congestion, and neighborhood character.
Eminent Domain Acquisition of Firehouse Property
The township voted to seize the Bywood fire station property via eminent domain after it was put up for sale, sparking intense debate about transparency, the treatment of volunteer firefighters, and municipal spending.
Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Action Plan
The township formally adopted Vision Zero to prioritize pedestrian and driver safety, aligning with countywide efforts to reduce traffic deaths and secure federal funding.
Youth Community Center and Teen Programs
Local teens and advocates spoke passionately about the need for a larger community center space and expanded youth programs.
FY2026 Capital Budget and General Obligation Bonds
Upper Darby is advancing an $83.5 million capital plan to replace aging fire trucks, repair infrastructure, upgrade parks, and meet stormwater mandates without overwhelming local taxpayers.
HUD Citizen Participation Plan Amendments
The township updated its HUD citizen participation rules to include French and Korean translations and a 14-day notice for public hearings.
Licenses & Inspections Department Modernization
L&I presented major operational upgrades, moving away from 40-year-old paper systems to digital tablets, online permits, and proactive street-by-street rental inspections.
Apartment Building Emergency Evacuation Support
Residents from Barkley Square Apartments spoke out about a major pipe burst during freezing weather that displaced vulnerable tenants. They called on the township to establish better emergency protocols and support for displaced renters.
New Public Comment Policy and Meeting Rules (Resolution No. 4-26 & Ordinance No. 2026-03)
Council approved new rules requiring public comments to be made in person and stay focused on local township business, while also allowing votes at both monthly meetings. Residents pushed back hard, claiming it restricts free speech and limits citizen oversight.
Winter Storm Recovery and Snow Removal
Residents voiced frustration over unplowed streets, lack of salt during freezing temperatures, and unmanaged snow emergency routes. Public Works Director Joe Martin and Police Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt explained the logistical challenges and severe temperature limits on salt effectiveness.
Interfund Borrowing for General Fund Cash Flow
Council approved borrowing up to $5 million from the Capital Reserve Fund to the General Fund to manage early-year cash flow before tax revenues arrive.
Fern Boulevard Parking Lease Agreement
The council is entering into a five-year lease for a private parking lot on Fern Boulevard, which will bring in shared revenue and add regulated parking spots to the local fee schedule.
Safe Haven Declaration
Upper Darby just made it official: the township is a safe haven for LGBTQ+ residents, strengthening local protections to make sure everyone feels welcome and secure. It's a clear statement that the city stands with its queer community against outside rollbacks.
Official Resignation
Upper Darby's parking enforcement director just quit after getting hit with criminal theft charges. It's a messy look for city hall and leaves a big leadership gap right where parking enforcement is managed.
Lawsuit Over Parking Tickets
Upper Darby is getting sued over how it handles parking tickets, which could shake up the whole system. If you live or park in the township, expect potential changes to ticket processing and fines soon.
Mayoral Election
City Council President Brian Burke is running for mayor as a Republican, setting up a major political race in Upper Darby. This campaign is going to shake up local leadership and will definitely be worth keeping an eye on.
Crime Data Reporting
An investigation revealed that Upper Darby has been quietly underreporting homicides to the state crime database. This serious drop in transparency makes local neighborhoods look safer than they actually are on paper.
Trash Collection Delay
Trash pickup in Upper Darby might be delayed by up to two weeks because a COVID-19 outbreak hit the sanitation department. You'll need to leave your bins out longer while the city hustles to cover the staffing shortage.
Policing Reform
Upper Darby is giving its police department a major makeover with new policies and reforms. If you live around here, get ready for some big changes in how local cops do their jobs.
Police Department Leadership
Upper Darby is losing Police Captain Thomas A. Johnson as he packs his bags to become the new police chief down in Dover, Delaware. This departure leaves a leadership gap in the local police department right as the township navigates its ongoing public safety priorities.
Municipal Embezzlement
An Upper Darby township employee just got busted for allegedly swiping over $216,000 in public cash. It's a wake-up call that our local government really needs to step up its financial oversight so our hard-earned tax dollars aren't wasted.