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.
Public Safety and Police Response
Residents and council members discussed recent local violent crimes, police staffing, and public safety committee initiatives.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.