Get info on county reassessment process Wednesday in Haverford

Delaware County a public informational meetings across the county to educate residents and answer questions regarding Delaware County’s Tax Reassessment Project from 1-2 p.m. April 4 at the Haverford Recreation Center/EverGreen Room, 9000 Parkview Drive, Haverford. Registration is not required.

In March 2017 Delaware County was ordered by the Court to conduct a countywide property tax reassessment, effective for the 2021 tax year. Delaware County Council contracted with Tyler Technologies Inc. in 2017 to provide real property appraisal services for the County’s 2020 general reassessment. The project, which is being implemented through the County Treasurer’s Office will utilize Tyler’s appraisal and street imaging services. Council also contracted with Eagleview to provide pictometry imagery of properties.

During the initial phase of this project, which began in December 2017, Tyler will provide the county with detailed, high-resolution street level images. Tyler will be photographing properties from inside white vans which will be clearly marked. The images will only be taken from the street and Tyler staff will not enter private property. To alleviate any privacy concerns images will not be taken of homeowners and/or children.

The reassessment project includes data gathering, verification of data, establishment of assessed values and an opportunity to appeal. The digital images will improve the quality of visual data used by the County and Tyler appraisers. The project will also allow verification and correction of address discrepancies. Additionally, the images will be helpful for emergency management recovery reports, necessary for state and federal assistance.

Tyler has concluded the gathering of street level images in Upper Darby Township, Haverford Township, East Lansdowne Borough and Yeadon Borough. Street level images began to be gathered on Feb. 26 in Radnor Township, Marple Township, Lansdowne Borough, Clifton Heights Borough, Aldan Borough, Collingdale Borough and Sharon Hill Borough beginning Feb. 26.

Tyler staff will be in Delaware County throughout the reassessment process, concluding in 2020. During the duration of the project Tyler will be in communication with the County, providing county officials and local law enforcement updates on current collection locations and expected duration.

Eagleview will be providing Delaware County with aerial imagery, known as pictometry. The process, beginning in the spring will include plane based aerial collection of both orthogonal (straight down), and oblique imagery (birds-eye view) of the entire county. The aerial imagery will benefit the reassessment project, enabling a more cost effective, and less invasive means of confirming building improvements on properties in the County. Aerial views will aid in determining which properties require further physical inspection or updates to records, and will be used throughout the project. In addition to the benefits to the reassessment project, the imagery will also benefit several other County departments ranging from planning to public safety.

A Reassessment Hotline has also been set up for residents to call with any questions or concerns: 610-891-5695.

Give input on Heinz project

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum will facilitate two public presentations to outline the proposed refuge hunt plan and seek public input on issues and concerns related to environmental assessment compatibility determination. The refuge proposes opening a public use hunt program for whitetailed deer. Hunting program objectives include providing a method of removing whitetailed deer from area populations and providing the public with quality, wildlife-oriented recreation.

The first presentation is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, April 30 at Ezekiel Baptist Church, 5701-39 Grays Ave., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The second presentation is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, May 4, at Tinicum Township Municipal Building, 629 N. Governor Printz Blvd., Essington.

The hunt plan, compatibility determination, and environmental assessment documents are available for review at www. fws.gov/refuge/John_Heinz

The public is encouraged to submit written comments Attn: Hunt Plan, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19153. Comments may be emailed to johnheinznwr@ fws.gov. Comments will be accepted until 3:30 pm on May 20th, 2018.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.

County receives state solar funds

Rep. Alex Charlton, R-165 of Springfield, and Sen. Tom McGarrigle, R-26 of Springfield, announced that the Commonwealth Finance Authority’s (CFA) Solar Energy Program has awarded Delaware County with over $996,000 in grant funds to be used for the purchase and installment of a solar photo voltaic system.

“I am thrilled to see these funds come home to Delaware County,” said Charlton. “This award will advance Pennsylvania’s role as a leader in renewable energy, and Delaware County’s initiative to develop clean energy.”

The proposed project includes installing a 864 kilowatt photo voltaic system on the roof of Lawrence Park Shopping Center. The solar panels will generate approximately 500 percent of the building’s energy use.

“We want Pennsylvania to promote clean, modern communities that are built to thrive in the 21st century, and that means embracing the latest, efficient energy technology,” said McGarrigle. “I am pleased to help announce this state funding for such an important local project.” The total cost $1,992,236. The grant is made possible through the Solar Energy Program of the Commonwealth Financing Authority, which authorized the projects today. Specifically, the program offers financial assistance in the form of loans and grants that are used by eligible applicants to promote the generation and use of solar energy and the manufacture or assembly of solar equipment in the Commonwealth. The program is administered jointly by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA). is for this project

Centenarian luncheon set for May 23

MEDIA » Delaware County Council is searching for centenarians to honor at its 16th annual Centenarian Luncheon, set for Wednesday, May 23. Any county resident turning 100 or older in 2018 is welcomed to attend the luncheon at the Drexelbrook Banquet Center.

Last year, 64 centenarians attended the luncheon and staff of the County of Delaware Services for the Aging (COSA) visited 11 additional centenarians in the community.

Centenarians and one guest are admitted for free. Additional guests may purchase tickets for $25 each. Guests also receive a commemorative photo from the day along with a special proclamation from Delaware County Council. The organization or facility that brings the most centenarians to the luncheon receives a cash prize.

For information and registration, call Debbie Hedgepeth at 610-872-1406.

Women Dems’ scholarships open

The Women’s Democratic Club of Delaware County provides several scholarship opportunities for local women each year. Two scholarships are currently available; one for a high school senior and one for a college junior. Applicants must be residents of Delaware County.

The application deadline is May 4. For full criteria and other information, visit www. delcowomendems.com or email Janet Lis at jmlis@aol.com

New senior classes exercise

DARBY » Senior Community Services’ Friendship Circle Senior Center, located on the campus of Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital of St. Bernard Hall, is growing its exercise classes for individuals ages 60-plus. The center offers a class, Total Body Fitness, where participants use light weights and bands to work the muscles needed to accomplish everyday living tasks. The class is held weekly at 1 p.m. Tuesdays. Cost is $2 for each session and there are incentives for free classes. For information on this class and other exercise classes, email dshumacher@scs-delco.org