FRIENDS OF THE CHESTER CREEK BRANCH, INC.
2024 Annual Board Meeting
August 12, 2024 7:00 pm
Aston Community Center
Board Member Attendees:
Barry Pinkowicz (President), Ira Josephs (Vice President), John Paulson (Treasurer), Janilyn Pinkowicz (Membership Director/Secretary), Glen Clark (Project Manager), Mike Penzone (Maintenance Director), Lathish Vellingiri (Website Director), Samantha Kelly (Social Media Director)
T-shirts & Hats
T-shirts and hats were for sale prior to the meeting.
Meeting Called to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:09pm. Barry Pinkowicz provided the opening welcome to the annual meeting.
Meeting Minutes Approval:
Barry Pinkowicz requested approval of the minutes from the prior annual meeting on August 12, 2024. John Paulson made a motion, which was seconded by Ira Josephs to approve the minutes. Minutes were approved unanimously.
Board Member Indroduction:
Barry Pinkowicz introduced our current FOCCB Board Members that are all in
attendance and are on the ballot for re-election.
Election of the Officers:
Ira Josephs facilitated the “Election of Officers” for the FOCCB Board
Members. The Board has a total of eight volunteer Board Members. Ira
counted the proxy votes that were sent in via email and the votes that were
submitted during our annual meeting. All candidates on the slate were
approved per the proxy votes.
Treasurer Report:
Financial Report was presented by Treasurer, John Paulson. Revenues and
expenses were reviewed. This report is available upon request for review.
Glen Clark made a motion to approve the Treasurer Report. Ira Josephs
seconded the motion. Treasurer report was approved unanimously.
Accomplishments/Acknowledgements 2024/2025:
Barry Pinkowicz presented the accomplishments and the acknowledgements
for August 2024 through August 2025. They are as follows:
- Mile Marker Historical Sign was placed by the Mile Marker Post at the
Mount Alverno Trailhead. Please note that this sign is being redone
due to quality and printing issues. We are waiting on the sign company
to provide an update on when this will be placed on the trail. We will
leave the old one up until this is completed. - FOCCB completed the “Chester Creek Rails to Trails” Historical sign
which was placed between Mount Alverno and the ball field. This sign
was sponsored by the Delaware Valley Bicycle Club. We are very
thankful for their continued support throughout the years. We are
currently working on another historical sign, “Train Stations Along the
Chester Creek”. This sign will be sponsored by Middletown Historical
Society and will be placed at the Mount Alverno Trail head area since
this was where the Mount Alverno Train Station was located. There will
be two more historical signs placed after the Railroad sign is
completed. (Tentatively they will be “Mills Along the Chester Creek”.
However, this is still to be determined). - The on-going watering of the Nature Plant Project (sponsored by
Michael Lancellot) at the Mount Alverno Trailhead was continued for a
lengthy period of time. Special thanks to the Aston Township Fire
Department for delivering water and filling up our huge water
containers. Upon completion of watering the plants for this project, the
FOCCB Board made a donation to the Aston Township Fire
Department for their time and effort on multiple occasions. This was a
huge undertaking to the fire department, but it was also a huge cost
savings for the FOCCB due to all their efforts. - Also, a shout-out to Delaware County Parks for purchasing the mulch
for this area. Hollywood Landscaping provided the services and
manpower for mulching the area. - Our weed whacker got a lot of use on the trail in 2024/2025 and was
sent in for service and maintenance this year. - Graffiti was removed in several areas, including some rocks along the
trail, and on the wall in the tunnel of Knowlton Road.
• The wild Flower Garden was weeded and mulched near the
water/rocks between Mount Road and Parkmount Road. - Spraying of weeds: Unfortunately, the milkweed that was planted at
Mount Alverno Trailhead area for Monarch Butterflies was accidentally
sprayed and the plants died. Barry Pinkowicz is still working with the
company regarding this issue. There were “No Spray” signs placed in
this area when this occurred. However, he needs to work with them to
see if we need to wait a specific period of time before replanting. - Trail Day was postponed until the Spring. We will keep everyone
updated on social media and our website on this future event. - In regard to the Brick Fundraiser: Due to a lot of busy schedules and
price changes with the brick company we needed to postpone the
fundraiser until this upcoming Spring. We will start taking orders early
next year. We will post information once available on our website and
social media. Please note, there are limited spots available and there
may be a small price increase due to costs. - Thank you to Hollywood Landscaping for graciously volunteering their
time and services at our Mount Alverno Trailhead Garden area.
Several times a year they trim back bushes, weeds, and they also
mulch the area free of charge. We really appreciate their generosity
and support over the years. - Thank you to Donny Demutis and Delaware County Parks and
Recreation team for ongoing trail maintenance, emptying of the trash
cans, the cutting and removal of fallen trees, and for supplying the Dog
Station Bags. - Also, a shout-out to Pam Boone for going around to all of the dog
stations and replenishing the bags as needed. This is a tremendous
help, and we appreciate her efforts with the Chester Creek Trail. - We would also like to thank Middletown Township Land Conservancy
and their President Jason Zerweck, for their generous support and
contributions throughout the years. - A huge thank you to Philadelphia Trail Club. We would like to
recognize them for their generous support and contributions throughout
the years. - Special thanks to our guest speakers. Lou Hufnagle – Delaware
County Planning Department – Manager of Infrastructure, and also to
John McMullan – Township Manager of Middletown Township. We
appreciate them taking time out of their busy schedules to provide us
with the important updates on the trail and other trail projects. - To our members who have supported us for over 30 years and our
local community, a huge thank you! Without your support and
generosity over the years, we would not be the trail we are today! - I would also like to give a huge thanks to all of our Board Members.
They are all volunteers on the Board and they give so much of their
time and expertise to our non-profit organization. They truly give back
to the community to make this trail enjoyable for all! - A huge shout-out to Deb Paulson for always helping out at our Annual
Meeting and special events – We appreciate all she does to help out
the FOCCB Board.
FOCCB Board Member Projects:
Several of the FOCCB Board Members discussed projects and updates
throughout the year as well as current plans for future. Updates are listed
below.
Glen Clark, Project Manager
Glen spoke in reference to the following projects:
- Eagle Scout Projects
Glen has several Eagle Scout Projects in the queue which are currently
in the early stages. One project is to extend and install a post and-rail
fence along the edge of the native plant area at the Mount Alverno
Trailhead. Another project is to add a bicycle ramp next to the steps in
the parking area at the Mount Alverno Trailhead. Both projects will help
with safety issues and concerns. Delaware County Parks and
Recreation will supply the materials and funding for these projects. - Millings Project at Mount Alverno Parking Lot
Glen facilitated having the millings from various road projects
throughout Aston Township placed in the Mount Alverno Parking lot.
Glen then spoke to Middletown Twp and had them smooth out the
millings that were placed in this parking lot. This project has greatly
improved the surface of this parking area. - Shout Out to Donny DeMutis – Delaware County Parks & Rec
Glen mentioned Donny came out on a Sunday to take care of a tree
that had fallen on the trail – a big thank you to Delaware County. Also,
Glen advised that the public needs to be careful and mindful when you
see caution tape on the trail.
Mike Penzone, Maintenance Director
- Mike spoke regarding a project he was spearheading last year – the
Adopt a trail program. He advised that instead of this project, we have
pivoted to a “maintenance” stage for the trail. - In the Spring, Mike, along with other board members and volunteers,
weeded the areas around all of the benches as well as the brick area.
All of the benches were scrubbed and cleaned, and fine stone was
placed around all of the benches. - Next clean-up day will hopefully be in the fall. We are looking to do the
maintenance of swales that manage the storm water. - Mike has a potential Eagle Scout project with Middletown Twp Scout
Troop. Mike Penzone will get with Barry and Glen with further details
on this.
Samantha Kelly, Social Media Director
- Samantha mentioned the Chester Creek Trail has over 7,000 followers
and we are getting a lot of interaction on social media. - Samantha is facilitating a “dog picture contest” on our social media.
She said to send pictures of your dog’s enjoying our trail. Winner will
receive a free t-shirt. - Future events regarding the trail will be posted on social media. This
includes maintenance and cleanup events, annual meetings, etc. - Please feel free to share your pictures on the trail!
- Samantha said it is great having the connection to social media. This
creates a community atmosphere.
Lathish Vellingiri, Website Director
- Lathish manages our website, chestercreektrail.org. Lathish advised
that if you have any comments, updates, feedback, etc. for our website
to please let us know. You can reach out to us at
info@chestercreektrail.org
Ira Josephs, Vice President
- Ira has been involved with the Friends of the Chester Creek Board
since conception when Mike Fusco had the vision of building a rail trail
along the old abandoned rail line. - Many years ago, the PA Environmental Council (or someone else) put
on an open space event at Elwyn, where Ira met Mike. Mike then
started coming to the meetings Ira was holding for the Bike Coalition in
Delco and the rest is history. - Ira also spoke about his Involvement and activities with various bicycle
clubs and organizations. Before the trail work became public, Ira was
with the Delaware Valley Bicycle Club. - Ira’s involvement started when the Bicycle Coalition of Greater
Philadelphia decided they needed to branch out into the suburbs. Ira
volunteered to start a chapter in Delaware County. - In reference to building the trail, Ira said the most difficult part in the
beginning was having Septa speak with the Friends of the Chester
Creek. Andy Riley, who was with the Delaware County Council at that
time, was of great assistance with facilitating the talks between Septa
and the FOCCB. - Ira is currently with Bike Delco and Transition Town Greater Media
offering free bicycle valet service in Media for this event. He mentioned
that on Aug 27th there will be a flat tire fix demonstration at this event. - In addition, Ira is on the steering committee for Phase 4 Feasibility
Study. This study is for the purpose of linking Chester Township to the
Chester Creek Rail trail.
Guest Speakers:
John McMullan (Twp Manager of Middletown Twp)
- On December 5th,2024, Middletown Twp held a ribbon cutting for the
grand opening of the Mint Trail. The trail access is at the Cul-de-Sac on
Switchman Road (Franklin Station Development) and goes southwest
towards the Chester Creek (SEPTA rail bed) then turns North to the
SEPTA/Wawa Parking Garage. (Basically, a horseshoe). This section
of the trail is approximately 8 tenths of a mile. The section access off
Switchman Road is a mix of crushed stone and porous paving. - The Lenni portion of the Chester Creek Trail (Phase 3) will connect to
the Mint Trail which would be approximately 3/4 of a mile. - In addition, they are looking into acquiring additional parking for this
section of the trail off of Lenni Road. It would be approximately 40
parking spots. - Light engineering is underway for the Lenni section of the Trail.
- There is a property easement (acquisition pending in court) and the
owner has filed an appeal. We are waiting on the court date for the
Judge to review the argument. This property is needed to convert it
into the trail head on Lenni Road. - If the judge rules in favor of Middletown Twp, Middletown will turn over
the property to the County, and the County will then take ownership. - The Lenni Trail will connect to the Mint trail utilizing the culvert that is
running underneath the Septa Rail line. - Middletown Twp is in the process of a friendly easement/acquisition of
another property on Lenni Rd. - The last component is to take the Mint trail from Switchman Rd out to
route 452. Eventually, Middletown would like to connect Lenni Road to
Ridley Creek State Park. - Regarding lights at Lungren Road – Middletown would like to move the
pedestrian crossing traffic light out of the way of the tractor trailers that
pull into an industrial property. The County is currently waiting to hear
back from Penn Dot. Middletown is willing to move it, but they need
Penn Dot’s approval.
Lou Hufnagle, Manager of Infrastructure Delaware Planning Department
Phase 2 (From Creek Road to Bridgewater Road)
- Delaware County is finalizing the easements and permits needed for
this section of the trail. - The Dutton Mill Road Crossing requires a pedestrian signal. The
County will take care of the ownership of the crossing signal. In
addition, this will only start flashing if someone is physically at the
crossing. There will be an island in the center of the road so that
pedestrians can cross to the island safely and then finish crossing the
rest of the road. - January 15, 2026 light construction will begin for Phase 2. Heavy
construction will begin in 2027. - Phase 2 parking was discussed. Parking will be in the vicinity of
Endless Pools (but not on their property). There will be a separate
entrance off Dutton Mill Road to the parking lot. We received most of
the permits and permissions. There will also be a small parking area
off of Bridgewater Road. - Construction costs will be approximately 9 million dollars.
Phase 1 (From Lenni Road to Creek Road)
- The County is working on parking concerns at the Knowlton Road
trailhead. There has been a plan to enlarge it for quite some time. - The county is moving ahead on a design to add approximately 26 more
parking spaces. The grand total will be approximately 37 parking
spaces. - Construction was due to begin in the late fall. (However, since the
annual meeting there has been an update on this – the winning
bidder for the Knowlton parking lot expansion defaulted and the County
had to work with the next bidder. They awarded it to them but it’s not
likely that anything will be done in 2025. They believe work will begin
in the spring of 26. They are hoping that everything can be completed
by the fall and that it doesn’t slip into the following year. They may do
some site prep work this year.
Phase 4: (From Bridgewater Road to Caleb Pusey House)
- The County hired a consultant to complete a Feasibility Study of a
looped section from Incinerator Road northwestward along the Creek
using the SEPTA right of way, crossing on a pedestrian bridge to Toby
Farms, traversing that neighborhood to Upland Park and thence
through Upland Borough on its street system back to Incinerator Road
near the Caleb Pusey House. - The Consultant will also study a spur trail behind the warehouse
complex on Concord Road leading to the 2SP Brewery - Ira Josephs is representing the FOCCB on the Steering Committee for
the feasibility study, which should take approximately 12-18 months to
complete.
Questions from the audience:
Time was provided for question-and-answer period. Some of the items
discussed are listed below. The guest speakers answered any questions
from the audience regarding the trail time-line, parking, etc.
- A question was asked regarding the Loop trail and why it was not using
the original rail bed. The County advised it is too washed out and the loop is currently being studied for feasibility. - A question was asked if Septa had anything to do with the old rail line?
The response was that Septa still owns the rail line and that there is a
99-year lease. - A question was asked if they will ever extend the Chester Creek Trail
along the Septa line out to West Chester. The response was that Septa will not have a live rail line with a trail running along the side of it. There are no plans to do this in the future. Also, Septa may want to reactivate the line from Wawa to West Chester at some point down the road. Therefore, Delaware County doesn’t have a strong position or a strong view on this. Their priority is on
current feasible trail extensions. - A question was asked regarding the Octorara branch.
The County advised that they haven’t done anything yet on this. They
haven’t forgotten about this but costs have gone up for bridges, etc.
Floods and wash out areas are very expensive. - A question was asked regarding the Mount Alverno parking area. Is
there a way to extend parking?
The response was that there are currently no plans in the works.
However, Friends will get with Middletown and the County to look into
this to see if there is any potential for parking expansion.
Meeting Adjourned:
Barry Pinkowicz thanked everyone for coming out. Meeting was adjourned at
8:20pm. John Paulson made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Ira
Josephs seconded the motion.