Sunday, September 10 marked a sad day for the Hope Valley Community Church and adjacent Creative Care daycare on Graber Alley in Red Hill.

            Fire Marshal John Lehr reported on the aftermath of the arson that rendered the church unsafe at the Red Hill Borough Council meeting on Wednesday, September 12.

            Lehr stated that he was investigating the five local fires that were tied together in the single arson investigation, and noted that the arsonist's attempts were "foiled" due in no small part to a witness who saw the perpetrator drive away from the church at a high rate of speed. It was only by chance that the witness saw the arsonist take off, as she was running late for work and took a different route than usual.

            Lehr said that he had surveyed the damage at the church and ensured that they would meet the requirements for clean-up, but noted that it would probably be eight months until they could re-open again.

            He said that the toxic fumes were very high in the church and it currently can't be occupied. He added that all of the merchandise in the thrift shop has to be thrown away, rendering it inoperative until further notice.

            In related news, Rebecca Holland, representing the Creative Care daycare in the Graber Alley building, asked the borough council for a letter that would allow the daycare to get approval from the Department of Human Services for an emergency use and occupancy permit that will allow the facility to operate.

            Holland stated that the 105 children that the daycare serves would not have care otherwise. The council agreed to provide a letter.

            In roads news, engineer Ryan Kern reported that it was determined during a meeting with the water authority, Upper Hanover Township officials, and the Glen Chase developer that the water system for the development would not be run through Centennial Park and down Bitting Alley. As a result the borough can go ahead with plans for the Third and Fourth Street blocks to the Bitting Alley repaving project.

            In related news, the council approved a motion to allow the Glenwood Chase developer to provide fees-in-lieu-of in exchange for EDUs.

            In sidewalks news, Solicitor Mark Hosterman reported on amendments to the sidewalk ordinance, which specifically would allow for the borough engineer to approve less expensive options for repair, including mud jacking and scarification, on a case-by-case basis as requested by property owners. Scarification will not be permitted on curbs. Engineer Kern is going to develop a policy.

            In zoning news, the council discussed an application currently before the Zoning Hearing Board for a hair salon at a Jefferson Street residence. The residence is located at the dead end and is already "very developed." The property owner also wants to install two signs at the front and back of the property. 

"It's not suitable in that area," Council member Larry Morton said. He further noted that parking was not easy at that location.

"I'm just trying to figure out who's advising them," he continued. "I'm against it."

            "I think for the community as a whole it's not the way to go, "added Mayor Dave Schiffgens.

            The council authorized solicitor Hosterman to attend the hearing on the matter.