Representatives from Aqua Pennsylvania heard news that was music to their ears at the New Hanover Boards of Supervisors' meeting on Monday, January 24.

            The supervisors granted final plan approval for the 65 foot, 750,000-gallon storage tank to be located off Swamp Pike. Aqua provides water and wastewater services to three million people in eight states, according to its website.

            The approval includes a new fire hydrant to be installed on the property of the Hetrick Garden Center, also located on Swamp Pike.

            In open space news, township manager Jamie Gwynn reported that Camp Laughing Waters, owned and operated by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, received a grant they were pursuing for a conservation easement. With a pledge from Montgomery County of $2.7 million, New Hanover agreed to donate $600,000 of its open space funds to put toward the approximately $3.9 million costs. Fortunately for the township, the Girl Scouts' grant was large enough that the township will only need to give $480,000.

            In his manager's report, Gwynn also said that residents interested in the snowplow routes can consult the township's GIS map on the website, which has several useful layers to click on, including the snowplow routes.

            In the solicitor's report, Andrew Bellwoar said that the supervisors had met in executive session prior to the meeting to discuss litigation and would meet afterward to discuss potential litigation and personnel.

            Bellwoar also reported that he, along with other entities, had filed briefs with the state Supreme Court supporting the township's position on the Gibraltar rock quarry issues.

            In other news, the supervisors appointed John Hixson and Marcella Boettger to the Environmental Advisory board.

            The supervisors also approved allowing township police officers to purchase their used duty weapons for $200 each. The firearms have already been replaced by newer models.

            In roads news, the supervisors authorized the township engineer to prepare and advertise the bid "to complete road and bridge improvements in accordance with the 2022 Roadway Maintenance Program."

Jamie Gwynn noted that he is trying "to keep all our costs in our liquid fuels [funds]."

            Two upcoming meetings will focus solely on the new iteration of the plan for the New Hanover Town Center: the planning commission on February 9 at 6:30 p.m. and the board of supervisors on February 28 at 6:30 p.m.

            Interested residents are encouraged to attend.