Borough Council votes on noise control and smoke shop ordinances

The Brookhaven Borough Council convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss several significant developments impacting the community. The meeting highlighted the borough's recent acquisition of the Our Lady of Charity School property, which encompasses 7.63 acres of open space. This acquisition, finalized in April, has been officially recorded with the Delaware County recorder of deeds, ensuring the borough's ownership is secure.

One of the key topics addressed was the proposed amendments to the borough's noise control ordinance. Councilman Dan Burke, along with the ordinance committee and Chief Havoc, has worked on drafting revisions aimed at enhancing community standards regarding noise. This proposed ordinance is set to be voted on for adoption during the meeting.

Additionally, the council considered a new smoke shop ordinance. This ordinance seeks to define smoke shops and regulate their operation by permitting them only as a conditional use in specific commercial zoning districts (C1 and C2). The proposal has been forwarded to the Delaware County Planning Commission for review and will also be subject to a vote for advertisement.

In positive news, the borough council announced the approval of a $250,000 payment as part of the Delco Greenways grant program. This funding represents the second disbursement for the acquisition of the OLC property complex, bringing the total received from county and state grants to $600,000. The check is expected to arrive within the next two weeks, bolstering the borough's financial resources for community development.

Lastly, the council discussed a grant application for the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) aimed at securing up to $250,000 for parks and recreation initiatives. A resolution to authorize the submission of this application is anticipated to be passed, allowing the borough to pursue additional funding for enhancing local recreational facilities.

Overall, the meeting underscored the borough's commitment to community development and regulatory improvements, with several initiatives poised to enhance the quality of life for Brookhaven residents. The council's actions reflect a proactive approach to managing resources and addressing community needs.