DOWNINGTOWN The borough councils reorganization meeting Monday welcomed one councilmember, in addition highlighting the boroughs growth and accomplishments.
Anthony Chip Gazzerro, with a vote of 5-1, will remain as council president. Councilwoman Ann Feldman was the dissenting vote. Gazzerro secured his fourth term on council during the November election.
Councilman Alex Rakoff was accepted to be the vice president. Council welcomed new member Patricia McGlone, who replaces former vice president Brenda Brinton. McGlone is the director of public information and development for Downingtown Area School District.
District Judge Jeff Valocchi swore in Josh Maxwell as mayor, who is serving his second term. After this, Maxwell informed residents of the on-going projects for the boroughs growth during the last two years.
The mayor reflected on how borough officials, along with PennDot officials, announced a $30 million commitment for the relocation and contraction of a new Downingtown Amtrak/Septa Station centrally located in Downingtown.
Maxwell said the restaurant district is growing as some of the best restaurants in the Philadelphia region are opening the doors in Downingtown. Over the last four years, Station Taproom, Stella Rossa, Avalon Pasta Bistro, Grapevine Cuisine, and Molly Maguires have opened.
These tax-paying entities and the expansion of our commercial tax-base continue to lessen the tax burden on our residential homeowners, Maxwell said.
Additionally, he explained that the 2014 borough budget included contributions to the Downingtown Senior Center, Downingtown Library, Downingtown Fire Department and Downingtown Main Street Association.
We have continued to invest in our community with the support of local non-profits like the Downingtown Main Street Association, who independently raised money (to place) white lights on all of the trees on the 200 block of Lancaster Ave., a project that will expand down neighboring blocks, Maxwell said.
Maxwell thanked several individuals, borough employees and members of organizations for their efforts in the Downingtown area.
Maxwell publicly thanked Downingtown Area School Districts school board President Jane Bertone on behalf of the school board. He acknowledged that the district has nationally ranked schools. STEM Academy last month received the highest score in Pennsylvanias new School Performance Profile. STEM focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics pathways.
Maxwell also publicly thanked Glenn Heininger of Minquas Fire Company, on behalf of the rescuers who responded Saturday for a report of three boys who fell into a lake at Kardon Park. The boys were able to get out of the lake on their own and were not injured.
Additionally Maxwell listed borough events, including Good Neighbor Day, Victory Fallfest, Ghost Walks and the Memorial, Halloween and Christmas Parade, which bring the community together.
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