RP Meeting Notes: Council Supports Sacred Hearts Expansion, OKs 15-Star Flag

Riverdale Park's Mayor and Town Council held a regular legislative session on Tuesday, Sept. 4—below is a summary of developments and discussion points from the meeting:

• By a 3-0 vote, the council approved a letter of support for a proposed addition and modifications to the Little Workers of Sacred Hearts Nursery (4805 Queensbury Rd.). Members also addressed concerns that had been brought up by neighbors surrounding the daycare. Councilmember Alan Thompson said while this issue had been contentious, he would support the modifications with the caveat that the council reserved the right to withdraw its support if substantial changes are made to the plan.
• In part, the approved letter states: “Some nearby residents believe that this expansion will adversely affect their quality of life and property values. We request that the Little Workers of Sacred Heart establish policies with the parents of children to minimize the impact of the extra vehicular traffic on those neighbors.” Suggested policies included asking family members to turn off vehicles while dropping off/picking up children, encouraging carpooling, and restricting the use of vehicle security systems.
• The council approved, 3-0, a building permit request to allow a fence at 4811 Rittenhouse St.
• The council approved, 3-0, a request to set up social media accounts after developing written policies and a proposal to cross-post all announcements from the TownAnnounce email list on the TownTalk email lst.
• The council approved, 3-0, the closure of 43rd Street between East-West Highway and Queensbury Road for a block party on Sat. Sept. 15, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• The council approved, 3-0, the selection of Bolton and Associates to provide actuarial services for the town’s defined benefit plan.
• At the request of Councilmember David Lingua, the council also authorized town staff to fly the 15-star Star Spangled Banner Flag in front of Town Hall through 2014. Lingua asked that flag be flown to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812.
• Mayor Vernon Archer recognized eight teachers for the work they performed in July by traveling to Ipala, Guatemala—Riverdale Park’s international sister city.
• Councilmembers Jonathan Ebbeler, Christopher Henry and Raymond Rivas were absent from Tuesday’s meeting.