Supporting a Worthy Cause

Supervisor Doug Weimer

“The Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors has supported the recreational interests of residents for decades with indoor programs and outdoor facilities. Generations of Hempfield residents have enjoyed the athletic fields at Hempfield Park, reunions under the pavilions and exploring the playgrounds. Many others have learned to swim, dance, or express themselves with the many indoor programs. All these recreational activities require a financial commitment to remain available.

In 2007, I worked with my fellow Board members to establish a provisional fund with The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County which would act as a clearinghouse for funds generated from sources for the purpose of providing parks and recreation services in Hempfield Township. In this same year, the Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance which established a “Fee in Lieu of Land” option for new developments. This option gave developers a chance to pay a flat fee per lot in lieu of dedicating specific property within their development for recreation use. The fees collected over the years have been deposited in the fund along with other donations, and have grown to a 2009 ending value of over $55,000. This fund is not only available to developers but to any person, organization, or other entity that may want to make a monetary donation toward recreation in Hempfield. The Supervisors can utilize the provisional fund as a mechanism to initiate formal fundraisers and accept corporate or foundation donations while removing a perceptual barrier that the government is soliciting donations. The funds collected must be used by the Township for capital projects that benefit recreational activities within the Township.

I encourage everyone to consider the Hempfield Township Parks and Recreation fund as a great place to direct donations when planning to support community recreational projects in Hempfield. You do not have to be a serious philanthropist to make a donation, gifts of all sizes are welcome and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County can address any I.R.S. questions that donors may have, while ensuring that the money that one earmarked for specific recreational purposes is put to proper use.

I am humbled by the generosity of those that have contributed to the Parks and Recreation fund over the years. Their donations will strengthen recreational uses without relying solely on tax dollars or participation fees. For more information on how to help support recreation, contact my office at 724-834-7232, extension 118.”

BLOGLINES

Supervisor Doug Weimer

“As the days grow longer and the temperature becomes warmer, Hempfield road crews will be switching from snow removal to road maintenance. Spring is a season for renewal and a time for some spring cleaning, watch for Township crews sweeping the winter salt from the streets, repairing storm water systems, and preparing to resurface thirty (30) miles of roads.

With nearly 300 miles of Township roads to watch after, not every roadway issue is immediately recognized and assistance from residents reporting issues will be welcomed. Safety is a priority when traveling our neighborhood streets, so please slow down for road crews and your neighbors who may be walking the streets. I am looking forward to beginning several community improvement projects this summer that will include flood control measures for the Ft. Allen, West Point, West Hempfield, and Zellers Street areas with nearly a 3 million dollar commitment. These storm water projects are not final solutions but improvements that should reduce flooding.

 They will also require the cooperation of property owners who must follow Township guidelines when living in a flood control area such as not filing in swales or placing structures along streams that can become obstructions to flowing water. Other improvement projects will include the reconstruction of Walton Tea Room and Feightner roads. Several bridge replacements will also be underway for Old Route 30 near Slate Run, Bothwell culvert, Edna Road and Brown Avenue. My goal as a Supervisor continues to be one that makes Hempfield the best local municipality to live in, and with the hard work and dedication of the Township staff, Board of Supervisors, and residents, all these projects can be accomplished.”