WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP — With police staffing here at almost half the national average, township voters Tuesday will consider two ballot issues to address staffing problems and fund new efforts to improve police community relations and visibility.

Kimberley Washington, leasing consultant for Woodbridge on the Lake Apartments, walks the grounds with West Chester Township police Officers Matthew Tombragel (left) and Michael Lopez. (Michael Snyder photo) | ZOOM |

        “Our population has grown from 42,600 in 1994, when our last levy passed, to 58,000 today,” said Police Chief John Bruce.

        The first issue on the ballot is a 4.5 mill continuing replacement of the 1994 levy that would generate about $6.1 million a year and cost the owner of a $100,000 home an additional $18 a year. The 1994 levy has been generating about $5.3 million.

        The second issue is a new, 2.5-mill continuing levy to generate about $3 million annually. It would cost the same homeowner about $77 more yearly.

        Chief Bruce said the first levy would enable the department of 71 sworn officers to maintain existing services. The second levy, he said, would allow five hires a year for the next five years, update and expand a fleet of 20 cruisers to 26, and launch new community bike patrols, walking beats, business patrols and public awareness efforts.

        “We responded to about 50,000 calls last year, up 70 percent” since 1994. “Arrests are up 103 percent, traffic accidents 13 percent, domestic violence calls, alone, 114 percent and, overall offense reports 27 percent,” the chief said.

        Several residents interviewed for this story were supportive of both levies, while one person charged the department with poor performance.

        Cobbler's Creek resident Beth Edwards said the “area is expanding so much they need the extra money. They are visible, and I'm in favor” of the issues.

        But Eric Fenton, 33, of Crescentville Road, was adamantly opposed: “There's no way I'm supporting it. I do not think they do a very good job. Yes, they're visible — but only when they want to be.”
       

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