Dear neighbors,

December 10th is Human Rights Day, recognizing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which was the first global proclamation of human rights and an early achievement of the United Nations. 

The UDHR outlines (1) the basic concepts of dignity, liberty, and equality, (2) prohibition of slavery and torture, (3) the right to freedom of movement or residence, (4) the freedom of thought and expressions, (5) and access to social, economic, and cultural rights, including but not limited to healthcare, housing, and safety in childhood and motherhood. It is used as a measurement of success regarding commitments to human rights by many countries and organizations around the world. 

Unfortunately, the UDHR has not been applied globally. In 2020, the International Association for Political Science Students wrote an article on the failures of the UDHR, specifically how the universalism of the language has reinforced patriarchy and Western cultural perspective. The majority of the United Nations members do not comply with the principles of the Declaration, and the international organization has virtually never come to the aid of communities under the most cruel persecutions and genocides. For example, in 2013, Al-Haq wrote an article on the suffering of the Palestinian people in the context of International Human Rights Day. It is a great read on the failures of the UDHR and unfortunately still rings true 11 years later. 

This year, Human Rights Day is being celebrated with the statement, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.” The theme acknowledges the importance of human rights in shaping the way we think about our future, specifically how we utilize the fundamental rights of all to lead to practical solutions to social injustices and challenges in our modern world. This statement is salient and timely given the ongoing human rights abuses abroad in places like Palestine, Sudan, and the Congo, as well as at home as basic rights are being legislated.

Left of Lansdowne is symbolically embracing the ways in which the UDHR could be a foundation for freedom, justice and peace in the world, by walking in the Winter Lights Parade with our float themed, What Peace Means to You, on December 15th at 5PM. We will be hosting a Community Arts Day on Sunday December 8th, where community members can come create their own peace symbols and crafts in preparation for walking alongside our peace float on the 15th. We hope you’ll join us.

In solidarity,

Left of Lansdowne

HOT TOPICS

November was a rousing month! Lansdowne has been discussing ongoing issues related to leaf collection, the addition of winter lighting from council, other holiday decor and celebrations from the LBPA and community members, and a potential upcoming Single-Use Plastic Bag and Straw Ordinance being voted on in December. See our major points below: 

• New year, new budget: The new year means an updated budget for the Borough. Throughout October and November, various boards and committees have discussed their plans for the upcoming year. An exciting change for 2025 includes new offerings and revived events by the Parks and Recreation Board. The 2025 Lansdowne Borough Budget will be voted on at the next Borough Council Meeting, and the draft is viewable at the above link. Please note that there will be a $35 increase to residents’ sewer fees next year.

• Challenges to the LEDC: Lansdowne Economic and Development Corporation (LEDC) provided an in-depth presentation on the working relationship between the LEDC and the Borough during the November 6th council meeting. This presentation was in preparation for the re-signing of their contract with the Borough for 2025. Councilperson Hover has advocated for money to be removed from the LEDC contract and diverted to the Lansdowne Business Professional Association (LBPA) instead. Councilperson Hover asked council to withhold from signing the LEDC 2025 contract until they can hold a joint meeting with the LBPA. The LBPA has received funding for one-off projects in the past before, but this is the first time they’ve requested a budget from the Borough. The planned use for these funds is currently unclear. 

• Police decline opportunity for transparency: The Tech Board requested a liaison from the Police Department to help with police specific technological inquiries, however the Department declined, saying they already liaise with the Health and Public Safety and that the Police Department has limited availability. Lansdowne's police force staffing remains below state and national averages. The Police Department is promoting one of its part-time officers to full-time to fill staffing shortages. They will also look for a new part-time officer. The Department makes up more than 40% of Lansdowne’s annual budget.

• A smooth landing: Veteran’s Landing is scheduled to be completed in early December. Groundwork began on September 9th, and the Borough Engineer gave a 90-day timeline. Central Business District business owners are eagerly waiting for the Landing’s opening given the ongoing parking and patronage struggle with its construction and closure. The parking lot portion reopened today, 12/5, at 5:00pm, with work on the rest of the area continuing for a little while longer.

• Local improvements: All remaining ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds have been earmarked with signed contracts to ensure the funds are committed by December 31st. The remaining funds will be utilized for the Central Business District lighting, fixes to the Highland Avenue parking lot, borough facility upgrades and repairs, and architectural fees for the future Library.

ON A LIGHTER NOTE

• Winter Light Parade and night market: The Winter Light Parade, on Sunday, December 15th, starts promptly at 5 PM on E Greenwood Avenue and ends at the Landing, where a Night Market hosted by the LBPA will take place. A tree lighting ceremony and Menorah lighting ceremony (see below) will happen during the Night Market as well. 

• Celebrating Hanukkah: The Lansdowne Borough Council has agreed to the placement of a new Hanukkah menorah at Veteran’s Landing, where there is precedence for holiday decor. If Veteran’s Landing construction is not completed in time, the decor will be placed in the Highland Avenue parking area instead. Funding for this new addition has been supplied privately. There will be a Delco Hanukkah Party on Thursday, December 19 from 7 to 9 PM at the 20th Century Club, which will be open to the public. RSVP is encouraged. 

• Outdoor lighting: The LEDC and Borough have been working with central business district (CBD) owners to install winter lights to help brighten up a portion of town. Once open, keep an eye out for new cohesive lighting on Borough Greene and downtown. Be sure to swing by CBD this month to show our love to local businesses! 

• Sewer blockages: The Council is contemplating public education efforts for Lansdowne residents around using the sewer system to dispose of oils, fats, and so-called “flushable” wipes. Residents should dispose of cooking oils and fats by placing them in the trash once cooled. Pouring them down the drain negatively impacts the local sewer system, including a number of sewer blockage incidents this year due to improperly disposed items. Read more from Council in the November’s Borough Council Newsletter. 

• Leaf pickup: Lansdowne is one of a few boroughs in Delco providing leaf service to residents. However, this season has been strained as the Borough’s leaf-cleanup machine continues to break down due to age and expensive mechanical issues. There is a discussion of removing the service and switching to leaf collection via brown paper bags with other residential yard waste. Council is currently suggesting residents collect leaf litter in yard waste bags and put them out on Wednesdays for collection or compost them in your yard for next year’s gardening adventures.

• Updates to Borough Code: The Parks and Recreation Board is continuing to work on updating relevant items in the Borough Code, such as a Native Plants Ordinance on borough properties, Park usage and restrictions, and updating Park signage to better service patrons. The December meeting for the P&R Board will be a short meeting followed by a holiday potluck for those wanting to attend.

• Free stuff: Buy Nothing Lansdowne is hosting a Winter Holiday Free Fair at the Lansdowne Library on December 7th from 10:15 AM to 12 PM. Check out details on Facebook.  

• Holiday decor: Get ready for another holiday decor contest this month! The Mayor, and her helpers, will be on the lookout for festive outdoor holiday decor this month with the annual Jingle Judging Awards.

• Hot cocoa: The Lansdowne public library will host a Hot Cocoa Party on December 23rd from 4 to 6 PM.

• Arts and culture: LEDC has some exciting events upcoming and ongoing for this Holiday Season! 

  • Holiday Ceramic Workshop: Christmas Tree Ornaments, Sat., December 7th, 1 to 3 PM

  • Holiday Ceramic Workshop: Menorahs/Hanukkiahs, Sun., December 8th, 4 to 6 PM

  • Gifts Pop-Up Shop, Open Thursday to Sunday until December 15, 1 to 7 PM 

DECEMBER’S BOROUGH MEETINGS