Six communities in Delaware County are considering the creation of a regional emergency medical services (EMS) authority, known as the Delco Emergency Services Authority (Delco ESA), to address funding gaps left by the closure of Crozer-Chester Medical Center last year. The proposed authority would serve approximately 40,000 residents in Media, Nether Providence, Upper Providence, Rose Valley, Rutledge, and Swarthmore.

Exploring a New Funding Model

The concept for Delco ESA is based on a successful model implemented in Lancaster County. Under this model, property owners would pay an annual fee – currently $87 in Lancaster County – to support the EMS service. The EMS would then bill patients’ insurance for ambulance rides, potentially eliminating residual fees for residents. It remains unclear if Delco ESA will adopt the exact same fee structure.

This approach represents a shift from the current system where residents cover EMS costs through property taxes.

Ben Affleck’s Swarthmore Visit

Last Friday, Oscar-winning actor Ben Affleck made a surprise visit to Swarthmore College with his 17-year-old son, Fin. The pair toured the campus and later enjoyed lunch at Luna’s Mexican Grill, much to the delight of the restaurant’s owner and patrons. They also stopped at a neighboring Dunkin’.

“It’s pretty amazing,” said Luna’s owner, Cristina Luna Ramirez, who quickly sought a selfie with Affleck. “I’m just hoping his kid will go to Swarthmore, and then maybe we’ll see more of them both.”

Community Events and Updates

  • Memorial Ride: Several bicycling groups held a memorial ride over the weekend honoring Eduard “Teddy” Einstein, a former Swarthmore College professor who was fatally struck in December. Riders dedicated a ghost bike at the site of the accident in Upper Darby.
  • New Fitness Studio: HiLo House, a Delaware-based fitness studio, recently opened at the Promenade at Granite Run.
  • Summer Camp Registration: Registration for Nether Providence Township’s summer camp opens Monday, offering a five-week program for students in kindergarten through sixth grade.
  • Delaware County Population: U.S. Census data indicates a slight population decrease in Delaware County in 2025, with a loss of approximately 500 residents.
  • Hospital Jobs: Delaware County experienced a 57.3% decrease in hospital jobs between 2015 and 2025, while simultaneously seeing a 25% increase in outpatient care positions.
  • School District Updates: Spring break is underway for both Wallingford-Swarthmore and Rose Tree Media School Districts.

Local Real Estate and Events

A home in Middletown Township, located in the Mount Alverno area, features a large backyard and an open-concept living space. The property includes four bedrooms, a finished basement, and multiple garages.

Upcoming events include the USATF Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Grand Prix Series race at Tyler Arboretum on April 4th, and a community Easter event at the Rocky Run YMCA on the same day.