Whitemarsh Township Eyes Up Potential Open Space Acquisition

WHITEMARSH, PA — Local officials are eyeing up a 2.71-acre parcel as a potential open space opportunity.

The township recently announced that it is considering buying a piece of property at 4046 Butler Pike from private landowners and preserving it as community open space.

The Board of Supervisors recently voted to advertise an ordinance authorizing the acquisition of the parcel, and they are scheduled to revisit the issue during their Nov. 4 meeting, during which public comment will be taken, according to the township.

Township documents show that the piece of land, which is located within the Plymouth Meeting Historic district, is currently occupied with a single-family home that is vacant and in disrepair. It is adjacent to what is known as the Abolition Hall property, for which the township entered into an agreement of sale to purchase back in April.

According to an article on More Than The Curve, the purchase price of the Abolition Hall property was $3.95 million when the township entered into the agreement of sale this past spring. The hall, built back in the mid 1800s, was used as a station along the underground railroad, according to the article.

The ordinance concerning the latest land acquisition would give the township the authorization to buy the 2.71-acre property for $810,000, and the township would use Act 153 open space funds for the purchase.

Township documents show that the parcel is currently owned by John Haub, Jr. and Fay J. Haub.

The township says that the goal of the purchase is to "expand the Township's open space inventory and protect historic property for the benefit of the residents of Whitemarsh Township," according to planning documents.

Whitemarsh officials say that if the sale is approved, they expect settlement to take place sometime by the end of 2021.