NORRISTOWN – Plans to preserve more than 40 acres of land in Upper Moreland Township progressed recently when Montgomery County officials endorsed a $300,000 open space grant.
The authorization of the six-figure open space grant to the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust furthered efforts to acquire the acreage situated along Huntingdon and Edge Hill roads.
The 41.49-acre parcel is currently owned by Abington Hospital and Abington Memorial Healthcare Corporation, and is commonly known as the location of the June Fete Fairgrounds, where a carnival is held each year.
Director of Planning Scott France addressed the county commissioners during a May 2 board meeting seeking approval. The property was identified as a “rural resource area,” which according to the county’s comprehensive plan, is located “adjacent to existingpreserved open space owned by (the Pennypack Ecological Resoration Trust) and under conservation easement.”
The land is valued at $4.15 million, according to resolution, and the health care institution is “willing to sell the entirety of the property to the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust.”
Future uses of the property include open space and passive recreation activities, according to the resolution. Organizers were also permitted to continue using the space for the annual carnival.
“This is a great place. It’s been well loved and enjoyed by the community for many years and so the cultural landscape will be preserved as well while providing the opportunity to enhance the natural landscape,” France said.
Along with the $300,000 from the county, trusts, pledges and additional open space grants from several funding sources are expected to help cover the costs, France said. The action was also endorsed by the county’s open space board.
“I think it’s important to understand that even though we’re contributing $300,000, all of the sources that it takes to preserve such a large parcel, but it’s also good for the community and they’re able to preserve that and also continue to have a carnival there as well,” said Commissioner Tom DiBello.
With the grant deadline set for June 30, France said “our ability to fill that last gap is really critical.”
In other business, county commissioners issued a request for proposals seeking construction services related to the Pennypack Trail — specifically, to extend the trail from Rockledge Borough to the Philadelphia City Line. Submissions are due by 11 a.m. on May 30.
The Pennypack Trail currently spans a 6.2-mile crushed stone path from Rockledge Park to County Line Road, along the border of Bucks and Montgomery counties, according to county records. The expansion would extend the trail further south through Montgomery County to connect it with Philadelphia.
The next Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on May 23 at the Limerick Township Building, 646 W. Ridge Pike, in Limerick. Visit montgomerycountypa.gov for more information.
