open space review board

Members: Chris Washburn, chairman, Andy Paravis, vice-chairman, Spencer Claypoole, Susan Deegan Watson, Phyllis Chambers, Bill Gardiner, John Ellwanger

OPEN SPACE REVIEW BOARD ANNUAL REPORT (2009)

Proteced Lands Map

Our open space program continues to make remarkable progress in preserving our township’s natural resources and character. In 2009 we achieved the following:

  • The Township acquired 60 acres to expand our Coventry Woods Preserve to 415 acres of forest dedicated to the passive recreation and enjoyment of the public. Most of the newly acquired land is between Camp Fernbrook and Wells Road, but it also includes a Jones Road parcel which protects the Chestnut Hill access to the Preserve.

  • The Township acquired 11 acres at Hanover Street and Kemp Road, including access to the UGI entrance. This parcel joins Hanover Meadows near Town Square and Kemp Road Park into a combined 48 acre park for active and passive recreation. This park forms a key link for a planned connection between the Schuylkill River Trail and Coventry Woods Preserve and French Creek State Park, and it protects the Bickel Run watershed.

  • The Township received a vital donation of a 3,340 foot, 1.5 acre trail connecting the Chestnut Hill Subdivision and Coventry Woods Preserve with South Coventry’s Woody’s Woods and Cherry Hill Lane. We also worked with South Coventry Township which completed an acquisition of land connecting our trail with Woody’s Woods.

  • The Township actively discussed alternatives for preservation of natural areas with owners of 339 additional acres. This includes 212 acres under written or verbal agreement at the end of the year.

  • In the seven years of our open space initiative, the Township directly or with others has preserved or has under contract 1,145 acres of natural lands, including 508 acres of forest and trails, 32 acres of active recreation parkland, 538 acres of perpetual agricultural easements on farms, and 67 acres dedicated by developers as open space as required by our township ordinances.

  • The total value of all land saved in 2009 is $1,043,400. We were awarded $1.1 million in grants from Chester County for completed or pending acquisitions. The total value of all land saved in the last seven years is $13.8 million. Since 2002 the Township has received $7.5 million in grants from the State and Chester County, and $4.4 million through land owner donations or conservation organization assistance. As a result, the Township has successfully leveraged over 86% of all acquisitions with funding from other sources.

  • To initiate these purchases, the Township borrowed $3 million in 2003. Since the Township receives over $500,000 each year in earned income tax for open space, we have been able to fund our acquisitions and still reduce the debt to $1,904,000. We still have over $1.0 million remaining in open space funds and over $1.4 million in grant applications outstanding at the end of the year for completed or pending projects.

  • The Open Space Review Board made a presentation and had a display at the Coventry Woods Festival on May 31. An estimated 750 citizens attended the event, some of whom gave us good land preservation suggestions. The Township also is an active participant in both the Hopewell Big Woods Partnership and the Northern Federation Regional Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan workshops to preserve this region’s unique resources and create regional trail and tourism links between our Township and nearby parks and attractions.

  • The Open Space Review Board made three recommendations at the request of the Planning Commission to enhance open space within proposed developments.

Although much has been done in seven years, it is critical that we do more to preserve open space throughout the township. All citizens are encouraged to help us achieve this objective and coordinate their efforts with the Open Space Review Board. Through ordinance revisions, open space planning and initiatives, and partnerships, we hope to preserve as much of the natural landscape and character of our township as possible.

responsibilities

The Board of Supervisors created the Open Space Review Board on June 24, 2002 under Ordinance 120. The Board was created in response to a citizen referendum voted on May 21, 2002. The referendum authorized a .25 percent wage tax increase for the purpose of establishing a fund to purchase and preserve open space within the township. The Open Space Review Board makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors who have final approval over the acquisition of property and easements in the township.

The Open Space Review Board consists of seven members appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The Board is represented by one member of each ; the Board of Supervisors, the Planning Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Historical Commission, the Coventry Land Trust and two citizens at large. Members are appointed for a five year term.

meeting schedule

The Board meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7pm in the Township Building. The public is always welcome to attend.