open space review board

Members: Chris Washburn, chairman, Andy Paravis, vice-chair, Jack Kane, Spencer Claypoole, Susan Deegan Watson, Phyllis Chambers, Bill Gardiner

OPEN SPACE REVIEW BOARD ANNUAL REPORT (2007)

Our open space program continues to make remarkable progress in trying to preserve our township’s natural resources and character. In 2007 we achieved the following:

• The Township acquired or placed under contract 66 acres of forest, predominately along Chestnut Ridge between Coventryville Road and Hill Camp Road. This land expands the Township’s Coventry Woods Preserve which now includes 315 acres of forest that will be used solely for passive recreation for the public. In the five years of our open space initiative, the Township has acquired or has under contract 880 acres of natural lands, including 283 acres of forest, 22 acres of active recreation parkland and 575 acres of perpetual agricultural easements on farms. In addition developers have dedicated 66 acres of open space in developments as required under our ordinances.
• The Township actively discussed alternatives for preservation of natural areas with owners of 474 additional acres. Some of these discussions are in advanced stages.
• The total value of all land saved in 2007 is $975,000. The total value of all land saved in the last five years is $11.8 million. Since 2002 the Township has received $6.1 million in grants from the State and Chester County, including every one of the 15 requested, and $4.1 million through land owner donations or conservation organization purchases. As a result, the Township has successfully leveraged 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 $400,000 each year in earned income tax for open space, we have been able to reduce the debt to $2,152,000, but still have $2.5 million remaining in open space funds for pending or future projects.
• The Open Space Review Board made a presentation at the 2007 Police/Community Day at the Norco Fire Hall to highlight the Township’s achievements and seek input from citizens. The Board also is an active participant in the Hopewell Big Woods Partnership whose mission is to preserve this region’s unique resources and create regional trail and tourism links between our Township and nearby parks and attractions.
• The Board made two recommendations at the request of the Planning Commission to enhance open space within proposed developments.

VIEW map that shows the land that has been saved or is under contract.

Although much has been done in four 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.

VIEW 2006 Open Space Review Board Annual Report

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.