open space review board

OPEN SPACE REVIEW BOARD ANNUAL REPORT (2006)

Our open space program again has made remarkable progress in trying to preserve as much of our township’s natural resources and character as possible. We were able to achieve the following in 2006:

• The Township adopted a Potential Conservation Areas map that identifies the location of primary and secondary conservation features and a Conceptual Open Space Network map. Both maps are now included in our Comprehensive Plan and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. The Township also adopted the Northern Federation Regional Resource Protection Plan, which is consistent with and supports the open space objectives of our Comprehensive Plan.
• The Open Space Review Board made six recommendations at the request of the Planning Commission to enhance open space within six proposed developments.
• The Township acquired or placed under contract 185 acres of forest, predominately along Chestnut Ridge between Coventryville Road and Hill Camp Road, where the Township’s Coventry Woods Preserve now includes 310 acres of forest to be used solely for passive recreation for the public. In the last four years, the Township has acquired or has under contract 875 acres of open space, including 278 acres of forest, 22 acres of active recreation parkland and 575 acres of perpetual agricultural easements on farms. In addition the developers have dedicated 66 acres of open space in developments as required under our ordinances.
• The total value of all land saved in 2006 is $1,910,000. These acquisitions were funded through State and Chester County grants totaling $1,702,000. The total value of all land saved in the last four years is $11.6 million. Since 2002 the Township has received $5.8 million in grants from both of these government agencies, including every one requested, and $4.1 million through land owner donations or conservation organization purchases. The Township has successfully leveraged all these grants and donations to minimize the Township’s cost of all this land.
• To initiate these purchases, the Township borrowed $3 million. Since the Township receives slightly over $400,000 each year in earned income tax for open space, we have been able to reduce the debt to $2,270,000, but still have $1,752,000 remaining in open space funds for pending or future projects.
• For the first time the Township has acquired direct access from St Peter’s Road and our Coventry Woods Preserve into French Creek State Park.
• The Board has begun several other initiatives to preserve and enhance open space throughout the Township.
  
  DOWNLOAD ANNUAL REPORT HERE (PDF file)
  
  VIEW OPEN SPACE MAP HERE (PDF file)