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Spring 2008 NewsletterFarm Park Advisory Committee MeetingJanuary 25, 2008- Notes by FPPA Board Members The Farm Park’s future is guided by an Advisory Commission consisting of representatives from the three municipalities encompassing the Farm Park as well as the four members of the Pennsylvania legislature in whose districts the Farm Park resides. The public meetings are held quarterly. Members of the Farm Park Preservation Association regularly participate in these meetings. Following is a summary of the issues reported and discussed at the January 2008 meeting. Elected officials present, Sen. John Rafferty (chaired meeting) and Rep. Mike Vereb. Officials absent, Sen. Connie Williams (proxy sent with staff member) and Rep. Jay Moyer. Sen. Rafferty noted that this would be Sen. Williams’ last year to serve on the advisory committee since her Senate term ends this year and she is not seeking re-election. Public Forum Ben Hynes, speaking on his own behalf, asked about status of the proposed maintenance building to serve all county parks and to be located along the current main Germantown Pike entrance. The response was that new planning director Clare Adams (see below) would be looking into it. Strategic Reorganization The Montgomery County Parks and Heritage Services (P&HS) manages all five county owned parks plus the Farm Park which is leased from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition, there are five historic sites and a 52-mile trail system planned to grow to 70 miles within two years. Starting this year a new organization is in place to oversee and manage these parks. Appointments
William
Brobst, former Administrator of
Pottsgrove Manor has been promoted to Regional Manager III of the Parks &
Heritage Services Department. Mr. Brobst will oversee the Farm Park, Schuylkill
Fish Ladder, Peter Wentz Historic Site and the trail system. He has 20 years
experience that includes experience in historic sites. Strategic Plan The strategic plan update is almost complete and will be presented to the County Commissioners shortly. Park Updates Deer Hunt - Although 32 antlerless deer were killed on 1/23/2008, there are still too many deer left for the carrying capacity of the one square mile park (7 to 20 per DCNR). There was no mention of using immunocontraception in conjunction with a future hunt. The Dairy Barn's Museum display cases are having their lighting installed. When done, painting will commence and a spring 2008 opening is expected. Pavilions expansion – engineering and design work by Czop Specter still under way. Maintenance Center - still under consideration Request for bids for the “stabilization and protection” of four buildings will be advertised by March 2008 with work scheduled to be completed by December 2008. Due to monetary restraints, only the Shannon Mansion, Getty Cottage, Dairy Barn, and Castner House will be considered. Stabilization and protection usually refers to structural stabilization and weather protection such as roof and windows. The Schuylkill Fish Ladder is almost complete. Concerts - contracts have been sent out. Doctor’s House - East Norriton Township Manager Helmuth Baerwald reported that East Norriton would like to be involved in the restoration of the Doctor's House to house the East Norriton Historical Advisory Commission. Mr. Baerwald stated that East Norriton would need a lot of help from legislators. Jeff Larsen advised him to submit a proposal. 660 Germantown Pike - Mr. Baerwald proposed that the boarded up, uninhabitable building at 660 Germantown Pike (corner of Whitehall and Germantown Pike) be disposed of as follows: part of the property would go to the Fire Co and part would be used to widen the intersection. He was advised to submit a proposal to the Advisory Board and DCNR. Sen. Rafferty said legislative action is required for transfer of property. Property at Southwest corner of North Wales Road and Germantown Pike - Mr. Baerwald mentioned that Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) had approached him about property on the corner of North Wales across from park entrance. This is private property and a building had been proposed two years ago but not built. Mr. Baerwald asked if East Norriton, Montgomery County, and ABC could join together to acquire it and make it into an overflow parking lot for ABC. Castner House - Ed Duffy mentioned that Richard Woodcock, a descendent of the Castner family, contacted the FPPA and said he had photographs and other memorabilia to share. Mr. Woodcock also asked about the restoration. Jeff Larsen said Richard Woodcock also had contacted him. DCNR will put on a new roof, windows and doors and renovate the inside. Mr.Woodcock requested a tour of the building, which Jeff will give him. The Zoo Bridge (Schuylkill Connector Trail) would end near the Castner House, but the House would remain NFP property. Bonnie VanOrmer suggested that any restoration include plans for archeological retrieval of items surrounding the properties to be restored. Sen. Rafferty expressed enthusiasm about this and said he may be able to line up a local college to work on the project.
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