Advisory Committee

Norristown Farm Park Advisory Committee Meeting

April 30, 2010

By Ed Duffy and Diana Cassel, Ph.D.

The Norristown Farm Park (NFP) Advisory Committee was formed when the Farm Park was separated from the Norristown State Hospital and its management turned over to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Montgomery County Parks. The NFP Advisory Committee consists of elected and appointed state and municipal officials, members of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and members of Montgomery County Parks and Heritages Services. Meetings are held quarterly and are open to the public. Members of the FPPA attend all meetings and are on the agenda to express and discuss FPPA issues.

State Representative Matt Bradford (arrived late), proxy for State Senator Daylin Leach, proxy for State Senator John Rafferty (arrived late), proxy for State Representative Mike Vereb. Representatives from East and West Norriton attended; no one representing Norristown attended. Don Delamater, East Norriton Township Manager, did a commendable job in chairing the meeting.

Ben Hynes asked about Montgomery County’s lease of the park from the state. Ron Ahlbrandt, Director of the Montgomery County Parks and Heritage Services Department, replied that there was no problem with this year’s renewal of the lease scheduled for June. Bonnie Van Ormer asked about historical preservation and archeological artifacts. Park Supervisor Ken Shellenberger assured her that documentation of all structures in the Park was filed with the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission. Ron Ahlbrandt, Director of the Montgomery County Department of Parks and Heritage Services, said that all archeological work has to be done before a project can proceed and that all workers are instructed to leave artifacts in place until they can be evaluated. Andy Lutz from the PA Turnpike commission said that all the artifacts found during the wetlands mitigation project were photographed and documented and everything would be returned to the park along with artifacts found during the upcoming dam removal project. Space in the park has been designated as wetlands replacement for space that will be taken for the turnpike widening of the Northeast Extension. Kim Geissler asked if there were one person in charge of searching for grant funding sources; Ron Ahlbrandt said yes and that if citizens located any source of possible funding, they should bring it to the attention of the park’s management or the Parks and Heritage services. Diana Cassel asked Ken Lewis of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) if state funds were cut off to all state parks in Montgomery County. Ken replied that the state did not fund any state parks in Montgomery County other than the Norristown Farm Park and that funds were cut to NFP because of the dire economic situation.

Last fall, Norristown Farm Park received a grant from Pennsylvania American Waters as part of that company’s Mowing to Meadows initiative. The monies from this grant will be used to enhance the conditions of the old ball field on Stony Creek Road. On April 10, 2010, All Seasons Landscaping applied a “Round-up type herbicide” to the former ball field area in an attempt to eradicate any remaining invasive plant species. The area was scheduled to be re-seeded/completed in early May 2010.

2010 marks the 8^th anniversary of the Farm Park’s free Summer Concert Series. This year the Concert Series will feature five very popular yet diverse acts, each covering a wide range of musical genres. The concert series will kick off on June 5 and will feature Cameron Chandler. On June 19, Zydeco A Go-Go will be here. Acts for July include Melissa Martin and the Mighty Rhythm Kings on July 10 followed by Elvis/Dean Garofolo on July 24. The Flower Power Band will close out the concert series on August 21.

Recently, with input from the staff of the Farm Park, the Montgomery County Planning Commission combined two maps that previously had been offered to the public into one document. The maps were combined in an attempt to save paper. In addition, the revisions are intended to improve the documents accuracy while making it more user friendly. The newly revised map will be available shortly.

As previously stated, State Capital Improvement Project DGS 139-10 concluded this past October, 2009. The project itself dealt with the exterior stabilization and renovation of four structures (Shannon Mansion, Getty Cottage, Castner House and Dairy Barn). Several months ago, it was brought to the park’s attention that there might be some money left on the table. Now, the staff of the Farm Park is working closely with Senator Rafferty’s office in an attempt to gain access to the remaining contingency funds. If the remaining funds are appropriated, they will be used to further on-going building renovations at the park.

Park Supervisor Ken Shellenberger reported that for the past six months or so, he had been conversing with Jason Ingle who represents the non-profit group, Greener Partners. Mr. Shellenberger indicated that Greener Partners seeks to raise public awareness as to where “our” food comes from, as well as the importance of organic/sustainable agriculture. Mr. Shellenberger reported that in addition to the development of community supported farms on publicly owned lands, Greener Partners offers both community and student based educational programs and/or activities. Mr. Shellenberger went on to say that he had visited several of the organic farms sponsored/operated by Greener Partners and that he was both intrigued and inspired by what he saw - so much so, that he invited Mr. Ingle to attend April’s Advisory Committee Meeting to share his visions for the Farm Park with those present. Prior to introducing Mr. Ingle, Mr. Shellenberger stated that Greener Partner’s involvement in the Farm Park (if approved), would have no bearing on the current tenant farmers lease, nor would it impact his operations in any way.

Ken Shellenberger then introduced Jason Ingle from Greener Partners who spoke about a community farm initiative for NFP. A 6-acre piece of land behind the Dairy Barn would be used for this purpose. A lively discussion ensued, with all in favor except for Ben Hynes, who mounted a passionate entreaty to maintain vistas by not farming in the center of the Park. Ben insisted that vistas had to be maintained as set forth in the Master Plan. Tim Halverson responded eloquently by saying that vistas were important but not the only important item called for in the Master Plan. Maintaining agriculture was also important and the proposed community farm would connect people in the community with the land and their food. Ben also objected to a possible shed, but Jason said they would use part of the Dairy Barn for their needs. Ben also asked if the land would be leased to Greener Partners and when informed it would be, he maintained that the Park does not lease land. Don Delamater corrected him by noting that the Park leases land to the townships for compost purposes and to the current tenant farmer for 500 acres to farm. Ben also said that 5 or 6 acres was a great amount of land to use for the community farm and it was pointed out that there were 690 acres in the Park. Ed Duffy noted that placing a community farm in the park is in keeping with the history of the land. The Farm Park was originally a collection of five or more “plantations” that raised

a variety of crops. The discussion ended with Jason Ingle being given permission to put together a proposal to be brought back to the Committee at a future date. Additional information about Greener Partners can be found at www.greenerpartners.org.

Ken Lewis commented on the tight finances that are affecting DCNR operations. He said that there are 118 Pennsylvania state parks and he is dealing with hiring freezes and reduced services. In some cases, people are serving three or four parks instead of just one. He sited situations that affected staff from secretaries to sewage treatment managers.

Andy Lutz of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission gave an update on the Stony Creek Dam Removal Project and received permission to make an application to the Fish and Boat Commission and DCNR to remove the Dam. The plan is to remove the dam, pump house ruins, and underlying rocks. The Creek would be allowed to stabilize for a year. After stabilization, a determination would be made as to what type of – if any – changes would be made to the area of the removed dam. The Turnpike Commission is working with both the Stony Creek Anglers and the Fish and Boat Commission on this project. Tim Halverson asked what the goal of this project is. Andy Lutz replied that the project was part of the wetlands mitigation for the land claimed by the Turnpike Commission for the recent improvements to the Turnpike. Included in the project is the removal of a dam that is nonfunctional and dangerous and the return of the Creek to natural stream status by the dam’s removal. Andy Lutz also reported that the wetland construction was not out for bid yet because they were encountering delays in obtaining permits.

Tim Halverson, FPPA Board Member, said that the FPPA Board Members who had been in discussion with Jason Ingle all favored the community farm initiative; but that it would have to be brought up before the full Board before a formal statement would be issued.