New Garden has a New Tool in their Conservation Tool Belt

Eighteen municipalities in Chester County have embraced the “Official Map” measure. Our neighboring township of New Garden has jumped on the bandwagon recently.

These Official Maps are projected to be useful tool to protect open spaces. However, there is a catch. The end game is for the municipality to amass land. If you, Mr. or Mrs. Property owner decide to construct on your existing parcel or choose to subdivide, you must notify the township. The clock starts ticking at that point and the township has a defined time frame to negotiate a “fair market price” for the parcel.

Note that this is not eminent domain or condemnation of property. This tool basically gives them right of first refusal for your property. If they have no interest in purchasing your property, then you are permitted to proceed with your plans within the township’s navigational beacons.

Reference: Daily Local News ~ dailylocal.com

 

 

 

Regional police department gets township approval | Chester County Press

There is a merger expected to join West Grove and New Garden police departments in January 2017.  It is said that this is in an effort to economize the police department to scale, so that they can improve and enhance their services to the local communities.  At this point, New Garden is said to be bearing the brunt of the costs at a liability of 80% while West Grove, a smaller municipality will be responsible for 20% of the costs. It is the hope that a “larger operation” would stabilize coverage and improve investigations. There is talk of a new facility as well, but no concrete detail on that as of yet.  Read more via the link provided below.

Source: Regional police department gets township approval | Chester County Press