Open Space Presentation Slated for Tonight in East Pikeland

Many times at recent East Pikeland Township meetings, agenda items on open space trigger discussion and questions. 

With that in mind, township leaders hope to clear up some of those questions in one fell swoop this evening. At its regular monthly meeting, the township's board of supervisors will host an open space presentation featuring those working on the township's open space plan. 

"It will be a big presentation to the public on the genesis and progress of open space preservation in the township," Chairman Ronald Graham said in a telephone interview back in October. 

Stock Illoway of the township's open space committee will lead the presentation. You can check out East Pikeland Township's open space map here. 

"The public is encouraged to attend to learn more about the overall goal of the open space plan, how properties are considered for conservation easements, the status of open space funds and future plans," according to the township's website. 

In addition to the open space presentation, tonight's agenda also includes a motion to spend $215,000 from the open space fund for a conservation easement in the 1200 block of Chester Springs Road. If approved, the board wil also vote on naming the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust as the steward of that easement. The Trust has worked on past conservation easements in the township. 

In the election in November 2006, township residents approved a referendum with 65 percent of the vote to institute a 0.25 percent increase in earned income tax. That money goes to open space preservation in the township.

East Pikeland in January for $800,000, acquiring the easement on the 69-acre Latshaw tract located in the northern part of the township. According to Township Manager Kim Moretti, that property could have been developed into 47 homes.

The Nov. 1 meeting starts at 7 p.m. and will be held in the .