We are thrilled to announce that our SOS Campaign was a success! With the support and contributions from our township, our county, our neighbors and community: paired with the stellar teamwork, generosity and dedication of the Highlands Historical Society, we have achieved our goal of preserving additional open space in Whitemarsh Township. Thank you to all of the amazing donors. We did it!
Please take a moment to read this wonderful piece that was published in the Whitemarsh Township Weekly Newsletter:
PreservedThe Township has joined with the Highlands Historical Society, Montgomery County and the community to preserve a portion of a 51-acre open space tract adjacent to the Highlands Mansion and Gardens.The owner of the tract had filed an application with the Township for a 46-lot residential development. The Highlands Historical Society, after extensive negotiations with the developer, purchased the entire tract last month for $13.3 million.The 51 acres has been subdivided into four separate lots, consisting of three 10+ acre lots totaling 32 acres and one 19-acre lot. The three 10-acre lots have been resold by the Highlands Historical Society to conservation buyers subject to easements held by the Township, limiting development to one residence per lot. The remaining 19-acre lot will be retained by the Highlands and added to its 40-acre estate. It is subject to an easement held by the Township preventing any development, and providing for unrestricted public access.The 19-acre tract is contiguous with both the Highlands estate and Wissahickon Trails’ Willow Lake Farm and its extensive trail network. This will create a 170-acre privately-owned public park extending from Sheaff Lane to Broad Axe with ample trailhead parking at the Highlands.“We are pleased that the Township could work with the Highlands Historical Society and others to help preserve such an important piece of property,” said Supervisor Chair Fran McCusker. “We remain committed to helping Whitemarsh remain Greenmarsh.”
