Some residents are not happy about the Chestnuthill Supervisors’ $610,000 purchase of nearly 200 acres for open space.

Supervisors passed a resolution approving the purchase last week.

“We bid on the property because it would mean a substantial addition to the open space land we already have in that area,” Chairman Chuck Gould said. He said there is an access point to Jackson Township properties, which is a total of 4,000 acres.

“So little by little we’re getting a pretty decent amount of open space there for the public to enjoy,” he said.

“These properties have been identified in the West End Open Park and Open Space and Recreation Plan that was adopted in 2003 as targeted park lands that the township should pursue. This property has also been identified since 2008 on the Article IV Chestnuthill Township Official map for open space/protection,” said township Secretary-Treasurer Cathy Martinelli.

Additionally, these properties are contiguous with more than 600 acres of township-owned protected lands known as the Big Woods Natural Area, she said.

The property purchased is slightly under 200 acres and was purchased for $610,000, Gould said.

The papers for the sale are to be signed on Sept. 30.

David Albright, the township’s manager has addressed the following questions he has received from residents:

Q. How can the township bid against residents using residents’ tax money?

A. Article XV, Section 1502 of the Second Class Township Code authorizes townships to purchase real property that it judges to be in the best interest of the Township.

Q. The township does not then pay taxes to itself?

A. The township pays 1% of the transfer tax at closing. The township has to provide documentation that the property will be used to the public’s benefit for parks and recreation to the Monroe County Tax Assessment Office for tax exemption.

Q. Who is benefiting?

A. All township residents will benefit by having access to this property for recreational purposes.

Q. Who is giving so-called donations?

A. The township will be applying to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and other conservation organizations for grant and donation funding to assist with the acquisition costs.

“I would be more than happy to respond to the questions you submit through our website,” Albright said.

In other business

• Bernie Kozen, executive director of parks and recreation, reported at the last concert the turnout was 125 people and everyone enjoyed the music. He also reported this summer’s camp was a huge success and all the kids had a good time.

Coming events include a mountain bike ride on Aug. 14, a movie night in the park on Aug. 20 and a Mad Scientist event for kids on Aug. 21. The concert series will close with its last performance on Sept. 26.

• The supervisors made a motion to use the 2021 round of the Local Share Account to apply for $300,000 for two new mixed material sheds that would help in storing mixed materials for potential storms.

• A motion was passed to authorize township tax collector June O’Neill to attend a conference on Oct. 15 and 16, expenses paid.

• Albright and Martinelli were authorized to pursue any funding through DCNR, as well as checking out any other avenues that could defray the costs on the land acquisition and to give them the ability to process new paperwork that goes along with that.