Powell Property Acquisition Timeline

Marta Driscoll & Glenn Powell reviewing property plans at the 3.14.2025 settlement.

Preserving the Powell Property has been a years-long effort involving many individuals-elected officials, residents, professionals, and community advocates-who all contributed at different stages to protect this important piece of open space in Chester Heights. At the April 7th, 2025 Council Meeting, I was reminded how deeply personal and meaningful this journey has been for many of us. I want to emphasize my sincere appreciation for the contributions of past council members, particularly those who laid the early groundwork and engaged in conversations with the Powell family. Their commitment made it possible for this Council to complete the work of preservation. What follows is a factual, chronological timeline of the Powell Property acquisition process. It is not a political statement or a campaign narrative-it is a record of what happened, when, and how we arrived at this shared success for our community.

January 22, 2018 – Initial Contact Regarding Preservation Councilman Philip Block informs Borough Council that the attorney for the late Calvin Powell Sr. contacted him through the Borough Engineer to gauge interest in preserving the Powell family’s substantial property. Block shares he had been in contact with the school district to explore the idea of a bio-educational area. However, the district indicated that the council would first need to approve the acquisition before they could collaborate on funding. Councilwoman Ellis stated she would not discuss the matter, and Glen Powell noted the land was not for sale.

January 2018 – December 2019—Informal Negotiations

As noted by Councilman Drew Baum during the April 7, 2025 Council Meeting, he engaged in informal negotiations with Glen Powell during this period. These early conversations did not result in a preservation strategy but were soon followed by a development proposal.

December 20, 2019 – PRD Development Proposal Submitted The Powell family submits a request for a development proposal to be placed on the January 6, 2020 agenda. The proposed plan includes the construction of 52 townhomes and the donation of 48 acres of steep slope and floodplain to the borough to meet Planned Residential Development (PRD) open space requirements. All but one zoning requirement was met, allowing the council to put the zoning variance approval on hold.

January 6, 2020 – Plans Shared with Council Full development plans for the proposed 52-townhome project are made available to Borough Council.

January 25, 2020 – Planning Commission Recommendation

The Planning Commission votes 5–2 to recommend approval of the development proposal.

November 23, 2020 – Council Reviews Development Agreement The council receives additional information about the agreement negotiated by Councilman Baum and the Borough Solicitor. A by-right development plan is presented for the first time to allow comparison with the 52-townhome proposal.

January 25, 2021 – Fiscal Impact Study Presented A Fiscal Impact Study is presented, confirming that Council retains full discretion to accept or reject the proposed development.

August 18, 2021 – Public Call for PreservationDemocratic candidates for Mayor and Borough Council issue an open letter encouraging Council to explore all options, including acquisition, to preserve the Powell Property.

April 14, 2022 – Rezoning Application Submitted The Powell family submits a formal application to rezone the property to accommodate the 52-townhome development.

June 2022 – February 2023 Community Advocacy Begins The “Save the Powell Property” Facebook group is formed to rally public support for preservation.

July 18, 2022 – Community Group Hires Legal Counsel to Demand Transparency and Action

After months of inaction by Borough Council and continued movement toward a 52-townhome PRD development, a group of concerned residents from Chester Heights and Garnet Valley took the extraordinary step of hiring legal counsel to represent their interests. In a formal letter to the Borough, their attorney requests documentation confirming that alternatives to development—such as preservation or public acquisition—are under active consideration. The letter also inquires whether a Right-to-Know request would be required, signaling the group’s growing frustration with the Borough’s lack of transparency. This action marked a pivotal moment, applying the public pressure that ultimately shifted the conversation toward preservation.

Funding & Acquisition Process

October 2022 – Delaware County Green Ways Grant Application Submitted

Chester Heights Borough submits its first public funding application through the Delaware County Green Ways Program to support the Powell Property acquisition.

December 2022 – Delaware County Green Ways Grant Awarded

The Borough is awarded $500,000 through the Green Ways Program, marking the first public grant committed toward acquisition.

Early 2023 – Natural Lands Trust Engaged

At the recommendation of Fred Wood, Natural Lands Trust (NLT) is engaged to assist with funding strategy, grant management, and long-term conservation planning for the Powell Property.

April 3, 2023 – Resolution to Enter Agreement of Sale

Borough Council approves Resolution 4-23A to enter into an agreement of sale for 40.2 acres of the Powell Property on the west side of Valleybrook Road. The agreement is contingent upon securing sufficient funding.

April 4, 2023 – $750,000 Private Donation Secured

NLT secures a private donor commitment of $750,000 to support the Borough’s acquisition of the Powell Property. This critical seed funding enhances the Borough’s ability to pursue larger grant opportunities.

April 5, 2023 – DCNR C2P2 Grant Application SubmittedNLT submits a $1.897 million grant request on behalf of the Borough to the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) under the Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2). The request exceeds the program’s $1 million grant cap and is ultimately denied due to the funding ceiling.

May 2023 – Two DCED Grant Applications SubmittedThe Borough submits two grant applications to the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). One is later denied, and the second remains pending, with an award announcement expected in late fall 2024.

June 20, 2023 – Agreement of Sale ExecutedChester Heights Borough formally enters into an Agreement of Sale with the Powell family for $3.4 million to acquire 40.2 acres of the property.

October 20, 2023 – Contract Executed with Natural Lands TrustThe Borough signs a formal contract with Natural Lands Trust to manage technical assistance, coordinate funding sources, oversee compliance, and ensure the property’s permanent protection.

January 2024 – TCF Bridge Loan Approved To meet the terms of acquisition ahead of grant reimbursements, Chester Heights Borough secures a short-term bridge loan from The Conservation Fund (TCF). This financing mechanism allows the Borough to proceed with settlement while awaiting disbursement of federal funds.

March 2024 – LWCF Application Submitted; Project Recommended for Funding

Following the denial of the C2P2 application, DCNR recommends the Powell Property project for federal funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). A new application is submitted as part of DCNR’s 2024 LWCF package to the National Park Service.

September 2024 – LWCF Grant AwardedThe Borough is awarded $1.87 million through the LWCF, representing the largest external funding source secured for the acquisition.

March 14, 2025 – Final Settlement Completed Chester Heights Borough finalizes settlement for the 40.2-acre Powell Property. The land is permanently preserved as open space, marking the successful conclusion of a multi-year effort involving residents, donors, public officials, partner organizations, and multiple funding sources.