Resident questions Neshaminy School District process for selling Oliver Heckman property, asks about community referendum

A resident told the Neshaminy School Board he was concerned about the district's process for selling the Oliver Heckman property and asked whether a referendum or broader community notice could be required.

Lance Seggers, who gave his address as 98 Queen Lily, said the sale could lead to high-density housing near his neighborhood and that taxpayers should have a role in decisions about district-owned land. “Would a referendum where people who aren't necessarily paying attention ... have a vote on how we sell our school property?” he asked.

A district representative answered that the district followed the options allowed under the school code, saying, “It's there's a couple different ways you can do it under the school code. 1 is a private sale, 1 is, a public auction, and 1 is requesting an RFP. So, it's a policy that was dictated by the RFP that went out, gave a timeline, it was advertised.” The representative added that the process had included advertising, a hearing, court approval and postings in the area and that the matter is now before the Middletown Township zoning hearing board.

Seggers pressed whether a referendum could still be added; the district representative said the property already was under agreement and that legal obligations to the court-approved buyer limited reversal. The representative explained that individual mailed notice to every parcel was not required by the process but that subsequent zoning hearings provide an additional public forum.

Later in the meeting a board member described the district's committee process for facilities matters and consolidation decisions, saying that detailed work occurs in facilities and operations committees and that, when a proposal reaches the full board, public hearings provide a forum for community comment.

Why it matters: The disposition of district-owned land can affect neighborhood density, municipal services and student enrollment. Community members and property owners often seek clarity about notification and opportunities for public input when school properties are declared surplus.

What was not decided: The meeting did not change the sale agreement; board representatives said the sale followed school code processes and that the zoning hearing board review remains a separate public process.

Clarifying details from the meeting - Property named in public comment: Oliver Heckman (as stated by the speaker). - Current status: District representative said sale was under agreement and is before the Middletown Township zoning hearing board; a referendum was not possible at this stage, per the answer given. - Notification: The representative said the district posted notices and advertised and that mailed notice to every address was not required.