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Board backs Abolition Hall grant application, sale of Marple Lane and steps toward new nonprofit
Summary
Supervisors authorized a $250,000 Greenways, Trails & Recreation Program grant application (total project $314,425.01, $64,425.01 local match) for a trailhead/parking at Abolition Hall, approved advertising a public bid to sell 14 Marple Lane (proceeds to support Abolition Hall), and authorized advertisement to form a 501(c)(3) to oversee the property’s redevelopment.
The White Marsh Township Board of Supervisors on March 12 approved several coordinated steps intended to advance the Abolition Hall redevelopment and trail‑connection project.
Staff presented a resolution to apply for a Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program grant to construct a parking area and a 10‑foot‑wide trail connecting Abolition Hall to the county trail. Krista Heinrich said the total project cost estimate is $314,425.01, of which the township would request $250,000 and commit a local match of $64,425.01 if awarded. Sydell Zove asked whether parking would be on the Abolition Hall parcel or the formerly referenced Hogg property; staff said the parking would sit in front/left of Abolition Hall and be connected to the county trail with a sidewalk along Butler Pike and a trail through the meadow. The county provided a letter of support.
The board also authorized advertising for public bids to sell a 0.484‑acre property at 14 Marple Lane (existing house and garage). Craig McAnally said proceeds from that sale would support redevelopment at Abolition Hall and related properties. Public comment raised concerns that a delineated wetland and its 25‑foot buffer be clearly shown in any bid materials; staff confirmed the wetland and buffer will be shown.
Additionally, supervisors authorized advertisement of an ordinance indicating the township’s intent to form a 501(c)(3) recommended by the Abolition Hall steering committee. Craig McAnally said forming a nonprofit would separate the project from township operations, create a standalone board, enable grant opportunities, and allow better bidding thresholds for construction contracts. Board members discussed preparing articles of incorporation and bylaws at the steering committee and circulating drafts for review; the board said proceeds from the Marple Lane sale would be transferred to the new nonprofit once established.
Separately, the board discussed a proposed donation to extend a conservation easement onto about 9.5 acres from the Ramos family. Because public commenters asked whether open‑space procedural requirements applied when property previously encumbered by public funding is sold, the board amended a motion to approve the transaction subject to solicitor review of Open Space Act procedural requirements and later authorized a public hearing to satisfy any required notice.
The steps taken that night were procedural authorizations (grant application, advertisement for sale and for formation of a nonprofit, and scheduling of a public hearing) and do not by themselves commit final funding beyond the matching commitment for the grant if the award is made.
