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Committee recommends $52,000 exterior painting for Satterthwaite house, advances shutter restoration and outreach for Patterson Farm
Summary
The implementation committee recommended township approval of a $52,000 painting package to stabilize exterior lead paint on the Satterthwaite house, endorsed a shutter‑restoration plan under a forthcoming MOU with Patterson Farm Preservation, and discussed EPA/RDA funding for phase‑two environmental assessment and a new social‑media outreach strategy.
Lower Makefield Township’s Patterson Farm implementation committee voted June 11 to recommend that township officials approve a $52,000 phase‑two exterior painting and light carpentry package to seal lead‑painted surfaces on buildings that include the Satterthwaite house.
The committee debated whether painting might temporarily cover rotten wood but concluded protecting the buildings from further deterioration is an important interim step until larger rehabilitation funds are available. "It would stop it from rotting further," committee member Joe Camarada said, arguing the work is a preservation measure.
After discussion the committee moved and seconded a recommendation to the township to approve the painting project, with members stressing the township should confirm the contractor will meet applicable standards and that prevailing‑wage and procurement rules will apply to construction work.
The committee also recommended that Patterson Farm Preservation (PFP) be allowed to remove and restore historic shutters under terms to be set out in a memorandum of understanding drafted by the township solicitor. Committee members insisted restoration work comply with National Park Service preservation guidance and lead‑paint handling rules, and that the MOU clarify whether restored shutters will be reinstalled or held in storage if exterior conditions prevent safe reattachment.
"We debated at some length the pros and cons of reinstalling the restored shutters onto what is admittedly very poor conditions on the exterior of the house," a committee member said, noting a potential decision point after on‑site assessments.
Committee members discussed sequencing: the painting contractor would ideally remove and store shutters while the building receives exterior work, then return the shutters to PFP for restoration and final reinstallation if window frames can accept them. The township solicitor is drafting the MOU and the committee asked that its recommendations be incorporated.
Funding and environmental work: the Redevelopment Authority (RDA) of Bucks County has applied to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for community‑wide assessment grant funds listing Patterson Farm as a priority site. If the RDA is awarded the grant, it could cover 100% of a phase‑two Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), the committee said; timing and the RDA decision remain unspecified.
Public outreach: the Community Communications subcommittee proposed drafting press releases and short videos or social posts for the township to publish on official channels so updates come from an authoritative source. Township manager David Kratzer has agreed to the approach, and committee members said they will draft suggested posts for township review.
Next steps: committee staff will pass the painting and shutter recommendations to township staff for inclusion in the MOU and procurement processes; Fred Childs will follow up with David Kratzer on proposal leveling and the RDA/ESA application status. The committee adjourned after recording assignments and scheduling follow‑up meetings.
