East Whiteland to buy 52-acre Ridley Spring Farm for $4.7 million, preserve as open space

The East Whiteland Township Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the purchase of a 52.1-acre property known as Ridley Spring Farm for $4.7 million, township officials said June 11.

Assistant Township Manager Catherine Ricardo told the board the township secured nearly $2 million in grant funding toward the purchase and that settlement is scheduled for June 30, 2025. "Most importantly, this property will be permanently preserved as Open Space for future generations to enjoy," Ricardo said.

The agreement follows a recommendation from the Open Space Committee and will be funded from a combination of the General Fund, the Open Space Fund and the grant awards. Ricardo said the township will release a more detailed financial breakdown on request.

Vice-Chair Rich Orlow said he appreciated the seller’s condition that the entire farm be sold intact, calling the acquisition significant because it is the township’s only owned open space west of Route 30. For the record, Mr. Lambert provided a statement of support that was read into the record by Township Manager Steve Brown.

Following closing, the township will begin a master planning process that includes public input and collaboration with the Parks & Recreation Board and the Open Space Committee, officials said. The property is being acquired for permanent open-space preservation; no final recreational plan was presented at the meeting.

The board voted unanimously to approve the authorization to close and purchase the property.