Friends of Barnitz Mill ask supervisors for feasibility study, preservation funding

Elizabeth Grant represented the Friends of Barnitz Mill and presented background on the mill, the group's 2023 formation, structural evaluations and options drawn from the township Parks Master Plan. She outlined accomplishments, potential funding sources, grant opportunities and the group's next steps, including a community survey, documenting history, recruiting expertise, pursuing 501(c)(3) status and conducting a feasibility study.

Grant asked the Board to consider three options: continue restoration planning, table restoration and continue only basic maintenance, or evaluate demolition. Chairman Rob Kole thanked the group for their work and said he is passionate about keeping the mill: “once it is gone, you can’t get it back.” Supervisor Jen DeGaetano expressed appreciation and interest in continuing the discussion, and Vice Chairman Robert Line III said he was interested in pursuing restoration planning and preserving Township history. No official Board action was taken at the meeting.

Why it matters: The Barnitz Mill is a local historic asset and the Friends group is seeking township support and a formal feasibility study to guide restoration and fundraising. The presentation sets the stage for future decisions about preservation, capital needs and potential public-private fundraising.

What’s next: The Friends will continue their community survey, research restoration costs and pursue nonprofit status and grant writing; the Board may consider formal action in future meetings after additional information is developed.