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Debate over Historical Society building site in Ontelaunee Park surfaces as EAC objects
Summary
Dennis Hartman of the Historical Society asked the board to approve a building location in Ontelaunee Park so the society could pursue funding; the Environmental Advisory Council opposed the chosen site and suggested alternatives. Board members differed on whether trustees had formally approved the site and whether to hold a workshop.
Discussion over the placement of a proposed Historical Society building in Ontelaunee Park took up a portion of the Sept. 11 Lynn Township supervisors meeting, with differing views among supervisors and objections from the Environmental Advisory Council.
Dennis Hartman, representing the Historical Society, said the society wanted approval of a staked location on leased park property so it could move forward on fundraising and start the project in 2025. Ronald Jerdon voiced support for the proposed placement. Frederick Najarian said he was not in favor of the marked location and offered an alternative property along Allemaengel Road; Najarian asked Hartman to first obtain approval from the Historical Society trustees for the location before bringing it back to the board.
Environmental Advisory Council member Kathryn Townsend stated the EAC is not in favor of the location staked off by the Historical Society. Townsend and other EAC members discussed related items: a scheduled cleanup on Oct. 18 with a donated 40-cubic-yard roll-off in the dog park, plans to explore a recycling program and that Waste Management would be invited to present options to the board. Heidi Shriver (Bird Town) will attend the October BOS meeting to discuss related environmental matters.
The board agreed a workshop could be held if needed but noted required advertising for such a meeting. No final board approval for the building site was recorded at the meeting.
Why it matters: Placement of a structure in a public park affects park use, stewardship and grant eligibility; the EAC's objections signal environmental and siting concerns that should be resolved before approvals.
Next steps: Historical Society to confirm trustee approval of the location; board may schedule an advertised workshop if formal review is needed.
