Brookhaven Borough officials voted unanimously to move forward on the possible purchase of 7.4 acres of the Our Lady of Charity Catholic Church property in the 200 block of Upland Road. “The main purpose is green space, but ultimately the public will decide what goes there,” said Council President Terry Heller. The church, which is still active, and the rectory and parking area behind the church are not included in the sale. The purchase would include the old school and the convent straight back to the property line and includes about four acres of fields and some woods. The possibilities range from demolishing the structure at a cost of $300,000 to refurbishment, which would run into the $2.8 million range, Heller said. To pay for the property, the borough has received a $500,000 greenspace grant from Delaware County and is applying for a $1.5 million state grant, which requires a 50% match on the local level. Council can use the county grant as part of the matching requirement. The borough will hold a special meeting on the topic on Saturday, Feb. 24, at noon at the municipal building. During the week of March 4 to 8, residents will be able to participate in a nonbinding vote on the purchase. Watch the borough website for more information.
Source: Daily Times; 2/6/2024