Rose Tree Media School Board members could use eminent domain for a proposed K-1 Early Learning Center next to the high school. Phil Solomon, regional manager at ICS Consulting, said that the building project had reached a point where it could not move forward until land development issues were resolved. A quarter-acre of neighboring property owned by a religious organization, the Philadelphia Meeting Room, is needed for the road realignment. The district had several meetings to try to reach an agreement. The church initially asked for $3 million, which they dropped to $1.5 million after the district’s independent appraisal valuing the quarter acre at about $83,000. Solomon said the latest price is a nonstarter for public money. A road realignment has been part of PennDOT’s long-term planning, so it was not a surprise development. The district cannot submit land development plans without documentation showing how the road issue will be handled. Solomon suggested the district consider submitting a memorandum of understanding with the property owner filing for eminent domain while they continue to negotiate. The township won’t allow plans to move forward otherwise. The school board agreed to move forward with eminent domain if needed so the project would not be delayed further.
Source: Daily Times; 4/15/2026