UPDATE: Progress on the highly anticipated park at Crebilly Farm is moving slower than expected, according to Westtown Township officials. Former Board of Supervisor and Police Commissioner Dick Pomerantz expressed his disappointment during a meeting on October 3, 2023, stating the park, purchased for $20 million, was hoped to be ready for public use within 1 to 18 months after acquisition last year.
The 206-acre site, which has historical significance from the Revolutionary War, was acquired with overwhelming support from the community, where voters approved a tax measure by a margin of 68-32%. The park’s development is now facing several hurdles that have delayed its progress.
Pomerantz highlighted that a comprehensive Master Plan is mandated due to the conditions set by grantors who funded the acquisition. The township is still waiting for a favorable response on grant applications submitted earlier this year, which are essential for financing the Master Plan’s development. The township has allocated funds for this in the 2026 budget.
“Clearly I would have hoped it could have been done faster,” Pomerantz remarked, acknowledging the complexities involved. The former working farm requires extensive clearing, which is both time-consuming and costly. Additionally, zoning issues have added further delays.
During the meeting at Westminster Presbyterian Church, which saw over 80 attendees, Pomerantz urged community members to remain engaged. “If you want politicians to listen, you must pack the room,” he emphasized, echoing the collective spirit that has driven the preservation efforts of Crebilly Farm.
“We’ve done something nobody thought possible. It’s not just a local story – it’s become a national story that will change Westtown for future generations,” Pomerantz stated.
Despite the challenges, the community remains hopeful. The newly formed Friends of Crebilly Preserve group is rallying support and encouraging residents to take action. Pomerantz asserted that ongoing involvement is crucial to the park’s successful development.
In addition to the park’s future, the fate of the historic Darlingtown Inn remains uncertain, with no solutions currently proposed. The Board of Supervisors is expected to address this matter as well.
As the township navigates these obstacles, Pomerantz’s dedication to the project was recognized at the meeting, where he was presented with a plaque honoring his two decades of service. “We have done it as a team and will continue to do so,” he remarked, reinforcing the importance of collective effort in community endeavors.
The future of Crebilly Farm as a public park is still in the balance, but the community’s resolve is stronger than ever. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and involved as developments unfold in the coming months.
