Whitpain Township Considers Plans To Buy Mermaid Tract

WHITPAIN TOWNSHIP, PA — Discussions continue over the ultimate fate of the Mermaid Tract, a significant swath of land in Whitpain Township which could become either the area's next new development or a major public park space.

The property was once the home of the Mermaid Swim Club, which is no longer economically viable, officials said. The township found out on June 5 that the owners were considering selling the property, and the Board told the owners that they hoped to preserve part or all of the land for recreational purposes.

However, by June 13, the property was sold to the Metropolitan Development Group, which immediately filed a conditional use application to build. They hope to put up 53 single family homes on the property.

According to the township, code enforcement officer Mike McAndrew is reviewing Metropolitan's application to build "as they would with any similar application."

However, in the interm, Whitpain is meeting with Metropolitan and hopes to buy part or all of the property.

If they're unsuccessful, the township will look for other opportunities to add playing fields and park space.