Lower Merion Schools Using Eminent Domain On 13.4 Villanova Acres

ARDMORE, PA – The Lower Merion Board of School Directors approved using eminent domain to acquire two parcels of land in Villanova as it continues to address increasing student enrollment.

During a special meeting Friday, the board voted to exercise the district's right of eminent domain on two adjacent Villanova sites: a 10.4-acre site at 1835 County Line Road and a three-acre site at 1800 W. Montgomery Ave.

The district recently approved the purchase of four properties – 912, 916, 920 and 922 Spring Mill Road in Villanova – totaling 7.56 acres for field use.

However, wetlands were discovered there that would make them more expensive and more difficult to develop for field use.

Spiezle Architectural Group has been tapped to design a new middle school at 1860 Montgomery Ave.

Under the terms of the district’s proposed offer, the owners of 1835 County Line would receive $9.95 million and the owner of 1800 W. Montgomery would receive $2.965 million. Both would be allowed to remain on their properties with construction not beginning until 2023. This is possible because, though the new middle school is scheduled to open in 2022, seventh and eighth graders will not be transitioned into the new school the first year.

"The Board is thrilled that we are able to acquire these properties. It’s a win-win for our community," Dr. Melissa Gilbert, President of the Lower Merion Board of School Directors, said. "The sellers are being appropriately compensated. Our students get the best school and fields that we can provide. And all of the taxpayers who support our schools will reap the benefits as well.”

The condemnation of 1860 Montgomery Ave. will keep the property in use for the residents of Lower Merion Township and Narberth, rather than enabling Villanova University to take the property off the tax rolls for its private development use, as the university was planning to purchase those properties.

"For the District, these properties have many advantages over others under consideration – such as Spring Mill Road," Gilbert said. "And I’m confident our residents would rather see the land being used by their neighbors than by college students who don’t live in Lower Merion or Narberth."

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