Committee May Approve Purchase of Land for Preservation

An Upper Saucon environmental panel, acting on a recently submitted report on open space, will consider approving an appraisal of a 3.64-acre Center Valley property recommended for "preservation and acquisition."

The Environmental Advisory Committee took the action Tuesday, a day after the township Open Space Study Committee submitted its final report to the board of supervisors.

The property in question, owned by Roy Laubach, is at 6009 Old Bethlehem Pike near the township Community Park. Laubach, who now lives 65 miles away, was interested in selling his property to the township as additional space for the park. He also expressed willingness to arrange another appraisal, the last being in 2007.

EAC Vice Chairman Peter Staffeld said the committee must first make a recommendation to the Open Space Study panel to determine if funding for the appraisal can be arranged. Staffeld, a study committee member, said telephone surveys showed that residents view open space preservation as one of the top uses of township funds.

Residents also favored an increase in the Earned Income Tax, prompting the Open Space panel to recommend a .05 percent increase (less than $50 annually to the average household) rather than consider bond measures or a real estate tax increase. But Staffeld said in these tough economic times, future funding "might be tight" if residents don't believe earned income tax money should be used for projects such as the appraisal.

Laubach maintained flexibility on payment matters, saying he was more interested in selling the property for the township’s benefit than as an easement for someone else.

“That piece of property right now is bordered on two sides by the township park,” Laubach said. “And I do know the township is interested in the property on the other side of the park.”

Laubach also said he was willing to negotiate with the township for "a period of three or maybe even five years.” As of yet, he has not quoted a price for his property.

The EAC also suggested launching an education program to further inform residents. Through the township newsletter, website and public discussions, the EAC hopes to educate Upper Saucon residents on issues such as land purchases, easements, preservation and earned income tax increases.

“We should be responsible in informing the residents on why this would be valuable,” EAC Chairman Thomas L. Gettings said. “And that’s a long education process.”

If the committee authorizes the appraisal, it then will analyze the property’s environmental value with the Parks and Recreation Commission before seeking a recommendation from the supervisors to purchase the property.