On November 2nd Lower Makefield Township Supervisors voted to approve creation of a Request For Proposals for the future of Patterson Farm. Despite offers of restoration assistance by volunteer group Patterson Farm Preservation, Inc. and the farmers who farm the land, supervisors voted 3-1 in favor of hiring franchise Avison-Young to create a Request For Proposals and manage the creation of a Patterson Farm Master Plan at a cost to taxpayers of $2,000 per month for 9 months.
Patterson Farm Preservation Inc. members are concerned that elected officials, after reaping a financial harvest from the sale of the municipal sewer system, now appear to be fast tracking a very expensive “adaptive reuse” for farm structures that remain critical to the viability of agriculture and could be repaired more conservatively for long-term benefit.
Supervisor Grenier was the dissenting vote, expressing concerns about potential cost overruns and the vagueness of the proposal document submitted by Avison-Young. Supervisors McCartney, Weiss and Blundi voted in favor. Supervisor Lewis was absent. Just one member of the general public, a member of Patterson Farm Preservation, was present and requested the vote be delayed until the public could be fully informed of the contents of the proposed agreement between Avison-Young and the township. Subsequently, a Right To Know Law Request has been submitted to obtain the document.
In an effort to save taxpayer funds, foster an appreciation for local agriculture and heritage, and support the upkeep of the farm, Patterson Farm Preservation, Inc. has offered the township a plan to fundraise and restore Satterthwaite House. If cooperation from the township is received, the long-vacant historic farmhouse would become the headquarters of the volunteer group and be known as Patterson Agriculture and Heritage Center, in memory of the farms’ former owners, Thomas & Alice Patterson. Memberships and educational programming would be offered as a means to assist the township with perpetual maintenance of the historic landmark farm while promoting Community Supported Agriculture.
Patterson Farm is located within the townships’ Agricultural Security Area, designated to protect farmers from burdensome non-farm conflict. The 350th anniversary of Patterson Farms’ founding will take place in 2033. The formerly 234-acre farm was acquired by the township in 1998 through eminent domain. About 170 acres are farmed today, supplying vegetables and grains for purchase locally and for donation to a local food bank.