Last Monday evening’s Patterson Farm Forum was well attended, and sent a clear message to Lower Makefield Township officials that the community is aware of and engaged in the effort to create a Master Plan for Patterson Farm. 

One prevalent question among attendees was, “Why aren’t the farmers permitted to use the barn(s)?” Especially since citizens voted to preserve Patterson Farm, a working farm. Township officials have stated the barns need repairs. But WHY is that?

When Lower Makefield township acquired the farm via an Eminent Domain taking in 1998, the barns and outbuildings were in good condition. (The township called the transaction a “friendly condemnation”). The farm has always produced income sufficient to provide for its maintenance. 

 So WHY are the buildings in disrepair now? What happened to the income from Patterson Farm? We’ll ask these and other relevant questions as the effort to achieve a plan for proper stewardship of Patterson Farm moves forward.

Please show your support for local agriculture and preservation by wearing our Save the Barn, Save the Farm t-shirt to the next discussion of Patterson Farms future.

Standing with you for the preservation of our community farm,

Board members of Patterson Farm Preservation, Inc. 501(c)3