Open Space Referenda Pass in East Whiteland and Uwchlan Townships

February 2025

This past November East Whiteland Township and Uwchlan Township became the 37th and 38th of Chester County's 73 municipalities to pass ballot measures to raise local funds for open space preservation.

Municipal open space programs funded by bonds or dedicated tax revenue are widely used in the Delaware Valley region as an effective funding tool for achieving open space preservation goals and benefits. Typically, small portions of property and/or earned income taxes are allocated to pay off debts from purchasing land or property rights for conservation, agriculture, and public recreation. The funds raised through these programs may only be used for acquiring open space, developing open space plans, developing parks and trails, and maintaining these open spaces.

East Whiteland

East Whiteland Township

After the development of a Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan in 2022, East Whiteland Township wanted to be able to implement the plan's key priorities more proactively. Recognizing the numerous ecological, social, and economic benefits of open space, voters in East Whiteland Township approved an Open Space Tax Referendum that raises the residents' earned income tax by 0.05% and the property tax by 0.45 mills, aimed at protecting natural resources, environmentally sensitive areas, wildlife habitats, and recreational lands. The program dedicates 25% of the funds to enhance, manage, and maintain the acquired lands.

The Township leaders and residents also recognize that conserving land costs the municipality less than if it were developed, and that local zoning laws alone cannot guarantee sufficient preserved land in key areas. To protect the Township's remaining undeveloped land, the Open Space program offers willing landowners and developers an alternative to selling for development. These proactive measures enable the Township to secure green spaces before they disappear, preserving vital open space for future generations.

Uwchlan

Uwchlan Township

Voters in Uwchlan Township approved an increase in their earned income tax from 1% to 1.25% to support a Township Open Space Program. This tax is expected to generate approximately $2.5 to $3 million annually for acquiring, protecting, and conserving open space. This includes acquiring open spaces or conservation easements to preserve woodlands, farmlands, natural and scenic resources, and lands designated for recreation or historical purposes. The program also covers acquisition-related costs, such as appraisals, engineering and surveying, and closing expenses. Like East Whiteland, the program allocates 25% of the funds to enhance, manage, and maintain the acquired lands.

The Open Space Program was established to fund, maintain, and support the Township's implementation of the 2020 Comprehensive Plan. This plan prioritizes opportunities to enhance and expand open space and recommends improvements to existing parks and recreational areas.

For more information about local open space funding programs in Chester County and across the Delaware Valley region visit: