Radnor Township has reached a deal with the Valley Forge Military Academy Foundation over 17 acres of land in Wayne and is ending its eminent domain plan, writes Ryan Mulligan for Philadelphia Business Journal.
The land is currently used by Valley Forge Military College.
The Radnor Township Board of Commissioners had started eminent domain procedures because it was concerned that the 17 acres would be sold to developers.
The township has agreed instead on a right of first refusal for the remaining 34 acres of Valley Forge Military campus land when Valley Forge Military Academy closes this spring.
Right of first refusal means Radnor can match any offer made by developers over the next five years.
The foundation would also like to see a clause negotiated to prevent Radnor from using eminent domain over that same five years.
“What’s in it for us? If you can still condemn the property … we’re giving you a right of first refusal for five years without me securing the safety of my campus,” said Valley Forge Military Academy Foundation Board Chair John English.
Read about Radnor’s interest in gaining Valley Forge Military Academy land for a new recreation center and a potential foundation offer to share the college’s facilities in the Philadelphia Business Journal.
