Township doesn’t need another park
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The Independence Township Supervisors are planning to build a park in Avella at a cost of more than $3 million.
Independence Township is already surrounded by three existing recreational parks. Beautiful Cross Creek Lake Park has two entrances, one from Route 50 and the other from Route 844, which makes access easy and convenient. To the west is Brooke Hills Park, located on Route 27, which is the continuation of Route 844 into West Virginia. It’s a neat park for swimming, playing golf, picnics and even has a theater adjacent to the park. Additionally, a short distance to the north is the Cross Creek Township Park. All of these are just minutes from Avella. Independence Township doesn’t need another park, particularly one that costs more than $3 million.
Even if the park were a good idea, where will the funds come from to complete and maintain it? In a recent edition of the township newsletter, the supervisors announced they had been awarded a $76,800 grant by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for development of the park. They further stated “along with donated matching funds of $76,800 given by private individuals” they now have $153,600 for Phase I.
When questioned at the recent township meeting about who these generous “private individuals” were, they admitted that the statement was a “mistake” since they had actually collected much less – $15,000 in cash and a promise of $35,000 in “in kind services.” A mistake or a deliberate attempt to mislead the public? They then admitted that the shortfall in donations from “private individuals” would in fact come from township funds.
Independence Township, like so many small communities, is struggling to survive. Yes, it’s true that this current board has received nearly $1.5 million in gas impact fees to date. Roads need to be paved and maintained. Many properties are in disrepair, several buildings in the downtown area should be either renovated or demolished, and on and on. Isn’t there a better way to spend this windfall?
Jack Knox
Independence