Meeting Minutes: April 11, 2003

The April 11, 2003 meeting of the Upper Southampton Township Historical Advisory Board was called to order at 8:45 a.m. at the Township Building. Board members present were Mr. Day, Mr. Donahue, Mr. Lynch, and Mr. Vogel; also present was Mrs. Biuckians.

Approval of the minutes of the Board's March 14 meeting was moved by Mr. Vogel and seconded by Mr. Lynch.

Mr. Vogel reported on his meeting with Patricia Shoor to review rules for the use of block grant money for the restoration and renovation of the Dry Goods Store. It is possible that funds over and above the current grant.

Mr. Donahue reported on the current situation with the Southampton train station. Mr. Williams, the township solicitor, had received a letter from SEPTA expressing initial interest in arriving at a long-term lease for the property, but it now appears that further negotiations will need to be conducted with SEPTA's General Counsel's office, rather than their real estate division. Given the buildings urgent need of stabilization, the Board felt that Mr. Williams should contact SEPTA's chief counsel directly to try to clarify and expedite matters. Mr. Donahue will prepare a written report on the situation and give it to Mrs. Biuckians, who will then present it to the Board of Supervisors.

Mrs. Biuckians mentioned that the Parks and Recreation Board was considering having the parking area adjacent to the Carriage House in Tamanend Park paved. Possible paving materials which would be visually compatible with the site's historic buildings were discussed. It was suggested that a committee be formed with representatives from both Parks and Recreation and the Historical Advisory Board to study the question.

At 9:55 a.m. Mr. Lynch moved that the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Mr. Donahue.