SAVE SMOLA FARM
Donation protected
The 35-acre Smola Farm was sold to Upper Pottsgrove Township in 2008 by Tom Smola whose family had farmed the land since the mid-1800’s. Its purchase was made possible because the people of Upper Pottsgrove were generous enough in November of 2006 to vote yes and institute an earned income tax on themselves to purchase, preserve and protect land and farms like Smola Farm and thereby keep them from being developed and destroying the very rural nature of their beautiful township. Convincing Mr.Smola to sell was not a simple endeavor. It took the work of several dedicated people over 2 years to convince Tom that if he sold to the township, Open Space Funds would be used and his farm, which he so dearly loved, would be protected against development FOREVER.
Tom Smola the year the promise was made 2008, let's make 2023 the year it was kept.
In August of last year, the township’s board of commissioners announced at the August 15th meeting that it would use the property to build a new $5.5 million municipal complex. A vote was taken and passed 3-2 without a single public announcement as to what was taking place. A letter was sent out to residents in late September, a full 1 ½ months after the law was passed, announcing their plan but NEVER once describing the Smola Farm as Permanently Protected Land, as it was identified in the township’s very own 2020 Open Space Plan on page 25.
A group of taxpaying residents hired Kate Harper, a former legislator and lawyer to write a letter explaining the many ways they were disregarding the law, that is the Open Space Land Act 153 (a law Kate had a hand in crafting) in the hope they would be gently persuaded to find another parcel to use for their project. It was ignored. While our bid to get an injunction and stop them from spending our money failed, our push forward continues with a lawsuit to prevent them forever from using that property. We find ourselves in a situation where we need the Court to STOP their illegal action. Legal pursuits are never easy or cheap, but our case is strong, and we are reaching out to everyone to join us in doing what is RIGHT and HONORABLE. That is, that a promise made to an aging farmer in 2008 will be kept by all for generations to come and that the Smola Farm will be protected TODAY, TOMORROW, and FOREVER. We need your help so please join us!
All funds raised will support attorney costs & related expenses and make a critical difference in ensuring Upper Pottsgrove remains a unique township and community with a great quality of life, for both present and future generations.
SAVE SMOLA FARM’s mailing address is PO Box 362 Gilbertsville Pa 19525 if you are interested in sending a check. Make checks payable to Matthew Murray
Together WE can make this happen! Thank You in advance for your generosity and for proving that by STANDING STRONG TOGETHER WE CAN ACHIEVE GREAT THINGS!
**Please note that all contributions made to this fundraiser are gifts, and are not tax deductible.
Organizer
Matthew Murray
Organizer
Pottstown, PA
