WILLIAMS’ LEGISLATION AUTHORIZING A CONVEYANCE OF LAND IN HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP SIGNED INTO LAW

135 Acres of Haverford State Hospital Grounds To Be Used By Haverford Township For Recreational Purposes

HARRISBURG, November 26, 2002 - - A bill authorizing the Department of General Services to convey 212 acres of Commonwealth Land and numerous buildings to Haverford Township was signed into law today as Act 137 of 2002. The land is located in Haverford Township, Delaware County and includes part of the former Haverford State Hospital grounds.
Senator Connie Williams (D-Montgomery/Delaware) introduced the bill in June of this year.

The law provides that the deed of conveyance for the property will contain a restrictive covenant applicable to 135 acres, which must be used for open space and recreational purposes. Of this 135-acre portion, 120 acres must be reserved for passive recreation.

Williams said that Haverford Township came to an agreement in principle in August of this year to purchase Haverford State Hospital from the state for $3.5 million.

"I’m looking forward to seeing the property become a place where Haverford Township residents can enjoy the hiking and biking trails," Williams said.

"My role in this process has been to work with Rep. Vitali to support the wishes of the people of Haverford Township and to facilitate the process at the appropriate time," Williams said. "I’m delighted that the legislation was swiftly signed into law."