Lower Makefield’s board of supervisors recently took an important step in the future of the township-owned Patterson Farm by approving a $113,900 contract with Seiler + Drury Architecture to develop a master plan for the 234-acre property on Mirror Lake Road near Interstate 295.
The master plan, expected to be completed in September, will assess the condition of the farm’s buildings, recommend compatible uses that keep with the preservation mission, and create financially sustainable enterprises to support the buildings’ maintenance.
The property, purchased by Lower Makefield in 1998, is home to 15 buildings, some of which are historical and in need of repair. The Artists of Yardley nonprofit is currently a tenant on the farm.
Approving Norristown-based Seiler + Drury for the master plan was the recommendation of an Ad Hoc Property Committee chaired by Dennis Steadman, which reviewed and vetted all applicants and proposals with the help of historical architect Jennifer Stark. The committee has been studying the farm and the best course for its future for many months.
Supervisor Daniel Greiner was the lone “no” vote on the contract for developing the master plan. He said the township should first take the necessary steps to remove contaminated soil from the farm. Other supervisors felt that process and developing the master plan could proceed at the same time.
Right after the master plan contract was awarded, the board unanimously approved a motion directing township Manager David Kratzer to develop requests for proposals for remediation of contaminated soils and buildings on the farm.
More on the Patterson Farm is available on the township website, lmt.org, where residents can also follow progress on the development of the master plan.
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