Radnor reconsiders bid to condemn Valley Forge Military Academy land
It looks like Radnor Township is backing off on its plans to seize a large chunk of land and buildings from Valley Forge Military Academy and College through eminent domain.
Radnor Township officials came out to tour Valley Forge’s campus Friday morning and Valley Forge Military Academy Foundation Chairman John English made the case that the college needs the land and buildings–including the dorm and the dining hall– to further its mission of training its students to become U.S. Army officers.
By late afternoon, Radnor raised a white flag.
Township Manager William White sent an email to Valley Forge that MainLine Now
obtained, saying the Board of Commissioners’ Monday agenda will include “a motion to suspend the eminent domain at VFMA property. The motion, if approved by a majority of the Board, will (a) provide you with the public announcement that you requested and (b) allow us to continue discussions regarding the campus property.”
English told MainLine Now that he’s pleased that Radnor officials are rethinking the proposal to take 17.1 acres from the college through the condemnation process. English praised Commissioners President Jim Riley for being” open-minded” and willing to listen to the college’s point of view.
“I’m very grateful to Mr. Riley for his leadership,” said English. “He was very open-minded.”
Previously, the BOC voted to condemn part of the campus to use as for a new township recreation center to replace the Sulpizio Gym and for open space.
However, Phil Rosenzsweig, a lawyer for Valley Forge, warned Radnor officials that the federal government might get involved to protect the college since its students go on to become officers in the U.S. Army, and it is one of the feeder schools for West Point.
English said the part of the campus coveted by Radnor officials would be very expensive to replace. Previously, VFMA turned down a $20 million offer from a developer.
At that meeting where the BOC voted on an introductory ordinance to condemn, some of the commissioners said they believed the land was for sale and they wanted to keep developers from building housing on the property.
“We toured them through all the space,” said English. “Quite frankly, I think they were a little surprised (to learn about the college’s mission).”
After the tour, they had “a very frank discussion,” said English. “If we had to run the college without (those buildings) it would cost a great deal. We wouldn’t be able to feed (the students) or house them.” The buildings at stake also included a gym and a weight room. “The Army wants their officers to be fit,” he said. To retrofit a new dorm might run $15 million, he added.
Riley told MainLine Now, “The meeting was informative. Valley Forge does not want to sell, and they need the buildings for the college. The BOC will be meeting in executive session to discuss (the issue) on Monday.”
Last fall, the board that oversees the VFMA high school announced that the high school would be closing this May, after the 98th Corps of Cadets graduates. However, English noted the academy and college are two separate entities with different boards and leadership. Also, while the academy had financial difficulties, the college is robust, he said. The college students’ tuition is funded by the federal government, he said.
Some of the issues the academy faced were that many families could no longer afford the high cost of sending a student to boarding school, and steep increases in insurance premiums, the school said in a statement when it announced the closure. But the academy was also hit by lawsuits, as some students said they faced hazing and abuse at the hands of their peers.
