(This is the continuation from the July 2025 Newsletter)
This put the wheels in motion…..
….. in September 2023 for Council to make an offer to the Archdiocese, subject to an appraised value to acquire 7.4 acres of the Our Lady of Charity property to be used for open space and passive recreation, with current uncertainty about the school building’s future use. The price was based on a borough-funded appraisal which resulted in an estimated value of $1,550,000, the Borough’s offer was $1,500,000. The Borough’s purchase was contingent on strong public support and funding; Borough residents voted overwhelmingly in favor of this initiative with a resounding 79.8% majority.
Council applied for various grants and was fortunate to receive a $500,000 no-match grant towards the purchase price. We were also fortunate to receive another grant in the amount of $100,000, reducing the total cost of the acquisition to about $900,000. The Borough secured a $1 million municipal loan at 4.04% for 15 years. This gives the borough an additional $100,000 in the budget for OLC improvements. And, a tax increase for this purpose was not necessary.
Brookhaven Borough closed on the OLC property in April of this year (2025). Now, the Our Lady of Charity Committee will work on plans for the property, which is restricted as green space and will involve residents in decision making. We look forward to improving this beautiful green space, for the use by the current and future generations.
If you would like to be part of this committee, please contact the borough office.