The Board of Commissioners voted Monday evening to table the eminent domain ordinance targeting approximately 17 acres of Valley Forge Military Academy land, a dramatic pivot that came after VFMA's negotiating team offered a five-year right-of-first-refusal agreement covering the full 34-acre campus once the college closes this spring.
VFMA Foundation Board Chair John English pressed commissioners for a clause barring any eminent domain action during the five-year window — a provision that would strip the township of its strongest leverage should negotiations stall.
The township had initiated the condemnation process in January to secure land for a long-sought recreation center and public park, responding to fears that developers would move quickly on the valuable Main Line acreage.
The terms of the right-of-first-refusal agreement are expected to be a central topic at the March 22 Board of Commissioners meeting. Residents concerned about the future of the property are encouraged to attend.