Open space a top issue in Radnor race

Candidates running for the four open seats on Radnor Township's board of commissioners named the township's budget and stormwater management and flooding as major issues for residents this year.

But it's another issue that is really causing debate in the township: whether Radnor should purchase a piece of the Ardrossan estate to add to the township's open space.

"Everyone loves open space," said Tim Pitts, the Republican candidate vying for the first ward seat. "Nature is a wonderful thing, and the green space is one of the reasons I love Radnor."

"However, I don't think the township could buy a big portion of the land," he added.

Pitts, who's lived in North Wayne with his wife, Ashley and their three children since 2007, manages a local office for a Fortune 500 insurance company.

Pitts said the topic of purchasing 360-acre Ardrossan estate, located along Newtown Road and previously owned by the Montgomery Scott family, the inspiration for the late 1930s play and feature film, The Philadelphia Story, was brought back to the table recently. He said that it was an issue that split the town, some favoring, some against. Pitts added that the problem was that the township doesn't know yet what kind of land it could potentially purchase, or how much it would cost

"Even now, we have a hard time maintaining current open space, so adding to that would be shortsighted," he said.

Pitts's opponent on the Democratic ticket for the first ward, James Higgins, said he understood the debate over purchasing a piece of the estate, emphasizing that securing the piece for a reasonable price would add to the township's ambiance.

"You see it and think 'wouldn't it be wonderful to save that?'" Higgins said. "But these things don't come free, and to acquire something like that takes ingenuity and creativity, and sacrifice."

Higgins added that the sacrifice means carefully examining all potential means of finance, and could mean considering raising taxes slightly, while also looking into available finances through the township's open space fund.

Emily Hobson, the Republican candidate seeking the third ward commission seat, said she would oppose the purchasing of the Ardrossan estate, if it would mean unnecessary spending and additional tax burdens on the township residents.

"The people I've spoken with while going door-to-door have told me they have to move because of tax increases in the township," said Hobson, a marketing and brand developer for a multi-national company. "And I don't want the township to get into a position of buyers' remorse."

"It's about the price and the use of the property all placed within the context of the broader needs of the township at large," she added.

Hobson said that as a commissioner she would make every possible effort to avoid property tax increases, since she believes the township has to stay affordable and competitive if it wants to keep younger families.

Hobson's opponent, Democratic incumbent William Spingler, envisioned acquiring 75 acres of the estate that exists along the Darby Creek.

"One of my greatest accomplishments [as commissioner] was getting the Radnor Trail done in 1991…it was a 10-year battle but the trail is completed and everyone loves it," said Spingler, also vice president of the board. "Hopefully we can add three parcels of land to give us 210 acres of park."

Remaining candidates include Republican Ernest Shapiro and Democrat incumbent John Nagle for the 5th ward seat, and John Fisher, Democrat and board of commissioners president, and Republican Rosemont resident and attorney Tom Dougherty, for the 7th ward seat.

Check with Neighbors Main Line Tuesday, Nov. 8 for continued coverage of political races in Radnor and throughout the Main Line.