Hearing on future of Valley Forge park set for tonight

Hearings resume tonight before the Lower Providence Township Zoning Hearing Board on a challenge to plans by the American Revolution Center to build a museum, hotel, conference center and other commercial development on privately owned land within the boundaries of Valley Forge National Historical Park.

The challenge was filed by several Lower Providence Township residents and the National Parks Conservation Association, a nonprofit advocacy group for the nation's parks. They are appealing a zoning ordinance amendment approved by the supervisors in September that clears the way for the ambitious project.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs, the American Revolution Center, and the township agreed last month to explore grounds for a possible compromise. Since then, the township supervisors have appointed a new member to the zoning hearing board, a new chairman has been elected, and a new solicitor chosen.

In their appeal, the challengers argue that the development, which is proposed for an area where the commissary was located during the Continental Army's winter encampment of 1777-78, is incompatible with the park's historic character.

They also claim that the zoning ordinance amendment is unconstitutional because the township usurped powers that properly belong to Congress, the body that set the park's legislative boundaries.

ARC attorneys are seeking to have the challenges dismissed. The hearing starts at 7 p.m. in the Lower Providence Township Building, 100 Parklane Dr., Eagleville.