State Senator Andy Dinniman announced today that Exelon and East Coventry Township have partnered to preserve and protect some of the oldest buildings in Chester County.
East Coventry Township supervisors voted Monday night to sign a unique agreement under which Exelon will effectively donate to the township land and four historic structures at Frick’s Lock Village valued at an estimated $1 million. In addition, Exelon will spend close to $2.5 million to stabilize and rehabilitate these historic structures.
The specific terms of the agreement call for Exelon to lease the property to East Coventry and for the township to accept the leased parcel as a donation. As part of the agreement, Exelon will also make a contribution to the township in the amount of $30,000 to be used for maintenance of the leased parcel.
Dinniman, who assisted in the organization of the Frick’s Lock Steering Committee, applauded the agreement and thanked Exelon, East Coventry Township, the East Coventry Historical Commission and other local officials for their hard work.
“It is truly satisfying to see a private company step forward to so generously assist in the conservation of open space and the protection of our historic treasures,” Dinniman said. “Thanks to this public-private partnership, the beauty and history of Frick’s Lock will be enjoyed by residents and families for years to come.”
Dinniman also noted that Frick’s Lock will likely serve as a trailhead to the Schuylkill River Trail, which when completed will run from Pottsville to Philadelphia.
Frick's Lock Village was founded more than 250 years ago, and in the 19th century was a key stop along both the Schuylkill Canal and Pennsylvania Railroad. Several of the historic structures in the village date from the 1850’s and in 2003, the village was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This information is courtesy of a press release from the office of State Senator Andy Dinniman.
