A plan by the Bucks County Historical Society to sell a 24-acre wooded property in Doylestown Township for residential development is drawing criticism from preservation advocates who want the land and its historic structures protected.
The nonprofit organization is seeking to sell the former George Hart property along Route 202 to Zaveta Custom Homes, which has proposed renovating the site’s historic stone farmhouse while constructing 36 luxury townhomes on the property, according to Bucks County Courier Times.
Leaders with the historical society say the sale is part of a broader effort to focus resources on maintaining the society’s core assets tied to Henry Mercer, including the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle in Doylestown.
Society officials said in the report the Hart property was donated without restrictions and does not directly relate to Mercer’s legacy. After conducting strategic planning following the pandemic, the organization’s board voted unanimously in 2022 to pursue selling the property and redirect funding toward preserving Mercer-related sites.
Developers have proposed preserving the existing farmhouse, barn and other structures while incorporating them into a residential development, per the article.
However, some preservationists and local historians oppose the plan, arguing the land and its historic buildings should remain intact and potentially be used for public education or open space. Critics say the wooded property and its centuries-old structures represent an important piece of Bucks County’s rural heritage that could be lost if development moves forward.
The proposal, according to the article, will continue to be reviewed by Doylestown Township officials, who must consider a zoning change for the project before it can proceed.
The planning commission will resume discussion on the matter on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the township municipal building at 425 Wells Road. Planners will vote to recommend the plans for approval to township supervisors.
It would need to go through proper land development processes, including traffic and environmental impact studies, before a final submission can be put before officials.
