On December 7, 2016 the Pennsylvania Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case Borough of Downington v. Friends of Kardon Park, a dispute which has lasted more than seven years. The issue at stake is whether Downington Borough can sell acres of parkland to developers, who would construct retail space and housing units on the site, without public or judicial oversight.
The implications of this case are critical for the future of Pennsylvania’s parks; if Downington is granted the right to sell its public parkland, countless other cash-strapped municipalities might follow suit. Recognizing the danger of this unprecedented threat to public open space, the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association filed an amicus curiae brief with the court.
Video of the proceedings was captured by PCN.