Here’s what’s next for 119 acres of farmland purchased by the Penns Valley Area School District
Another renovation project is in the works for the Penns Valley Area School District, along with the sale of two parcels of land bought by the district two years ago.
After Penns Valley purchased 119 acres of farmland adjacent to the Crater farm property in 2018, the board of directors planned to develop a portion of the property to increase student safety, security and function, redesign and control vehicle access, improve walkways, enhance bus drop off and athletic field functions.
The district held a series of community meetings and brainstorming sessions, and after hearing input from residents, the board developed a master plan that outlines areas that will be improved.
The plan proposes renovations to Ram Challenge Drive due to poor visibility, narrow width, excessive traffic and dangerous crossing. At the high school, the district wants to increase the number of parking spaces, add sidewalks and ADA accessible features and controlled pedestrian crossings on state Route 45.
The high school’s tennis courts and youth practice fields are in need of repairs, and according to the master plan, the district plans to evaluate the athletic complex, parking, soccer fields, restrooms, lighting and ADA compliance.
The lack of playground facilities at Penns Valley Elementary School are part of the development plan, along with the expansion of the environmental center and cross-country trails.
The improvement plan will be completed in phases, and while the board has not approved a construction timeline, they did approve the subdivision of two parcels to be sold by the district at last week’s meeting.
The first parcel is approximately 22 acres, bordered on the west by Green Grove Road and on the north by Summer Mountain Road. The site includes two houses, a bank barn, pond and several outbuildings. The second parcel is 18 acres and is bordered on the south by the current Crater properties and on the east by Green Grove Road.
The two parcels will be offered for sale through sealed bids this spring.
The district will host an open house from 1-4 p.m. on Feb. 13 for community members to view the land and buildings for sale. Sealed bids are due to the Penns Valley Administration Office — 4528 Penns Valley Road — in Spring Mills by March 18 at 2 p.m.
