In response to accusations that they are failing to preserve open space by not attempting to save the Archdiocesan-owned land in Marple Township, Delco Council members have penned a 10-page, open memo outlining their position on the issue, writes Caitlin McCabe for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Originally the land was going to be sold to Jenkintown developer Bruce Goodman, who planned to build hundreds of town homes and big-box stores on the land. This was rejected after fierce pushback from local residents.

Now at issue is the proposed referendum on a bond to save the Sproul Road property that has now been put back on the market.

The Council, however, has found that the demand for a $100-million bond “does not strike the proper balance between the desire to preserve open space and fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers of Delaware County.”

“While County Council understands the desire for some residents of Broomall and its vicinity to do ‘whatever it takes’ to preserve the Sproul Road property owned by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia,” the memo read, “incurring $100 million or $125 million of county debt is not a balanced or reasonable solution to that problem.”

Read more about the memo in the Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.