2007 News

October 26, 2007

Commissioners To Purchase 27.4 Acres For County Veterans Park At National Cemetery: Upper Makefield Addition to County Park System to Honor Military Heroes

During a news conference this evening at the Washington Crossing Visitors’ Center auditorium, Bucks County Commissioners Charles H. Martin, chairman, James F. Cawley, Esq., and Sandra A. Miller announced that they have reached an agreement with Toll Brothers to purchase a 27.4-acre parcel at Route 532 (Washington Crossing Rd.) and Highland Rd. in Upper Makefield Twp. The parcel will serve as a county Veteran’s Park and be located as a “gateway” to the 200-acre National Veterans Cemetery that will be dedicated on the adjacent lot.

Joining the commissioners to commend them for their commitment to the National Veterans Cemetery were U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter and U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, along with local officials and veterans. Both elected officials extended thanks for the commissioners’ effort, which was first announced during their Dec. 20, 2006 bi-monthly meeting – also held in the Washington Crossing Visitors’ Center auditorium.

The agreed-to purchase price is $1.1 million for the 27.4-acre Veterans Park, and the final legal documents are being prepared for signature. The money will be taken from the county’s portion of the hotel tax.

“We are excited to be able to partner with the national veterans officials who have worked so diligently to move this project to this point in the process,” Chairman Martin said. “It is important to note that this park will not cost county taxpayers one cent. All of the funding will be derived from the county hotel tax. That money comes from visitors and travelers to our county.”