UPDATE: Plans for the much-anticipated park at Crebilly Farm in Westtown are moving slower than expected, according to outgoing Westtown Board of Supervisors Chairman and Police Commissioner Dick Pomerantz. During a recent meeting, he expressed disappointment that the park, acquired for $20 million, may not be available for public use as soon as hoped.
Community engagement has been overwhelming, with a historic voter referendum resulting in a 68%-32% approval rate for funding the preservation of this landmark, which is tied to the Revolutionary War. Hundreds of residents rallied against proposed developments by Toll Brothers that would have built 317 homes on the site. Pomerantz has been a leading figure in the effort to transform Crebilly into a park, emphasizing that the community’s collective action has been pivotal.
The township has faced several hurdles delaying the park’s progress. A required Master Plan is in development due to grant conditions, with applications for additional funding submitted earlier this year. The township has now allocated funds for this planning effort in the 2026 budget. Pomerantz pointed out that recruiting an experienced consultant and clearing the land, once a working farm, are both time-consuming and costly endeavors.
Pomerantz highlighted the ongoing challenges with zoning issues and noted some lingering controversy surrounding the historic Darlingtown Inn, which remains unresolved. The Board of Supervisors is currently addressing these matters.
At the meeting held by the newly established Friends of Crebilly Preserve, over 80 passionate advocates gathered to discuss the future of the park. Pomerantz encouraged attendees to remain active in the park’s development, urging them to learn from other successful open space initiatives and to keep the pressure on local politicians to prioritize the project.
Pomerantz, visibly moved, was honored with a plaque recognizing his two decades of public service, emphasizing his dedication to the community and his key role in thwarting detrimental development plans for Crebilly Farm. He stated, “We’ve done something nobody thought possible. It’s not just a local story—it’s become a national story that will change Westtown for future generations.”
As the community looks ahead, Pomerantz reminded everyone of the importance of sustained involvement. “If you want politicians to listen, you must pack the room,” he urged. The park’s future hangs in the balance, and community members are called to action to ensure that Crebilly Farm becomes the recreational haven they envisioned.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and follow the community’s journey toward realizing the dream of making Crebilly Farm a cherished public park.
