The Township has a long history of purchasing and improving open space ranging from the purchase of the Cook Farm Tract back in 1966 to the recent acquisition of Mermaid Lake. To continue this legacy of open space preservation, voters in Whitpain are encouraged to vote “yes” to the ballot question on the May 17, 2022 election ballot.
A yes vote would provide an additional dedicated stream of revenue for open space acquisition, open space debt repayment, and open space improvements by adjusting the earned income tax (EIT) by 0.06%. This adjustment would not go into effect until 2023.
The additional revenue would add approximately $40 to the typical person’s annual EIT payment and would not change real estate taxes. The Township believes this would strike an ideal balance between allowing for future land acquisition and maintenance while minimizing financial burden on our residents. This approach would also have the least possible impact on families and would not affect citizens on a fixed income.
The Township has held the line on taxes since 2010. In the 12 years since, the Township has made a number of open space acquisitions and improvements, including purchasing Mermaid Park, partnering with the county and Wissahickon Trails to preserve the Cheston property, investing in planned improvements at Wissahickon Park, and upgrading Erbs Mill Park, while also partnering with our youth sports organizations to build restroom facilities at Centre Square Park and Stony Creek Sports Park.