You are here

Home » Lawsuit Filed Over Museum Complex Approved Near Valley Forge National Historical Park

Lawsuit Filed Over Museum Complex Approved Near Valley Forge National Historical Park

Share

Published Date

December 1, 2008

Valley Forge National Historical Park is again witnessing a battle -- this one legal -- over plans by a group to turn 78 acres into a museum complex. Photo of General Washington's Valley Forge headquarters by Hendricks NY via flickr.

A lawsuit has been filed in a bid to halt a museum complex from being built on 78 acres surrounded on three sides by Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Bringing the lawsuit Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania was the National Parks Conservation Association, which was joined by residents from the town of Lower Providence Township, Pennsylvania. The filing argues that township planners approved an unlawful zoning ordinance to permit the American Revolution Center to build the complex, which is designed to feature a hotel and restaurant along with the museum.

As required by Pennsylvania law, NPCA and local residents first filed an appeal with the Lower Providence Zoning Hearing Board. On October 30, the Zoning Hearing Board issued its written decision denying the appeal.

“The Zoning Hearing Board made the wrong decision,” said Cinda Waldbuesser, NPCA senior program manager in Pennsylvania. “The ordinance is preempted by federal law and is spot zoning, as the substantial evidence we submitted to the board clearly established.”

The appeal filed by NPCA and Lower Providence residents asserts that the local zoning ordinance is preempted by federal law because it would interfere with and undermine the National Park Service’s role in managing the national historical park. The appeal also claims the ordinance is spot zoning, which is illegal under Pennsylvania law, and permits development that is inconsistent and incompatible with neighboring national parkland and other open space.

According to NPCA, ARC’s proposed development would "change the character of Valley Forge by allowing construction of a new museum, conference center and 99-room hotel, and parking lots for buses, RVs, and cars on historic land that is now open meadows and woods."

ARC's project has also been opposed by Valley Forge officials as well as the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees.

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.