L
ocal land conservation nonprofit Allegheny Land Trust
has the 148-acre site of the former Churchill Valley
Country Club under exclusive contract to purchase for
permanent protection as community green space. With
108 acres in Churchill and 40 acres in Penn Hills, the project
presents an opportunity to create an expansive greenway that will
provide a close-to-home place for healthy outdoor exercise
and the enjoyment of nature for residents of the
densely populated communities.
Chris Beichner, ALT President and
CEO, called the property a “gem for all to
enjoy forever.”
He explains, “With this special land now
under contract, ALT and the members of
these communities have a rare opportunity
to work together to permanently preserve
this treasure for the benefit of current
residents and future generations. Some
residents are already enjoying this large,
beautiful, green oasis, taking advantage of its
more than five miles of accessible, paved trails and
unique plant and wildlife habitat.”
ALT is challenging community members to raise $100K
by December as one part of a multi-faceted funding plan
that also targets support from two departments of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (grant requests pending),
the foundation community, potential corporate partners and
civic organizations. In addition to raising the much-needed funds
to help close the overall funding gap, this community campaign
will provide the required matching funds and demonstrate
the local support necessary to unlock the pending state and
private grants.
“While only a part of the overall funding plan, the community
campaign is the key to making it all work,” Beichner says.
“Donations of any amount help to close the gap and
show support.”
After an August public hearing on the project, the community
has raised more than $46,000 toward the goal. Lindsay
Dill, Communications Director for Allegheny Land
Trust, says the local-match grants are still pending
and that the organization is exploring additional
funding to fill in any gaps to reach $100K.
Protecting the land will preserve its natural
scenic beauty, provide a place for close-to-
home outdoor recreation and environmental
education, mitigate downstream flooding,
prevent further traffic congestion and enhance
the attractiveness of Churchill and Penn Hills
to prospective homeowners — who increasingly
cite the proximity to open space as a significant
factor in their selection of a community to call home.
“Access to green space is an increasingly important
factor that influences property values, active lifestyles and the
choices people make when deciding where to take root and
raise families,” says Penn Hills Manager Scott Andrejchak.
“Allegheny Land Trust is passionate about the project and if
it comes to fruition, Penn Hills will welcome ALT and look for
ways to partner with the organization to improve recreation
opportunities in the community.” ■
Some residents are already enjoying this large, beautiful green oasis, taking advantage of
its more than five miles of accessible paved trails and unique plant and wildlife habitat.
To donate or learn more about the project, visit alleghenylandtrust.org/churchill-valley.
PENN HILLS
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FALL 2019
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