Politics & Government

Warminster, Christ's Home Close to Agreement for Transfer of Tennent House

Once the details are hammered out and both parties agree to the terms, the township will acquire the property and save it from demolition.

A joint statement released Friday morning by Christ's Home and Warminster Township said that both parties agreed "in principle that the home will not be demolished and the property will be transferred to the Township," following a meeting on Thursday.

Warminster Township Manager Bob Tate said that the exact terms of the agreement are still unknown, and both parties need to agree before the transfer takes place. Tate is confident something will be worked out by the end of the month.

"The situation is evolving very quickly," said Tate. "Within the next three to four weeks we're going to see a lot more news on the topic."

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The news comes following a roller coaster week for the property. Members of the Millbrook Society and the Friends of the William Tennent House filled the audience at the Sept. 22 Board of Supervisors meeting, imploring the township to do what it can to save the house. 

During that meeting, township solicitor Michael Savona emphasized the fact that Christ's Home had not applied for a demolition permit from the township, which is necessary to raze the building. Earlier this week, Christ's Home applied for the demolition permit, then withdrew it a day later, according to a report by Phillyburbs.com.

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"The insurance company is concerned about the house's safety," said Tate. "They don't think it's a good idea to have that home on a property that also has children."

Chalfont resident Ed Price, a member of the Millbrook Society and Friends of the William Tennent House, has been for the recent activity surrounding the Tennent House, located off of York Road next to the Learning Experience.

He has written, called and met with township supervisors, committee members, state representatives and historical societies urging them to make efforts to acquire the site from Christ's Home. While he is happy to hear the news of a possible deal, he hasn't popped the champagne quite yet.

"We're closer to our goal, and we feel positive about that," said Price. "At this point, however, we know it hasn't happened yet and we won't be able to really celebrate until it does. Anything can happen between now and the end of October."

In the meantime, Price will start making steps toward forming a non-profit to renovate and restore the William Tennent house.


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