Pave Paradise

...and put up a parking lot. 

For John and Chara Haas, 

Stoneleigh was their paradise of 80 years. 

After their deaths, Stoneleigh, their 42 acre estate, 

was donated to Natural Lands 

in order that it be protected forever. 

"The donation had a singular purpose: 

to open Stoneleigh up to the general public, 

so that everyone could enjoy this natural treasure free of charge."

Stoneleigh opened as a public garden in May 2018.  

But if the local school district has their way, 

some or all of the property will be condemned 

and acquired by eminent domain 

in order to build a new school and ball fields. 

Lower Merion officials have failed to plan properly 

for the growth of their community 

and now want to cover their collective butts 

with this possible acquisition. 

Why is this important to you? 

Because if it happens in Lower Merion 

it can happen anywhere. 

There is no precedent of a public garden 

being acquired by eminent domain.  

Help by signing the petition to save Stoneleigh here. 

You can learn more about Stoneleigh here. 

UPDATE: Stoneleigh has been saved!

PA passed legislation that would make 

an eminent domain takeover of this property illegal. 

YAY! 

I am definitely not as active blogging as I used to be,
but I am still posting photos on Instagram!