As amazing as it may sound, every dollar that you pledge on www.savethebarclaygrounds.org could result in $21 of County and State open space preservation grants to the Borough of West Chester to be used to save the Barclay Grounds. Here's how it works…West Chester Borough Council would be eligible to apply for up to 50% of the amount it would need (let's say $1.1 million for example) to purchase the Barclay Grounds, if it enacts an ordinance to acquire this property during the Special Meeting on December 4th to vote on this question. The County is able to give a grant of up to $500K (or more, in exceptional circumstances) to preserve qualified properties. The County would require the Borough to put up a 10% match for any amount that it receives through the open space preservation program (i.e. $50K to obtain a grant of $500K). The Borough can then apply for a State grant to match this $550K - thereby bringing the total of grants obtained up to $1,050,000 for a $50K match.Go to www.savethebarclaygrounds.org to make your pledge now. This pledge will become due only after West Chester Borough Council enacts an ordinance to acquire the Barclay Grounds by negotiation or condemnation. At that time you would then pay the amount pledged to the Borough - and the Borough could use your pledge money as the "match" to potentially generate an additional $21 (per dollar pledged) in County/State grants. This type of County/State grant money can only be used by the Borough for the purpose of preserving open space - so it will not be taking anything away from other needs/programs in the Borough. Best of all, your pledge may be tax deductible (check with your accountant first).Go to www.savethebarclaygrounds.org and click on the "Make a Pledge" link at the bottom of any page to SAVE The Barclay Grounds now!
