RELEASE: Residents Acquire Perfect Site for "Ecovillage" Neighborhood near West Grove

Local elder sells site across from new London Grove Community Park

London Grove, PA – May 19, 2009 – Local residents seeking to build the first net-zero energy “Ecovillage” neighborhood ended their search for the “perfect property” last week when they signed an agreement of sale with Edna Lamborn, longtime resident of West Grove, for her property on the corner of Prospect Avenue and West State Street.  The proposed neighborhood will be called Three Groves Ecovillage, in honor of the location in London Grove Township, bordering West Grove Borough, and within Avon-Grove School District.  The future residents and development partner, Aye Partners LLC, will present site plans to the London Grove Township Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors at their May 27 and June 3 meetings at the Township Building and to the public on June 7 at 5:30 at West Grove Friends Meeting House.

“This property is perfectly situated within walking distance of many restaurants, the library and other businesses of downtown West Grove, a short stroll from the excellent public middle school and high school, and across the street from an incredible 125 acre community park

 ” states Anthony Aufdenkampe, future resident of Three Groves Ecovillage.  Sandy Wiggins, former Chairman of the US Green Building Council and a principal of Aye Partners, explains “Choosing pedestrian-oriented smart locations in close proximity to community assets is a key factor for long-term sustainability.  One of our country’s greatest challenges is changing our past patterns of development that make inefficient use of land and infrastructure and that are entirely dependent on the automobile.”  Janet Pelletier, another future resident continues “I have this vision of walking with my kids down to the library or to school, of strolling to a restaurant with friends, and of early-morning bird-watching in the park.  I can't wait to move our family there.  All the hard work to find a perfect spot for our ecovillage has really paid off."

Edna Lamborn, who has owned the property for many decades and donated 42 acres for the northern portion of the community park, was equally pleased.  “West Grove has been a major part of our family’s life for many years and we all love the town and the people” said Mrs. Lamborn.  “I would be pleased to be part of the first LEED Platinum

 community in Pennsylvania.  Three Groves Ecovillage sounds like an exciting concept.  I look forward to seeing the successful completion of the project and more new families enjoying life in West Grove.”

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (www.USGBC.org), LEED

  provides a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.  Three Groves Ecovillage will be seeking the highest rating of LEED Platinum.

Land stewardship is a core value for future residents and partners of Three Groves Ecovillage. “Two-thirds of this site was degraded by previous use” says Jackie O’Neil, the other principal of Aye Partners.  “We are looking to preserve the site’s assets, such as large trees and south-facing slopes, and restore the site’s soils, vegetation and hydrology, in order to demonstrate that smart neighborhoods of the future can actually enhance the health of the land and the greater community.”  Pelletier continues “I would like to become an active steward of the tiny stream that runs along the property to the pond in the park.  We hope to work with neighbors and the park to plant native vegetation and trees to clean it up and provide habitat for wildlife.”

“We’re looking forward to seeing more details on the Three Groves Ecovillage plan for this site” said Bob Vanella, member of the Board of Supervisors for London Grove Township, at the Township’s Green Fair this last Saturday. 

Public Events:

To get involved or just learn more, interested potential residents and public are encouraged to attend a presentation and discussion of design and development plans starting at 5:30 pm on Sunday, June 7 at the West Grove Friends Meeting, 153 E. Harmony Rd, West Grove PA (http://www.westgrovefriends.org.) The public is also welcome to Three Groves Ecovillage’s monthly potluck, starting at 4:30 pm just before the meeting. 

Media Coverage:

Media are welcome to attend the public events but asked to pre-register by contacting Janet Pelletier (janet.h.pelletier@gmail.com).  Photos of the site and residents are available on request.

Three Groves Ecovillage (www.ThreeGrovesEcovillage.org) is an organization of local people seeking to build and reside in an environmentally and socially sustainable neighborhood. They are actively growing and seeking new members. It is a sister organization to Concord Ecovillage, which seeks to build an ecovillage near Kennett Square PA or Newark, DE.  In the fall of 2008, the groups optioned a 6.2 acre property on Willow Street in West Grove, but decided to continue the search for a more appropriate site.

Aye Partners, LLC (www.ThreeGrovesEcovillage.org/project-team.html), are leaders in sustainable development and green building, and have commissioned Re:Vision Architecture (www.revisionarch.com), a leading green design firm, to head up the plans.

Margot Mohr Teetor, Realtor with Re/Max Town and Country (http://www.margot.your-move.com), has worked as the Buyer’s Agent for Three Groves Ecovillage and will act as Seller’s Agent for Ecovillage homes listed online with the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

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