While the jury is still out on whether state and federal agencies will purchase 12 Woodwinds condominiums, the Hatboro Borough Council set the wheels in motion for that possibility. 

The council, following direction from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, on Monday night approved an open space maintenance agreement that pertains to the area where three buildings are situated on Drummers Way. Originally six buildings – totaling 24 homes within the 79-unit development – were eyed for government buyouts.

FEMA and PEMA have whittled the original request down to 12 homes. Borough Manager Fred Zollers said Hatboro was given no timetable as to when buyout decisions will be made. 

But, in the interim, the borough’s agreement defines its responsibility should buyouts and subsequent building demolition occur.

In essence, the area would be deed restricted, meaning it could not be developed, Zollers said.

“It has to be returned to a natural state,” Zollers said.

The borough would not be able to apply for any additional disaster relief funds, or add a water retention basin in that parcel, he said.

“More or less we wind up with a park,” Council President John Zygmont said.