East Vincent Township officials took two actions Tuesday related to historic properties in the township — moving forward with a grant application to stabilize the historic Parker Ford Tavern while also approving the demolition of deteriorated structures at 109 Sheeder Road.
The decisions came during the Board of Supervisors meeting March 3 and reflected ongoing discussions in the township about preserving historic resources while addressing safety and structural concerns.
Grant Application Targets Parker Ford Tavern Repairs
Supervisors voted to support a grant application seeking $100,000 through the Keystone Historic Preservation program to begin repairs at the Parker Ford Tavern, a historic building along the Schuylkill River that township officials say has been deteriorating.
If the grant is awarded, the township would be required to provide a 50 percent cash match to support the project.
Township officials said the funding would focus on stabilizing the building and addressing structural concerns identified during a previous engineering review.
“We did at one point have a structural engineer go into the building and they determined that it was not structurally sound,” Supervisor Craig Damon said during the discussion.
Initial work would focus on stabilizing portions of the structure, including reinforcing the first floor and certain supports on the second floor.
Township officials said the grant represents an important early step toward addressing long-standing concerns about the building’s condition.
“This is the opportunity to start funding repairs to Parker Ford Tavern,” Damon said, noting that the township’s Historical Commission has been awaiting the chance to begin work on the property.
Discussion during the meeting also referenced plans to address several historic windows at the tavern as part of the project scope.
Demolition Approved for Structures at 109 Sheeder Road
In a separate action, supervisors approved the demolition of historic structures located at 109 Sheeder Road, following a review by the township’s Historical Commission and discussions with the property owner.
According to township officials, the owner agreed to allow members of the Historical Commission access to the site before demolition begins so they can document the buildings and attempt to recover historically significant materials or artifacts.
Officials also clarified during the meeting that the current owner was not responsible for the buildings’ long-term deterioration, noting the property had already fallen into poor condition before it was acquired.
Resident Raises Concerns About Loss of Historic Buildings
The demolition prompted comments from residents concerned about the loss of historic structures in the township.
Resident Chris McNeil said the property contains two buildings believed to date to the early 1800s that had previously been identified as historically significant in a Chester County survey.
According to McNeil, the main farmhouse is a two-and-a-half-story stone structure built in a German colonial style, while a smaller tenant house reflects English colonial architectural influences.
She said both buildings had once been considered potentially eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
While acknowledging their deteriorated condition and supporting the supervisors' decision, McNeil urged township officials to consider stronger protections to help prevent similar situations in the future.
She suggested the township explore adopting a “demolition by neglect” ordinance, which would require owners of historic properties to maintain and stabilize them before deterioration reaches the point where demolition becomes likely.
Township to Explore Preservation Options
Supervisors expressed interest in reviewing the idea and asked the township solicitor to examine potential legal options.
Officials said the concept could be reviewed by both the Planning Commission and the Historical Commission as part of a broader discussion about how the township might protect historic resources in the future.
The conversation highlighted the challenges municipalities often face when historic buildings require costly repairs or long-term stabilization efforts.
For township officials, the Parker Ford Tavern grant represents an opportunity to begin addressing structural issues at one of East Vincent’s most recognizable historic properties.
At the same time, discussion surrounding the Sheeder Road demolition prompted consideration of whether additional tools or policies could help preserve historically significant buildings before they deteriorate beyond repair.
