From the Daily Times:

By Lois Puglionesi
Times Correspondent

HAVERFORD — Commissioners recently agreed to pay $1.26 million to the Fenimore family, as estimated just compensation for the Swell bubble gum factory site on Eagle Road.

Commissioners voted to condemn the site last November, for the purpose of constructing township and/or community facilities. The factory closed in 2003 and has stood vacant ever since.

Township Solicitor Jim Byrne said his office filed a notice of taking on March 31, and recently received a letter from the Fenimore’s attorney, David Snyder, requesting payment. Byrne noted the owner can challenge the estimated just compensation amount and request a hearing with the Delaware County Board of View. A challenge is expected.

The Fenimores had been asking $6 million for the 6.3-acre property prior to the township’s decision to initiate condemnation. They also submitted a plan, which was not well received, to rezone part of the site for commercial redevelopment, with a 3.7-acre land donation to the township for construction of a new library.

Officials had the property independently assessed at $1.4 million about two years ago, but a more recent assessment came back at $1.26 million, board President Bill Wechsler said.

The YMCA of Philadelphia hopes to establish a branch there that would serve the Haverford community.