HLRA
Wednesday, November 16 2005
In Attendance:
LRA Board
W. William Whiteside, III Chairman
David Creamer
Joanna M. Furia
Carmen S. Italia, Jr.
James R. Matthews
Joan Nesbitt
Staff
Michael J. McGee
Mary Eberle Esq.
Curt Toll, Esq.
William Walker
William Donnelly (arrived 3:10 P.M.)
Mr. Whiteside called the meeting to order at approximately 3:03 P.M.. Mr. Whiteside announced that the
Authority was formed by Horsham Township Council by Resolution and that in accordance with the Resolution Council had
appointed him as the Chairman. He then asked Mr. McGee to present an overview of the purpose of the Authority
and the BRAC process. Mr. McGee pointed out that the Board had received copies of Resolution 2005-26 which
created the Authority. The Board also received copies of Ordinance 295 of Horsham Township Council, which
created an Authority in accordance with the provisions of the Municipality Authorities Act and excerpts from the BRAC
Commission report affecting the property in Horsham. It was noted that in addition to the Naval Air Station -
Joint Reserve Base at Willow Grove (NAS-JRB Willow Grove) the report list the US Army Reserve Center in Horsham for
closure. He pointed out that the Housing for NAS-JRB Willow Grove is located in Warminster Township, Bucks
County and it is commonly known as Shenandoah Woods. The President had signed the law and forwarded it to
Congress, whereupon it became law on November 9, 2005. The Law does provide for a Military Enclave to
remain. This Enclave will contain 6 U.S. Army Reserve Units, the 111th PA National Guard Unit, along with the
270th Engineers. There is Litigation pending centered around the Department of Defense (DOD) ability to
deactivate a state National Guard Unit without the consent of the Governor.
Ms. Liz Gabor of DOD Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) introduced herself as one of the project managers that would
facilitate the DOD's interaction with the community. She presented a DVD entitled "Communities
Responding To Change". Ms. Gabor then made a power point presentation entitled 2005 BRAC Process which
outlines in some detail the BRAC process. A copy of the presentation is attached hereto and incorporated
herein. Ms. Gabor then answered questions concerning the overall BRAC process and the need for a Local
Reuse Authority (LRA).
Mrs. Eberle presented a further explanation of the need for an Authority in accordance with the Municipal Authorities
Act. She pointed out that such an Authority has the ability to own property and incur debt. She also
stated that the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws have been submitted to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Mr. Gregory Preston introduced himself as the representative of the Navy PMO. He pointed out that the Navy had
issued a Notice of Availability (NOA) which listed 917 Acres on the Base as being excess federal property.
However, due to certain deficiencies in the NOA unrelated to Willow Grove it was withdrawn. He expected that it
would be reissued in the relatively near future. Mr. Preston in response to a question gave an overview of
Public Benefit Conveyances. He pointed out that the federal government may pass ownership of property to local
governments and non-profits such as a school district or township free of charge but conditions and deed restrictions
would be imposed.
Mr. Donnelly moved and Mr. Italia seconded and the Board unanimously adopted a motion appointing Michael McGee at the
point of contact for the Authority.
Mr. McGee pointed out that committees of the Board of the LRA may be needed. He presented a proposed
organizational chart and asked the Board to consider same and provide him with suggestions for the make up of the
committees. The committees and members would be presented to the Board for their approval. He then
suggested that the next meeting of the Board would involve a tour of the Base and it would generally agreed by the
Board that the next meeting would be on Wednesday 1-18-06 at 3:00 P.M.
A copy of the meeting sign in sheet listing those in attendance is attached.
There being no additional business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:37 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael J. McGee
| 