To the Editor:

In April of 2019, I approached the New Garden Township Open Space Review Board to inquire if there was interest in preserving our property at 308 Penn Green Road, rather than sell to a developer. After what I’ll politely refer to as a roller coaster ride, the township acquired 308 Penn Green Road on Dec. 16, 2021 to be preserved in perpetuity and to be accessible to all residents. 

Throughout the process I was told I could be involved in future plans for the property. I was also told I could build and place a bench on the property in memory of my late husband, Wyn Hiles. I would think the Township recognizes that I am a valuable and FREE resource with extensive knowledge of every inch of the physical plant, the structures and the land, but they have chosen to exclude me for the past two years and eight months. Shortly after the acquisition a locked chain, posted no trespassing, was placed across the driveway and the open space remains inaccessible to the community. 

On March 20, 2023, I addressed the Board of Supervisors during public comment requesting an update on progress at 308 Penn Green Rd. [Township Manager Chris] Himes responded to my request saying someone would contact me after the meeting to provide those updates. To date, I have not received a text, phone call or an email from anyone affiliated with NGT. That’s another 17 wasted months. 

Recently, I was approached by a group of like-minded individuals who share my original vision of utilizing the existing structures on the property to create an Arts/Heritage/Nature Center. I wholeheartedly support the exploration of the concept of creating a multifunctional Township amenity by a group of volunteers at NO expense to the township. Some of the individuals were to have addressed the Board at tonight’s meeting but were abruptly removed from the agenda. 

I am no longer a New Garden resident, but Landenberg and 308 Penn Green Road will forever part of my heart and soul. It is painful beyond words to see the property wither and remain closed to your community. 

At this point I am deeply, deeply regretting my decision to partner with New Garden Township to become the newest steward of 308 Penn Green Road. In my humble opinion investigating the potential that lies untapped on eight pristine acres along the Wild & Scenic White Clay Creek is a scale that is much more manageable than any proposed, and seemingly failed, St Anthony’s in the Hills (New Garden Hills) projects. 

The Board of Supervisors owes it to New Garden residents to let a public investigation move forward. I still keep tabs on New Garden from nearby Newark. From what I witnessed lately, it appears to me that the township and the supervisors could really use a win. Can’t we ALL work together for the same common goal? I will not apologize for my frustrated tone - it’s been almost three years of apparent inaction which is inexcusable. I also recognize that sharing these comments will irritate a number of people. I decided to take that risk since I feel I can’t be alienated any further than I have been to this point.

Cindy Hiles
Newark, Del

Ms. Hiles’ letter is an excerpt of the comments she shared at the New Garden Township Board of Supervisors meeting on Aug. 19.