One of the abandoned homes at Frick's Locks.
LIMERICK PA – Several of the oldest buildings in Chester County, the homes of Frick’s Locks village, will be stabilized, rehabilitated and protected under an agreement recently reached between East Coventry (PA) Township and Exelon Nuclear, which operates the Limerick Generating Station (LGS), according to an announcement issued last week (Feb. 15, 2011) by Exelon spokesman Joseph Szafran.
Exelon said it will spend close to $2.5 million to repair historic structures within the village, and plans to donate land and buildings with an estimated value of $1 million to East Coventry. The township Board of Supervisors approved the agreement, but not unanimously.
In addition, a portion of Frick’s Locks will be leased to East Coventry with an option to later accept the leased parcel as a donation. Exelon and the township plan to open the village for periodic tours and public access.
The partnership was guided by a local steering committee that included representatives from the township, its historical commission, the county, the state historic preservation agency, Schuylkill River Heritage Area, Exelon, and the office of state Senator Andy Dinniman. “This is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when private industry and public officials work together to preserve and improve our community,” Dinniman said.
Frick’s Locks was founded more than 250 years ago. During the 19th century, it was a key stop along both the Schuylkill Canal and Pennsylvania Railroad. Several structures in the village date from the 1850s. In 2003, the village was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The village is “a wonderful local historical and cultural resource,” said LGS Site Vice President Bill Maguire.
Photo by Beth Studt
Great news.