1973 deed restriction could complicate proposed closure of Lankenau High

Dated: March 24 2026

Views: 45

A 1973 deed restriction could complicate the School District of Philadelphia’s proposal to close Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School and repurpose the site for affordable housing or job creation. The neighboring Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education asserts it holds a right to repurchase the 17-acre property if it is used for anything other than school purposes. In a letter to Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr., the center’s attorney said the district must provide advance notice of any sale or change in use, citing language in the Oct. 4, 1973, deed when the center conveyed the land. District officials declined immediate comment. Lankenau, a high-performing environmental science magnet with a 100% graduation rate, was included in a list of 20 schools slated for closure in a facilities plan. Erin Mooney, executive director of the Schuylkill Center, said the organization opposes the closure and hopes the deed restriction will factor into the school board’s decision as it considers Superintendent Watlington’s recommendations.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 2/24/2026

Blog author image

Pete McGuinn

Pete McGuinn - Your Trusted RE/MAX Main Line Real Estate Expert With over 22 years of experience as a full-time REALTOR® at RE/MAX Main Line, Pete McGuinn is a distinguished real estate professional....

Latest Blog Posts

5 Repairs Worth Doing Before You List (and 5 That Aren't)

Posted by Pete McGuinn
September 19 2026
0 comments

One of the most common questions I get from sellers: "What do I actually need to fix before we list?" Here's my honest, construction-background answer.Worth doing:Fresh, neutral paint — one of

Read More

Life Plan CCRC vs. Active Adult Community: Understanding the Difference

Posted by Pete McGuinn
September 5 2026
0 comments

One of the most confusing parts of exploring 55+ options is that "55+ community" actually covers two very different models — and mixing them up can lead to real financial and lifestyle

Read More

A First-Time Buyer's Guide to Delaware County School Districts

Posted by Pete McGuinn
September 2 2026
0 comments

One of the most common questions I get from first-time buyers with young kids (or plans for them) is simple: "Which school district should we be looking in?"I don't have a one-size-fits-all answer

Read More

City controller finds hundreds of property owners exploiting tax relief program

Posted by Pete McGuinn
August 31 2026
0 comments

Philadelphia’s city controller says the city and school district are losing millions of dollars in revenue from people who improperly claim a homestead exemption on their taxes. The homestead

Read More

Property Search

Contact Information

Address: 1615 West Chester Pike
West Chester, PA 19382
Phone: 610-692-2228
Phone: 610-804-6977

Search Blog

Our Bloggers

Pete McGuinn Posts

Pete McGuinn

984 Posts