Delco residents fight to preserve land owned by Archdiocese of Philadelphia

MARPLE TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- Residents in Delaware County are fighting to preserve land currently owned by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Alex Charlton is a candidate for state representative. He is calling on the archdiocese to donate the property of the former Don Guanella Village in Marple Township.

A recent sale fell through after the township blocked development plans for the site.

Charlton says the property's tax exempt status has meant millions in lost revenue for the township.

He says the solution is clear.

"Overburden tax payers should not have to take on more debt and higher taxes to obtain and preserve property that they've already been subsidizing for decades," Charlton said.

Charlton says the 213-acres is one of the last remaining parcels of open space in that part of Delaware County.