Dickinson supervisors approve purchase option for 10-acre parcel at 161 Old State Road

The Dickinson Township Board of Supervisors on Jan. 5 approved a purchase option agreement for Parcel #08-40-2648-002EX (161 Old State Road), a tract of roughly 10 acres on the township’s south side that has been used in part for public-works storage.

Chairman Rob Kole said the property would give the township a permanent maintenance area and create the opportunity for an outdoor park environment. Township Manager Jill Lovett told the board the Cumberland County Land Partnership Grant was submitted Dec. 10, 2025 to support land acquisition and that reporting requirements for a separate DCNR/National Park Service grant will be a priority for staff this year.

The board voted unanimously to approve the purchase option; Solicitor Matthew Boyer noted the Carlisle Area School District’s board had not yet approved the sale and that the township’s option is contingent on the seller’s approval. Manager Lovett said awards for the county grant are expected in spring 2026.

The action follows related budget and grant work the township is pursuing to fund park development. The board did not specify a purchase price in the meeting record; the parcel is identified in township records as Parcel #08-40-2648-002EX. The next procedural step is appearance of the School District item on that board’s agenda and completion of any required grant contracting and reporting.