Commitment to Improve Quality of Life in Evendale

By Christian J. Schaefer

(1) The Gorman Farm Foundation. In 2006, the Gorman Farm Foundation raised more than $200,000 on its path to self sufficient operations. The open space alone provided by the Gorman Farm enhances the value of all properties in close proximity to it. The activities of the Farm, the summer camp, and the historic structures provide a chnage of pace to Evendale residents.

(2) The Evendale Service Department and volunteers have created Walking Trails through Gorman Farm and Griffin Nature Preserve. These trails provide an alternative to walking on residential streets. Dogs on leashes are invited.

(3) In 2004 there was some question as to whether the Princeton School Board would fulfill its commitment to build the new Evendale School. Some wanted to combine elementary schools and locate the Evendale School in a different community. Christian J. Schaefer and others appeared before the Princeton School Board to argue that its commitment should be fulfilled. Princeton decided to follow through with its commitment. During the planning process Christian J. Schaefer led efforts to create a more reasonable entrance to the Evendale School from Glendale-Milford Road.

(4) The Evendale Community Church decided to sell its Parish house which adjoins the Recreation Complex. Christian J. Schaefer supported the decision for Evendale to buy this property. It will be demolished and the site used as a second shelter house and perhaps restrooms for the Pavilion and Baxter Park athletic fields. The second shelterhouse is needed as the one we have now is in constant use throughout the spring, summer and autumn. The restrooms may end the need for port-o-lets to service the Pavillion and the athletic fields in Baxter Park.

(5) Recently a group of Evendale residents appropached Evendale Council with a plan to establish a Cultural Arts Commission in the vacant Civic Center Building at Reading and Glendale Milford Roads. Christian J. Schaefer supported this with a requirement that the fees charged pay for program operations.

(6) At the border with the City of Reading on Reading Road, there has been undeveloped hillside property and a house that was partially in Reading and Evendale. When the hillside and house became available, Christian J. Schaefer supported purchasing them for an entrance park, much like the entrance park at Glendale-Milford and Plainfield Roads. A grant is available to Evendale for plantings in the Entrance Park.

If re-elected, Christian J. Schaefer will continue to support similar quality of life issues so long as they can be accomplished in a fiscally responsible manner.