Cranberry Township obtained the Powell Farm after owner, Denton Powell, died. Butler Eagle File Photo

CRANBERRY TWP — The Powell Farm Advisory Committee presented recommendations for the future of the property to supervisors during a meeting on Thursday, Dec. 12.

When owner Denton Powell died, his friend Andy Hack gifted the 150-year-old, 71-acre estate on Goehring Road to the township in March 2023. After completing a yearlong process to officially acquire the property, officials assembled the advisory committee about a year ago.

While meeting on a monthly basis, the 10-person committee drew up both short- and long-term plans for the township.

“It’s super exciting,” said township manager Dan Santoro. “I think the advisory committee did an outstanding job of coming together to make some recommendations while respecting all of the different stakeholders in the group.”

Santoro described three distinctive themes for the new public amenity — farm, family and food, all with an education component.

One of the initial steps for the property includes hiring a caretaker who will handle daily operations. Township officials set aside $105,504 in funding for the farm in the 2025 budget. That amount includes $55,000 for one full-time salary position and another $25,000 for materials and supplies.

Over the next four to six years, the committee highlighted the need to complete a feasibility study and diversify the items being farmed, while continuing to advance educational goals and partnerships.

The committee also proposed plans for seven to 10 years down the road that, most notably, include evaluating the potential of living and working on the farm as well as continuing to facilitate active production of the property’s resources.

For now, though, township leaders are more than satisfied with the progress that has already been made.

“We’re going to take baby steps to move forward and make sure that we’re following all of the requirements,” Santoro said. “Just going to take advantage of this great asset that was left to the community, so we’re excited to get started.”

The advisory committee members consist of Hack, resident and executor of Denton Powell’s estate; Ken Moniot, Butler County Agricultural Preservation Board member; Dr. Sean McCarty, Seneca Valley School District assistant superintendent; Dana Hadley, Seneca Valley environmental science teacher; Andy Zadnik, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy member; Craig Conforti, Penn State Extension; Tim Casey, Cranberry Township environmental advisory committee member; Jim Halstead, Butler County Farm Bureau member; and Cranberry Township residents Bret Lester and Brian Miller.