VFMC Prevails in Eminent Domain Battle, Reaches Agreement with Radnor Township

Valley Forge Military College has prevailed in its eminent domain dispute with Radnor Township and has reached an agreement that brings a measure of stability as the institution looks ahead to the fall semester. Under the agreement, the Township has been granted a right of first refusal.

This gives the Township the ability to match any offer the Foundation might receive to purchase all or a portion of Foundation property. According to John English, VFMC Board Chair, the Foundation agreed to this term largely to help ease concerns among prospective students and families considering enrollment this year.

“We are cautiously hopeful that this will help assure families considering enrollment this year,” said John English, VFMC Board Chair. “The main reason the Foundation agreed to the right of first refusal was to help address those concerns.”

English acknowledged that public discussion of eminent domain created uncertainty and negatively affected the current recruiting cycle. With the matter now resolved through this agreement, VFMC is hopeful those concerns will begin to subside.

“While the agreement with the Township still leaves open the possibility of eminent domain at any time, we are hopeful that we can convince potential students that the talk of eminent domain has now subsided,” said English.

The College said it is now focused on regaining momentum and strengthening recruitment for the fall semester.

“We as an educational institution now need to double our efforts on recruiting for the fall semester, as the publicity of eminent domain has had a negative impact on our recruiting cycle,” English said.

At the same time, VFMC said it wants to maintain a constructive relationship with Radnor Township and explore ways the institution can support the broader community.

“We look forward to working with the Township to determine if we can assist and partner to meet the Township’s needs for the community,” said English.

With the dispute now settled, Valley Forge Military College is moving forward with renewed focus on its mission, its students, and its future.