FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2007
The Barnes Foundation appreciates the change to the code of the Township of Lower Merion,
Chapter 155, being made by the Lower Merion Township Commissioners.
We welcome this increased latitude from the Commissioners. We look forward to widening
access to the arboretum and developing our horticultural programs. We also welcome
improved relations with our neighbors and community in Montgomery County.
Although this ordinance will permit the Foundation to obtain revenue from additional
visitors, that revenue will not be sufficient to alter in a substantial way the adverse
economic situation that caused our board of trustees to seek permission to move the
gallery art collection. It will not come close to providing the additional revenue
sources that are essential to the financial health of this and all not-for-profit
educational institutions.
The final order of the Orphans' Court of Montgomery County, granting the board of trustees'
request to relocate the gallery art collection, was issued more than two and a half years
ago. That order followed three years of litigation and four weeks of hearings before the
Honorable Stanley R. Ott. At those hearings, Judge Ott considered numerous alternatives
to the Foundation's proposed relocation of its gallery art collection, but held that the
best solution to the many financial and programmatic problems facing the Foundation was
the proposed relocation. In reaching this decision, Judge Ott concluded that "we can
sanction this bold new venture with a clear conscience." Judge Ott's ruling was upheld
by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania more than two years ago. The Foundation's board of
trustees believes that there is neither a legal basis nor a financial justification for
revisiting these settled and well-reasoned decisions.
The Barnes continues to move forward with the selection of an internationally acclaimed
architect by the end of the summer and the forthcoming preparation of the site on the
Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
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The Barnes Foundation
300 North Latch's Lane
Merion, PA 19066-1729
610.667.0290
info@barnesfoundation.org
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