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Dear Embankment Supporters,
Photo by RBolivar, Nov'08
We are marking a decade of work for Harsimus Branch Embankment preservation this year and are within sight of our goal. Our adversaries' appeal of the Surface Transportation Board (STB) August 2006 ruling is making its way through U.S. District Court, D.C. Circuit, and will conclude in February 2009. We expect the court to uphold the STB decision, Conrail to file for an abandonment permit, historic and environmental reviews to be triggered, and the City to follow through on acquisition. For a more complete status, see our Annual Report.
There is no straight path toward acquisition, however. We must have ample resources to safeguard the vision that has motivated the Coalition and its supporters for the last ten years: preservation of the Embankment structure and a dynamic new park and greenway that enhance the livability of our city.
That's why we are asking you to continue your generous support. Though we are an all-volunteer board with additional dedicated supporters who pitch in when needed, we nevertheless need considerable funds in the coming year. Your donations provide for:
Legal and technical expertise: Several years ago, the Coalition brought in an expert federal railroad attorney who secured an important victory for the City at the STB. We must now engage local attorneys and other professionals with expertise in local land use and historic preservation law to help us take next steps.
Solid financial base in preparation for becoming a conservancy: When the City secures the property, we must be prepared to hire a staff member to work actively with the city on park development and continuing maintenance. In order to be properly positioned to take this on, our treasury should have sufficient funds to support an Executive Director for at least one full year.
Covering "soft costs" of acquisition: With any land purchase, technical services costs are incurred that typically cannot be covered by conventional grants, which cover land purchase only. In 2007, the Coalition secured a $3,000 grant from Conservation Resources, Inc., which will partially cover these expenses. It has been the Coalition's goal since inception to avoid use of local taxes for Embankment acquisition. Additional funds raised will help us meet this goal.
Positioning the Coalition for future grants: Our annual solicitation supports future grant applications by demonstrating broad participation and interest. Grant-making organizations want to know that community members and supporters are behind our work. The number of donors is more important than how much each contributes.
With these reasons in mind, please give what you can. Remember that any contribution of $10 or more automatically entitles you to a one-year membership in the Embankment Preservation Coalition!
Let's Make Our Park!
Sincerely,
Christina Donnelly
Membership Committee Chair |
