Whitehall Township is another major step closer to acquiring the prized 12-acre Prydon farm, thanks to action by the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners.

Whitehall Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. confirmed the commissioners approved a $175,000 Future Green grant to go toward the purchase of the farm property. An equal amount is being sought from the state as a matching grant, according to Hozza.

The township earlier submitted a grant application with the Pennsylvania Department of Development and Natural Resources for matching funding.

Expecting a decision to be made in the next several weeks, Hozza said the township should hear sometime in fall whether the grant will be approved. Hozza did not speculate on the outcome of the grant application.

The township is hoping to add the property to its collection of parks. Hozza had repeatedly said the Prydon tract will be acquired for open space.

Residents whose homes are near the Prydon property earlier encouraged the township to take steps to acquire the large tract.

A vacant farmhouse and farm structure are situated on the property. The Prydon farm is located near the Coplay Creek and the Ironton Rail-Trail in Hokendauqua, to the rear of the township municipal complex.

The township has been aggressive with pursuing grant projects involving open space. For instance, last year the township partnered with Lehigh County to acquire a trail off Jordan Creek and Mickley Road, which eventually will go from Allentown to the county's game preserve and beyond.