**UPDATE: The board voted unanimously 5-0 to move this forward. Closing is scheduled for September 2018.
If passed, it will be the single biggest (in terms of acres) and most transformative (in terms of impact) preservation win in Township history.
The property in question has been referred to as the “Weiner Tract” (a reference to the family who owns it). It’s indicated a preservation priority on the adopted Township official map which outlines our preservation strategy. It’s the largest single remaining piece of farmland left in Lower Mac. One that is otherwise zoned for development and as such could be built out ‘by right’ (meaning nothing we could do to stop it) with what could be between 150-250 units. The impact of which would be widespread on the school district, our road network, stormwater management and our ability to provide services.
The property is located along Brookside Rd, Sauerkraut Ln. and Macungie Rd. It’s adjacent in parts to multiple neighborhoods including: Fairways at Brookside, Wild Cherry Knoll, Hillside School, Waterfall Crossings, Indian Creek Village and nearby Millbrooks Farms.
Here is what is proposed for preservation:
This property is roughly 185 acres of which 150 is developable land in the heart of the township.
The purchase price would be just over 5 million dollars. (Remember, this land is zoned for development). The price is based on an appraisal and accounts for the fair market value of the property. The township has additional ideas we are considering which will be outlined in detail on Thursday. This includes how we could acquire the property taking it off the market (eliminating the threat of development) and then apply it for permanent preservation via the Lehigh County Farmland Preservation program. The property at one time ranked number 1 in terms of the County ranking system according to soil quality and development threat.
Next, after the land is preserved, many options would be on the table as to what happens next. For exampe, the property could be sold as a permanently preserved farm, the township could keep a portion to expand the municipal campus and we could integrate the area around the swabia into the township greenway. (something that is planned for on the Greenway master plan) Many of these options involve re-couping much of our initial investment.
*Note, this initiative is being proposed without any tax increase or additional debt.
My thoughts:
In 2013 we had a mindset change enacted by residents at the ballot box. Commissioners including myself were elected to pursue smarter growth policies. Where we can save open space, we explore it. Where we can’t, we seek higher quality development in the right locations where infrastructure exists to support it. Our preservation strategy that began to take shape in 2014 reflects that.
For 4 years now, we’ve worked to set the township up financially for flexibility to respond to opportunities just like this one without the need for tax increases or debt. We also adopted an official map laying out important parcels for preservation. (A necessary item for transparency). And lastly, we engaged landowners proactively working together to identify opportunities.
This is the result of that work. I support the preservation of this property.
What will our community look like in 20 years?
When I speak to folks about the future of our township I talk about a community at a crossroads. The photo below taken by my friend Jeff Zehr (former director the Lehigh County Pres. program) symbolizes that.
This proposal will go a long way to ensure our community remains the wonderful place it is today by preserving and permanently protecting almost 200! additional acres of absolutely prime farmland in a centralized location. One that is otherwise zoned for development and could if not preserved be developed with almost 250 units.
This is an incredible opportunity. And I want to thank the family who owns the land for working with the township.
Questions? – Contact me here at Ronbeitler@gmail.com or leave a comment below.
-Ron
I would support this amendment. The impact on the community of more homes and children in schools would be tremendous, at a time when our taxes are high enough!
I hope this property can be kept as farmland.
All for a proposal to preserve dwindling open space! Would love to see this land remain as farming and/or mixed use open space for the public…NOT another housing development.