A major project over the last year has been a comprehensive update of the zoning code. We’ll be advertising it in the next few weeks.
This is the result of several years effort starting with the Southwest Lehigh Comprehensive Plan update, adoption of the Hamilton Corridor plan and instituting a successful farmland preservation program
The purpose of the update is to foster and attract high-value economic development while minimizing impacts and continuing with preservation of prime agriculture and farmland.
A few key points and highlights:
No major rezoning.
In an effort to preserve our outstanding quality of life, the update does not include wholesale map changes of any existing area to more intense uses. Much of what’s being done is instead refining existing zones. Simply put, we’ve removed impactful uses such as logistics warehouses and added or removed barriers for more high-value attractive uses. An example would be the creation of a new enterprise district as an alternative to a traditional industrial zone. The purpose is to attract and incentivize modern and innovative technology, research, manufacturing and professional development along the eastern portion of Hamilton Bypass close to highways as an alternative to more high impact shopping centers or heavy industrial uses.
Note, around 2009 prior boards changed large areas of the township wholesale to more intense uses. Many changes were done to areas without adequate infrastructure. This was a mistake. There is NONE of that in this update. In fact, the new code is designed to work hand-in-hand with preservation efforts by guiding economic development to appropriate areas where infrastructure exists.
A new open space development option
Where we can’t preserve entire parcels, this option allows for continued agriculture or open space preservation integrated as part of new residential development. An example would be the Stone Hill Meadows project where 70% of the land will be permanently preserved as part of land development.
Promoting high value uses in appropriate locations
A goal is to make it easier for entrepreneurs to choose to do business in Lower Mac by promoting new uses such as craft breweries and distilleries, craftsman spaces, artisans, live work mixed use options and ultra light manufacturing. If an entrepreneur is looking to locate in the Lehigh Valley, giving Lower Macungie a look should be a no-brainer. The new code will facilitate attracting entrepreneurs with low impact but high value economic development in existing commercial areas.
Getting regulations out of the way for adaptive reuse & historic preservation
The new code incentivizes reuse of irreplaceable bank barns throughout the township as well as other historic and otherwise older buildings of character. We’ve already had a number of great projects accomplishing this last few years. Here is an example. The new code will make it even easier.
Other comprehensive plans adopted by the township last 4 years:
Kratzer Farm Park – Lower Mac’s planned Central Park!
The Township Greenway System