Lower Macungie is the 3rd largest municipality in the Lehigh Valley. 32,000 residents over 24 square miles. We maintain 132 miles of roads, 14 bridges and 124 miles of sewer lines. Growth is an opportunity but at the same time one of our biggest challenges. Over the last four years we’ve focused on balancing economic development with quality of life. That means preserving prime agriculture and environmentally sensitive open space whenever possible. Where we can’t, there is a focus on guiding higher value projects to appropriate locations where infrastructure already exists.

 
Morning Call: In biggest preservation yet, Lower Mac protects 200 acres

We have 1,600 acres of parkland. In addition, over 800 acres of permanently preserved farmland. Over 4 years, 7 additional farms have been protected including a massive tract at Brookside Rd. and Sauerkraut Ln. The single biggest preservation of it’s kind in area history with some of the best soil in the Commonwealth. We have park master plans we’re currently working on implementing including the Greenway and Kratzer farm.

While preservation is a success story, we’ve done it in a way that hasn’t stymied economic growth. New businesses have brought over 1500 new jobs. Including high value employers such as manufacturing, a financial headquarters and numerous small and independent business.  Companies make it known they choose here because of outstanding quality of life. 

We also continue to work on relationships with existing businesses such as iconic Mack Trucks who undertook a major plant re-configuration recently. Another great example is Smooth-on who brought 160 jobs by choosing to re-locate their company to a pre-existing facility in the township. And others. 

Movie special effects company moves into former Daytimers Building.

The $27 million 2019 budget continues to address all the infrastructure I mention above, as well as facilities, parks and operations. We also fund the Library and Fire Dept. Once again, the budget reflects no tax increases. Also no sewer rate increase. A few years ago, Commissioners adopted an innovative tax break for residential homeowners. 80% of township homeowners have taken advantage of the program to reduce or eliminate their township property tax bills. Today the average Lower Mac property tax bill with homestead is around $65 per year. Our taxes are the lowest of any Suburban Community in the Lehigh Valley.

Last year LMFD put into service a new $1.3 Million aerial firetruck purchased by the township. Next, for 2019 is a new tanker/pumper.Once operational, it will carry greater amounts of water and foam. The merger with Alburtis FD has strengthened fire and rescue service. As always we thank volunteers. To demonstrate that, Commissioners enacted a $1000 tax credit for firefighters. 

Major investments have been made to facilities including in partnership with the Library. We matched library fundraising and state grants to fund an expansion to meet overflowing demand. Other projects include the community center and Camp Olympic park barn which is now the home of the Lower Macungie Historical Society museum.
Learn more here!

Along with Alburtis, Emmaus, Macungie and the Milfords we completed the new joint regional comprehensive plan. We work more closely with our neighbors than ever before. The plan is the culmination of two years of research and engagement.  Nearly 1500 residents participated through surveys, public meetings and stakeholder interviews. 

For 2018 our Community Center spearheaded a number of goodwill projects including:

• Cell Phones For Soldiers program
• The Troop Support program for township Vets overseas.
• Pajama and book Program benefitting local kids
• Community Day – A free event for community businesses
• Multiple free health and wellness classes co-sponsored by St. Luke’s
• A bi-yearly Stuff The Truck benefitting Habitat for Humanity

In writing this I know I’m leaving out alot. Would simply take too much space to touch on everything. 

Lastly, while the board determines direction I’d be remiss to not say how proud I am of our amazing staff responsible for the day to day operations as well as long term strategic planning. Also our wonderful volunteers. And to also say thank you to outgoing Commissioner Doug Brown. A former board President, Doug is completing 12 years of dedicated service this year. Thank you Doug.

Ron

President Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners