Author Archives: admin

About admin

Born and raised in Lower Macungie Township in the village of East Texas. B.A. in Political Science from Slippery Rock University. Co-owner of Bar None Weddings & Entertainment. I love and care about my hometown and frequently blog about local issues that I think are important.

New Waste Management Services for Lower Mac Residents.

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Did you know? The New Waste Management Contract is bringing Lower Macungie Residents Additional Services!

“At Your Door” Collection of Household Hazardous Waste (see overview below) and Electronics (including TV’s!) is anticipated to start Nov 1, 2019.

Residents will receive via US MAIL a more detailed informational flyer with instructions on how to Arrange collection services for these items directly from your doorstep! But we wanted to get the new information out ASAP.

Also: Increased Yard Waste Collection (Beginning April 2020) AND Season Long Curbside Grass Collection Program (Beginning March 2021)

Census 2020: How to identify official Census takers

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From now until Oct. 18th, you may see census takers out in our communities. It’s a normal part of preparations for the U.S. Constitution enabled 2020 Census. The Census takes place every 10 years. It’s crucial for our state and region to get an accurate count of residents. From distributing federal funds to Congressional representation to designing public safety strategies an accurate census is the backbone of many initiatives and programs.

Learn more here: Census 101

During the last census, it was estimated Lehigh County was undercounted. This cost our region. Census takers are officials who ensure a more accurate count by verifying addresses, collecting responses, dropping off materials and conducting quality checks.

Participation in the Census is the law. Unfortunately, it also creates a potential opportunity that scammers could take advantage of. Note, there have been no reported instances of census related scams in our area but we still want to take sensible steps so residents are educated. Most importantly, being able to identify a Census worker:

  • First, check to make sure that they have a valid ID badge, with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and expiration date. (pictures in the video located in the link below)
  • If you still have questions about their identity, you can call 800-923-8282 to speak with a Census Bureau representative.

The video below shows you how including photos of the official badge. Please share.

Did you know?
Lower Macungie has over 917 acres of preserved farmland? In 2018 the township completed the biggest preservation deal in Lehigh County history.

Library referendum. What would it cost you?

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This November township residents will decide if a new levy should be established exclusively to support the Lower Macungie Township Library. Note, the library is a grant-funded organization. Though they get a substantial yearly allocation, they are a separate entity from the township. This is the same as LMYA and the Fire Dept. Note: Commissioners as a board do not take a position for or against. However, I want to make sure residents have all the information they need to make an informed opinion.

The first and most basic question is, how much will this cost?  The answer depends on if you are enrolled in the homestead program. To qualify you must own your home, and it has to be your primary residence. Most eligible residents are enrolled. If your not sure contact the County assessment office. Give them your address and they can tell you if you are enrolled. If not they will send you the simple form to enroll.

Most eligible homeowners in Lower Mac are utilizing this program. Commissioners enacted it a few years ago. It significantly reduced your current general township tax bill which is the lowest of any suburban community in Lehigh County.

The same would happen with the proposed library levy should the referendum pass. The chart below shows what your bill would be based on your home assessment. Note, 863 households would pay nothing. Then the cost rises on a sliding scale depending on your assessment. For the median household the bill would be 29.32. 

What is the construction happening along the Little Lehigh?

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The work happening along the Little Lehigh in the Spring Creek area is being done by Lehigh County Authority (LCA). LCA provides drinking and wastewater service to the area.

 

The focus is on the Western Lehigh Interceptor the main line of the system for our area. It’s owned, operated and maintained by LCA.

In brief summary, LCA constructed a parallel above ground pipe to temporarily transfer flow. That pipe is now complete. Next, they are working to camera the entire length of the line looking for structural deficiencies. Lastly, problem areas will be repaired. This major infrastructure work is very important. The entire system is aging and this is part of regular maintenance that must happen.

The township owns parts of the system also. Mostly within developments. On our end we’ve been aggressively addressing our oldest neighborhoods last few years budgeting and spending between $500-750,000 a year on the work.

This all relates to the question – “Where does it go when you flush?” Not really something folks think about too often. Well, (if your connected to the public system) it flows out your private lateral, into the public township system at or near the roadway and then out of your neighborhood and into the LCA interceptor which runs along the river. The interceptor runs along the Little Lehigh to the Klines Island Treatment plant in Allentown. Following the river allows gravity to help get the water to the plant. All this of course if you are connected to the public system. Some folks have on lot treatment.

Remember, if on the public system homeowners own and are responsible for the lateral connection from homes to the street. It’s important to maintain this properly.

System wide, problems aren’t necessarily pipes leaking out, but rather stormwater infiltrating in. This can result in outflows and problems at the treatment plant in Allentown at Klines island.

Hope this is helpful. Not the most glamorous of topics but critically important nonetheless. Many communities neglect underground systems until there are major problems. With our capital improvement plan we stay well ahead of things with an aggresive maintanance schedule. To learn more I wrote this post a few years ago.

Coming soon. First section of the Lower Mac Greenway spine.

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The first major section of the Lower Macungie Greenway main trunk will be completed this fall. Want to see the entire proposed system routing and masterplan? Click here. Eventually, the greenway will run from the Berks County border to Wildlands conservancy. The eastern end will connect with existing regional trail networks including the Lehigh Parkway. Other sections of the proposed greenway route will utilize existing township trails. This particular section will be the first to be constructed and completed since the adoption of our master plan.

Here is a map of the where the current construction is happening.
Over a half-mile in total is being built between Wild Cherry Ln. and Brookside Rd. The section will include connections to the existing Wild Cherry Ln. bike path accessed by a new crosswalk, Spring Ridge Crossing Park which will be one of the major trailheads, Danfield Run neighborhood and on the Brookside end offer close access to Winding Brook Manor.

It is an exciting section of the trail with a diverse landscape with views of the Little Lehigh River, mature woods, interesting topography, and naturalized meadows.

The Little Lehigh River will be the star of the Greenway system. An exceptionally high quality cold water spring fed waterway.

This section of the trail presents a diverse landscape. Pictures here is a naturalized meadow.

Pictured here are mature woods on this section of the trail. There is a variety of mature hardwoods and interesting topography.

Below is a video I snapped of the progress.  **Please note, this Trailway is under construction. Until completion it’s closed. It’s still just the stone base so please use caution if your checking it out in the interim until the asphalt is laid down. Until it’s finished this is an active construction site so use common sense. 

This section of the trail was funded in part with a Pennsylvania community partnerships DCNR grant. The township match was 50% and funded with our dedicated capital projects budget.

Stay tuned for an announcement on an event for the opening of this trail section! Do you want to be alerted when the path opens? Send me an email at Ronbeitler@gmail.com and I’ll add you to the mailing list.

Learn more:
Farmland Preservation – Key to keeping taxes low in Lower Mac.

Door to door sales in Lower Mac – What you need to know

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Peddling and Solicitation Ordinance

For the protection of Lower Macungie Township residents, Codified Ordinance Chapter 13, Part 1, establishes rules and regulations for any persons soliciting and peddling/selling items and or goods and services door-to-door throughout the Township:

1. The Township shall license all peddlers and solicitors. Each individual soliciting or peddling must carry the license/permit with them at all times.

2. The peddler or solicitor must have photo identification, such as a driver’s license, with them at all times and has to provide it at the homeowner’s request.

3. If a property is posted NO PEDDLING OR SOLICITING, per ordinance the peddler or solicitor shall not enter the property.

4. The peddler or solicitor shall not enter any dwelling without the homeowner’s permission.

5. The peddler or solicitor shall only engage in peddling Monday thru Saturday during daylight hours.

6. The peddler or solicitor shall not engage in any activity that creates a nuisance or disrupts traffic.

Persons going door-to-door canvassing about religious or political subjects however, are exempt from these requirements. Public charities, local churches, scout troops, civic and service organizations, fire companies, athletic organizations and the like are also exempt.

Please remember that these regulations only apply to individuals making verbal contact with residents. Individuals distributing flyers or brochures are not required to get a license from the Township.

As a precaution, we recommend that you should not let anyone who is soliciting or peddling without a permit issued by LMT and a photo ID into your home. If you see anybody peddling or soliciting without a permit, PLEASE notify the Township’s Code Enforcement Officer (610-966-4343) or the PA State Police (610-395-1438) immediately.

 

Lower Mac Concerts in the Parks Schedule!

Pennsylvania 5G rollout bill would supersede local ordinances

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Some background.

Lower Macungie has been working for over a year to prepare for rollout of 5G wireless networks. Commissioners identified this as a priority in late 2017. The new cellular network standard is not just about faster smartphones. Higher speeds will also help connect our cars, enable more smart home features, faster emergency services and basically enhance any area where systems need to communicate to each other constantly and with minimum lag. It’s an essential economic growth tool. An area we’ve worked hard to ensure Lower Macungie remains at the forefront of while at the same time addressing community concerns.

Virtually every sector of the economy is dependent on wireless technologies today. It’s clear a nationwide push for this is coming. Realizing this, under the boards direction our staff has been working closely with industry officials to ensure our local regulations work in tandem with deployment goals so 5G can be enabled quickly and efficiently for residents, institutions and local businesses.

An example of a 5G facility placed on a light pole.

As a National priority, the Federal Government intervened as well. In 2018 the FCC revised rules related to the coming rollout. This in some ways superceded the work we were doing locally by limiting fees and setting one size fits all standards. In many ways it duplicated the work we were doing here. The effort still attempted to strike a reasonable balance between national goals, associated one size fits all regulations and local control to keep new facilities out of residents yards. While it places some national standards into place on municipalities, it still preserved local zoning authority over placement of the facilities. The Federal government had a reasonable approach that we could work within to safeguard the local community.

Enter HB1400

In the latest development the Pennsylvania State Legislature has stepped back into the discussion. Albeit late in the game now since previous attempts to pass legislation failed and the federal government has since taken action. The concern raised now by various groups is that proposed legislation takes this standardization too far. Well beyond what was laid out by the Feds. Since the introduction of House Bill 1400 three days ago, the PA Municipal League, the PA State Association of Boroughs, and the PA State Association of Township Commissioners have reviewed the bill and have serious concerns regarding its provisions.

According to a memo provided by the municipal league, H.B. 1400 significantly undercuts local health safety and wellness concerns, expands the size and height of antennas and poles dramatically, and drastically reduces the fees permitted by the FCC Order to the point where they wouldn’t even cover the townships costs. Though some areas of the memo elude to unrelated concerns like rural broadband access which should be addressed in other fashions the memo raises important points.

Internally, Lower Macungie Township staff is reviewing the proposed bill and providing feedback to state officials ongoing. The current bill has raised some questions and we are encouraging state officials to not rush. Locally we have concerns with undefined language in the bill, unclear waiver procedures, lack of abillity to deny facilities in flood areas and indemnity.

I’m going to continue working closely our staff on this issue. The ordinance we worked on locally over the last year struck a better balance between community concerns (which we have heard loud and clear) and deployment of this infrastructure. It kept these facilities out of residential areas adjacent to homes. If HB 1400 moves forward and supersedes our work, we respectfully ask the bills sponsor to include additional language and amendments addressing our concerns. As written now we believe this bill would hamstring local municipalities ability to ensure matters of health safety and welfare of our residents.  Although this bill mirrors some of the language we used locally, there are numerous concerning departures. Including deviations from the municipal planning code enumerating land use powers and the responsibility to protect our residents to local government.

Personally I felt the FEC order was sufficient to ensure enough uniformity for a nationwide rollout and that state action is not needed. The State Legislature may opt to disagree. We will follow this closely.

Visit to the White House.

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On Tuesday I had the opportunity to visit The White House to participate in the Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia Regional White House Conference. This was a working conference where invited local and county leaders had the opportunity to interface with senior administration officials as well as about two dozen officials from the White House Office of Intergovermental Affairs. The itinerary included a Q&A with Secretary Ben Carson and Special advisor to the President Kellyanne Conway.

 

Pictured here: Ja’Ron Smith Deputy Assistant to the President & Deputy Director, White House Office of American Innovation Scott Stump – Assistant Secretary for Career, Technical, & Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education Rebeckah Adcock – Senior Advisor to the Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture Meghan Stringer – Policy Advisor, U.S. Department of Labor

The event was very much non-partisan. Something folks don’t realize in our politically polarized world, is that in terms of drafting policy as opposed to driving political narratives, no matter who sits in the oval for the most part policy folks work together. This was the case yesterday and it was refreshing.

No doubt, some national political issues like the 2nd amendment or abortion will continue to have deep division. Politicians (particularly of the career kind) will continue to exploit them. Yesterday’s conference however was about the issues where the rubber hits the road and our pocketbooks. In the case of infrastructure, literally so. Other examples included the opioid crisis, rural broadband access, international trade agreements and community development with an emphasis on affordable housing and other topics of great concern for local leaders.

I had the chance to have one-on-one conversations with administration officials regarding issues of local importance to Lower Macungie Township. For example, federal grants opportunities for underground infrastructure and how the Lehigh Valley is an example of how transportation dollars should be focused on infrastructure repair as opposed to expansion. I also learned about federal initiatives that the township can potentially take part in. An example is National Drug Take Back Day. Lehigh County already promotes this but I think we can do so locally as well. Important given our population of Seniors.

Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach asks one of the panels a question.

The Trump administration deserves alot of credit for holding this program. It was a new initiative for them. Since it began, the administration has made it a priority to invite County Commissioners and local officials from across the Country to the White House on a yearly basis. This is something the Wolf administration should consider emulating at the state level. Local government is on the front lines, closest to real world problems. As a local official, being heard in a meaningful way by the highest levels of federal government is both a unique and welcome opportunity.

As part of the program, we also recieved a point of contact for every federal department reporting directly to the President of the United States. This information of course is public. But having the door opened in a way that encourages you to use these contacts and put names to faces allowing us to develop relationships was invaluable.

Note: Eventhough we have township line item for Commissioners to attend conferences, I chose not to ask for reimbursement for this trip. So, ZERO taxpayers dollars were used. The conference itself was free and I traveled to Washington DC on my own dime. 

Answering land use questions.

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Below is a list of properties in the township that I most often get questions about in terms of development potential. In other words, “what can be built here”?

For each, I’ll provide some thoughts on the properties in general and what different scenarios exist for development. Note, unless I indicate that the property is on the adopted official map, or refer to an adopted comprehensive plan these thoughts are my own. This is just a start and I’ll be adding more properties as well and additional updates if and when I get more information. These are all “by right” scenarios assuming that future boards don’t rezone these properties. The current board is very much against wholesale up-zoning of properties to more intense uses.

These really represents a list of “what’s left”. Because of our aggressive farmland preservation program we’ve precluded development on almost 500 additional acres over the last 4-years. The list of “what’s left” is getting much shorter in our township.

1.) Farmland along Lower Macungie Road. “The Dorney Property”.
Overview: With permanent preservation of the Weiner and Lichtenwalner Farms the “Dorney Tract” is now the largest preservation priority remaining on our adopted official map. The property is located on both sides of Lower Macungie Rd. between Cedar Crest and Wild Cherry Ln. It also includes some areas between Wild Cherry Park and The Turnpike. Most of these properties are listed on the official map designated as “lands to be acquired for parks” (brown slashes) or “lands to be acquired for farmland or open space” (blue slashes). See the map section below. Currently, the property is for sale and being marketed for development. 

Township Official Map. Blue slash areas are “lands to be acquired for farmland or open space”. Brown slash area “for parks”. The Dorney tracts are pictured here along Lower Macungie Rd.

My thoughts: We would love to preserve this property, it’s listed on the Township Official Map and we stand ready to explore options with the landowner if any opportunities present. At this point the price is well above market value. Should this change we remain interested in continuing discussions. We would explore the same mechanisms we used to successfully preserve other large parcels.

The land south of Lower Macungie Rd. could be used to expand Camp Olympic Park allowing for driveway access off Lower Macungie Rd. Currently, the park can only be accessed off of Cedar Crest. This is not ideal from a safety perspective. So there is definitely a well defined public benefit for acquiring this particular parcel or preserving with a driveway easement. The areas north of Lower Macungie are prime agriculture lands currently being farmed. Altogether there are 6 main parcels that range from 7 to 40 acres. Some of the smaller ones are wooded lots. Altogether they total about 100 acres.

How it could be developed:
The property is zoned Suburban and has been for a long time. This could be developed with single family homes. Worse case scenario the properties could be developed with around 100 homes conventionally. However, this number is unlikely based on most recent precedents. For example, Commissioners would likely require the maximum amount of open space in any development proposals as opposed to a fee in lieu of. We have also not been inclined to take on additional public infrastructure obligations that we are not obligated to. This means a developer will have to account for these items without expecting any subsidies whether direct or indirect from taxpayers. Personally, I am very concerned about the impact any development in this area would have on Cedar Crest Blvd. Another reason we would love to pursue preservation. If that isn’t possible, ideally a developer would utilize conservation cluster design similar to Stone Hill Meadows which could result in some preservation even with a development scenario.

2.) Farmland along Cedar Crest and Lower Macungie Rd. “The Farr Tract”.
Overview: This 54-acre property was previously owned by Lehigh Vally Hospital in partnership with a family trust. A few years ago, the township indicated an interest in making an offer to permanently preserve the property at fair market value in conjunction with the Wildlands Conservancy. A letter of interest was sent. I supported this. Unfortunately the hospital and trust instead chose to sell to a developer.

The “Farr Property” is located on Cedar Crest and Lower Macungie Rd. The township was interested in preserving it along with the Wildlands conservancy. Unfortunately, Lehigh Valley Hospital and the family trust sold it to a developer instead of the Township/Wildlands. This was very disappointing as we would have matched the price. This area of Cedar Crest Blvd. is listed as a PennDOT congested corridor.

My thoughts: PennDOT currently lists South Cedar Crest Blvd. as a congested corridor. This is a big reason why the township had wanted to limit development at this location. The potential partnership with the Wildlands made sense because of proximity to the Pool Wildlife Sanctuary.

Again, all these conversations ended when Lehigh Valley Hospital and the Farr family trust chose to sell it to a developer for $1.75 million instead of to the township. You can read about it here. This was extremely disappointing. It’s very likely the township would have matched the sale price in an effort to preserve the property.

How it could be developed: Previous sketch plans were submitted that had 2-3 acre estate lots. If we could not get the property preserved, this was a desirable alternative in terms of impact as it kept traffic counts low. This does not seem likely anymore as the current owner who is a developer will probably want more units. The worse case scenario could be 80+ single family units. This would be tough since the township would require maximum open space for any conventional project as opposed to any fee’s in lieu of. (this would be my position). This property is also constrained because it has severe access issues so it’s unlikely PennDOT would allow a high volume driveway on Cedar Crest.

The bottom lines is after this property was sold by the Hospital/Farr family estate to a developer instead of the Township/Wildlands the writing was on the wall that it was going to be developed. The question is how intense and of what quality? 

3.) The “Home Depot” aka the “Macungie Crossing” site.
Overview: This is a 4-acre commercial site on Hamilton Blvd. Prior to the recession, it was supposed to bring a Home Depot and up to five other tenants just east of Grange Road. A prior Board of Commissioners approved developer RD Management’s subdivision plan in 2007. A traffic light was even installed at Hamilton Boulevard and Shepherd Lane. Today the developer is simply holding the property as they are recieving a stable income from a Home Depot lease. The developer won’t divulge how long the lease is for.

My thoughts: I don’t expect this to change anytime soon. For now I’ve been told by commercial brokers that since Hamilton Crossings opened the township is now slightly “over retailed”. Specifically, in terms of lower value strip and box retail centers. This paired with a decline in general with that particular type of brick and morter shopping. If those trends continue I’m thinking and actually hopeful that the market dictates something higher value with more employment for this location in the future. It’s my opinion that box retail would be a waste of important real estate in the middle of our breadbasket commercial corridor. The site also doesn’t really lend itself to strip or box retail because the buildings would be hidden by the topography. These types of retailers want maximum visibility from main roadways.

How it could be developed: Right now because of prior approvals this is a turnkey project for previously approved box and strip retail. The township would only review building permits. The footprint for the previously proposed Home Depot was over 100k sf. Other outparcels range from between 2000 and 20,000 sf.

3.) Corner of Brookside and Lower Mac Rd.
Overview: This 16-acre site is zoned for mixed use development. It’s owned by the same family who sold the Weiner farm to the township for preservation. This tract was not included in that deal, so it will be developed. It was rezoned in an effort to preserve the character of nearby East Texas one of the oldest residential areas of the township. Note it’s small size compared to the 190-acre farmland tract that was preserved. 

My thoughts: This property will be developed. Likely within the next few years. The family preserved the nearly 200-acre tract they owned down the street which could have been developed with 300+ homes. This was the townships #1 concern. And we’re thankful to them for working with us to preserve it. It’s clear they desire to cash out on this smaller property which is their right as landowners. And from my perspective this one makes alot more sense to develop than the farmland piece that was preserved. The family has worked with us to submit a sketch plan that represents a shared vision for a low impact development compared to what they have asked for in the past.

This sketch plan was favorably reviewed by the planning commission for this site. It includes neighborhood scale commercial and high quality townhomes.

How it could be developed: In the past the owners have tried to develop things like a very large supermarket and box retail. Two things our planners felt are far too intense for this corner.

This article has an excellent overview of the history of the site and also includes an overview of the current village ordinance in place. The sketch plan which was favorably reviewed by the planning commission includes smaller scale neighborhood commercial and very high quality town homes. The ordinance for the property requires things like intense landscaping, boulevard streets, walkability and high quality design. This model ordinance overviews the concept and includes many examples of what the goal is. 

4.) “Faith Church Property” (Brookside and Lower Macungie Rd.)
Overview: When folks ask about this property they are generally referring to what’s actually 3 properties. Two are owned by Faith Church. A 3rd by another private landowner. They total about 50 acres altogether of developable land in the Suburban zone. This means single family homes can be developed. This property was originally slated to be an expansion of Faith Church. This is why the frontage has been improved with a “driveway to nowhere”. At some point the Church decided not to carry out those plans. Today, they are interested in selling the land and are actively marketing it. It needs to be noted this land is severely constrained with a combination of powerlines and floodplain. Much of the 50-acres isn’t developable. I want to note also, Faith Church is a wonderful community partner. They have a fiduciary responsibility to their congregation but they also are very much aware of the townships land use goals. We have met with them on numerous occasions.

This photo shows the property lines. The “Faith Church” property is actually 3 parcels. 2 are owned by the Church. The 3rd another private party. They are on the corner of Brookside and Lower Mac Rd. (on the Italiano Delite side)

My thoughts: This property is not on the township official map and therefore not a formal prospect for preservation. However, this could change now that the #1 and #2 priorities have been preserved. This property simply wasn’t as important (due to a combination of factors) to preserve as other much larger properties. Again, this mindset could change. And I want to again point out that Faith Church is a wonderful community partner. As staff continues to have discussions with them opportunities to preserve this might materialize. I support exploring any options out there. 

How this property could be developed: Note again, that the development potential is limited because of the river and the powerlines. The property is currently being marketed. However, I believe the price tag is very high for what could actually be built by right. Single family homes could be built here but the number would be pretty low due to the constraints and the townships mentality regarding taking more infrastructure and requirements for open space. There have also been some ideas floated for an end user that would be very community beneficial in the category of private recreation. This is something I would certainly support.

May 21st Vote Ron R. Beitler and Maury Robert for Commissioner

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A few reasons to vote for Ron R. Beitler and Maury Robert on Tuesday May 21st for Lower Macungie Township Commissioners.

1.) We have one of the most successful farmland preservation programs in the region. With the recent Lichtenwalner farm announcement and upcoming finalization next month, we’ll be close to 500 acres preserved over 4 years. The Weiner Farm was the single biggest effort of its kind in County history. This brings lower Mac up to 800+ acres preserved. We’re not finished. Our goal is to surpass 1000.

2.) Our economic development strategy works hand in hand with preservation. The focus is on limited commercial areas where infrastructure and highway access already exist. This is the alternative to farmland development. Economic development in this way supports the school district without losing prime agriculture to impactful uses like warehouses that which cost us long term

A recent example is the First Commonwealth Credit Union headquarters which will employ over 140. Leaders from the Credit Union said they chose Lower Mac for their HQ over other sites because of our exceptional comprehensive planning. Another example is Smooth-On. The company chose to move into the daytimers facility bringing with them nearly 200 jobs. By working with companies to utilize empty existing buildings we support economic development without losing farmland.

3.) Speaking of warehouses, we are finished with them. After years of poor planning by prior boards, the current board REMOVED warehouses from the zoning code in all areas legally allowed. Read more: Saying enough is enough Lower Macungie removes warehouses. 

4.) Investments in parks & facilities. Including an expansion of the library with a much-needed children’s wing and additional gym space. Listening to neighborhood feedback we also addressed parking issues at two township parks. We built a new dog park, a new playground at Camp Olympic, a disc golf course and this year will begin construction of the 14-mile township greenway just to name a few.

4.) We have an environmental policy focusing locally to address significant regional concerns. In addition to an aggressive pollution reduction gameplan to eliminate sediment in our local cold water creeks by retrofitting township stormwater facilities including swales and basins, the most visible strategy has been planting well over 1000 trees in green spaces, parks, and new developments. Here is one example.

5.) We were among the first in the Lehigh Valley to institute tax breaks for volunteer firefighters. We purchased two new state of the art apparatus for the now combined Alburtis and Lower Macungie departments including a new aerial pictured below.