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.

2019 Lower Macungie Summer Concerts Schedule

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Lower Macungie Concerts in the Parks Schedule:

July 19th – Main Street Cruisers Hills at Lockridge Park 7pm

July 27th – Bootleg Express Classic 60’s and 70’s 6pm

August 10th – Marine Band East Texas Park 7pm

August 16th – The Majestics Traditional Country East Texas Park 6pm

August 30th – Island Time summer music Hills at Lockridge 6pm.

ALL CONCERTS ARE FREE!

For your information:
Soliciting & Peddling in Lower Mac. What you need to know click here.

Lower Macungie Yardwaste Recycling center: Hours and information

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Did you know Lower Macungie has a very successful yard waste recycling center and program? Any township resident can take advantage of the recycling program FREE! This includes both drop off of waste (we take all kinds of yard waste ranging from tree, branches, stumps to grass & leave clippings) and pickup of humus and mulch!

Yardwaste permit application form.

DURING WINTER HOURS: The yard waste recycling center, located at 5536 Indian Creek Road, operates from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun only during winter hours.

Click here for hours and list of acceptable waste.

*SPRING HOURS START MAY 1st-31st
Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-7pm.
Sat, Sun 12-7pm

SUMMER HOURS START JUNE 1st 
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat.9am-7pm
Sun-12-7pm

2019 Loading Service available on dates listed below while supplies last.
ONLY these Thursdays in April from 1PM to 5PM:

  • April 4, 11, 18, and 25.

Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (No refuse drop off during these times)

  • Saturdays in April: April 6, 13, 20, and 27.
  • Saturdays in May:  May 4, 11, 18  and 25.

Cost: Starting at $15.00 CASH ONLY (small pickup truckload or small trailer)
No drop off of yard waste during loading service hours.

THANK YOU FOR RECYCLING YOUR YARDWASTE – Remember, dumping in public open spaces is illegal.

Lower Macungie Summer Parks Concerts Schedule

 

How to vote with an absentee ballot.

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2019 is a municipal election year! Local elections make a great deal of difference when it comes to the things that shape our daily lives. Over the next few weeks you will have an opportunity to get to know candidates for School Board, Township & Judge. 

Election day is May 21st. Can’t make it to the polls on election day? An absentee ballot is a paper ballot sent to you by mail. You mark and cast the ballot by returning it to the Lehigh County Election Office.

To vote by absentee you must be registered. It’s very helpful for:

    • College Students
    • People whose Work or Vacation take them away from the Municipality where they Live
    • Those with a Physical Disability or Illness that Prevents them from going to the Polling Place
    • Members of the Military
    • People who may have a Conflict due to the Celebration of a Religious Holiday
    • County employees who cannot vote due to duties on election day

 

To request an absentee ballot do one of the following:

    • Apply in Person 
    • Complete an Official Form
    • Send a signed letter to your County Election Office. You must include the same information as that on the application form.

Fill out completely the absentee ballot application marking the reason why you can’t get to the polls on election day. In Pennsylvania, you must meet one of the listed reasons. 

Next, send your absentee ballot application to the Lehigh County Election Office. 

Once accepted, you will get an absentee ballot with instructions from the  Election Office. 

Deadlines: The county office must receive absentee ballots by May 17, 2019 for the May 21, 2019 municipal primary. (Military or overseas, you must submit ballot by May 20, 2019 to be received by county office no later than May 28.)Lehigh County Absentee Ballot Information – includes link to form

More information here: What Pennsylvania Voters need to know about absentee ballots.

Register to vote online here.

State of the Township 2019

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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.

A major focus has been maintaining balance between preservation and economic growth.

 
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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8DP4Hu9vdQ
The Kratzer Farm a planned passive central park and agriculture area in Lower Mac.

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!

Overview of the Bartholomew center for the Preservation of Township History

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

Zoning Code Update

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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 beganning with the adoption of an official map that identified preservation priorities in 2017. Today, we have over 800 acres of preserved farms, nearly doubling the amount over the last 4 years. A personal goal is to have 1000 acres of farms permanently preserved.

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.

An example of a recent adaptive reuse project in Lower Mac.

Other comprehensive plans adopted by the township last 4 years:
Kratzer Farm Park – Lower Mac’s planned Central Park!
The Township Greenway System

Zoning Code Open House Tonight

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Friends and Neighbors,

We will be holding an open house tonight (3/14) to review proposed changes to zoning at the township building from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. This isn’t a formal hearing (that will come later) but rather an informal presentation meant to be more user friendly for residents to give feedback.

This is a significant step in what has been a multi year process to retake control of Lower Macungie’s land use future ensuring we remain a wonderful place to live with balance between economic development, our quality of life and our agricultural heritage.

In 2013 members of the current board were elected in response to residents frustration with prior board land use decisions resulting in the proliferation of warehouses and rapid loss of farmland. 

In response the current board undertook a new mantra to “preserve land whenever and wherever we can, and where we can’t seek higher quality development in appropriate locations.”

To roll out that strategy, in 2016 we strategized funding and mapped out an aggressive preservation program. With it, we have already worked to permanently preserve well over 400 acres. Including one of the largest farmland preservation deals of it’s kind in Lehigh Valley history.

Next, in 2017 immediate triage was needed in the form of removing warehouses from the zoning code in all areas except court mandated ones. Further, we took the additional step to actually deny a conditional use for a warehouse that was potentially grandfathered before new laws took place. 

Then, throughout 2018 we worked with planning partners (Alburtis, Macungie, Upper + Lower Milford and Emmaus) to update the Southwest Regional Comprehensive Plan. 

And finally, we used that process to inform the current code update overviewed here. The new code deals with seeking higher value growth when preservation isn’t an option. 

We’re integrating tools such as incentivizing historic building preservation, further utilizing conservation clusters as a way to preserve open space within new residential projects, establishing a new enterprise zone to attract high quality economic development, enacting high quality design standards and guiding growth away from greenfields towards appropriate corridors where infrastructure exists. When an attractive project is proposed in Lower Mac, the goal is to get government out of the way as much as possible. By becoming more attractive for high quality developers to bring high value economic development at appropriate locations we’re actually helping our preservation efforts in the agricultural areas of the township.

Everything last 4+ years has been about balancing preservation goals with seeking higher value economic development. I hope you join us tonight to overview some of the new and exciting changes.

Thank you,
Ron

Term Limits and Local Gov.

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Multiple people who I admire and in some cases consider friends have spoken out in opposition to term limits for Lehigh County. I respectfully, disagree.

Here is an article on the recent conversation.

A term limit proposal for 3 terms totalling 12 years has been made and presented to the County board. It received support from executive Armstrong at the recent state of County speech.

I am a supporter of term limits. Pretty much across the board. It’s one of the things in government I feel most strongly about. It’s an essential reform.

I have struggled at times with the question whether we need term limits for positions with part time stipends or no pay at all. This was brought up by numerous Commissioners in arguments against County term limits.
The problem is to assume that financial security is the only motivating factor that can lead one to cut corners over time. Certainly, full time pay and benefits supercharges an environment ripe for corruption. The Pennsylvania State House is the ultimate example. Full of warm bodies happily taking a taxpayer salary, benefits and pensions serving for a lifetime without accomplishing much of anything.

With or without a career dynamic when put in a position of power, there is potential to eventually be corrupted by it. Local government does not come with great esteem, perks or broad sweeping power. Nonetheless, important decisions are made and therefore opens the door to bad behavior. (realized or not) Humans accustomed to power do not want to give that power up.

While I wholeheartedly agree with Commissioner Grammes that those who serve on the local level are for the most part the truest public servants, I am still convinced and concerned that the longer one serves, the more likely decisions are impacted by self interest one way or another. The founders realized this. Which is why our system was concieved with a citizen legislator in mind.

The problem is not just pursuing self interest. There are also cases where genuine desire to accomplish something, even if well intentioned opens the door to a sort of tunnel vision. In other words, end justifies the means traps. In protecting institutions process is everything. We have a very high profile conversation right now at the federal level about this.

A desire to take a machete to bureaucratic red tape is a good thing. But that can’t conflict with checks and balances meant to ensure good, transperent and ethical government. Even the best and most well intentioned of us are susceptible.

By remaining in government perpetually at one position, you acquire the habits of a place, which might differ from those of their constituents. I’m paraphrasing this from one of founders in something I read at some point that stuck with me. Think of it as almost a political stockholme syndrome.

We also have the flip side of this human nature problem dealing with the assertion that “politicians are term limited, by voters”. Another point referenced by one opposing Commissioner.

Ask yourself question: Are 90% of incumbents better than any other challenger who could materialize? Since that’s roughly how many incumbents keep positions.

No. Definitely not. This drives the fact 84% of Americans support limits.

This is the other side of the equation. There are reasons for retention rate of incumbents across the board, despite an overwhelmingly opinion that term limits are needed. It has to do with incumbency protections baked into a rigged game. It’s reality whether someone actively takes advantage or not. The protections are still there and the results the same. It truly is much less about merit than it is a natural tendency and nature to maintain status quo.

Would we lose some good public servants with limits? Sure. There are of course exceptions to the rule. My friend Percy Dougherty is an example. The County is better off because of his long tenured service.  But the flip side of allowing bad folks, placeholders or compromised to languish is more concerning. New blood is an antiseptic. Turnover brings fresh viewpoints. Too many people have a pre-disposition to “this is the way it’s always been done” thinking. 

Another thought, whether consciously or not it’s narcissistic to think that out of a county with a talent pool of almost 400,000 people (or in my case a township of 32,000) that there aren’t others capable of doing a job. Perhaps even at a higher level. 

One last note, for term limited public servants opportunity still exists (and they ought to be encouraged) for higher officer. The cream rises to the top. Where opportunities don’t exist, there are lots of ways to stay involved as a citizen activist or as a formal volunteer on boards, commissions etc. This addresses the question of “losing institutional knowledge”. Someone who genuinely cares, even if term limited still has ample opportunity to participate. To say otherwise implies that there is a different dynamic between being on the “outside” vs. the “inside. I think most will agree in good government that gap should be very narrow if at all. 

The only exception I would say are truly small Boroughs where the talent pool is numerically small. I support a 12 year 3 term limit for all paid positions, for County Government and for large municipalities.