Syria

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I keep saying I’m going to devote a couple hours to ingesting everything I can about Syria. I think I’m pretty informed about alot of issues local and national. But with Syria I feel like I’m flying blind. Between work, life and local issues I haven’t devoted nearly enough time to have a strong informed position.

My gut tells me do not intervene. But I want more information before I write my Congressman with thoughts. This is an issue everyone with an opinion should weigh in on. Huge decision with consequences.

I know one thing. That is I’m pleased Congress is being given a chance to weigh in. I’d be fiercely against any unilateral authorization of military force by POTUS intervening in any situation where the direct security of the United States isn’t immediately threatened.

As for our Congressman, Charlie Dent said nothing about Syria (that I heard though I got to event a little late) at the Kutztown town hall. He did (or his staff..) started a thread solely devoted to Syria on his FB page. (sidenote I always thought it was great that Dent’s social media is very active, I applaud any politician for that) 

This morning I read local blogger Chris Casey’s piece. The aphorism he mentions at the end and in the title about the ‘road to hell being paved with good intentions’ has been stuck in my crawl all day. Can’t shake it.

Came across this chart below on CNN this morning. It’s a “How they will vote piece” Here is the information presented on PA delegation. In BOLD are local congressman including 15th district and surrounding.

Do you have strong thoughts on Syria pro-intervention or against? Let’s talk about it in the comments. I’m interested to hear different viewpoints. 

Pennsylvania 1 Brady, Robert D Undecided
Pennsylvania 2 Fattah, Chaka D Unknown
Pennsylvania 3 Kelly, Mike R Undecided Said he was happy that Congress was able to vote on Syrian intervention, in an August 31 statement, but did not indicate how he would vote.
Pennsylvania 4 Perry, Scott R Undecided Perry chided the Obama administration in a local interview, but did no outright say he would not support the proposed intervention.
Pennsylvania 5 Thompson, Glenn W. R Unknown
Pennsylvania 6 Gerlach, Jim R No August 28 statement: “I believe the President’s use of military force in that country is not appropriate.”
Pennsylvania 7 Meehan, Pat R Unknown
Pennsylvania 8 Fitzpatrick, Michael G. R Undecided In an interview with CNN, he said “The resolution is overly broad.”
Pennsylvania 9 Shuster, Bill R Unknown
Pennsylvania 10 Marino, Tom R No I am absolutely opposed to any intervention in Syria at this time, she said in an August 27 statement.
Pennsylvania 11 Barletta, Lou R Undecided At an August 29 town hall, Barletta discussed Syria but didn’t indicate how he would vote.
Pennsylvania 12 Rothfus, Keith R Undecided Said he was happy Congress was able to vote on Syrian intervention in an August 31 statement, but didn’t indicate how he would vote.
Pennsylvania 13 Schwartz, Allyson Y. D Undecided Posted a statement on Facebook about Syria, but did not indicate how she would vote.
Pennsylvania 14 Doyle, Mike D Undecided In an August 31 interview with a local newspaper: “The president should have the chance to make the case to Congress as well as the American people.”
Pennsylvania 15 Dent, Charles W. R Undecided In a skeptical statement to a local newspaper, he said “there are no good policy options for the United States in Syria.”
Pennsylvania 16 Pitts, Joseph R. R Undecided Pitts is one of many congressmen who penned a letter to Obama and asked for congressional approval.
Pennsylvania 17 Cartwright, Matthew D Unknown
Pennsylvania 18 Murphy, Tim R Unknown

BOC Sept 5 – Agenda and thoughts

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FYI – This is a practice I started 2 weeks ago and will continue as a member of the BOC. Please remember, in these previews while I may indicate my voting inclination, it in no way means my mind is made up on an issue. Back during a critical hearing for the Jaindl issue, a commissioner once spoke before public comment outlining he was voting to move forward the project regardless of what people said during public comment. That was wrong.

My hope is this opens the door for conversations before public meetings. One of my biggest issues with the Jaindl debacle was people didn’t truly understand what was happening until it was too late. I plan on doing everything I can to make sure residents have background information and my thoughts on issues before they come to a vote  in front of the board. This is one mechanism to do that.

Lower Macungie Township – Board of Commissioners Sept. 5th 2013
Here is the agenda with supporting documents 

*There aren’t many voting items out of the ordinary this meeting. But there are a few more communication items I will comment on.

Hearings and Approvals – None

Communication
Jim Palmquist – Budget request
What: Jim Palmquist is the Chairperson of the LMT walkways subcommittee. This is a formalized subcommittee of public works. The walkways group are volunteers in LMT who organized in April. They initiated a 2 year project to increase walkability in our community. They make the case for walkways here.

I have been active within and supportive of the group since it’s inception. Jim and others have made presentations in front of the Parks board, public works committee and planning commission over the last couple months.

Many of the requests they are making in the upcoming budget process ensure we get a return on investment with amenities developers installed when subdivisions were built. This is great for the township, but what has happened over time is we’ve built alot “walkways to nowhere” in the township.

I am supportive of these budget requests and the township exploring “connecting the dots” to make sure we get maximum return on investment on our existing disconnected walkway infrastructure.

David Jaindl – Comment on proposed limit on plan application extensions
I disagree with Mr. Jaindl here and as of now I am in favor of the Planning Commission proposal to limit the amount of time a plan can sit dormant. I have been present for discussion at length about this topic at the planning commission level. At some point in the near future I will write more on this specific topic. My vote would be in favor of a 5 year limit on permit timelines.

John and Margaret Desanto – Comment on Hamilton Crossings Grant Application
I  agree with everything the Desanto’s say in their letter. But as I outlined in my last agenda preview I will not turn away money for the township with what I call an “activist” vote.

The Hamilton Crossings project is coming. I do not see it as the best fit for our community and I would have preferred a moratorium on all major development projects until completion of the smart growth planning exercise but unfortunately I would not have had the votes to stop it and certain approvals have already been granted. Therefore I am motivated to see it be the best project possible and this grant money will help. I do have major issues with state taxpayer money going to a suburban strip shopping center project but that is an issue that can fundamentally only be fixed in the state house.

Letter of thanks from Francee Fuller EPSD Board Member.
Director Fuller expresses gratitude to Lower Macungie for the team effort to get the WLES school corridor ready for the school year. I observed the first day drop off and echo that sentiment.

Appointments to Boards:

Public Safety Commission 1 vacancy
The PSC will recommend Liza Ackerman to the commission. My philosophy for appointments will be deferring to the commission recommendation. I will then take into account the recommendation of the umbrella Commissioner committee but I place more emphasis on the specific commissions recommendation moreso then the committee. Unfortunately I know from experience commissioners get political with appointments and I honestly feel as though the individual commission knows best who will be the best fit for their board.

I will support the PSC’s recommendation of Elizabeth Foley. On a sidenote I know Liza. A few months ago we attended tree tenders training together. She is energetic, cares about our community and is in this for all the right reasons. I’d love to see her on the EAC but I think Liza will do a fantastic job on the PSC. She will be the youngest and only woman on the PSC.

I do not think there will be any votes on any items in the committee reports as I believe it’s been awhile since any committee has met. I am however interested in hearing discussion on EAC request for tree-tender committee. This is something I am supportive of in lieu of a shade tree commission.

 
 

Sign Standards are important

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Recently the township has asked 2 businesses on Rt. 100 to address signage issues. Wawa and Weis both utilize or have been utilizing temporary “yard signs” and banners on or adjacent to their buildings. Both types of temporary signage are not allowed under our current sign standards.

Why is this important?

When outdoor advertising is improperly placed in our commercial landscape, made too large, gaudy, too many in numbers, or illuminated late into the night, it infringes on our scenic and aesthetic values hurting adjacent property values. The impact is felt not only by the residents in the immediate neighborhood of the signage but also the community at large.

WaWA Lower Macungie Rt. 100

Temporary cigarette signage at WaWa. Enforcement notices have been sent to WaWa to remove.

Temporary Banners at Weis on Rt. 100. Enforcement notices were sent out reminding Weis these temporary banners are not allowed.

When speaking about negative outcomes of growth I hear many residents ask about “not allowing our commercial areas to turn into Macarthur Rd.” I completely agree with this notion and I also use this example often. 

Tacky and gaudy outdoor signage is one of the leading indicators of a community in decline. I truly believe that. Lower Macungie is not a community in decline, but this is one of those issues people need to pay close attention to so we can avoid becoming that!

The photograph below is what happens when businesses engage in “one up syndrome” by making signs bigger and bigger. Heading “one up syndrome” off at the pass with consistent attractive sign standards is the only way to stop gaudy signs from dominating the streetscape.

Photo from Morning Call – MacArthor Rd. strip. SIGNAGE GONE WILD!!

In PA  it is very common for the local outdoor advertising control laws to be more restrictive than the state law. This is something I am supportive of. I’ve heard that Weis may seek a variance to make their banner signage permanent. This is something I will speak out against if they do so. Both Weis and Wawa already have massive signs indicating the store is located at the location. Additional signage is certainly not a hardship and the variance and precedent should not be granted. Sign variances should only be given when there is a significant topographical issue involved. And then only on rare occasions.  There are no such issues on Rt. 100. In fact I can think of no commercial area in the township that would qualify.

Commissioners are on record that they have a desire to build “World Class” commercial zones. I agree with that. Granting exceptions to our signage regulations would be a step in the wrong direction and another step toward the photograph above.

All over the country businesses conform to community standards and do just fine. Below is a local example where a Wawa was made to utilize better looking lower lying signage at their Main Entrance. This particular Wawa is on Lehigh St. is across from the airport and that is the reason for the low sign, but I’ve seen similar signs at other WaWa’s where the limits are imposed because of aesthetic commercial standards. Despite the height restriction I guarantee no one has ever had trouble finding this WaWa or couldn’t figure out exactly what it is and what they sell!!

Here a WaWa conformed to a local restriction with a low lying sign. Somehow people still know it’s a WaWa!

We have to remember. Businesses WANT to be here. We are an attractive location. To remain that way we must be cautious with growth. It is OK for us to take pride in our community! Since businesses want to be here, they will conform to our standards. Same as they do in nice communities all over the country.

If they refuse? Well then another business who will conform will be waiting to take their location.

More examples of franchises that conform to local design standards.

It is also no secret am not a fan of the recent “LED Billboards” that have been springing up across the Valley. One in particular here in the township is shockingly bright at night. It’s a distraction and a public safety issue on top of being gaudy. You can imagine what a whole strip of that kind of signage would look like.

First day for walkers at WLES

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I rode my bike to WLES this AM to check out the 1st day of school. Could not have asked for a more perfect morning weather wise.

Couple observations:

  • The crossings guards I spoke with are all really great people. Talked to some working Willow/Sauerkraut and Millcreek/Sauerkraut.  They are all excited for and proud of the job they are doing. I think we really hit a homerun with the hires based on the gentleman and ladies I met today. Great job.

 

  •  I watched cars pull into the “drop zone” for about ten minutes during what I felt would be the busiest time. I timed 3 cars from the time they entered the drop off line til they exited. Once the cars made it down the driveway and entered the line the average wait was less then 2 minutes. Let’s say it doubles on a rainy day I’m guessing cars will be in and out in under 5. And this was day 1, the system should improve as they work out any kinks. Again, unscientific casual observations.

 

  •  I did see someone get pulled over. There will be a learning curb with 15mph zone. Before I rode my bike down I drove past the school. 15 MPH is VERY slow drivers do not realize just how slow until they do it once or twice. I do not think PSP were issuing tickets since the temporary signs are not technically enforceable. This I’m not positive about. I don’t think PSP should issue tickets right away unless someone is egregiously breaking the speed limit. I’m sure the minivan I saw pulled over today was, but she certainly didn’t stand out as if she was flying. I’d guess 20 in the 15? Again, just a casual guess.

 

  •  There were 2 PSP cars in the area. We were told there would be a police presence and there definitely was. The township manager and safety officer were also on hand. Fire Chief Nosal was also observing at the Sauerkraut entrance.

 

  • I’ve documented my thoughts on this issue over the last 6 months. I come from a unique perspective since walking and walkability were always big issues to me. In this particular area of the twp., WLES walking policy just amplified some items I think we should be doing in all areas of the township. (Better crosswalks, better pedestrian signage, walking paths and facilities ect.) I still do disagree with some decisions and still think arguing for certain enhanced measures was the right move however, I think what we did is working. One item I’m going to followup on is when I asked about the possibility of “stamped brick” crosswalks and outlined the reasoning why I thought it made sense I was told price was a concern. Now that the crosswalks are installed I’m going to be seeking line items of the cost. What bugs me is a big cost of the stamped walks are that you have to re-pave. Since we went with a certain type of paint you’ll notice there were crosses where we had to repave anyway. (the paint had to go on new macadam so the warranty wasn’t voided…) So I’m wondering what the final true difference in cost would have been. As I always point out the stamped walk at the entrance to Brandywine at Willow and Millcreek is almost a decade old and still in excellent shape and have so far needed 0 dollars to maintain over that time period.

 

  • Also seeing it in action today I still think enhanced signal is warranted at the Wheatland mid-block. During school drop and pickup we have the guards but a sign like below would warn motorists coming up the hill of a pedestrian in the crosswalk. Visibility is an issue here because of the grade. “beacons should be considered for use at crossing locations with significant pedestrian volumes where visibility is compromised by grades, curves or other conditions.” Wheatland crossing meets that criteria. Again, not a huge deal but these are things nice communities have. And a desire to maintain a nice community is why I do what I do.

Stamped Brick Crosswalk – I spoke in favor of these at Mid-block crossings and also on Millcreek where one is already installed.

Luckily today was one of those days where really I don’t understand why you would not want to walk. It was beautiful.

I do understand that there will be days where the weather isn’t so nice. We will definitely have to keep an eye on the issues on these days. But today everything went very well from my vantage point. Time permitting I’ll be checking out pick up. The only difference is there will be more cars on the road since I think thos corresponds with Mack Trucks shift change.

Penndot makes Whitehall take down flower boxes

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Busy Saturday but had to write about this quick. When I read this story about a month ago I thought it was the most ridiculous thing I’d ever read. Metro rips out phantom planters flowers at Dupont Circle.

Until this…

From Mcall story.

All Whitehall Township Mayor Ed Hozza wanted to do was add a splash of color to his township’s main retail corridor when he personally placed 12 flower planters in the median strip….
….The boxes of cannas, roses, yellow day lilies and climbing vines planted in the southern portion of the strip created a potential traffic hazard, PennDOT spokesman Ron Young said. The department told Hozza he had until Friday to move his garden.

I often cite the Macarthur Rd. strip wasteland as the absolute opposite STROADiest example of what I hope our commercial corridors do not evolve into here in LMT. It’s a fear that if LMT Commissioners continue to approve strip project after strip project it’ll lead to Hamilton Corridor becoming MacArthur Rd.

In Whitehall, we have Whitehall Mayor Ed Hozza Jr. spending his own money in an attempt to de-STROADify and beautify his community. The benefits include traffic calming, proper scaling and creating a gateway. It’s smart growth road diet treatment 101.

The safety argument presenting by penndot is so weak. “Young said the planters were blocking what’s supposed to be a “mountable curb.” Why? So if a distracted driver veers into the center we have a head on collision instead of a dinged planter?

What’s more frustrating is I drove past the planters a couple weeks ago. I loved them.  I almost stopped my car to pull over and take photos. Even made mental note to learn about how they got put out there. Then I read yesterday they are removed. I was going to post about them here on my blog as a nice example of “tactical urbanism“.

This represents why bloated bureaucracies that lack common sense are so problematic. The article mentions that people complained. That’s crazy. I’d be willing to bet this was angry curmudgeons who complained first about taxpayer money being spent before learning it was paid for by the Mayor.

Good read: Here is another take.

I plan on writing Mayor Hozza a thank you for his efforts to beautify the corridor. I definitely appreciated his efforts even if they ended up being temporary.

BOC August 15th – Agenda and thoughts

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If elected I plan on posting each agenda to my blog as a preview along with my thoughts on each item before the meeting takes place. Julian Stolz does this on his blog.  Although I disagree with him from time to time, I do admire that he takes the time to do this. I think it’s a great service and I think all local officials should consider the practice. (Julian took the idea from US Rep. Justin Amash who outlines EVERY single vote he casts with detailed explanation on his social media)

Please remember, if elected In these previews while I may indicate my voting inclination, it in no way means my mind is made up. During a critical hearing for the Jaindl issue, a commissioner spoke before public comment outlining he was voting to move forward the project regardless of what people felt. That was wrong.

I hope this opens the door for important conversations before public meetings. One of my biggest issues with the Jaindl debacle was people didn’t truly understand what was happening until it was too late. I plan on doing everything I can to make sure residents have background and my thoughts on every critical issue that comes in front of the board. This is one mechanism to do that.

Lower Macungie Township – Board of Commissioners August 15th 2013
Here is the agenda with supporting documents 

Hearings and Approvals:

What: This has been discussed at previous meetings. This involves the township applying for state grant money on behalf of Hamilton Crossings specifically to deal with infrastructure and remediation of mine wash.

Thoughts: All board members have indicated their support of this for weeks. My thoughts are while I have some philosophical problems with state funding of local infrastructure, (It’s one element of the growth ponzi scheme) I will never cast what I call an “activist” vote. If an elected official has a problem with state or federal grants then the focus should be on fixing what you feel is a broken system. Statements shouldn’t be made by turning down money for the community you were elected to represent.

Secondly, I have an issue with the grant cooperation agreement calling this project a “mixed use” project. I outlined this here. Words have meanings. This is not a mixed use project and I object to it being called one.

Despite the two above concerns, my vote for these two items would have been YES. Although I would have spoken to my above concerns during Commissioner discussion. I would also continue to actively engage state officials on elements of the “ponzi scheme”, why I think it leads to unsustainable fiscally irresponsible growth and contributes to sprawl.
(note this item passed unanimously, Commissioner Conrad was absent)

Planning:

  • Approval of Junk Yard License Renewals. 

Thoughts: This is a yearly housekeeping issue. I’ve seen this done two years now at meetings I’ve attended. Absent of any resident concerns which there were none this is a YES vote.  Passed Unanimously.

Public Safety

  • Approval of Lehigh Valley Hazard Mitigation Plan

Thoughts: Hazard Mitigation is planning to reduce long term risk to residents and property from hazards. The mandated plan was approved by PEMA and FEMA. Each county and municipality now adopts. It is required to be a part of the National Flood Insurance Program. Obviously, it’s important for Lower Macungie to be a part of that program. My vote would be Yes. This passed unanimously.

  •  Approving amendment to the LMT Emergency Operation Plan

Thoughts: This goes with above. My vote would be Yes.

General Admin

  • Approving revision to audit advisory by-laws.

Thoughts: This revises by-laws allowing the audit advisory board to appoint it’s own chair. Although I disagree with the recent separate administrative decision to take away the vote of the planning commission chair in appointing new members. (leaving only the BOC members on that committee to vote), this is a good administrative move. It makes sense for this board to approve it’s own chair.  My vote for this would be ‘Yes’. My vote for the planning commission appointment update would have been ‘No.’ This passed.

New Business

  • Approving the commercial fire inspection ordinance.  

Thoughts: When this issue first came up I shared Commissioner Conrads concern with the potential for adding more burden on local business owners. Do we need to to regulate fire safety? Is this over-regulating. To address those concerns I met with Brent Mcnabb assistant Chief of the LMT fire dept. He made a strong case in support of this ordinance. The public safety commission also recommends adoption. If any business owner would have made an opposing case against this, I would have seriously considered any arguments made and motioned for tabling until concerns were addressed if they weren’t right away. None were made. My vote would have likely been yes with strong reservations. I would have wanted to know more concrete details about the fee schedule above and beyond assurances  it would be revenue neutral.

What this blog is.

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I started this as a local news blog about 1 year ago. Really informal. Hobby. I wanted to get information ‘out there’ about the Jaindl issue. Raise awareness. First started on Patch but then wanted to catalogue my posts in one place.

At the time I wasn’t going to run for office.  I simply wanted to apply for a volunteer position at the township. After failing to get on the planning commission,  I thought I could get appointed to Parks Board (since ya know I had the support of the parks board..) and I thought it’d be cool to blog about our park system.. So I made a blog.

Fast forward to this happening….

That’s really when I decided I wanted to (well had to…) run for office. I had ideas and people seemed to think my ideas were good/interesting. The Board had different thoughts.

I wanted to see if the majority of voters agreed with my ideas. Turns out they did. At least Republicans during the primary. Gearing up for the primary campaign it was much easier to just convert my existing blog to my campaign site. I thought, heck it contains my thoughts on almost every big development issue. So I just left all the content on it and re-designed a little bit. Created the platform page and welcoming letter. I wanted a site that really dove into the issues. And my blog did that. So it made sense.

When the campaign is over it goes back. Some say it’s bad politics for politicians to blog. That it’s bad strategy. That you should be purposely ambiguous. . . No thanks.

As far as the future I’ve been lucky. The blog kind of took off. Didn’t plan it. In 1 year I had just over 5000 unique visitors of 7000 total and 21,000 pageviews. I have no idea if thats considered ‘good’ or not in the blogosphere but it’s more then I expected.

My weakness is I’m not a technically great writer. Not by any means. I write really conversationally and also oftentimes rushed. Blogging is a big time commitment. That I learned. My strength I think is that I do this cause I care about my community where I grew up. I don’t know all the answers but when I see issues I take the time to look into alternatives and read stuff written by and talk to folks with experience. Really I want to start conversations. Get people thinking about local issues and shine a spotlight on them. I think I’ve been good at that.

It’s even gotten some local, regional and national coverage and re-postings. Regionally I’ve gotten to guestblog on crossroads the Renew LV blog. One post got picked up from SmartGrowth America. Recently a nationwide conservative smartgrowth blogger reached out to do some collaboration.  There may be a conference of conservative smart growth advocates in DC I may attend. Exciting stuff.

For Manda – who puts up with my 2am blogging. 🙂

So yes, this is primarily a land use blog. That’s my passion. It focuses on the East Penn area but I also dive into interesting regional stuff. I also write about local gov’t in general above and beyond land use issues. I also write occasionally about national issues. But I try not to so much to take focus of the blog off local and land use. But I shake it up mostly as a self indulgence every now and then.

It also got me into blogging culture. I hit up my rss everyday and comment often on other local blogs. Check them all out on my blogroll to see who I read. I don’t always agree with everyone but I think the ppl on my blogroll contribute positively to the discussion. That’s what it’s all about. I think blogging is important. I think this post hits it. 

 

 

Words have meanings….

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Last week I posted a blog after visiting my favorite mixed use project. The project is a good comparison for LMT since we’ll have more greenfield pressure here at in-fill locations. The post outlines critical ingredients that a mixed use project must have.

Throughout the last year I’ve taken issue with board members and developers giving projects certain labels that do not apply. Words have meanings. You cannot just call something ‘mixed use’ when it isn’t. Just because it ‘smushes’ two incompatible uses together on a small parcel or two totally incompatible projects are built the same time doesn’t make it a mixed use project. To label a project as something it isn’t is misleading. More harm than good is done when you lead the public to believe they are getting they aren’t.

The local media reinforces this when they regurgitate and parrot developers mis-use of smart growth terminology terms in articles. The Jaindl warehouse project is NOT a mixed use project. Despite Mr. J’s assertions. It just isn’t.

Tonight the township has a resolution to apply for a grant on behalf of Hamilton Crossings. In the grant resolution they label the project as mixed use. It is not. Again, not even close. The Hamilton Crossings project has potential, (though it should definitely not be subsidized with taxpayer money) I like the developer. Good guy. I think he’s community friendly. But this isn’t a mixed use project.

It’s a suburban strip shopping center. Perhaps the Cadillac of a suburban strips, but a strip nonetheless. You can maybe get away with calling it a commercial town center. But not mixed use. Mixed use means something.

Yesterday strongtowns posted this great new SID TV video. This reinforces what is and is not a mixed use project.

Modern zoning regulations are concerned primarily with how a property is being used. What is overlooked is how the buildings and other improvements interact with the public realm and each other.

The neighborhood in this video represents the opposite of mixed use. It is what we have in many locations here in Lower Macungie albeit ours are shinier and newer with superficial bells and whistles. You could make this same video about Caramoor Village. Or the Trexlertown Mall and apartments. Or even Hamilton Crossings. If neighbors ask for buffers you have a Euclidean segregated project. You buffer incompatible uses. If your dealing with buffers or buffering you don’t have a mixed use project. You have two incompatible uses.

Look at the neighborhood in the video then take another look at the Lancaster post. Go beyond the fact that Lancaster is ‘shiny and new’ and Brainard isn’t. Really look to form and function. How the neighborhood ‘works’. The differences are obvious.

Words have meanings and their meanings are important. Stop throwing around terms when the meaning doesn’t apply.

This is mixed use

Mixed use – Retail 1st floor, apartments 2nd floor. Intregrated design. Emphasis on pedestrians. Strong neighborhood character. Compact design. Compatability. NO buffers needed here cause everything works together.

This is NOT mixed use. 

Strip Commercial next to residential. Segregated, not compact, no neighborhood integration. Residents see backs of stores. Emphasis on buffers.

This IS Mixed use:

This mixed use development has distinct qualities. Residential and Commercial are integrated. Plenty of parking, but cars do not dominate here. No buffers needed here!

This is a warehouse adjacent to a housing development. This is NOT mixed use.

This is a warehouse development next to a housing development. Just because they were built around the same time doesn’t make it a mixed use project. This is two incompatible uses built (Smushed) next to each other requiring buffering. That is the opposite of mixed use. Emphasis on large supersized buffers.

Letter to Planning Commission 8/13 – Jaindl

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Below is the letter I wrote to Sara Pandl our township planner and the Chair of the Planning Commission yesterday. The Spring Creek Subdivision is on tonight’s agenda. The meeting is 7pm in the township building. There are unresolved issues with the project and plenty of opportunities for the public to weigh in. Tonight is one of those opportunities. My letter focuses on defining the form/function of the landscaped berms which were a part of “Plan B”

It’s critical “watchdogs” continue to monitor this project as it progresses through the planning process. I strongly encourage anyone interested to attend tonight’s meeting. I’m guessing Jaindl will be discussed no earlier then 730pm.

Here is my letter:

Planning Commission,
Some thoughts on Jaindl prelim/final subdivision on tomorrows agenda. I really wanted to be at this meeting but I’ll be away at a conference.
Sara indicated a note about the bermed buffer areas in her letter. I believe it’s critical to define the size/scale/context/look of these berms very early in the process. We should really be pushing every step of the way for above and beyond buffering.

Below is a side by side comparison I made of two examples of landscape banking on warehouse projects. The “beefy” example is located in Quakertown. The other LMT. Our goal should be to exceed both.

Side by side warehouse landscaping

Defining the tone of this early in the process is important. Mr. Jaindl promised the community the cadillac of warehouse projects and planners have an obligation to push him to deliver. He remains and has been open to constructive criticism.
In addition to physical form, I think it’s also important to define what these berms are supposed to accomplish. In my opinion that goes above and beyond the obvious visual screening but also containing noise pollution. I’ve read multiple studies that conclude berms reduce noise by approximately 3 dB more than vertical walls of the same height. Most quarries have extensive earthen buffering. It’s my opinion distribution warehouses should be treated the same way since their impact on a community is comparable.

Those who live near warehouses in the Alburtis area cite the noise of tractor trailers backing up (beeping) as the one of the negative by-products of warehousing. 
Thank you
Ron Beitler

 

Mr. Jaindl explains plan ‘B’ at a public meeting.

Thoughts on LV rail.

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Every couple of months we see another article about the potential for passenger rail in the LV.

I am a big dreamer when it comes to potential rail service in the LV. To me it’s ridiculous we are the population center and the location we are and have no passenger connections to the rest of the NE.

The latest article in the Morning Call focuses on new leadership in the LVPC who may be interested in taking another look at rail.

“For some, Bradley’s arrival this month as the new  LV Planning Commission director also comes at a good time. Bradley succeeded Mike Kaiser, who directed the Commission for 45 years. Rail advocates frequently blamed Kaiser for not taking their pleas to bring passenger rail to the Valley seriously. Kaiser always explained that he liked passenger rail, but argued that the limited number of people it would benefit in the Valley didn’t warrant the more than $1 billion cost of building it.”

As I said, I’m admittedly a dreamer when it comes to the possibility of passenger rail.  I’m all for addressing the issue. BUT the key is building a true high speed rail (HSR) system. And the reason is to make the system financially viable. If we don’t truly commit to HSR then I tend to agree with Kaiser that the market just isn’t here. Why? The issue with Amtrak is profitability. Today with most destinations the bus network is a far better value then Amtrak. *And this is with Amtrak benefitting from massive gov’t subsidies. This won’t change until we unlock the potential of HSR. As a country we’re behind Laos, Thailand, Turkey, and Morocco in terms of HSR.

*You can make the argument that the bus system also benefits massive gov’t subsidies via highway funding. Though not the case in the Lehigh Valley where LANTA operates on a pretty streamlined budget.

Chinese Bullet train travels at over 300 mph. I’d love to see more train routes in the NE and specifically here in the LV. But the key is speed. 300mph bullet trains like this one here could people from the LV to NYC in less then an hour with stops. Speed is the key to making trains marketable and profitable.

It’s simple, until rail offers a significant advantage over buses and even goes so far as to compete with ‘short hop’ airlines there is no reason to make the investment and I wouldn’t support it. Once trains are getting people from Boston to DC in 3 hours then folks will pay a premium price and the critical mass of trains will run full. Just look to Acela, the train that runs by far and away Amtraks most successful route. Coincidently it’s the closest we have to true HSR. Even the most conservative estimates show a 20% profit margin with some bolder claiming upwards of 40%.

People will pay premium for convenience. With travel that means comfort and speed. Show me a rail plan that addresses these two critical goals and I’d be leading the charge. The economic benefits of HSR passenger connections for the LV would be tremendous.

UPDATE: Found this Express Times guest column which uses 2010 data from a study that was conducted. It supports my thoughts that anything “low speed” isn’t worth the investment. HSR would completely change the argument. The study cites a 2.5 hour train trip to NYC. The kind of HSR I’m talking about would get you to NYC in an hour. It’s interesting to see train supporters absolutely unload on this study in the comments which are worth reading. I tend to agree with many that the study seems seriously flawed and biased so look forward to tackling the problem from a more optimistic angle.

Here is a counterpoint in support – Kirk Raup has worked as an advocate for LV Rail for 2 decades makes a great case for the why. All of his logic on the ‘why’ I agree with.

With about 80 percent of our federal transportation dollars going to highways and aviation, we should have the best and least costly travel and commuting options anywhere. But we don’t, and there’s no excuse for it. Decades of widening roads, building new interstates and performing endless work on the Turnpike and routes 309 and 22 are breaking our backs; we all know this nonsense is unsustainable.

(Speaking of highway funding breaking our backs….)

His solution is a SEPTA like system connecting the valley to other lines. It’s an interesting proposal. I still think my argument that only higher speeds can change the games makes sense. People would pay double the projected price changing the whole base economics.