Community Participation Results in Farmland Preservation

 

Growth in West Manheim Township from 2000 through 2003 matched that from 1980 through 2000, rendering existing planning documentation ineffective. This dramatic increase in population placed a subsequent strain on the region's sewer, water, recreation, school, and transportation infrastructure. Increased development also threatened to negatively impact Long Arm Creek and the Hanover Impounding Dam Reservoir. To garner public input, RETTEW conducted a citizen survey in which nearly 50 percent of households responded and a public visioning session in which 20 percent of the population participated. The resulting plan includes transfer-of-development rights, overlay districts to protect natural and historical features, and model zoning ordinance provisions on agricultural sliding scale. The sample sliding-scale ordinance helped shorten the timeframe between plan adoption and implementation, accelerating the protection of 6,000 acres of farmland and maintaining quality of life for area residents.

Heidelberg/West Manheim Townships Joint Comprehensive Plan

York County, PA