community planning month

8/16/2019 Community Planning Month

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E-Newsletter of the Lancaster County Planning Com

Septemb

From the Director by James Cowhey, AICPIn This Issue 1 From the Director

2 In the Spotlight:

Community Leaders

10 UPDATE: Design Matters

12 LCPC Accepts 2040 Populati

Projections

13 County Kicks Off Hazard

Mitigation Planning Process

Municipal Updates

5 Elanco Region Source Water

Protection Plans

6 Whistle Stop Plaza, Ephrata

6 Elizabethtown Borough Pede

and Bicycle Pathway Project

8 Manor Township Completes

Purchase of Enola Low Grade

10 Marietta Receives EPA Assist

for Plan Implementation

Staff Pics

9 New Holland Area Historical

Society Museum

Upcoming Meetings

LCPC Meeting Agendas & Minut

12 Daniel Burnham Forum

13 New Uses for Old Buildings

14 Regional Breakfast Meetings 14 World Town Planning Day

FEATURE STORY

Staff

Pics

LCPC staff picks a local project tohighlight. Featured in this issue—

New Holland Area Historical

Society Museum PAGE 9

C a r l H e s s

ANGING FACE

AMERICA

tional

mmuni t y

anning on th 2

0 1 2

Lancaster County

Planning Commission

150 North Queen Street • Suite 32

Lancaster, PA 17603 • 717-299-833

www.co.lancaster.pa.us/plannin

[email protected]

October is National CommunityPlanning Month (and by the timeyou read this, the LancasterCounty Board of Commission-ers may have proclaimed thesame for the county). To honorthe work of local planners inLancaster County much ofthis edition of FYI will focuson some of our local citizen-planners that are developing and implementing

plans to improve their communities. We also focus onsome of the great civic improvement projects that make the qualityof our lives better. e essence of a community plan is its reection ofthe aspirations of the people. But a plan must also provide a way fora community to strive toward fullling its aspirations through goalsand actions. As the examples in this issue show us, there are volun-

teer, citizen-planners and other residents willing to step forward totake the real action that’s needed to get these projects completed.

e people of Lancaster County have always believed in the future:aspiring to conserve the best of what this place has to oer today, whileseeking progress toward a brighter and prosperous tomorrow. is char-acteristic is an important strength of our county and what allows us tocontinuously recreate the conditions that result in a great community.

We should all be grateful for the work of our many local, volunteerplanning commissioners that devote their precious time to community

betterment. e work of professional planners is very important as well.So I congratulate the sta at the Lancaster County Planning Commis-sion and all the other professional planners in our community for theirdedication to their work. I believe this issue will help us all gain a betterunderstanding of this work and the tangible projects that result.

http://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planning/http://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planning/mailto:planning%40co.lancaster.pa.us?subject=Comments%20about%20FYI%20September%202012mailto:planning%40co.lancaster.pa.us?subject=Comments%20about%20FYI%20September%202012http://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planning/http://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planning/


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2 | FYI

September 2012

MARY VIRGINIA ABENDSCHEIN

COLUMBIA BOROUGH PLANNING COMMISSIONMary Virginia Abendschein hasbeen a passionate member ofthe Columbia Borough Plan-ning Commission for the pastseventeen years—beginningher tenure shortly after theBorough’s Comprehensive Planhad been adopted in 1995.She then served as a Plan-ning Commission Member on

Columbia Borough Zoning Re-vision Committee that worked

with a consultant to re-write the Borough’s ZoningOrdinance in 1999.

Mary Virginia credits involvement with workshopsoered by the Lancaster County Planning Commis-sion with educating her during the 1990s to betterunderstand the nuances of planning, zoning, andcommunity development. In addition to eveningworkshops, she received certication through par-

ticipation in the Spring 1998 LCPC Master PlannerClass. e topic of her project is “Proposal: Time

Again for Passenger Train Service to Columbia” andshe continues to hand out copies. Handing out cop-ies to the 2000 Long Range Transportation TaskForce resulted in her being invited to join them asa member—a role she continued through severalsubsequent Task Force reviews.

She writes: “In 1835 there were two railroads avail-able for passenger travel in Lancaster County. ePhiladelphia and Columbia entered the Countyin Christiana and continued across the County toColumbia. e Strasburg Rail Road carried passen-gers between Strasburg an Paradise. Not surpris-ingly, much of the County’s growth developed alongthis route and is now included in the Urban GrowthBoundary. Other Urban Growth Boundaries simi-larly followed the railroad to the northeast between

Lancaster and New Holland; from Lancaster north

through East Petersburg, Manheim, Lititz, Akron,Ephrata, and Denver; and northwest through MountJoy and Elizabethtown on today’s Keystone Corridor. Another track went southeast to Quarryville.” Atthat time—as now—new passenger stations wereplanned for Paradise and the Harrisburg Interna-tional Airport. Mary Virginia proposed that we onceagain bring large numbers of people by train—one ortwo-car self-propelled RDC units or the like—fromthe eastern, agricultural side of the County to thewestern, more industrial side of the County on the

former Philadelphia and Columbia corridor—whereNorfolk Southern remains active.

She further proposed that such County-wide touristrail travel would permit visitors to Lancaster to leavetheir cars behind and use an inter-modal 3- or 4-daypass to make day trips radiating from the renovated

Amtrak Station in Lancaster: One day might bespent visiting the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvaniain Strasburg and riding the Strasburg Rail Road; an-other day might be spent in Columbia at the Watch

and Clock Museum—where they could learn aboutthe connection between rail travel and time—andvisiting other museums, antique shops, and attrac-tions in Columbia; another day might be spent visit-ing other communities in the County accessible by

Amtrak train service or bus; with a fourth day spentin and around Lancaster City itself—and all thatcould be done without the use of an automobile.

Mary Virginia lives in a house in the center of Co-lumbia which has been owned by the Abendscheinfamily for four generations. She notes that evenin a snow storm she can walk to the Borough Hall,Market, pharmacies, the Library, Musser’s Market,Bully’s Restaurant, Prudhomme’s Lost Cajun Kitchenchurches, and the homes of friends. She enjoysColumbia’s resurgence and looks forward to walkingthe new Northwest Trail.

Community Leaders


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FYI | 3

September 2012

STEPHEN A. GAULT

MOUNT JOY TOWNSHIP MANAGER

Late last year, Mitchell Silver,President of APA, spoke as partof the Lancaster County Plan-ning Commission’s EnvisionLancaster County Designing for

the Market series. Silver’s moststriking points may have beenthose related to the dierencesbetween younger generations(Generations X, Y & Z), and theolder generations (the GreatestGeneration, the Silent Genera-

tion, and the Boomers) and theimplications of those dierences for planning anddecision making.

Silver pointed out that Lancaster County must at-tract and engage young adults if our economy is toourish in the future. Fortunately, Lancaster hassome members of the “younger generations” who arebecoming involved in the community.

One of these leaders is Stephen A. Gault. In additionto serving as Mount Joy Township Manager, Steveserves on a number of boards and committees in thecommunity. A native of Marietta and graduate ofDonegal High School, Steve earned a Civil Engineer-

ing degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute inTroy, New York. After working for a few years in thePhiladelphia area with Trac Planning and Design,Inc. (TPD), Steve transferred to TPD’s Harrisburgoce in 2006 which allowed him to relocate toLancaster County.

Within a year after returning “home”, Steve wasappointed to the Mount Joy Borough Zoning Hear-ing Board. He served in that capacity until 2009,when he was appointed to the Mount Joy BoroughPlanning Commission. He continues to serve on theBorough Planning Commission, as Vice Chairman in2011, and as the current Chairman.

Steve represented the Borough Planning Commissionon the Donegal Region Comprehensive Plan UpdateSteering Committee. at plan was adopted in July2011, and Steve has been a leader in the Borough’simplementation of the policies of that document.

In 2009, Steve was elected to the Donegal SchoolDistrict Board, calling upon his training as a profes-sional engineer and his perspective as a communityplanner in guiding their policy and decision making.

Since he joined Mount Joy Township as its Managerand Engineer in late 2010, Steve has spearheaded

their implementation of the 2010 Regional StrategicPlan. In addition to the creation of and participationin the Regional Communication Meetings, the town-ship has adopted an Ocial Map, is participating in aregional Zoning Lexicon initiative and has completedcomprehensive reviews and updates to both its Zon-ing and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinanc-es. He also represented the township on the county’sModel Stormwater Ordinance Steering Committee.

Steve is a regular participant in workshops and

training opportunities, ensuring that he remainsaware of current regulations, policies and good plan-ning practices, and that he can better serve the com-munity where he works and makes his home with hiswife, Lisa, and daughter Charlotte. With dedicatedleaders like Steve, Lancaster will remain a thrivingcommunity for generations to come.

SCOTT H. HAVERSTICK

MANOR TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

People travel from around the world to visit

Lancaster County—to view our beau-tiful rural landscape and architec-ture, to learn of our rich culturalheritage, or to enjoy the bounty ofour farms. It can be dicult, if notimpossible, to fully appreciate theseresources when travelling on ourhighways at 45 mph or more.

Scott Haverstick has marveled atthe abundance of our resourcesalmost daily for thirty years ashe bicycles from his home in WashingtonBoro to his job with Puer Morris Real Estate or thebusiness he owns, Garden Spot Leasing Corp., bothlocated in Lancaster City. On these commutes hehas seen rsthand how the landscape, both urbanand rural, has changed and he has been inspired tobecome an outspoken advocate of the principles ofSmart Growth.


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September 2012

A native Lancastrian, Scott rst became involvedin public service in the 1970s, when he was on theWashington Boro Council until the borough was dis-solved in 1973.

As an avid bicyclist, Scott was a member of theoriginal task force that created the rst Bicycle and

Pedestrian Plan in 2000.

Scott was the Vice-Chair of the Task Force thatoversaw the consolidation of four re companies inthe Manor-Millersville area. He was appointed as thecitizen representative for the Washington Boro FireCompany and found the opportunity educationaland rewarding, oering insight into the challengesof the local re companies as well as the complexitiesof working regionally.

Scott has served on the Manor Township PlanningCommission for over 11 years, rst as Vice Chair-man and as Chairman for the past four years. Hecurrently represents Manor Township on the LandUse Advisory Board of the Lancaster Inter-MunicipalCommittee, and is the Planning Ocial Represen-tative to the Central District of the PennsylvaniaChapter of the American Planning Association (APA).

Scott also is the chair of the Manor Township Railsto Trails Committee. Manor Township recently

acquired 122.7 acres of abandoned railroad right-of-way along the Susquehanna River and will beginconstruction of a trail and related facilities over thenext few months.

Scott states that he is pleased that, as a communityplanner, he has been able to have an impact on the fu-ture of his community, despite recent scal challenges.

With committed volunteers like Scott, we will ensurethat Lancaster remains a place we can treasure —byfoot, car, buggy or bike—despite challenges—scalor otherwise.

GARY VAN DYKE

CAERNARVON TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

Gary Van Dyke has served on the Board of Supervi-sors in Caernarvon Township since 2004 and hasbecome one of the most integral elected communityleaders not only in his township, but in the Elanco

Region. Gary took a leadership rolein the update of the CaernarvonTownship Zoning Ordinance(2006), as well as the develop-ment of the Elanco RegionComprehensive Plan (2008).He has been actively involved

in the implementation of theElanco Region ComprehensivePlan since its adoption withinCaernarvon Township and theElanco region.

Gary has taken a leadership role in partnering withEast Earl Township and the Lancaster County Plan-ning Commission sta in developing a CorridorManagement Plan in anticipation of having the Con-estoga Ridge Road (Route 23) designated a Lancaster

County Heritage Byway by LCPC during October,2012. Additionally, Gary has taken a leadership rolealong with the Township’s Agricultural AdvisoryCommittee, again partnering with East Earl Town-ship, to develop Lancaster County’s rst regionalTransfer of Development Rights (TDR) Program.Gary’s hope is to ultimately have the whole Elancoregion participate in this regional endeavor; howeverhe is very excited to get this eort started with hisneighboring municipality. Caernarvon Townshiphopes to adopt the Sending Area zoning provisions

within its zoning ordinance in the month of October

Gary and his family became residents of CaernarvonTownship in 1987 and he currently operates a large-animal veterinary practice. Gary’s interest in agricul-ture and its preservation led him into public servicein the township. Gary enjoys cultivating workingrelationships with neighbors, county and state or-ganizations, and their representatives in promotingdialogue and solutions for the issues that face thelocal and greater agricultural community.

Gary is an active member of the Township’s Agri-cultural Advisory Committee, Bangor Church, andHistoric Poole Forge’s Garden Club. He is also amember of the Lancaster Farmland Trust, LancasterCounty Conservancy, Caernarvon Historical Soci-ety, and Caernarvon Memorial Society. His hobbiesinclude music, history, agronomy, nutrition, sports,and animals.


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FYI | 5

September 2012

Front Row L to R: James Hartranft, Denise Bensing, RandallHeilman, Valerie Gregory, Bob Rissler, Nathan Merkel, and

James Leonard.Back Row L to R: Robert Hollister, Al Guiseppe, Bill Shirk,

John Van Zant, Joy Oberholtzer, and Cathy Port.

5 | FYI5 | FYI

Elanco Region Source Water Protection Plans Receive Approval from DEP

e Eastern Lancaster County (Elanco) Source WaterProtection project has been an ongoing task sinceits inception in the early 1990s with the U.S. Envi-ronmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) fracture traceanalysis that was done in the region. ere have

been many positive steps taken in the past 20 yearsto protect ground water resources in the region. eculmination of all that time and eort over the pasttwo decades occurred on September 18, 2012 whenCathy Port of PA DEP (Pennsylvania Department ofEnvironmental Protection) presented a Certicateof Approval to each of the participating municipali-ties for their Wellhead Protection Program and theirSource Water Protection Plans.

e Certicate of Approval stated that “e DEP

recognizes the outstanding eorts of the municipal-ity in developing an approved Wellhead ProtectionProgram. Implementation of this program exempli-es a strong commitment to source water protectionand providing safe drinking water to consumers.”e four municipalities in the Elanco Region receiv-ing certicates at the Garden Spot High School wereEarl Township (Western Heights Water Authority)represented by Jim Leonard and Joy Oberholtzer,East Earl Township (Blue Ball Water Authority) rep-resented by Denise Bensing, New Holland Borough

represented by James Hartranft and Terre Hill Bor-ough represented by Bob Rissler and Valerie Gregory.

A Source Water Protection Plan will allow the mu-nicipalities to outline their potential sources of con-taminants inside their wellhead protection zonesand choose how to manage them. e manage-ment options can be anywhere from being edu-cation based to a more legislative approach. ewellhead protection zones have been created bythe SSM Group, Inc. through computer modelingwhich generated three delineation zones. esedelineations will be in map form and will illus-

trate which path the municipalities’ ground water istaking to their wells.

e municipalities are and will be taking proactivesteps to protect their sources of drinking water by

actively working together not only between jurisdic-tions, but also partnering with the Elanco SchoolDistrict to educate the student body and the commu-nity about the need to protect this valuable resource.e four municipalities have received a $5,000WREN (Water Resources Educational Network)Grant to create educational materials and tools byJune 2013 to help educate the Elanco Region and itscitizenry. ey will enlist high school students to as-sist in developing these materials for distribution.

is eort is a great example of municipalitiesworking together in partnership with state, county,and local ocials, as well as the school district andprivate consulting rms to develop a Source WaterProtection Plan that implements the Elanco RegionComprehensive Plan (2008), New Holland Com-prehensive Plan Update (2008), and the pendingBlueprints: An Integrated Water Resources Plan forLancaster County (Act 247 and 167). is regionaleort personies what community planning monthrepresents and the municipalities and its partners

should be commended for a job well done. e en-ergy generated by this process and recognition byDEP will foster continued cooperation by all partiesinvolved and serve as a catalyst to move implemen-tation forward.


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September 2012

Elizabethtown Borough Pedestrian and Bicycle Pathway Project

Elizabethtown

Borough hasbeen awarded$329,743 inSmart GrowthTransporta-tion fundingthrough theLancaster

CountyMetropoli-

tan PlanningOrganization for Phase III of its pedestrian andbicycle pathway network. e project spans theeastern corridor of the Borough from Market Streetthrough Community Park and connects with theElizabethtown Area School District campus. Work isexpected to begin in the spring of 2013.

e Borough has been working diligently to build itspathway network with the goal of increasing walk-

ability and alternative means of transportation,

supporting economic development opportunities,and enhancing the quality of life for residents andvisitors to Elizabethtown.

Phase I of the project was completed in 2011 with$350,000 in funding from the Department ofCommunity and Economic Development and theLancaster County Urban Enhancement Fund. epathway utilizes Rose Alley in the western corri-dor of the Borough running from Market Street indowntown Elizabethtown to the Community Centerat Poplar Street Park. e next two phases of theproject are slated for completion in 2013. Phase II,also in the western corridor, will complete the con-nection to the Amtrak Train Station and is fundedwith $630,872 in Redevelopment Assistance CapitalProjects funds.

Phase III completes a 1.5 mile east/west connectionthrough the heart of the Borough and provides a link

Whistle Stop Plaza, Ephrata

After nearly adecade of plan-ning, a newpublic space hasopened on Main

Street in EphrataBorough. WhistleStop Plaza, lo-cated in front ofthe old train sta-tion, has gottena much neededmakeover. Pre-

viously this area was just parking with no spacefor gathering, having events, or sitting down fora rest. Downtown Ephrata, Inc. spearheaded the

project working with businesses and other stake-holders to determine what the community wantedfor the space. The results of the collaborative ef-fort were well worth the wait.

The front area of the project now has a sunkencourtyard with a pergola covered stage, seatingareas, a bike rack, light poles, a four-sided infor-mational kiosk, trees, and other plantings. Thisportion of the project was funded from PennDOT’s

Home Town Streets Program. The rear of the prop-erty was also improved with lighting, plantings,and a wide walkway that provides a connection forthe borough’s rail trail which is planned for exten-sion to the north. A grant from the County’s UrbanEnhancement Fund paid for these improvements.

With all of these improvements, the view from theold train station is much more enjoyable. Down-town Ephrata, Inc. and the Ephrata Area Cham-ber of Commerce both have oces in the historic

building, which also has a public restroom. e116-year-old building was rehabilitated 7 years ago.e station was a passenger and freight stop for theReading & Columbia Railroad.


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FYI | 7

September 2012

between the Amtrak train station, Community Cen-ter at Poplar Street Park, downtown Elizabethtown,Community Park, residential neighborhoods, andthe Elizabethtown Area School District campus.e pathway surface will be a combination of inlaidbrick in the immediate vicinity of the downtown andasphalt pavement on the remainder. Much of the

pathway utilizes public alleys and land in the Bor-ough’s park system, and easement agreements havebeen acquired to cross private property in somesections. Pedestrian lighting and creative signagefor directional and safety purposes are also includedin the project.

e Borough’s pathway project is part of the MasterPlan for Downtown Elizabethtown, unveiled to thecommunity in 2005, and is depicted on the RegionalTrails Ocial Map—an exhibit of the Regional

Comprehensive Plan of Elizabethtown Borough,Conoy Township, Mount Joy Township, and WestDonegal Township adopted in 2010.


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Museum Hours:

Thu., Fri., and Sat. from 10 am to 2 pm, or by a

New Holland Area Historical Society Museum201 East Main Street (at R ailroad Avenue)

New Holland, PA(Museum entrance at rear)

www.nhhistorical.com

[email protected]

New Holland Area His orical Socie y Museum

E ver y communi y needs wha sociologis R a y Oldenburg calls a

“ hird place ”

– an in f ormal mee ing place in addi ion o he home and he workplace. In

New Holland Borough, he f ormer Kau ff man ’s Hardw

are S ore e xempli-

fies ha idea. In recen years, i has been rans f orm

ed in o a mi xed-use

proper y wi h o ffices, re ail, and dining on he firs fl

oor, and a museum and

mee ing space on he second.

The museum ’s s or y began wi h he crea ion o f he N

ew Holland His orical

Socie y in 2005. When Kau ff man ’s

closed wo years la er, he socie y was

o ff ered he use o f he building ’s second floor. The space was gu ted, and he

building was fi ted wi h a new ele va or, plumbing, wir

ing, and H VAC s ys ems.

A $16,000 gran f rom he Lancas er Coun y Urban

Enhancemen Fund

jump-s ar ed a campaign ha raised abou $100,0

00. Thousands o f

volun eer hours la er, he museum opened in June 2

012. Thanks o a gran

f rom CNH/New Holland Agricul ure, a second phase

o f work is now under-

wa y o crea e a mee ing and e ven space ad jacen

o he museum.

Highligh s o f he museum include i ems f rom he Ne

w Holland Band,

he blue ball f rom he Blue Ball Ta vern, and a large co

llec ion o f his oric

black-and-whi e pho ographs. LCPC s a ff chose he

New Holland Area

His orical Socie y Museum as a “s a ff pic ” because

i shows he

resul s ha can be achie ved when local residen s po

ol heir resources

o make a posi i ve change in heir communi y. t

Staff Pics

C a r l H e s s

http://www.nhhistorical.com/mailto:info%40nhhistorical.com?subject=More%20Information%20Please%20%28from%20LCPC%27s%20FYI%29mailto:info%40nhhistorical.com?subject=More%20Information%20Please%20%28from%20LCPC%27s%20FYI%29http://www.nhhistorical.com/


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September 2012

Marietta Receives EPA Assistance for Plan Implementation

In 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) developed the Building Blocks for SustainableCommunities Program to provide quick, targetedtechnical assistance to communities. In 2012, theEPA selected 56 communities in 26 states, including

Lancaster County’s Marietta Borough, to receive tech-nical assistance by EPA sta and private sector experts.

Marietta Borough had recently adopted the 2011Donegal Region Comprehensive Plan and soughtassistance with implementation of the plan throughthe Smart Growth Zoning Codes for Small Cities andRural Areas Program. Sta from the EPA Oce ofSustainable Communities and Clarion Associates,the consulting rm selected for the local project,rst consulted with borough ocials to identify

priorities, potential participants, and to develop anagenda for a two-day onsite workshop.

e onsite workshop held June 6–7, 2012, included apublic meeting attended by private citizens, boroughsta and ocials, and representatives of a numberof local and state agencies, such as U.S. Representa-tive Joe Pitt’s oce, the EPA Mid-Atlantic RegionalOce, the Federal Highway Administration, the U.S.Department of Agriculture, Susquehanna GatewayHeritage Area, Lancaster County Planning Commis-

sion, Lancaster County Housing and Development Au-thorities, Lancaster County Solid Waste Management

Authority, Donegal School District, adjoining munici-palities in Lancaster and York Counties, and more.

e onsite workshop was followed by a more focusedwork session with key borough ocials and LCPC

sta to review the public input and identify keyareas of concern.

In these workshops, Marietta used EPA’s EssentialSmart Growth Fixes for Rural Planning, Zoning, and

Development Codes. Marietta was the rst commu-nity to use this new workbook. is is a companionpiece to the EPA document, Essential Smart GrowthFixes for Urban and Suburban Zoning Codes, a key com-ponent of the tool with the same name in the LCPConline Smart Growth Tool Box.

EPA then prepared a draft report and then met withborough ocials and LCPC sta on September 13,2012, to share details of the ndings and recom-mendations in the report. EPA identied six priority

areas as well as specic actions and resources avail-able to address those areas. Each of the identiedpriorities supports the goals and objectives of theregional comprehensive plan and includes specic ac-tions that the borough can undertake.

While the Building Blocks program does not awardgrant money, borough ocials saw this as a rareopportunity to receive assistance from a team of na-tionally-recognized experts that will save time andmoney when updating their existing ordinances. As

part of the Building Blocks program, sta from theEPA and other state and federal oces will continueto work with the borough to ensure they have thecapacity to realize the goals of Envision, the LancasterCounty Comprehensive Plan and the Donegal RegionComprehensive Plan.

Design Matters / Designing for the Market Update

In December 2009 the Lancaster County PlanningCommission kicked o a year-long communitydesign-focused initiative entitled Design Matters to promote communication and collaboration insupport of better community design throughoutLancaster County. Philadelphia City Planning Di-rector Alan Greenberger opened the series with apresentation focused on how good design improvesour entire built environment. e next morning

about fty local planners and designers gatheredfor a workshop with three leaders in the eld ofurban design—Stuart Sirota founding principal ofTND Planning Group of Baltimore, David Rouse, aprincipal with Wallace Roberts & Todd of Philadel-phia, and Anne-Marie Lubenau, President and CEOof the Community Design Center of Pittsburgh.

Envisioning Good Design in Lancaster County and Phila-


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September 2012

delphia followed in the Fall of 2010. David Rouse ofWallace Roberts & Todd provided an overview of

“Envision Lancaster County” as it relates to designissues, explored connections between public policyand design, and presented initiatives currentlyunderway to heighten awareness of and direct atten-tion to good design at the project level.

Danny Whittle of the Lancaster County PlanningCommission spoke about establishing new insti-tutional mechanisms for design advocacy and as-sistance outside of government. Elizabeth Miller,Executive Director, of the Community Design Col-laborative in Philadelphia explored the work of theDesign Advocacy Group and the Community DesignCollaborative and how those organizations couldserve as a model for the establishment of a similarorganization in Lancaster County.

Design Matters II- Civic Engagement Required fol-lowed in December 2010. e focus of the programwas design excellence through public participa-tion. e featured speaker was Harris Steinberg ofthe University of Pennsylvania’s Project for CivicEngagement and Executive Director of PennPraxis

– the applied research arm of Penn’s School of De-sign. Dr. Steinberg shared the success story of thepublic planning process, A Civic Vision for the CentralDelaware, for six miles of the Delaware Riverfront

in Philadelphia. PennPraxis designed and imple-mented a citizen-driven planning process thatengaged over 6,000 people in shaping the future ofthe waterfront.

A follow up workshop was held the next day. isworkshop featured three speakers: Dr. Steinberg,Dr. Harris Sokolo, Director, Penn Project for CivicEngagement, and Dr. Kerrie Farkas, Director of theCenter for Public Scholarship at Millersville Uni-versity. e topic of the workshop was CommunityDesign and Civic Engagement. e main themes tothis workshop were: (1) dealing with citizen alien-ation and moving people to share their perspec-tives in a public dialogue, (2) educating the publicabout how citizens can inuence public decisions,and (3) showing government agencies that civic en-gagement holds the potential for generating broadpublic support.

In January 2011, after a year of research, discussion,and planning, a group of local design professionals—architects, landscape architects, and planners—es-tablished Design-Lancaster, a design advocacy groupfor Lancaster County.

In October 2011, LCPC began a dialog about plan-

ning for the changing real estate market. Designingfor the Market: Te Next Generation of Housing andCommunities kicked o with John Norquist, CEO,Congress for the New Urbanism. In a keynote pre-sentation in November, Mitchell Silver, President,

American Planning Association, emphasized the dra-matic demographic changes occurring in demographics in the United States and Lancaster County. Hewas pointed in his call for elected ocials, planners,and code administrators to work toward plans andordinances that are responsive to consumer demand

and that provide for housing that meets the needs ofdierent age and demographic groups.

e next day Mitchell Silver moderated a panel ofnational experts from the National Association ofHomebuilders, the National Association of Realtorsand the Urban Land Institute. e panel also under-scored the changing needs of housing consumersand the fact that the market is constrained by out-dated codes that do not allow a range of unit types.

In May 2012, Designing for the Market: Moving o-wards an Agenda for Action featured a panel of localexperts representing real estate, appraisal, nancingbuilding, and housing issues. is panel identiedactions which could be done at the local level to im-prove community design and housing aordability.

In September LCPC sta met with the BuildingIndustry Association of Lancaster County and theLancaster County Association of Realtors to move for-ward on the actions identied at the May workshop.

e next event that LCPC is planning will be focusedon design in the public realm. A number of questionswill be addressed. Why is good design of civic spaceimportant? How do we ensure good design in thepublic realm? What is the public sector’s role in civicspace design? Information on this event will be sentout when a date is set.


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September 2012

Daniel Burnham Forum on Big Ideas

THE NEXT 50: PLANNING, ARCHITECTURE, A

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Join LCPC Staff for a brown bag lunch to watch the inaugural lecture of the Daniel Burnha

Forum on Big Ideas. The Next 50: Planning, Architecture, and Landscape Architectu

explores how the emerging trends in America over the next 50 years will impact the desi

professions. Featured speakers include the presidents of the American Planning Associati

the American Institute of Architects, and the American Society of Landscape Architects

How will the emerging trends in America over the next 50 years impact the plannin

architecture, and landscape architecture professions? How will the design professions gui

America’s communities? Hear from the presidents of the American Planning Associati

the American Institute of Architects, and the American Society of Landscape Architects

they share their perspectives on the next generation of changes within their profession

R.S.V.P. to Donna Hahn (717) 299-8333 or [email protected]

For more information, go to www.planning.org/burnham/2012/jul.htm

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

ncaster County Government Center

Room 102, 150 N. Queen Street, LancasterBinns Park Entrance

Join LCPC Staff for a brown bag lunch to watch the inaugural lecture of the

LCPC Accepts 2040 Population Projections

Population projections are a vital piece of informa-tion in carrying out county and municipal/multi-municipal planning of almost every type.

Every 10 years after the decennial census, countyand regional planning commissions, like LCPC, typi-cally develop population projections – often 30 yearsinto the future. LCPC sta undertook this task inearly 2012 and the County Planning Commission ac-cepted the 2040 Projections in August.

At the county level the projections were made usinga cohort-component methodology. is methodol-ogy rst separates the population into ve-year agegroups by gender, called cohorts. It then applies thevarious components of population change (births,deaths, and migration) to each cohort in ve-yearincrements over the projection period.

The average of four simple allocation methods

was then used to develop municipal projections.These methodologies are described on LCPC’swebsite. The method to develop the county andmunicipal projections is purely mathematical, us-ing tested mathematical methods, and does notutilize knowledge of known or anticipated devel-opment plans or growth policies. A demographerat Temple University reviewed and approved ofLCPC’s methodology.

Population forecasts, on the other hand, can bedeveloped using the projections and involve makingadjustments to the projections using local knowledgeand data and using either technical/analytical ormore intuitive methods. Use of the projections maybe perfectly ne for some planning projects or stud-ies but may need renement into forecasts for othersLCPC sta is willing to work with local ocials indeveloping population forecasts for their municipali-ties and planning regions.

mailto:hahn%40co.lancaster.pa.us?subject=Daniel%20Burnham%20Forum%20Responsehttp://www.planning.org/burnham/2012/jul.htmhttp://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planning/lib/planning/projects_and_programs/2040_lanc._co._population_projections.pdfhttp://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planning/lib/planning/projects_and_programs/2040_lanc._co._population_projections.pdfhttp://www.planning.org/burnham/2012/jul.htmmailto:hahn%40co.lancaster.pa.us?subject=Daniel%20Burnham%20Forum%20Response


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September 2012

Lancaster County Kicks Off Hazard Mitigation Planning Process

e Lancaster County Emergency Man-agement Agency, in conjunction withe County Planning Commissionand County Information TechnologyDepartment has begun a planning

initiative that will result in the cre-ation of a County Hazard Mitigation

Plan. e Hazard Mitigation Plan pro-vides the blueprint for how the County will reduceits vulnerability to hazards and disasters such asooding and severe weather.

Hazard mitigation is process by which communitiesreduce the eects of disasters by completing projectswhich aim at moving residents out of harm’s way.Hazard mitigation projects may include elevating or

relocating homes in ood prone areas, zoning vul-nerable areas for open space use only, reinforcing ex-isting structures to withstand high winds, providingcommunity hazard information, as well as numberof other important types of projects. e idea is tomake communities more resistant to disasters beforethey happen, rather than recovering from the eectsof disasters.

In Lancaster County, ooding is the most prevalentand severe hazard. Recent incidents such as Hurri-

cane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011 illustratehow the County is vulnerable to this hazard, andwhy it is important to reduce that vulnerabilitythrough hazard mitigation projects. Flooding is

not the only hazard the County faces however, theCounty also is impacted by severe summer and win-ter weather such as tornados and blizzards, droughtsand man-made hazards such as nuclear incidentsfrom power plants in adjacent counties.

e Hazard Mitigation Plan lays the groundwork andmaps out a strategy for completing hazard mitiga-tion projects in the County. Municipalities whoparticipate in the Hazard Mitigation Plan planningprocess are eligible to apply for, and receive Federalgrant funding to conduct identied hazard mitiga-tion projects through a variety of funding sources.e County encourages all 60 Municipalities toactively participate in the Hazard Mitigation Planplanning process.

e County will hold a Stakeholder Kicko Meetingon Wednesday October 17, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at theLancaster County Public Safety Training Center, lo-cated at 101 Champ Boulevard Manheim, PA 17545.e purpose of this meeting will be to introduce theimportance of hazard mitigation planning, and dis-cuss the process the County will use. Specic ques-tions regarding the process or the meeting should bedirected to Phil Colvin, Lancaster County EmergencyManagement Agency at 717-664-1200. Information

is also available online at http://hmp.lancema.us.

If you plan to attend the meeting, please RSVP on-line at www.lancema.us/hmprsvp

New Uses for Old Buildings – Making it Work for You

e towns and villages of Lancaster County havea wealth of beautiful and historic buildings readyfor new life, but how does the small investor orentrepreneur navigate the web of building codes,municipal approvals, and nancing regulations to

Free Public Forum

October 25, 2012 ● 6:30 p.m.

Te Country Barn

211 S. Donnerville Road, Lancaster

make adaptive reuse aordable andpractical?

e Coalition for Smart Growth will present ‘New Uses for OldBuildings – Making It Work for You‘ on ursday, October 25th whenexpert panelists will discuss theirexperiences reusing existing buildings:

• Je Helm, Columbia Borough Code Enforce-ment Ocer will address the challenges pre-

http://hmp.lancema.us/http://www.lancema.us/hmprsvphttp://www.countrybarnmarket.com/http://www.countrybarnmarket.com/http://www.lancema.us/hmprsvphttp://hmp.lancema.us/


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September 2012

Regional Breakfast Meetings for Municipal Officials

LCPC’s Regional Representatives invite municipal officials to share breakfast and their thoughts on local and county planning issues at an upcomingregional planning breakfast meeting. LCPC encourages municipal officials to attend the meeting serving their region; however, if more convenient,please feel welcome to join another region for breakfast. Invitations, with a change of location for Region 3, were mailed in late August.

For additional information, contact LCPC at 717-299-8333.

sented by the Uniform Building Code and oersuggestions on how communities can encour-age new use of underutilized downtown build-ings and historic structures.

• Ken Hammel, Principal at Hammel Associates Architects, will describe his experience in re-

habilitating downtown buildings into dynamiccommercial spaces with beautiful living spacesabove. Ken will also discuss options availablethrough the Federal and Pennsylvania HistoricTax Credit programs.

• Leslie Reese, owner of Te Quilt Ledger inChristiana will share her experiences in con-verting a one room school house into a vibrantretail shop featuring quilts, fabrics and no-tions...

• Holly Hartman, Vice President of NationalPenn Bank, will provide information on -nancing options for small businesses and inves-tors interested in purchasing and renovating anexisting building and address with attention tosuch topics as cost versus appraisal and typicalloan terms.

e panelists will also be available to answer ques-tions relating to local incentives, funding sources anddesign guidelines for repurposing existing buildings inurban, suburban, and rural areas. Doors open at 5:30p.m., so please join us early to network, share lightrefreshments, and explore the Country Barn—a tradi-tional Lancaster County structure that has new life asa popular meetings and reception venue. e forum isoered free of charge, but please register for the eventat http://www.coalitionforsmartgrowth.org.

World Town Planning Day

World Town Planning Day is cel-ebrated in 30 countries on fourcontinents each November 8. It is aspecial day to recognize and pro-mote the role of planning in creatinglivable communities. World TownPlanning Day presents an excellentopportunity to look at planning

from a global perspective, and the American Planning Association encourages its mem-bers to consider planning challenges and solutionsaround the globe on that day.

e American Institute of Certied Planners (AICP)endorses World Town Planning Day as a strategy topromote a broad-based awareness, support, and ad-vocacy of community and regional planning amongthe general public and all levels of governmentthrough activities in recognition of American accom-plishments on World Town Planning Day, November

8 of each year.

For more information go to http://www.planning.org/ncpm/worldtown/

World own Planning Day Online ConferenceNovember 6–7, 2012

Professional planning associations from around theworld will celebrate World Town Planning Day 2012with an international online conference. is onlineconference will bring together ideas from around theworld about how advances in technology shape our en-vironment. e conference will oer insights to helpimprove the built environment—our cities, towns,rural communities—and the natural environment.

For more information go to http://www.planningth-eworld.net/World_Town_Planning_Day_Online_Conference/Home.html
http://www.planning.org/ncpm/worldtown/http://www.planning.org/ncpm/worldtown/http://www.planningtheworld.net/World_Town_Planning_Day_Online_Conference/Home.htmlhttp://www.planningtheworld.net/World_Town_Planning_Day_Online_Conference/Home.htmlhttp://www.planningtheworld.net/World_Town_Planning_Day_Online_Conference/Home.htmlhttp://www.planningtheworld.net/World_Town_Planning_Day_Online_Conference/Home.htmlhttp://www.planningtheworld.net/World_Town_Planning_Day_Online_Conference/Home.htmlhttp://www.planningtheworld.net/World_Town_Planning_Day_Online_Conference/Home.htmlhttp://www.planning.org/ncpm/worldtown/http://www.planning.org/ncpm/worldtown/

community planning month

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