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I I I i I I I I I I 1 I I I 1 I I I 1
BOROUGH OF WILSON. NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. PA
COMPREH EN S W E PLAN :
1993 - 2020
THIS PROJECT WAS FINANCED, IN PART, BY A GRANT FROM THE FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN
DEVELOPMENT (HUD) UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (DCED).
SUBMITlED TO
WiLSON BOROUGH PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
WILSON BOROUGH COUNCIL
BY
MICHAEL N O T ASSOCIATES, COMMUNITY PLANNERS
APRIL, 1998
I . , . . . . . _ .
LIST OF OFFICIALS
BOROUGH OF WILSON, PA.
APRIL, 1998
MAYOR
Kenneth F. Dunn, Jr.
BOROUGH COUNCIL
David S. Perruso, President Paul L. Corriere Leonard Behler, Jr. Joseph E. Canone Joan A. Lilly Louis E. Starniri Walter D. Tindall Joseph V. Civitella Robert L. Reiss
BOROUGH PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Louis E. Starniri Margaret Shriver Thomas Poynton Terry Balcavage Leonard Feinberg
STAFF PARTlCl PATI 0 N ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
Walter Boran, Borough Manager Pamela S . Price, Borough
Harvey W. Ackerman,
Raymond K. Rawson Charles Hawk
Secretary-Treasurer John Kresch
Code Enforcement Officer
Louis S. Minotti, Jr., Borough Solicitor
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WILSON BOROUGH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 1993-2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE NO. SUMMARY OF MAJOR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS
I.
II.
Ill.
IV.
V.
INTRODUCTION TO THE PLAN
LOCATION AND REGIONAL CONTEXT PHYSIOGRAPHY HISTORY BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE PLAN ORGANIZATION OF THE REPORT PLANNING PROCESS FOR THE PLAN PREPARATION
MAJOR PLANNING OPPORTUNITIES AND ISSUES
COMMUNITY ASSETS BOROUGH PROBLEMS AND NEEDS GROWTH POTENTIAL/POPULATION PROJECTION
DIRECTION FOR THE PLAN
STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND
CONCEPT PLAN GENERAL 0 BJ ECTIVES
FUTURE LAND USE PLAN
1 NTRODUCTION RESIDENTIAL LAND USE AND HOUSING PLAN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL LAND USE PLAN OPEN SPACE AND RECREATIONAL LAND USE PLAN INDUSTRIAL LAND USE PUBLIC AND INSTITUTIONAL LAND USE PLAN AREAS IN NEED OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION
TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING SURVEY AND PLAN
INTRODUCTION ANALYSIS OF EXISTING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS AND
SERVICES IN WILSON BOROUGH
- STREETS AND HIGHWAYS - FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION
MAJOR STREET PATTERN AND TRAFFIC FLOW
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4
4 8 8 8 9 IO
12
12 13 15
16
16 17
21
21 21 25
27 29 31
33
33
33
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WILSON BOROUGH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 1993-2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont.)
- MAJOR PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS - OTHER TRAN!SPORTATlON SYSTEMS - MASS TRANSIT (LANTA) - VALLEY ASS0 CIATI 0 N 0 F SPEC1 ALlZATlO N
TRANSPORTATION (VAST) - RAILROAD SYSTEM AND SERVICES - AIR TRANSPORTATION
FUTURE CHANGE IMPACTING BOROUGH’S TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS PARKING SURVEY AND PLAN
VI. COMMUNITY FACIL.ITIES SURVEY AND PLAN
INTRODUCTION PUBLIC RECREATI Cl NAL FACl LIT1 ES PUBLIC BUILDINGS
- M U N I C I PAL 0 FFI C ES - FIRE DEPARTMENT - PO LICE DEPARTMENT
- LIBRARY - PUBLIC SCHOOLS
PUBLl C UTI L.ITI ES - SEWAGE DISPOSAL - STORM WATER - WATER SUPPLY
- BOROUGH GARAGE AND MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
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VII. PLAN CORRELATION STATEMENTS
P R E LI M I N A RY C 0 I1 C L U S I 0 N S
APPENDICES - BACKGROUND ANALYSIS
A. B. LAND USE AND PHYSIOGRAPHY C. POPULATION AND HOUSING ANALYSIS D. ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE AND DATA ANALYSIS
PAGE NO.
39 39
41 42 42
43 44 46
52
52 52 57
57 57 60 62 63 65 66 66 66 66
67
68
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1 I I I I 1 1 1 I I I 1 I I I I I I I
LIST OF TABLES
COMPARISON OF POPULATION DENSITIES
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PROCESS
PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT DENSITIES FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT
ONE WAY STREETS
PASSENGER CAR REGISTRATIONS: 1983 - 1990
URBAN STREET STANDARDS
TRAFFIC VOLUMES - CHANGES IN TRAFFIC FLOWS - AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC: 1955 AND 1990
UTILIZATION OF PUBLIC MASS TRANSIT (LANTA)
VALLEY ASSOCIATION FOR SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION (VAST) RIDERSHIP: 1970 -1 990
PAGE NO.
7
11
24
35
37
38
39
41
42
UTILIZATION OF THE ALLENTOWN-BETHLEHEM-EASTON AIRPORT: 1986 -1 990 43
URBAN STREET DESIGN CRITERIA 45
EXISTING PLAYGROUND RECREATION FACILITIES BY NEIGHBORHOOD 5 4
R ECO M M END ED PLAY G RO U N D REQU I R EM ENTS 55
1989 CRIME STATISTICS 61
BOROUGH MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT 62
MAP 1
MAP 2
MAP 3
MAP 4
MAP 5
MAP 6
MAP 7
MAP 8
MAP 9
MAP 1 0
MAP 11
MAP 1 2
LIST OF MAPS FOLLOWING PAGE NO.
LOCATION AND REGIONAL CONTEXT OF WILSON BOROUGH 4
TOPOGRAPHY 4
CONCEPT PLAN 1 7
EXISTING LAND USE (1991) 21
FUTURE LAND USE PLAN 21
EXIST1 NG HOUSING CONDITIONS 21
TRANSPORTATION PLAN 31
ROAD CLASS1 FICATION 33
TRAFFIC VOLUMES(AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC, 1991) 39
EXISTING PARKING FACILITIES AND PROBLEMS 47
COMMUNITY FACl LIT1 ES PLAN 50
EXISTING COMMUNITY FACILITIES 52
SUMMARY OF MAJOR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
RECOMMENDATIONS
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SUMMARY OF MAJOR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS
This Wilson Comprehensive Plan presents the direction and guidelines for the development of Wilson Borough over the next 27 years 1993 to 2020. This Plan should serve as a guide for future decision-making by the Borough relative t o land use, housing, transportation, community facilities, and for the economic development of Wilson Borough.
This Plan addresses the economic strengths and weaknesses of Wilson Borough, the characteristics of social economic status of Borough residents and their needs, while respecting the Borough's history and its uniqueness. It seeks to integrate needs for community conservation and economic development.
This Comprehensive Plan presents a series of recommendations which are to preserve and enhance the quality of living environment of the entire Borough, and to achieve greater economic stability, more job opportunities, a broader tax base, and a reduction of poverty. Major plan recommendations are summarized below:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Encourage improved of hospital/medical services and health care related businesses, such as hospital/clinic facilities, doctor's offices, medical research institutes or laboratories, nursing school, nursing home or daycare center. However, these improvements must be limited to the ability of the Borough to accommodate the future traffic and parking needs of the hospital without encroaching on the existing residential area of the Borough.
Maintain and improve the existing industrial zoning districts as industriaVoffice-service parks, including the Wood Street Industrial Park, the industrial complex a t the former Dixie Cup site, and the Balata Street Area.
Encourage establishment of small businesses and home occupations consistent with their ability to provide adequate parking requirements.
Establish a greenway-park system throughout the entire Borough area. This system will consist of all existing parks and open space within and adjacent to the Borough, school recreation facilities, and the undevelopable land. This system will also be connected with the Delaware and Lehigh Canal National Heritage Corridor and State Heritage Park.
Discourage additional new residential development on the limited existing vacant land. Instead, encourage the improvement and upgrading of the existing housing structures and the replacement of older obsolescent . residential units, in accordance with the new Zoning Ordinance. Continue to carry out rehabilitation and affordable housing programs to accomplish this goal.
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6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Improve street systern to reduce traffic congestion. This includes widening/realigning/constructing 25th Street and its extensions, widening 24th Street between Washington Boulevard and Northampton Street, and South 23rd Street between Freemansburg and the railroad, and establishing an additional one-wa'y pair system on local streets.
Conduct a pilot study to provide parking improvements in the congested residential areas where parking problems exist. Choose a pilot block where local block residents wish to participate in the planning of this pilot study. The study should provide examples for parking improvements applicable to other sections of the Borough.
Design a bi keway-walkway system using selected existing streets and boulevards to provide a safe, attractive, opportunity for residents to exercise and convenient access to the River, parks, schools, shopping centers, and most other community facilities and historic building sites.
Develop a linear park using the currently abandoned railroad track for public recreation use.
Explore the feasibility of developing a Community Center to serve the entire Borough. Such a Center might be located on the existing Borough owned property, or a recreation area such as Meuser Park. Other existing facilities, available to the public, might also be made available for such a Center. Consideration should also center on the actual demand and use of such a facility by various segments of the Borough population.
Support the improvement and expansion of the Wilson Meuser Memorial Library at the existing site.
Coordinate Wilson I3orough Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, Road Ordinance, and Building Code to ensure that they are all consistent with the new Wilson Borough Comprehensive Plan and are consistent with each other.
Use grass roots approach to assure continued public participation in Borough decision-ma king process. Keep all Borough residents informed of major matters affecting the community through newsletters, public hearings, and other mass communication medium, such as newspaper, broadcast and television, conduct Community questionnaires periodically, and continue frequent communication between Borough governing body and residents.
Utilize CDBG and other local and available grant programs to implement the objectives and goals of the Comprehensive Plan and to support existing services and to initiate new required public service activities.
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This new Wilson Borough Comprehensive Plan includes several Correlation Statements which discuss the interrelationships among the various components of the Plan, the short and long range Implementation Strategies and funding strategies, and new or updated development regulations required, and the relationship of the Plan to the plans and development taking place in adjoining municipalities. This provides for coordination and integration of consistency among all plan elements involved, all recommended goals, objectives, policies and implementation strategies.
.
To assure consistency with other proposals in the Region, this Plan is being sent to the Borough Planning and Zoning Commissions, Borough Council, the public, adjacent communities, the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and the School District for their comments. All comments, including those received at a Public Hearing, will be reviewed and considered,-after which official adoption by the Wilson Borough Council will be scheduled.
In the future, the Borough should review this Comprehensive Plan periodically (every five to seven years) to ensure that it is kept up to date.
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I. INTRODUCTION TO THE PLAN
WILSON BOROUGH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: 1993 = 2020
INTRODUCTION TO THE PLAN
LOCATION AND REGIONAL CONTEXT
The Borough of Wilson is located on the northern heights of the Lehigh River basin, on the central-eastern edge of the State of Pennsylvania, and near the eastern border of Northampton County. Wilson is adjacent to the City of Easton, Palmer Township and West Easton Borough.
The region has an excellent highway network, including U.S. Route 22, Interstate- 78, the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Route 9) and Pa. Route 33. Pa Route 33 is proposed to be extended south from U.S. Route 22 to 1-78 about three miles west of Wilson Borough (Map 1). The region also has excellent rail transportation and is served by Inter-City public transportation.
All of the major metropolitan areas of the northeastern United States - Philadelphia, Baltimore, Boston, New York and Washington D.C. are within 300 miles. The Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton (ABE) Airport is approximately 1 5 minutes from the Borough, Newark International Airport and the Philadelphia International Airport are within one and a half hour and two hour drive.
Wilson Borough is part of the Allentown-Bethlehem Metropolitan Statistical Area (ABMSA) which was the third highest population growth area in the State of Pennsylvania in 1990. According to 1990 U.S. Census data, Wilson Borough had a population of 7,830 persons within a 1.2 square miles of total land area. Wilson Borough has the highest population density in Northampton County. The following table shows a comparison of population density of the Borough to the State, County and adjacent municipalities. The eastern part of this dense urbanized area includes Easton, West Easton, and Glendon, Pennsylvania and Phillipsburg, New Jersey. This region is characterized by its environment and a sound economic structure.
high accessibility, a good living
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I LOCATION AND REGIONAL CONTEXT
LOPA TCO N G
LIMITED ACCESS HIGHWAY
(-1 MAJOR HIGHWAYS - OTHER ROAOS
INTERCHANGES
_ _ _ _ _ _ MUNICIPAL BOUNDARIES
BOROUGH OF W I L S O N , P A . COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PROGAM
COUNClI O f THE BOROUGH OF WILSON I 0
w u s a m BOROUGH PLANNING CnmIssiaN
MIHltH(ABL CAEOT ASSQUAmS. C O M M U M W
MAP SOURCE: WILSON BOROUGH PROPERTY MAPS
TOPOGRAPHY CONTOUR INTERVAL - 10 FEET
SOURCE:
WILSON BOROUaH COMPREHENSIVE P U N , 1959.
MAP 2
WLSOhl BOROUGH, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA.
COMPARISON OF POPULATION DENSITY OF WILSON BOROUGH TO ADJACENT MUNICIPALITIES,
COUNTY, STATE AND NATION
LAND AREA Square Miles
POPULATION POPULATION (PERSONS) DENSITY
PERSON/ Square Mile
PENNSYLVANIA
NORTHAMPTON COUNTY
WILSON BOROUGH
EASTON CITY
44,819.6 11,881,643 265.1
373.9 247,105 660.9
1.2 7,830 6,525
4.3 26,276 6,110.7
Source: 1 990 Census of Population and Housing; Pennsylvania
WEST EASTON BOROUGH
PALMER TOWNSHIP
PHYSIOGRAPHY
0.3 1,163 3,876.7
10.7 14,965 1,398.7
The Borough is built upori two low hills along the northeast bank of the Lehigh River (Map 2). The lowest elevation in the Borough, approximately 180 feet above sea level, is at the river and the higher elevation, about 430 feet above sea level, is in the vicinity of Twentieth Street and Washington Boulevard. Steep slopes occur in the southeastern and northeastern sections of the Borough.
To the west, gently rolling land exists in Palmer Township. To the east are the developed communities of Easton and West Easton.
The Borough's soils reflect its ancient geologic and glacial past. The Borough has deep well drained soils, formed in glacial till with limestone and dolomite under- laying the surface soil.
Located along the Lehigh River Valley, there are areas that are environmentally sensitive being subject to flooding and the Borough contains certain lands which are undevelopable due to their steep slopes. The same valley landform also influence natural air circcrlation which under certain conditions tends to hold airborne pollutants in the area. The Borough is also located within the Reading Prong, a geologic feature associated with some localized areas of high radon gas levels.
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HISTORY
Wilson Borough is an attractive older built-up community. Wilson began as a First Class Township in 1912 and derived it’s name from Woodrow Wilson, who was elected President during that same year. Wilson Township was created from ‘land that was originally part of Palmer Township. However, soon after incorporation, landowners in Wilson found that Township government could not keep pace with the fast growing needs of their new community. In 1920, the Courts of Northampton County approved a petition to change the form of Wilson’s government to a Borough.
The Borough experienced rapid development from 1912 to 1929, spurred on by inexpensive trolley car transportation providing convenient access to industrial and business places of employment. Attractive single family, two family and multi family homes tightly arranged on small lots, established the stable pattern of. development that has continued to this day. Today the Borough has less than forty acres of developable vacant land remaining within it’s boundaries and is therefore almost fully developed.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE PLAN
Wilson Borough’s prior Comprehensive Pian was adopted in 1959. Since that time more than thirty years have passed and the Borough has become fully developed. There are but a few vacant parcels of land left. Today Wilson is a mature, densely developed community with a well maintained housing stock and with an efficient, but aging infrastructure.
Over the coming years the Borough will face new challenges including the need for maintenance and conservation of existing facilities, new developments and economic challenges. These challenges result from its aging buildings and demographic and economic status. First, renovations of existing buildings will occur and some buildings will be adapted to new uses, or removed. Second, elderly residents (60 years and older) now comprise more than 20 percent of the Borough’s population (See Appendix B, Table X). They will continue to increase in number in next twenty years according to the projection of this plan. Many of these residents live on fixed incomes. Third, according to an income survey conducted by the Borough in 1988, more than 65 percent of the Borough’s residents incomes were classified as low to moderate. As this population ages, they will have an exceedingly difficult time meeting the Borough‘s financial needs for providing services and replacing an aging infrastructure. In order to meet these challenges, the Borough needs to continue its on-going community development programs and to strengthen its economic and tax base. But more importantly, the Borough needs to develop the long range strategies and policies for the future development and conservation of the community.
This comprehensive plan is an update and revision to the Wilson Borough Comprehensive Plan prepared in 1959. The purpose of this Wilson Borough Comprehensive Plan is to provide a framework for future decision-making. The
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Plan presents the direction and guidelines for the development of Wilson Borough over the next 27 years - 1993-2020. This plan should serve as a guide for future decision-making by the Borough relative to economic development, living environment quality, land use, housing, transportation and community facilities of Wilson Borough.
As required by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, a separate zoning ordinance has recently been prepared and adopted which is consistent with the comprehensive plan. Therefore, this Comprehensive Plan has provided a foundation for Wilson Borough’s new Zoning Ordinance which is now being implemented.
ORGANIZATION OF THE REPORT
This report consists of seven chapters. Following the Introduction Chapter, Chapter II describes planning opportunities and issues to be addressed. Chapter Ill deals with direction for the plan, which includes statement of community development goals and concept plan. Chapter IV through VI presents plans for land use, transportation and parking, and community facilities and services. Each of these three chapters includes analysis of existing conditions, identification of major planning issues, and plan recommendations in terms of objectives, policies and implementation strategies. The last chapter presents plan correlation statement, interrelationships of plan t o adjacent municipalities, and conclusions.
The Comprehensive Planning process has also resulted in the development and adoption of a new Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance to regulate new developments on the few remaining vacant or undeveloped areas and also to control the resubdivision of existing areas.
PLANNING PROCESS FOFl THE PLAN PREPARATION
The preparation of this Comprehensive Plan began with background information through a mail questionnaire, field surveys, published reports, interviews with Municipal Officials and ag,ency heads, and meetings with citizens. Based on the gathered background information, community assets, needs, and key planning issues were identified. Then, general community development and conservation goals were established. Alternate concept plans were generated and evaluated. The selected concept plan was then further refined and developed with detailed planning recommendatioris on each plan element. This report presents the results of the steps as described above, including background data analysis, and plan recommendations for addressing planning issues and concerns of Borough residents. The following diagram shows the procedure and steps involved in the preparation of this Comprehensive Plan.
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I 1 I 8 1 I I I I 1 1 I I I I I I I I
STEPS
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STEP 5: Evaluate and Select Concept Plans
A
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PROCESS ELEMENTS
Collect Background Information PEP ’: -D
STEP 2: Identify Community Assets, Key Planning Issues, and Growth Potential
~~
4 STEP 3: Establish General Community
Development Goals
4
I Generate Alternate Concept Plans
STEP 7: Review and Revise Plan
I-, 4
STEP 8: Borough Adopts Plan I STEP 9: Implement the Adopted Plan
+
a. Needs Assessment - Community
b. C. Environmental Resources & Constraints d. Existing Land Use e. Existing Housing Conditions f. Traffic & Road Conditions 9. Community Facilities
Improvement Questionnaire Survey Population, Housing & Economic Profiles
a. Natural Resources b. Cultural Resources C. Visual/Scenic Resources d. Regional Opportunities e. Economic Strength & Weakness f. Problems in Land Use, Housing, Traffic,
Community Facilities 9. Population Projection
Land Use Plan 1 Housing Plan Economic Development Plan Transportation Plan
e. Community Facilities Plan
Planning Commission and Borough Council Public Hearings Adjacent Communities County, School District
a. Regulatory Programs: - Zoning Ordinance - Subdivision and Land Development Ord.
- Capital Improvement Program - FederalIState Funding Programs
b. Financing Programs:
C. Public/Private Partnership
II. MAJOR PLANNING OPPORTUNITIES
AND ISSUES
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MAJOR PLANNING OPPORTUNITIES AND ISSUES
The following is a summary of major planning issues and concerns of Wilson Borough's residents and public officials in terms of Borough assets, needs and problems. These factors were identified based upon the Community-wide survey, discussions with citizens and public officials, as well as analysis of published data.
COMMUNITY ASSETS
Wilson Borough is known throughout the metropolitan area as a "good place to live". This reputation results from the following assets which the Borough enjoys.
Reaional Facilities within the Borouqh - Being a part of the Easton metropolitan area, the Borough contains a number of special regional land use activities and facilities. Among them the most important are the Meuser Memorial Park, Meuser Memorial Library, Easton Hospital, the Wilson Area School District offices and secondary educational facilities, the Children's Home of Easton, and the Antonian Housing for the elderly. These regional land uses and facilities are important economic and cultural assets of the Borough which are readily available to residents.
However, the over development of regional facilities in a Borough, which is only 1.2 square miles in area, may have a negative aspect. Regional uses have created a need for off-street parking and has resulted in traffic congestion, both of which can adversely affect local residential neighborhoods. The Borough must seek to maintain a proper balance between local and regional uses to avoid the parking and traffic problems from affecting local residential areas.
Qualitv Residential Neiahborhoods and Lame Stock of Affordable Housinq - The Borough has also continued to maintain attractive and stable residential neighborhoods which provide a varying choice of housing types, including a larger selection of more affordable housing units and rental apartments. According to the 1990 Census, there were a total of 3,325 housing units in the Borough in 1990, with a vacancy rate of 4.9%. Of these housing units nearly 70% are single family housing units, 20% are residential structures with two to nine housing units; and 10% are structures with more than 10 housing units (See Appendix C).
The Borough has also developed and implemented local CDBG programs which has encouraged the rehabilitation of housing and the provision of more "affordable . housing" available to persons wishing to purchase homes in the Borough.
Well Maintained and Manacled Communitv Facilities and Services - One of the factors supporting these quality neighborhoods is that the Municipal facilities and services provided to the Borough residents are, for the most part in good condition,
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well managed and properly maintained. The community questionnaire survey indicated that among the respondents there is a high satisfaction with the basic community services, including fire fighting, police protection, sewer and water services, as well as hospit(31, library and schools (See Appendix A).
BOROUGH NEEDS AND PROBLEMS
Major needs and problems which the Borough must address include the following nine areas:
1. Lack of Off-street Parking Soace - The small lots and dense housing patterns, developed in the days of the trolley car, do not provide adequate space for off-street parking. This forces residents and businesses to utilize every bit of on-street parking space that can be made available which then contributes to traffic: congestion in the older neighbor-hoods. The lack of parking space and excessive parking on local streets were the first two most serious Borough problems identified by Borough residents (See Appendix A).
2. Excessive Street Traffic and Conaestion - A number of the Borough’s primary streets are congested. These congestion situations are caused by on-street vehicular parking, continually increased automobile traffic, and old narrow streets that have not been improved as traffic volumes increased. Based on 1990 Census data, it was estimated that Borough-wide there are at least 3,300 vehicles owned and/or used by Borough residents. The traffic congestion and excessive street traffic have resulted in air pollution and excessive noise. Excessive vehicle traffic and associated air pollution and noise problems are also among the most serious Borough problems identified by Borough residents (See Appendix A).
3. Aaina Housina Structures and Aging Infrastructure - Over 54% (or 1,796 out of 3,325) of the housing units were built before 1940. Many aging housing units are now in need of rehabilitation. The Community Questionnaire Survey indicated that poor condition or maintenance of nearby buildings and most yards were among the most serious Borough problems perceived by survey respondents, and that the preservation and future improvement of residential areas received the greatest support (69.1 YO). Housing rehabilitation and neighborhood conservation are a priority need of the Borough.
Similarly, Borough’s aging infrastructure also requires either repair or increased maintenance. Particularly street maintenance, street lighting, sidewalks, curbs, arid streets have become a serious concern of local residents (See Appendix A).
4. Need For Additional EmDlovment Omortunities For Borough Residents - A high percentage (75 YO) of survey respondents indicated that additional employment opportunities are needed for Wilson Borough residents. However, few residents reported any desire for additional commercial or
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I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I
industrial development within the Borough. Only 10.5% of respondents supported additional commercial development, while only 9.1 YO of respondents wanted to see more industry within the Borough. 78.3% of the respondents preferred more industrial development located in the adjoining Cities or Townships. Apparently, there is a concern that additional industrial or commercial development may bring problems, which are feared will decrease the quality of life in the Borough. Such a conflict between the need for additional job opportunities on one hand and the fear for possible negative impact of economic development on the other hand indicates that different interests exist among Borough residents. To balance the need for economic growth and the need for preserving the living quality presents a challenge to be dealt with in this plan.
This conflict can be addressed by primarily limiting commercial and industrial development to areas presently used for these purposes and by participating in and encouraging the regional industrial development initiatives undertaken by County and regional levels of government in other areas where more land is available for this purpose. The Borough, however, should continue to fully utilize, continue to develop and improve the existing areas of the Borough devoted to industrial and commercial uses. This approach is consistent with the need to retain and maintain existing industrial areas as discussed in No. 5 below.
5. Need For Retention of lndustrv and/or Reuse of Industrial Propertv - Because trends in the region have shown a consistent decline in industrial and heavy commercial employment, and because the sale of a number of the Borough’s industrial and heavy commercial properties has occurred. The Borough needs to develop policies that will help maintain the Borough’s existing industrial activities or to speed the process of reuse or demolition and rebuilding.
6. Need For Expansion of the Hospital and Related Medical Facilities - Easton Hospital has just completed a 20-year plan which projects the need to expand and improve the following facilities:
- Two new building wings with towers for patient usage.
- Expansion of the Ambulatory Care building. A new multi-story medical office building. -
Acquisition of adjacent private property, now being used for medical and residential purposes, is projected in the 20-year plan. In addition to the above facilities, internal renovation of the existing buildings and relocation of the existing hospital entrance to Fairview Street is contemplated.
Future expansion of Easton Hospital and the related medical facilities that goes beyond the scope of the 20-year plan may be limited by the lack of available land.
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7. Need For Additional Recreational Facilities - The Community Survey shows that Borough-wide, 51.3% of respondents indicated a desire for more nearby recreation areas 01’ facilities to serve their neighborhoods. Of the survey respondents stating their support for development of more recreational space, approximately 51 % and 60% indicated it should be targeted to serve teenagers and young children, respectively, 39.3% pointed out facilities should also serve senior citizens and 29.2% indicated adults need additional recreational opportunities as well.
8 . DeveloDment Of Additional Recreation Facilities - Adequate recreation facilities should be available to all neighborhoods of the Borough. Existing recreational deficiencies in the southern part of the Borough need to be addressed.
Land acquisition or long term lease arrangements for recreation use could be a challenge t o negotiate, but if successful, they could be beneficial t o the children and young adults in the southern part of the Borough.
9. Falling or Stationarv Income For Ooeratina and Maintainina The Borouah Government and It‘s Services - Future revenue needs of the Borough will continue to require considerable attention by Borough administrative staff and elected officials. Regional industrial employment is declining, and the special needs of the older population of the Borough are increasing.
GROWTH POTENTIAL/POC’ULATlON PROJECTION
Over the past 20 years there have been several factors that indicate a general stabilization of the population after the 1990s. These factors include a lack of developable acreage, a smaller proportion of native young adults due to the trend toward smaller families, that began in the 197O’s, and a growing segment of elderly persons within the 13orough. For these reasons, it is felt that the Borough‘s future growth potential is limited.
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I I
111. DIRECTION
1 I
FOR THE PLAN
DIRECTION FOR THE PLAN
STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND GENERAL OBJECTIVES
To assure that the future development of Wilson Borough occurs at a manageable pace and along the desired path, the following community development goals and general objectives are proposed. These goals and general objectives will serve as a basis for the Comprehensive Plan. They will also serve to guide future officials in interpreting the meaning and intent of the Plan in special situations which may arise in the future.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
To maintain and enhance Wilson Borough as a desirable place to live and to establish a park-like living environment throughout the Borough.
To encourage neighborhood conservation and rehabilitation and preservation of historically significant structures.
To encourage desirable economic activities, including appropriate commercial and industrial development to stabilize the Borough’s overall economy and tax base.
To eliminate undesirable, uneconomical and unattractive mixtures of land uses.
To promote sound standards of development and to maximize stability of property values.
To provide for appropriate residential densities and opportunities for diverse housing types and affordable housing to satisfy all age groups, income levels, family sizes and individual preferences.
To provide a street system capable of circulating people and goods within and through the Borough safely and efficiently.
To reduce traffic congestion in the Borough and to provide adequate parking space to serve all residential, business and other uses in the Borough.
To provide adequate and efficient community facilities and services to satisfy the needs of present and future residents of the Borough, including public safety protection (fire, police), recreational, cultural and educational facilities (.parks, library, community center, and schools) and public sewer and water facilities.
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CONCEPT PLAN
A concept plan is a schematic diagram that shows the proposed overall interrelationships of the major physical components of a community, including major land uses, such as residential, commercial, industrial, and open space land uses, the street system, and the major community facilities. A concept plan help to clarify and emphasize key ideas of the comprehensive plan. This is important since a comprehensive plan often deals with so many issues or perspectives that it is not easy for decision-makers t o focus on those key issues.
The Concept Plan for the \Nilson Borough Comprehensive is schematically presented on Map 3. It ha:; been developed based upon the community development goals and objectives as established above and it is intended t o maximize the Borough's assets and to address the Borough's needs and problems. This concept plan is characterized by the following key elements and ideas:
0 "Greenwav and Park Svstem" - To establish a greenway and park system throughout the entire Borough. This system will consist of all existing parks and open space within and adjacent to the Borough, including the currently abandoned railroad right-of-way, Washington Boulevard, school recreation facilities, and the uridevelopable land (due t o steep slopes or floodplain) located at the northeastern and southeastern sections of the Borough. This greenway and park system will be connected to the Lehigh River Corridor, a part of the Delaware and Lehigh Canal National Heritage Corridor and State Heritage Park. The establishment of the greenway and park system not only protects floodplains and steep slopes from development, but also provides an opportunity for developing a bikeway and walkway system which will provide convenient accesses t o the River, parks, schools, shopping centers, and most other corrimunity facilities and historic buildings or sites.
0 "Improved Street System" - Widen 25th street between Route 22 Interchange and Hay Street; realign and construct 25th Street between Front Street and Keystone Avenue. Widen 24th Street between Washington Boulevard and Northampton St. Widen S. 23rd Street between Freemansburg and the railroad t o improve the one-way pair system.
0 "Two Tvpes of Residential Areas" - Low density and medium density residential areas arc? proposed. Low density residential areas are located in the outer areas of the Borough in the southern and northern sections in the Areas known as the Avona Heights and Spring Garden sections, respectively. Medium density residential areas are concentrated in the inner more central areas of the Borough known as the Freemansburg and Fairview sections.
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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 1 1 I I
CONCEPT PLAN
1 1 MAP 3
WILSON BOROUGH, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA.
0 "HosDital and Medical Service Center Area" - A hospital and medical center area is designated in the section of the Borough, including the Easton Hospital and adjoining areas. This will support the proposed expansion of the hospital and provide opportunities for other medical and related services, including hospital facilities, doctor's offices, medical research institutes or laboratories, nursing home or day care center and other related uses. This not only creates job opportunities, but also restricts medicaVservice uses to this area, thereby limiting encroachment of these uses into the adjoining resid entia I neigh bo r 1-1 oo ds .
0 "lndustrial/office Pa&'' - Taking advantage of easy access from the existing railroad and highway, t w o industrial/office parks are proposed t o be developed. One is located along Wood Avenue between Rt. 22 bypass and the railroad. The other is the site of the former Dixie Cup Company.
Additional general uses are proposed between Northampton Street t o Wood Avenue to the north and on the west side of Balata Street between Freemansburg Avenue and the railroad to the south.
0 Boulevard Uses - Recognition is given to the diversity of uses that have already developed along the entire length of Butler and Freemansburg Streets by the creation of specialized variety of uses along both of these major streets. These specialized uses include:
- Commercia I d eve I o pm e n t
Residential
- Church and cemetery
0 "Concentrated Conimercial and Business Districts" - Concentrate commercial development in well-defined and controlled areas along 25th street from the Interchange t o Freemansburg Avenue; to Butler Street between 15th Street and 19th Street; arid t o the eastern end of Northampton Street.
In addition, the areas along Northampton Street and Butler Street are proposed as a transitional land us area from residential to certain types of business activities, including home occupations, professional services and offices.
1 8
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
I I I I I I I I I 1 I I 1 I E c I I I
IV. FUTURE LAND USE PLAN
I
I I E I 1 1 I E I 1 B c I I I I I
i FUTURE LAND USE PLAN
INTRODUCTION
Each type of human activity requires a certain location and environment. A land use plan deals with spatial distribution of and interrelationships among various human activities, such as living, working, shopping, recreation, socializing, studying and traveling. This Future Land Use Plan designates locations for various land uses in all areas of the Borough, and suggests appropriate and desirable types of uses, development density and intensity. The primary goal of this land use plan is to achieve harmonious spatial relationships among all land use activities.
This plan serves as a guide for the Borough in maintaining and rehabilitating buildings and infrastructure in order to promote a healthful, pleasant, safe and functional community. As various changes occur in the use of land and buildings between now and 2020, Wilson Borough Council, Planning Commission and Administration, as well as private business and industry should utilize the future Land Use Plan to guide public and private development decisions. This plan has also provided a basis for the new Borough Zoning Map and Ordinance.
All land use activities in the Borough are classified into the following five major land use categories: residential, commercial, industrial, public and institutional, and open space/ recreation. For each of these land use categories, major issues and concerns are summarized, then, plan recommendations regarding specific objectives, policies are provided.
RESIDENTIAL LAND USE AND HOUSING PLAN
Issues and Concerns - Major residential land use problems include "excessive lot coverage" as described in the 1959 Master Plan, and the existence of many aging residential structures that have an adverse impact upon surrounding neighborhoods. Many small lots have been developed in the Borough with a high percentage of the area covered by buildings. This often results in inadequate light, air, open space, and parking space.
0 biectives:
0 Protect existing residential neighborhoods from the adverse impact resulting from incompatible land uses.
0 Provide a range of development densities suitable for single-family, two- family and multi-family housing structures.
19
,
1 I t ' 1 I E I I'
1 t I
MAP SOURCE: WILSON BOROUGH PROPERTY MAPS
! 0 EXISTING HOUSING CONDITIONS
THIS PROJECT WAS FINANCED. IN PART. BY A GRANT FROM THE FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN
DEVELOPMENT (HUD) UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE D E P A R M T OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (DCED).
NORTHAMPTON
LEGEND:
OF
b
. _ . - .
MAP 6-
C~IUNTY, PA.
I 0
0
0
0
0
0
Provide the opportunities for the development of affordable housing types a t varying densities in residential areas to meet the economic and social needs of the general population, and the special needs of the elderly and handicapped people.
Maintain the general integrity of existing single-family and two-family residential areas, but provide opportunities in such areas for the controlled development of medium or higher density residential and multi-family uses.
Promote the rehabilitation and improvement of the existing housing stock and where possible, provide for the controlled conversion of larger structures into multiple units in appropriate areas, served with adequate off-street parking.
Promote improvement of existing residential areas. Improve the quality of existing neighborhoods.
Provide opportunities for the development of home occupations in residential areas in a manner which does not detract from the quality of the residential neighborhood.
Establish a reduced bulk, density and area standard for such lots.
ProDosed Residential District Densities For New DeveloDment
Type of Dwelling Minimum Lot Size Bldg. Max. Coverage (Sq. Ft.) ( % I
Single Family Detached 5,000-6,000 35 - 40
Single Family Semi-Detac hed 3,000 45
Two Family Detached 5,000 45
Multi-Family 20,000 35 - 4 5 - Town or Row Houses 14 du/ac Max. 45 - Garden Apartments 16 du/ac Max. 45 - High Rise for Elderly 60 du/ac Max. 35
Planned Cluster Residential (PCR) 14-1 6 du/ac Max. 35 - 45
Converted Residential 1 0 du/ac Max. --
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COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL LAND USE PLAN
Issues and Concerns - Most of the commercial uses are located in the older northern half of the Borough. Concentrations of heavy commercial activity, consisting of material storage and handling, freight offices, auto sales, etc. are located in the northerly part of the Borough along Wood Street. Other heavy commercial uses are scattered between Fifteenth and Nineteenth Streets on the eastern side of the Borough.
Light commercial uses, mostly service and convenience activities such as, barber shops, food stores, shopping and highway oriented business, are located on the western edge of the Boroulgh primarily between Butler and Northampton. A number of light commercial uses, convenience and service oriented, are scattered throughout the Fairview and Freemansburg neighborhoods. Many of these commercial uses are mixed residential and commercial in one structure.
Continued expansion of commercial business on the scale of development that occurred in the 1 9 8 0 ’ ~ ~ is not anticipated between now and 2020. Little vacant land exists, thus new light commercial uses will involve conversion of existing structures or demolition arid rebuilding.
In addition, the rapid development of major shopping areas in the surrounding communities has and will continue to weaken the commercial land use market in Wilson Borough. This is evidenced by the reduction of mixed residentiakommercial uses from 12.5 acres in 1958 to 11.2 acres in 1991.
Land Use Obiectives:
0
i
I 0 ~
~
~
0
i 0
0
Provide opportunities for strengthening the existing economic base and economic activities in the Borough through the establishment of well-defined areas for commercial and industrial development.
Protect existing commercial and industrial areas from adverse location of incompatible uses and where conflicts between residential and non- residential uses exist, balance the needs of both types of uses.
Provide for suitable commercial development through the establishment of well-defined areas lor the location of commercial uses which can serve local neighborhood areas and the entire Borough, and also provide for the controlled development of residential uses in commercial areas in a manner which protects both types of uses.
Promote the rehabilitation, revitalization and improvement of the Borough’s older non-residential areas and encourage the development of underutilized non-residential space.
Provide opportunities for new commercial development which serves the needs of residents of the Borough and also of the surrounding area.
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I I I 1 I I I I I 1 I 1 I
1 1 1 1 I
e
I 0
0
0
0
0
0
0
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0
Where residential neighborhoods are undergoing change, provide for an adequate transition of residential uses to appropriate commercial development .
Provide for revitalized industrial development and job-creating uses through the establishment of well-defined areas for limited and general industrial uses.
Provide for a lesser intensity of industrial development in those areas which are closer to the residential neighborhoods.
Promote the rehabilitation, improvement and appropriate conversion of older commercial buildings into other non-residential uses.
Provide opportunities for new industrial redevelopment.
Provide for the proper control, location and size of signs for necessary public information and communication without detracting from the appearance of the Borough.
When any new development or use will have a major or adverse impact on the land, on established neighborhoods or on the Borough as a whole, promote or require the installation of necessary infrastructure or other improvements, such as traffic and street improvements, parking and loading facilities, drainage and sewer improvements or other facilities which may be needed to address that impact.
Provide controls in appropriate areas, regulating the placement of signs, fences, and swimming pools, and provide for appropriate screening and buffers to protect adjoining uses.
Prohibit obscene sexual uses or activities which violate State law and local ordinances or contemporary community standards of the Borough.
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'
SDecific Plan Recommendations For Economic Development Activities:
0 Extensive use of B-1 (Boulevard Us'es) zones along the primary streets, and to some extent, the use of the C-1 (General Commercial) zones, should be re-examined. This re-examination should take into account existing commercial and residential uses, economic needs, and the traffic on the abutting streets. Agreed upon changes should be incorporated into the Zoning Ordinance.
0 In the older community shopping areas - east of Eighteenth Street, from Northampton south to Jefferson Street, special efforts will be needed to assist the business community to remain viable. This area was identified in the 1959 Master Plan as an area that needed considerable aid to help it develop into a "Community Retail Area".
24
0
In the past thirty-two years this goal has not been realized. Outside competition has absorbed much of the market. No major public actions were undertaken to encourage and aid in expansion and development of quality businesses. Off-street parking needs and congestion has increased and many mixed residential/commercial uses remain. It would be very easy for this area to be victimized by blight and decay.
Special revitalization efforts are needed. Utilization of both private and public actions and economic aid will be necessary.
A special revitalization committee should be established. Area business representatives, residents, Borough representatives, and resource agencies should be involved. The charge to this group should be to prepare a revitalization plan arid recommendations to be submitted to Borough Council and area businesses'. A phased action plan should be a part of the recommendations.
Adoptive reuse of the property known as the old "car barn", located along Washington Boulevard should be analyzed. Mixed residential and co nven ien ce/service commercia I cou Id be an appropriate reuse.
Heavy commercial uses have increased from 20.2 acres in 1958 to 33.0 acres in 1991. The A&P store site has changed to a Cramers lumber yard, and a furniture store moved into a former light industrial building. These changes typify the nature of market shifts that will continue in future years.
Aggressive code enforcement with the object of reducing congestion, improving buildings and the aesthetics of properties should be continued. As these conversions take place adequate off-street parking, off-street loading, sidewalk, stormwaterbtreet curb irriprovements all need to be aggressively planned and developed.
Heavy commercial uses should continue to be encouraged in the land along the north side of Wood Street.
INDUSTRIAL LAND USE
In the last thirty-two years industrial land use has diminished and industrial employers have moved from Wilson Borough. In the region, non-agricultural jobs have reached a record high, but manufacturing jobs have shown a steady decline in the last three decades.
This situation is symptomatic of the region where manufacturing employment has tumbled to 74,400 employees since a high in 1974 of 11 5,000 employees. The loss of manufacturing jobs in 1990 alone totaled 1,000. This regional decline in manufacturing jobs is expected to continue, although regional development of new industrial parks in the Lehigh Valley (outside of the Borough) should stabilize and reverse this trend.
25
Overall, land in the Borough devoted to industrial use has declined slightly. Most of the decline has occurred among the heavy industrial land uses.
Recommendations in the 1959 Master Plan proposed that:
1. The vacant farmlands to the west and south of the former Dixie Cup plant could be developed industrially. In 1971, this Plan was modified to propose commercial development in these two areas; and
2. The area of the Borough adjacent to the Mack Printing Company could be developed for light industry and heavy commercial. Much of this area was, and is, developed residentially.
The area around the Dixie Cup plant developed with commercial uses. Little or no change or development occurred in the vicinity of the Mack Printing Company. The printing company did acquire additional land which is now used for parking.
Recommendations
0 Borough officials should meet regularly with owners or managers of existing industrial establishments and discuss ways the Borough can help them to improve their plant sites and/or expand.
0 The closing of the former Dixie Cup factory was a major loss to Wilson Borough. The public/private cooperation developed with the present owners needs to continue so as to create additional jobs for Borough residents.
The areas now established along W.ood Street, in the vicinity of the Mack Printing plant, and the Textile Belting Plant Site remain as industrial use areas.
0
OPEN SPACE AND RECREATIONAL LAND USE PLAN
Obiectives:
0 Restrict and control development in environmentally sensitive areas, steep slope areas, areas with poor soils and areas subject to flooding.
Provide opportunities for recreational uses to serve individual neighborhoods and residents of the Borough, in a manner which does not conflict with adjoining residential areas.
0
0 Provide opportunities for the development of appropriate additional recreational facilities which meet the requirements of the population, I
including the specialized needs of youth, the elderly, handicapped and minority persons.
.
PUBLIC AND INSTITUTIONAL LAND USE PLAN
Issues and Concerns - The type of regional uses which can be emphasized in the Plan include the following:
- Facilities for the elderly and retired persons
- Development of affordable housing
- Continued expansion of Easton Area Hospital
- Expansion of Wilson Area School District facilities
Development: of additional highway commercial retail businesses
Public and private institutional facilities will have a lasting and long term effect upon the Borough in a social, economic, and land use context. Detailed proposals for publicly owned facilities, including parks, schools, and public buildings are presented in the Community Facilities Plan. In this Land Use Plan proposals are focused upon the estimat:ed land needed for these facilities and the location of the proposed land uses in the Borough.
Medical Center - Over the next 20 years, it is anticipated that the Easton Hospital complex will continue to provide a major share of the hospital’s patient services from its Wilson Borough site. To accomplish this, the hospital’s use of land will need to increase. This expansion is expected to occur on property which is not currently owned by the Hospital as well as on property the Hospital previously acquired. Land and property that is expected to accommodate growth is located within the present Hospi.tal-Medical District in the Borough‘s Zoning Ordinance.
27
0 Where feasible, promote the preservation of common open space in well- designed high density residential developments.
0 Develop an integrated and balanced system of parks, trails and open space corridors which serve all areas of the Borough.
SDecific Recommendations;
It is proposed that a recreational site be assembled for playground use in the Avona Heights neighborhood. The site can be leased or owned by the Borough. A preferred location is in the vicinity of the existing Little League baseball field and the Midget football field.
Also in the Avona Heights neighborhood, it is recommended that the land in the floodplain of the Lehigh River be acquired. The land should be used for both passive recreation, picnicking, fishing, nature trails, etc. and active recreation, softball, soccer, volleyball,. etc.
This anticipated expansion in the hospital's facilities and services are expected to generate additional demands for medical offices and related medical facilities in the vicinity of the Hospital. Some of these will be other medical related uses that will need or want separate facilities. Expansion of the Hospital-Medical District zone is proposed into the entire block bounded by Lehigh, Twenty-Second, and Twenty- Third Streets and Washington Boulevard.
Children's Home of Easton - A master plan for future expansion of the Children's Home development of about 18 acres of the Home's 38 acre site. Anticipated changes include:
- Renovation of the old original estate residence into office and administrative functions.
Several additional cottages.
- Construction of one new dormitory.
Expansion of the Children's Home is expected to occur slowly over the next 20 years.
A part of the 38 acre site, approximately 8 acres, is wooded and in a natural woodland condition. This portion of the property may be maintained in future years by a conservation group. The existing site appears adequate to serve the Children's Home's needs for many years.
Schools - The construction of the new high school will create a very tightly organized educational site containing an elementary school, as well as the high school. On the same block is an industrial laundry (Easton Overall Cleaning Company) that should be acquired by the Wilson Area School District and made a part of the high school site. The industrial laundry is a valued asset to the Borough and the School District and assistance in its relocation to a site within the Borough should be provided.
At the existing Avona Elementary School additional property on the northside of the school is recommended for acquisition to provide additional playground space.
I
0 biectives:
0 Provide for the controlled development of appropriate public uses and facilities in all areas where such uses are needed to serve the area or the community as a whole.
0 Provide for handicapped facility improvements in places of public accommodation and public buildings, so that individuals with disabilities may not be barred from participation, due to issues of inaccessibility.
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Support compatible centralized regional facilities, such as the Hospital, Children's Home and Education Facilities which serve the Borough and adjoining Township areas.
Permit development in all areas of necessary accessory uses which are needed to complement other residential and non-residential uses to which they are related.
Promote, in all areas, the development of necessary public utilities and public services which are needed to serve the public and to maintain the general welfare and safety of the population.
AREAS IN NEED OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION
The building known as "The Forest House", located at 1 700 Butler, was originally constructed as a hotel in 1855 by Philip Odenwelder. Today the three story red brick structure is used as a cocktail lounge. Butler Avenue was then one of the main routes to the west used by easterners and European immigrants. It is believed many of these westbound settlers were fed and sheltered in the Forest House. The Forest House is a noteworthy structure of historic value and should be preserved.
North of the Forest House, across Butler Street, on land bounded by Seventeenth Street on the east, Fairview Avenue on the north, and Butler on the south was one of the regions early fairgrounds, the Easton Fairgrounds. This fair was established in 1855 and the first fair held on September 23, 1856. On this fairground site, during the spring and summer of 1861, a training ground for Union soldiers of the Civil War was established called "Camp Washington". General Ambrose Everitt Burnside's First Regiment of the Rhode Island Marine Artillery were the first detachment to utilize Camp Washington. In June of 1863, General J. 0. A. Kilpatrick tented on the site on his way to protect Philadelphia from the threatening forces of General Robert E:. Lee.
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1 I I I I I I i I I I I I I I I I I I
I
MAP SOURCE: WILSON mnoucn PROPERTY MAPS
TRANSPORTATION PLAN
1 i MAP 7
WILSON BOROUGH, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA.
TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING SURVEY AND PLAN
INTRODUCTION
The movement of people, goods and raw materials in Wilson Borough directly effects economic vitality, redevelopment and the quality of life of Borough residents. The role of Wilson Borough’s transportation system is t o facilitate access to other cities, t o employment, shopping, entertainment, education and to home. The Borough’s transportation system should also function as an integral part of the Easton metropolitan and the region’s transportation systems.
In this transportation and parking survey and plan, the existing problems and needs are identified, recommendations on traffic and parking improvements, both . immediate and long term, are provided. In addition to highways and streets, other forms of transportation are also reviewed, including mass transit (bus), railroad, air travel, and special transportation services.
ANALYSIS OF EXISTING ‘I’RANSPORTATION SYSTEMS AND SERVICES IN WILSON BOROUGH
Streets and Hiqhwavs - The movement of people and goods in Wilson Borough is primarily dependent upon :streets and highways. These streets are State and Borough owned and generally are in good condition.
Functional Classification - Basic functions of a highway and street network are to move people and goods with minimum interference t o residents’ and commerce activities. Streets should enable Borough residents to move safely and easily without a mixing of through and local traffic.
The Borough‘s streets also function as a part of the urban area street network, tying West Easton, Easton and Palmer Township together. These streets also link the urban area to the regional highway network. To U.S. 22, Interstate 78, and the soon to be extended State Route 33.
All streets in Wilson Borough are classified into five functions as follows:
1. Arterial Highway - ,4 limited access or partly limited access highway with the function of carrying through traffic and providing a link to other regional areas. U.S. 22, 1-713, and Route 33 are arterial streets serving Wilson Borough.
2. Primarv Streets - Directly connect with the regional interstate highway network. They carry traffic in and out of the area and across town. Butler, Freemansburg, Nor,thampton and Twenty-Fifth are Wilson’s streets and avenues t o be called Primary Streets.
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MAP SOURCE: WILSON BOROUGn M O P E R N MAPS
ROAD CLASSIFICATION
LEGEND:
111111 ARTERIAL ROADS
m ~ m m m m m PRIMARY ROADS - SECONDARY ROADS
LOCAL ROADS + ’********* 0 NE - WAY STREETS
-8
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WILSON BOROUGH, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA.
3.
4.
5.
Mai
Secondarv Streets - Interconnect one-way and local streets with primary streets. Streets in this category include: Twenty-Third, Twenty-Fourth, Seventeenth and Wood. Portions of Eighteenth, Twenty-First, Balata, Firmstone and Fourth Streets.
One-Wav Streets - One-way streets are established t o move traffic smoothly, eliminate traffic conflicts and are therefore more efficient than two-way street operation. The negative side is that one-way streets work best with another opposite direction street, a paired street approach, and thus spread traffic out over a larger area into residential neighborhoods. Designated one- way Borough streets are:
Direction Name of Street Of Travel Limits
One-Wav Pairs
Seventeenth St. North From Butler t o Wood St. Eighteenth St. South From Northampton t o Butler St. One-Wav Non-Pair:i
Hay Terrace Twenty-Third St.
Twenty-Fourth St.
Forest Street Birch Street May Street Sycamore Street Iron Street Keystone
West North
South
West East West East North South
From Butler t o 21st Sts. From Easton and Northern Railroad, Butler St. From Butler St. to Easton and Northern Railroad From Freemansburg Ave. t o 23rd St. From 25th St. to 23rd St. From 21st St. to 25th St. From 25th St. to 23rd St. From Borough boundary to Front St. From Front St. to Borough boundary
Local Streets - Provide access to local properties. All other streets not categorized above are identified as local streets.
r Street Pattern and 'Traffic Flow - Three arterial highways provide inter- regional access and linkage to other urban centers. U.S. Route 22, Interstate 7 8 (I- 78) and Pennsylvania Route 33. U.S. Route 22 provides east/west access throughout the Lehigh Valley. It connects with 1-78 to the east at Phillipsburg in New Jersey. To the west, it provides access t o Bethlehem and Allentown, has an interchange with Pennsylvania Route 9 (Turnpike), then connects with Interstate 78.
Interstate 7 8 t o the east, connects with Newark, New Jersey and New York, New York. 1-78 enters Pennsylvania at Glendon Borough, travels west around
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I I I I I E I I 1 I I I I II I I I I
Bethlehem and Allentown, then continues to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s State capitol.
Pennsylvania Route 33 provides connections north to Stroudsburg where it links with Interstate 80. Route 33 is soon to be extended south of its present terminus with U.S. 22, to connect wi th Interstate 78. This will complete an arterial highway network with Wilson and Easton located in the center or hub.
Within the Borough of Wilson, four primary streets provide access to the arterial highways. Westbound primary streets include Butler, Freemansburg, and Northampton.
These three primary streets connect with Twenty-Fifth Street, a t the western boundary of the Borough. Twenty-Fifth Street is aligned in a north/south direction and connects with U.S. Route 22 in the northeast corner of the Borough. Twenty- Fifth Street terminates a t its connection with Lehigh Drive in the southern most part of the Borough.
The secondary streets and local streets are generally aligned in a north-south, east- west grid pattern with variations due to topography and the Eastern and Northern Division Railroad right-of-way.
Principal vehicular traffic f lows within Wilson Borough are east to west movements. These east to west movements on the primary streets are on the edges of the four neighborhoods and the impact upon the neighborhoods is therefore not overly harmful. The negative side of this street pattern is its relationship to non-residential land use. Businesses and abutting residences use these primary streets for vehicular parking because of a lack of off-street parking. This reduces the traffic carrying capacity of these streets. On street parking adds to the congestion and may be a contributing factor in regard to traffic accidents.
A weakness in the Wilson Borough street system is the lack of streets to carry north/south traffic. Twenty-Fourth and Twenty-Fifth Streets are the principle northhouth streets. Both are poorly aligned and have varying right-of-way widths, which are in some places too narrow and have inadequate pavements.
Maior Planning Considerations - Major transportation planning issues which the Borough needs to address include:
0 The need for immovement of conaested streets caused bv on-street Darkinq and increasina traffic. Traffic and vehicular congestion on Wilson’s streets is a daily occurrence which is gradually worsening. The primary streets (Butler, Freemansburg, Northampton and Twenty-Fifth) are heavily congested during rush hours. The following are three basic reasons why this traffic congestion exists and why it will continue for some time.
1. The existina street svstem in Borouah was desianed for a Dast era with less deDendence on automobiles and more reliance on mass
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transit. Manv Wilson Borouah streets are not sufficient for the increased on street Darkina or automobile traffic. The basic pattern of Borough streets was established when horse and carriage, trolley and the railroad were the principal means of transportation. Northampton, Butler and Freemansburg highways were originally trails leading west. Later, during the Borough's development boom years, 191 2 to 1929, travel by trolley car and trains were common place. Automobiles were just making their debut and the use of horses was rapidly declining.
2.
3.
Year I
The extensive on-street Darkina increases traffic conaestion. Closely related to the above history is the Borough's land development pattern which is typified by small lots close together with large residential structures. Little space for parking exists on these lots. All Borough streets are extensively utilized for parking. This reduces street traffic capacity and increases traffic congestion.
Averaae number of automobiles Der household is continuouslv increasina. The following table shows increasing auto registrations in the State of Pennsylvania, Lehigh County and Northampton County from 1983 to 1990. As a result, the street systems use often exceeds its design capabilities.
PASSENGER CAR REGISTRATIONS: 1983 - 1990
Pennsylvania I Lehigh County I Northampton County
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
Total % Change
5,659,975
5,771,318 1.97
5,854,474 1.44
5,952,836 1.68
6,144,474 3.22
6,216,406 1.17
6,309,087 1.49
6,345,308 0.57
Total % Change
140,878
144,653 2.68
146,808 2.1 8
151,067 2.20
157,732 4.41
159,594 1.18
160,597 0.63
160,680 0.05
Total % Change
136,950
141,028 2.98
143,950 2.07
148,271 3.00
154,904 4.47
157,582 1.73
160,850 2.07
161,488 0.40
Source: PennDOT Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Lehigh Valley Profile and Trends, JPC, 1991
Congested streets with high impact on the Borough include the primary streets: Twenty-Fifth, Butler, and western parts of Northampton. See Table below. These streets are carrying through traffic, providing access to U.S. 22 and serving intra- Borough vehicle movements. Butler and Northampton Streets carry traffic east and
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I
west, while Twenty-Fifth Street accommodates north-south movements and access to U.S. 22. Each of these streets require improvement to meet current PennDOT standards.
URBAN STREET STANDARDS
Recommended Width in Feet No. of Traffic Street
Rig ht-of-Way Pavement Lanes
Arterial
Primary
Secondarl
Limited access - Shall conform to PennDOT standards
80" 12 foot per lane, 8 2 t o 4 foot parking lanes or shoulders
1 1 foot per lane. 60* 11 foot per lane, 8 2
foot parking lanes or shoulders
86 - 94 (Blvd) * 2 t o 4
One-way and 50" 1 0 foot per lane 2 Minor Streets 24-28 curbs, face
(total) parking one-side only
* - - Varied depending upon roadway needs.
Source: Pa. Department of Transportment of Transportation, Guidelines for the Design of Local Roads and Streets, August, 1990.
0 The Borough lacks a through street in a north-south direction which can function as a collector street; this causes additional traffic congestion. Inter Borough traffic tends to use local streets mixing traffic in residential neighborhoods. Improvements t o Twenty-Fifth Street could help alleviate this problem.
0 A high priority exists for improvements t o Twenty-Fifth Street. These improvements will need to involve alignment and widening construction.
0 While Twenty-Fifth Street needs major improvement now, Butler and Northampton's traffic volumes will no doubt increase when Route 33 is extended to Interstate 78. This can add further congestion to Wilson's streets.
.
Twenty-fifth Street average daily traffic is the highest of all Borough streets. The rate of traffic increase is also the highest of all local streets at 5.8% per
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year on average for the last 35 years. See the Table below. Twenty-fifth Street has become congested and periodically is over capacity.
TRAFFIC VOLUMES - WILSON BOROUGH CHANGES IN TRAFFIC FLOWS - AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC
% Increase
1955 1990 Total Ave. Streets Annual
~~~~~
U.S. Route 22 17,500 44,600 155% 4.4%
Northampton Street 8,100 11,138 38% 1.1%
Butler Street 6,500 1 2,543 93% 2.7%
F r eem a ns b u r g Ave n u E! 8,000 1 0,292 29% 0.8%
Twenty- Fi f t h Street 5,000 15,183 204% 5.8%
Wood Street 3,000 5,712 90% 2.6% -- -- -- 22,900 U.S. 1-78
Source: Pe n ns y Iva n i a De part m e n t of Transport at i o n , Pa. Roadway Information System (PARIS); Northampton County, October, 1991.
0 The vehicles that will be used to provide transportation for the average family of the future could well be different from those used today. A great deal of research is being expanded on technologies that will lead t o the production of small electric vehicles. These vehicles are intended t o be used for shopping, work and entertainment trips. Longer trips would use vehicles more like our automobile of today.
OTHER TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
Mass Transit (LANTA) Svstem And Service - Much of the development in the Borough occurred at the time before the impact of the automobile and was based upon trolley and train as the principle means of transportation. Today the Lehigh and Northampton Transit Authority (LANTA) provides mass transit service (bus) in Wilson Borough. Wilson Borough and the City of Easton are in the prime service area of LANTA. Three LANTA routes serve Wilson from Easton's Central Business District (CBD). Northampton Street and Washington Avenue have bus service every 30 minutes. Lehigh Street has service to the Easton Hospital every hour. From Easton's Business District transfers to any city in the LANTA service area can be accomplished.
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MAP SOURCE: WILSON BOROUGH PROF€RTI MAPS
TRAFFIC VOLUMES (AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC, 1991)
WILSON BOROUGH, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA.
LANTA’s ridership has fluctuated somewhat in the past several decades. Between 1960 and 1990, there were 3,358 fewer LANTA riders for a long term decline of 44%. See the accompanying table. This long term downward trend appears to be caused by the low density land use development patterns occurring in the region. These low densities are not conducive to economical transit service.
UTILIZATION OF PUBLIC MASS TRANSIT - LANTA
~ ~~
Year Ridership % Change % Subsidy
0 1960 7,650 ---
1970 3,770 -50.7 0
1975 3,860 + 2.4 54.0
1980 5,474 +41.8 63.0
1985 4,556 -1 6.8 54.0
1990 4,292 - 5.8 65.2
1960-1 990 -43.9
Source: LANTA Information and PennDOT, Bureau of Public Transportation
Currently, the transit service is partly subsidized by Lehigh and Northampton Counties.
Mass transit service is especially important to Wilson Borough residents because of the Borough’s dense land use pattern, and aging population. It is of vital importance to the Borough that mass transit be available to residents, now and in the future.
Vallev Association For SDecialized TransDortation (VAST) - The non-profit Valley Association for Specialized Transportation (VAST) provides a special region-wide transportation service for the elderly and handicapped persons. VAST receives State grants for the purchase of vehicles. All other income is derived through contracts with agencies, LANTA, and similar organizations. In 1991, VAST had 36 vehicles and utilized 52 drivers. Since their founding in 1979, ridership has continued to rise. See the following table. Ridership is expected to continue to rise in future years.
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VALLEY ASSOCIATION FOR SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION RIDERSHIP 1979 - 1990
One-way Trips Year
Number YO Change Comments
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
56,235
98,450
1 13,596
11 8,538
11 3,563
141,546
153,403
163,490
166,655
172,998
189,647
188,185
--
+ 75.2
+ 15.3
+ 4.4
- 4.2
+ 24.6
+ 8.4
+ 6.6
+ 1.9
+ 3.8
+ 9.6
- 0.8
First year of operation.
Increases in LANTA, Lehigh Co. service
Increases in LANTA, Northampton Co. service
Increase in LANTA service.
Decrease in Northampton Co. service
United Cerebral Palsy added as major client
Increases in United Cerebral Palsy, Lehigh and Northampton Counties service
Increases in LANTA and Lehigh County service
Increase in SPARC program.
Increase in SPARC and LANTA programs
Added Lehigh Valley Easter Seal Society
Decrease
Source: Valley Association for Specialized Transportation, 1 991 .
Railroad Svstem And Services - Railroad passenger service no longer exists in Easton. Railroad freight service is provided on the Easton and Northern Branch of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company. Service is provided in the northern part of the Borough and serves industry along Wood Street, the Mack Printing Company, and extends to the west to the old Dixie Cup factory.
Air Tranwortation - Air transportation is conveniently available to the Borough residents through the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton (ABE) Airport. The airport is located in Lehigh County on the north side of Route 22, approximately 20 minutes driving time from Wilson Borough.
Both major and regional airlines are available for passengers. Passenger service has been increasing at a rate of about eight percent (8%) per year. See the accompanying Table.
Air cargo services are available through several carriers.
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UTILIZATION OF THE ALLENTOWN-BETHLEHEM-EASTON AIRPORT 1986 - 1990
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990
TRAFFIC REPORT
Maior Airlines Passenger: Enplaned 21 3,294 258,128 284,198 278,438 335,925
Deplaned 21 1,990 258,522 279,761 277,805 337,966
SubTotal 425,292 51 6,650 563,959 556,243 673,891
Reaional Airlines Passenger: Enplaned 98,660 95,971 1 1 6,923 124,226 97,656
Deplaned 99,702 99,375 1 1 7,291 123,558 103,247
SubTotal 198,362 195,346 234,214 247,784 200,903
Grand Total 623,654 71 1,996 798,173 804,027 874,794
AIRPORT ACTIVITY
Major Airlines 12,986 12,653 10,746 10,784 13,705
22,650 Regional Airlines 19,799 19,994 25,591 21,931
Military 2,663 2,675 2,562 3,059 3,337
General or Civic Aviation 48,796 50,319 52,182 56,247 56,309
Total Itinerant 84,244 85,641 92,081 92,021 96,001
Total Local 38,731 37,015 42,397 45,312 45,203
Grand Total 122,975 123,456 134,478 137,333 141,204
Source: Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority.
FUTURE CHANGE IMPACTING BOROUGH'S TRANSPORTATION
Wilson's population has increased modestly in the last decade. In future years, the population is projected to remain stable, neither increasing nor dropping appreciably. During this same period, the number of households is expected to increase slightly. Off-setting this stable population situation is the increasing auto registrations and number of trips per household. These increases are occurring throughout the State and in the Borough. This could result in additional traffic congestion and parking piroblems in the future.
Persons 65 years and older are also a growing part of the population. Older persons tend to need and utilize public mass transit services more often when compared to other segments of the Borough's population.
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I
TRANSPORTATION PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS
This Transportation Plan, io coordination with the Parking Plan, presents the following recommended steps to address the identified deficiencies in the major street system.
Tranwortation Plan Goals
0 Develop a well designed traffic circulation system, with pedestrian facilities which provides adequate access to all areas in the Borough, and which adequately connects the Borough with the regional road network, without creating excessive traffic congestion in residential neighborhoods.
0 Integrate transportation facilities with adequate buffers and landscaping to properly protect residential areas.
0 Provide adequate pedestrian and vehicular transportation systems to serve the public, and provide for the development and improvement of major roadways needed to provide convenient access to residential, non-residential and other uses.
0 In situations involving new development, require off-street parking and loading improvements to serve the proposed development needs yet, are buffered and landscaped to protect adjoining uses.
TransDortation Plan Recommendations
0 Use Recommended Street Classification System for Borough policies regarding the function and importance of streets. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) standards for right-of-way, pavement, speed limits, parking and/or shoulder widths should be used as an objective for improvements. Other policies such as priority for snow plowing should be given to the arterial, primary and secondary streets over the local streets.
0 Improve traffic circulation by the Year 2020 by carrying out the following street improvements as shown on the accompanying Transportation Plan map:
1. Widen and extend Twenty-Fifth Street
2. Extend Twenty-Fourth Street to the north
3. Extend Twenty-Third Street to the south
4. Widen the approaches to the'Glendon Bridge
5. Consider reversing the direction of the Keystone-Iron one-way pair street system
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0 Prepare an annual 'Traffic Accident location (pin) map. Use these maps as an early warning system to consider improvements to a street or intersection.
0 Prepare a Traffic Control devise, appropriate speed limit, traffic volume- capacity study of all arterial, primary, secondary and possibly one-way streets in the Borough. Then, implement the recommendations of the qualified traffic engineer who prepared that study.
Reaulatorv Measures - A thorough review and analysis of the Borough's existing regulatory measures effecting streets should be completed. Particular attention should be paid to measures which impact the Primary streets of Butler, Freemansburg, Northampton and Twenty-Fifth. Comparisons with contemporary concepts and language for traffic regulatory measures should be made.
Upon completion of the above study, it's recommendations should be implemented. Implementation will requiire authorization and aid from PennDOT, and funding by the Borough.
Street and Hiahwav Stanldards - Street and highway standards are established by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for "urban" and "rural" areas. Wilson Borough's streets are classified as "urban" and therefore should measure up to the following standards.
URBAN STREET DESIGN CRITERIA
Functional Classification
Primary Secondary (Arterial) (Collector)
Local
Design Speed Desirable Minimum
Right-of- Way
Pavement Widths Desirable Minimum
Shoulders Widths Desirable Minimum
50 MPH 40 MPH 30 MPH 30 MPH 30 MPH 20 MPH
80 Ft 60 Ft 50 Ft
12 Ft 12 Ft 12 Ft 12 Ft 10 Ft 10 Ft
10 Ft 10 Ft 10 Ft 8 Ft 8 Ft 6 Ft
(8 Ft if parking)
Source: Penn DOT Design Manual (Urban) 1 990.
0 Program the rebuilding of some of the Avona Heights neighborhood streets in order to remedy the drainage, sub base, base and surface course street problems in this neighborhood.
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~
I I I I I I I I I B I I I I I I I I I
e Propose that the State include traffic capacity and safety improvements on their 1 2-Year Highway Improvement Program.
Street lighting in the Borough should be replaced with more energy efficient fixtures.
Wilson Borough’s elderly and handicapped persons should be encouraged to register with and utilize VAST services.
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e
PARKING SURVEY AND PLAN
Adequate vehicular parking is a necessity. When parking resources are inadequate, there is an impact upon street traffic flow, safety, and quality of life experienced in a neighborhood. Vehicular parking areassare also a major land use occupying street rights-of-ways, commercial, industrial and residential land.
Wilson Borough’s population density, 6,929 persons per square mile, is the second highest density in the Lehigh Valley. Housing units are squeezed closely together on small lots. With the small lots there is no room for off-street parking. In addition, the commercial uses scattered among residential homes in some neighborhoods results in a greater parking shortfall.
The Borough’s existing mixed use and dense land use pattern is one of the major causes of parking problems in Wilson. In addition, because of a lack of off-street parking, the only place to park is on the street. Thus, on-street parking narrows travel lanes, creates traffic flow interference, and contributes to traffic congestion.
In the surveys conducted for this Plan, the first five most serious neighborhood problems identified by Borough residents, in a descending order of importance were:
1 . Lack of parking
2. Excessive parking on streets
3. Air pollution
4. Traffic
5. Noise
These five most serious problems can be, in part, related to automobile congestion and parking problems.
Similar to the densely developed residential neighborhoods, many commercial establishments also experience serious parking problems. Many of the Borough’s commercial establishments were built before zoning and other land use controls
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required off-street parking. Thus, in certain older commercial areas parking needs are acute.
Existina Parking Facilitiesi - Three types of parking have been identified in the Borough.
1. On-Street Parking .- On-street parking which is permitted on almost every street.
2. Off-street Parkinq - Off-street surface parking, usually owned or reserved by a nearby business lor industry.
3. Parkina Garaae - Although there are many residential garages, there is only one major parking garage in the Borough. It is owned by the Easton Hospital.
See the accompanying map for the location of off-street parking facilities.
Areas With Acute Parkina Problems That Need To Be Addressed - The three residential neighborhoods which were developed prior to 1929 have the largest number of parking problerns. Of these neighborhoods, the Fairview and the Freemansburg neighborhoods contain most of the narrow lots and are heavily congested. Major through streets add to the problem in these older neighborhoods. Three of the Borough’s priimary streets (Butler, Freemansburg and Northampton) carry the bulk of the east/west vehicular traffic through the Borough and through these neighborhoods.
Located along these three streets are a number of convenience and service commercial land uses which depend upon on-street parking. In addition, scattered throughout the Fairview arid Freemansburg neighborhoods are a number of mixed uses, commercial/residential, which add to the parking problem.
In the Spring Garden neighborhood, which is also one of the pre-1929 developed neighborhoods, there are isolated residential areas without adequate off-street parking space. These areas are located along the northside of Northampton Street in the blocks east of the Mack Printing Company.
The construction of the parking garage at the Easton Hospital improved the supply of parking in the vicinity of the hospital. However, parking remains a problem for some of the medical uses which are clustered near the hospital and to some degree for the hospital itself.
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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
Parkin9 Plan Recommendations - Because of the density of population and the lack of adequate off-street parking space, the Borough will need to continuously focus on parking issues. Whenever possible, off-street parking should be a preferred solution to parking problems.
0 Improve off-street parking through the following strategies by using a block approach, and starting where parking needs are the greatest.
Strategy 1 Select a block committee from a block where an alley is located along rear property lines. Seek out parcels where several cars can be parked. The Borough can then assist the block group in obtaining long term leases to park, and if successful, to develop gravel parking spaces along the alley.
Strategy 2 Where industrial or warehouse companies have excess parking space, the Borough could take the lead in setting up a long term parking area to serve nearby residences adversely affected by parking congestion. The areas would need to be fenced and well lighted. The Borough would have to assume some form of responsibility to protect the property owners who use the lot or a property owners association could be formed to deal with the implementation of this strategy.
0 Reduce the conflict between on-street parking and traffic flow. Parking versus the movement of traffic can only be resolved by the establishment of priorities.
Accepting the premise that the primary streets (Butler, Freemansburg, Northampton and Twenty-Fifth Streets) should primarily be used for vehicular traffic, then parking along these streets should be severely restricted. This is particularly true at the approaches to intersections where restricted parking will aid the flow of vehicular traffic a t these critical points in the transportation system. Considering the conflicting needs of business, through traffic and residents, the use of time restrictions for parking can help to reduce the parking traffic f low conflicts a t least during peak problem periods. During rush hour periods, parking should be limited or prohibited on the primary streets.
A deliberate widening of streets with narrow pavements for example Nineteenth Street, will improve traffic flow. This could also improve access to on-street parking spaces and increase safety. The Borough should develop a prioritized list of streets to be widened. A variety of funding sources should then be used to accomplish the street widenings in future years. This would also reduce the parking, traffic f low conflict.
47
0 Adjust Borough policies and regulations to improve on-street parking facility use and to reduce traffic - parking conflicts. Discourage frequent turnover of on-street parking on streets with heavy traffic flow. This policy will tend to reduce the conflict between through traffic and cars maneuvering into and out of parking spaces. Encourage more frequent parking space turnover use of parking spaces that serve commercial uses or a mixed residential/commercial area. Strictly enforce the parking policies and regulations.
When parking is completely prohibited for any period, it is essential that the restriction be enforced to provide for additional roadway capacity.
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m
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I I I I I
MAP SOURCE: WILSON BOROUGH PROPERTY MAPS - 1 EXISTING PARKING
FACILITIES AND PROBLEMS
I 1 I
THIS PROJECT WAS FINANCED. IN PART. BY A GRANT FROM Y E FEDER4L DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN
DEVELOPMENT W D ) UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (DCEDI.
. .. .
I
I 1
WILSON BOROUGH, NORTHAMPTON
LEGEND:
SMALL LOT - MEDIUM DENSITY AREAS WHERE PARKING PROBLEMS EXIST
MAJOR OFF-STREET PARKING vm A FACILITIES
GARAGE
BY YCA, 1992
MAP 10
C&UNTY, PA.
I I 1 1 I I I I 1 E I I I 1 1 1 I I I
VI. COMMUNITY FACILITIES SURVEY AND PLAN
M A P SOURCE: WILSON sOROUGH PROPERTY MAPS
'.._ '....
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
LEGEND:
P L A N
MAP 11
WILSON BOROUGH, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES - SURVEY AND PLAN
INTRODUCTION
This section of the Comprehensive Plan focuses upon Borough owned land, buildings, community systems and equipment, as well as Borough services. Community facilities and services consist of public recreational facilities, public buildings including municipal building, fire department, police department, borou h garage, library, and public utilities including sanitary sewerage, water and refuse disposal systems and recycling programs. Public schools are the responsibility of the Wilson Area School Board. Since public schools also provide important services and facilities to Borough residents, public schools are included in this survey and plan.
These community facilities and services are of key importance to the future well- being of Borough residents. The livability of Wilson Borough, its attractiveness, the quality of life available to residents, in good part is determined by the quantity and adequacy of public facilities and services. In addition, economic vitality is tied closely to the quality, timeliness and efficiency of these facilities and services.
Borough government has a responsibility to provide public facilities and services which directly affect safety, health, welfare and cultural well being of all residents. Thus, Community Facilities are an important part of this Comprehensive Development Strategy.
In this section, each of these community facilities and services will be evaluated in terms of its present conditions, existing deficiencies or problems, and future needs. The evaluation becomes the basis for the Community Facility Plan recommendations that follow.
PUBLIC RECREATION FACILITIES
lnventorv of Existincl Recreation Facilities of Wilson Borouclh
[ I Meuser Park - The largest Borough owned recreation facility is Meuser Park. It is located in the northwestern section of the Borough along the north side of Northampton Street. The park is in the Spring Garden neighborhood. Facilities a t the park include a swimming pool, play fields, courts (tennis, basketball and volleyball) playground equipment, band shell, ball field and picnic area. Some people from outside the Borough also use Meuser Park and the swimming pool. There has been an ambitious program of improvement carrilad out a t Meuser Park including the swimming pool 'and restroom, bath house, pool plumbing, refreshment stand, resurfacing of tennis, basketball, handball and volleyball courts and replacement of deteriorated sanitary sewer and storm drainage lines.
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MAP SOURCE: WILSON BOROUOH PROPERTV MAPS
WILSON BOROUGH, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA.
Jeffrev Baseball F i a - This field is adjacent t o Meuser Park. Baseball teams use this field for league play. Night field lighting increases the usefulness of this field.
Libertv Plavarounc! - This one-third acre playground is located in the Freemansburg neighborhood along South Twenty-Fourth Street at Birch Street. This playground serves the entire Borough.
Foxcroft Tot-lot - This is a relatively small tot-Lot located near the railroad bridge (abandoned) along Twenty-Third Street in the Avona Heights neighborhood. The tot-lot serves families in the adjacent moderate density housing.
Firmstone Street B'aseball and Football Fields - This is a 1.4 acres Borough owned field located on Firmstone Street in the Avona Heights neighborhood. Neighborhood children use it for Little League Baseball. Nearby is a practice field for midget football located on School Board property. Midget football games are played Ion the Wilson High School field.
The following table summarizes the information on size, activities and elements of Wilson Borough recreation facilities and the number of families they serve:
EXISTING PLAYGROUND RECREATION FACILITIES BY NEIGHBORHOOD
Neighborhood Size in Number of Activities and Elements Acres Families
Served
Spring Garden 16.4 4,500 +/- Swimming pool, tennis, basketball, volleyball, dance, baseball, toilets, drinking fountains, lighted areas
-- -- Fairview --(a)
Freemansburg 0.4 100 Playground equipment, tot lot
Avona Heights 1.3(b)(c) 200 Little League baseball, Midget Football practice field
TOTAL 18.1 Footnotes: (a) The Senior High School is located in the Fairview District and has
approximately 6 ac:res of playfield area, including the Football stadium, track, and athletic field. These facilities are available to Wilson residents.
(b) The Midget football field is on land leased from the Wilson Area School District.
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m
(c) Easton Children’s Home has a fully equipped gymnasium, outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts that can be used by the Borough’s residents.
Administration and Finance of Recreation Program in Wilson Borouah
I 1
Wilson Borough‘s recreation program is nearing its fifteenth year of operation. Administration of the program is the responsibility of a nine member Recreation Board appointed by the Borough Council and the Wilson Area School Board.
Financial support for the recreation activities is obtained from Borough general funds, School Board contributions, and occasionally from grant or aid funds.
Maior Deficiencies of Wilson Borouah’s Existina Recreation Facilities
Borouqh-wide. Park SDace Is lnadeauate In Qualitv, But Not In Quantitv - The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recommends 2.5 acres of neighborhood park space per 1,000 residents. This parkland should be located within one-half a mile of homes served. Based upon the 1990 U.S. Census, the Borough’s population of 7,830 persons require about 20 acres of neighborhood parkland. As shown in the Table on the preceding page. The Borough has 18.1 acres of parkland which is about two acres short of this goal.
RECOMMENDED PLAYGROUND REQUIREMENTS
Size in Acres Number of Families Served
Activities and Elements
3 250 Enclosed playground equipment area
6 1,000 Open turfed area for active games. Shaded areas
8
for quiet activities.
Paved lighted area for games. Toilets, drinking fountain, benches and trash containers.
1 , 500
Source: Time-Saver Standards for Building Type, Third Edition, DeChiara and Callendar, 1990.
Since most of the parkland, 16.4 acres, is located in Meuser park and Jeffrey Baseball Field, in the Spring Garden neighborhood, the southern neighborhoods (Avona Heights and Freemansburg neighborhoods) are not well served.
The Fairview neighborhood does not contain any Borough parkland. However, the neighborhood children and young adults do have access to the playfields, gymnasium, track and paved game area at the Wilson High School site.
53
SDecial and Regional Recreational Needs - Certain recreational needs of residents cannot be met within the boundaries of the Borough. Regional and community parks with both active and passive recreation facilities such as: fishing, hiking or walking trails are examples.. To find these recreation services residents will, of necessity, use facilities in the surrounding communities such as the Hugh Moore Park, the Palmer and Bethlehem bikeway or Hackett Park.
Plan Recommendations For Wilson Borough Communitv Recreation Facilities
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Expand or develop more recreation land use through land acquisition by the Borough or long term lease arrangements. If land is not available for purchase, attempts should be made to lease land from the Wilson Area School Board and/or from the Easton Children Home.
Develop a linear park using the abandoned railroad right of way. This linear park can be also used as scenic bikeway and walking trail. Since a portion of the railroad track is not within the Borough boundaries, the development of this park requires inter-municipal cooperation.
Establish environmental preservation zoning districts which consist of environmentally sensitive areas and undevelopable areas, such as floodplains, steep slopes,and water front. These areas should be retained in natural or open space. If the Borough acquires or secures easements to some of these areas they may be used for passive recreation activities, such as walking, picnicking, and nature observation.
Develop an additional community playground in the southern part of the Borough to serve five to fifteen years old children as well as young adults. A site in the Avona Heights neighborhood should be assembled for this purpose. A minimum of six acres is recommended. The Easton Children’s Home is in the Avoria Heights neighborhood and has recreational facilities they may consider leasing to the Borough.
Add additional recreation facilities and equipment to the existing parks. Priority concern should be given to the development of special facilities for the elderly and youth, such as places for social gathering, meeting, chatting or resting for elderly people.
Improve safety of al l play areas where needed, surfaces, etc.
Continue to share use of school recreation facilities to meet Borough’s residents needs. Seek more cooperation between the Borough and the School District on development of new recreation programs.
Consider organizing a community based group to coordinate the use of the school’s recreational facilities to best meet the needs of the Borough as a whole.
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PUBLIC BUILDINGS
Public buildings in this plan include the Borough owned Municipal Building, Borough garage, and Meuser Memorial library.
MuniciDal Offices - A newly remodeled Municipal Building containing offices, Council meeting room, police and fire functions and dispatch center is located along Twenty-First Street between Hay Terrace and Butler Streets. For the first time in the Borough's history, these activities have been housed together. Improvements in communication and management have resulted.
Adequate parking is provided for emergency equipment, Borough employees and visitors.
With good maintenance, this quality building should serve the Borough's needs for many years.
Recommendation - Physical inspection of the newly renovated and expanded Municipal Building finds that adequate space is available to meet present and future needs. This plan recommends a program of preventive maintenance and continue annual inspection of the building to identify any new problems a t the earliest time possible.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire protection service is very important for public safety. Therefore, it is necessary to examine how future change and obsolescence will impact fire protection service. The changes taking place which impact fire protection in the Borough, include Insurance company and.State regulations concerning equipment standards, firefighting procedures, and training requirements.
In addition, there is always the need to replace and/or refurbish equipment and alarm systems.
Facilities, Staffinq and Service - The Fire Department is housed in a modern adequate facility located in the lower portion of the newly remodeled and expanded Municipal Building at Twenty-first and Butler Streets. From this building the Department provides 24-hour, seven day a week fire protection which covers all parts of the Borough. The central location of the Fire Department is within recommended service area standards for all parts of the Borough.
In addition to the Borough, the department provides fire protection services to Glendon on a cooperative basis. Mutual assistance services are provided, on an individual request basis, to adjacent municipalities.
Staffing of the department includes six (6) paid full time firemen and twenty-five (25) part time firemen, paid hourly.
55
Financing of equipment and staffing is primarily from Wilson Borough’s general fund, the Glendon agreement, and occasionally from grants and loans through State and/or Federal programs. Additional funding for equipment is also provided by the Wilson Borough Fireman’s Relief Association.
Generally, all the equipmenr: of the Fire Department is up-to-date, in good condition and well maintained. This equipment includes:
1. A 1966 American-LaFrance 85 foot aerial ladder truck equipped with a pumping capacity of 1,000 gallons per minute (gprn), 300 gallon booster tank, and 198 feet of ground ladders.
2. A 1989 Grumman pumper with a pumping capacity of 1,500 gpm and a 650 gallon booster tank.
3. A 1977 American LalFrance pumper with a pumping capacity of 1,000 gpm and a 500 gallon booster tank.
4. A 1970 American LaFrance pumper on a Ford chassis, with a pumping capacity of 1,000 gprn and a 500 gallon booster tank.
5. A 1996 Chevrolet truck with a six (6) man crew cab designed to transport firefighting personnel and equipped with rescue equipment.
6. A 1984 Chevrolet Citation Fire Chief automobile.
Older Scott air-packs, used to prevent smoke inhalation, no longer meet safety standards. They have been recently phased out and replaced with newer and safer Scott 2.2 Air Paks, which provide a constant positive pressure air flow. The last of the older units is slated to be replaced in 1997. The Fire Department‘s aerial apparatus was refurbished in 1993 with funds from a Federal and State grant. Also purchased with gram funds were the 1989 Grumman pumper and the 1996 Chevrolet rescue/personnel vehicle. The 1 970 American LaFrance pumper will be replaced in June of 1997 by a new KME pumper with a pumping capacity of 1,500 gpm and a 500 gallon booster tank. The funding for this new pumper and the necessary equipment is also being funded by Federal and State grants.
It should also be noted that the rescue/personnel vehicle was equipped through funding by the Firemen’s Relief Association and various donations.
In the long term, ten to twenty years, there will be a need to replace or refurbish two of the pumpers, the Fire Chief’s automobile and general firefighting equipment, as needed.
Water for firefighting is supplied by the Easton Suburban Water Authority. The water system has good fire f low supply and pressure. Maintenance of the water system and distribution line improvements are constantly provided. No water problems are foreseen in the future.
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Fire Department staff operate the alarm dispatch center. Police and fire emergency calls are received and dispatched from this Emergency Dispatch Center.
Alarm systems in use include Wilson Area High School, Philip Lauer Middle School and Wilson Middle School. All have automatic, direct connection to the Fire Department. The new Antonion Senior Citizen’s apartment complex and major industrial companies have electronic alarm systems.
Maior Plannina Considerations - In the future, State and National trends and economics will be key factors in maintaining the high quality of Wilson’s fire protection system.
Notable among these trends are:
1. A continual increase in training and equipment standards fostered by the National Board of Fire Underwriters and the State of Pennsylvania.
2. Substantial increases in the cost of firefighting vehicles partly due to the increased standards.
3. A future shortage of funds within the Borough to spend on equipment and training/manpower costs.
A 91 1 call service will eventually be put in place in Northampton County. The function of the Emergency Dispatch Center will then change.
Funds to purchase required equipment and maintain insurance ratings will continue to be a challenge in future years. Continued support of the Firemen’s Relief Association can be a major factor regarding equipment purchases.
Recommendations
In The Near Term - Replace Fire Chief’s vehicle within two to three years. One possible alternative would be to recycle a used police car.
Lona Range - Include in a phased Capital Improvement Plan, replace or refurbish the 1977 American LaFrance pumper (2001). Being a custom chassis, refurbishing may be a viable solution for this apparatus.
No additional land or building needs should be required for a number of years.
Ambulance services are not provided by the Borough. However, they are available through private emergency companies. In order to enhance Emergency Medical Services to Borough residents, the use of firefighters as First Responders, in conjunction with the ambulance service, on serious medical calls should be explored after the County 91 1 service begins operation. The necessary equipment for this task is already in place.
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The Insurance Services Organization (EO), which rates the fire defenses of communities for the purpose of establishing insurance rates, in 1997, began rating the code enforcement of municipalities in Pennsylvania, which will also have an impact on insurance rates. 'With this in mind, the Fire Department should be utilized to perform the necessary inspections as set forth in the BOCA National Fire Prevention Code/l996, Sec:tion F-108-0. This should also be implemented after the County 91 1 service begins operation.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Wilson Borough provides twenty-four hour police protection through the Borough's Police Department.
The Department personnel includes five (5) full time professionals and seventeen (17) part time policemen. All equipment, staff and vehicles are housed in the newly remodeled Municipal Building. The building has two holding cells.
Vehicles maintained by the Department include five (5) cruisers.
Dispatch is provided through the Emergency Dispatch Center. Other equipment utilized by the Department includes:
- Vacar Speed Detection System
- Speed CK device
- VCR
- In-car video camera
- Bullet Proof Vests
-
- Riot Equipment
- Radio Equipment
Camera and Finger Print Equipment
Police Department current equipment needs inch
1. A computer
2. Drug testing equipment
3. Another Vacar speed detector ..
de:
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maior Planning Considerations - Current Federal Bureau of Investigation standards for a Borough of 7,830 persons are (on average) about 1.8 policemen per 1,000
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Total Total Percent Reported Cleared Cleared
334 63 18.9
persons. This suggests a police force of 1 4 policemen, not including West Easton or Glendon populations. Standards together with a high number of unsolved Part 1 Crimes indicate the Police Department is understaffed.
Total Total Percent Reported Cleared Cleared
538 336 62.5
In 1989, crime statistics indicated only a 19 percent clearance rate for Part 1 Crimes and a 63 percent clearance on Part 2 Crimes. Part 1 offenses include all serious crimes: murder, manslaughter, rape, robbery, assault, larson, motor vehicle theft and arson. Part 2 crimes include petty theft and other crimes not classified as Part 1 crimes.
1989 CRIME STATISTICS WILSON BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT
Part 1 Offenses I Part 2 Offenses
Source: Pa. State Police, 1989 Crime Report.
The cost of maintaining an adequate police force in the future will be an increasing financial burden for the Borough. Additional cooperative arrangements with adjacent communities, Bethlehem, Palmer or Forks Townships, may help alleviate some of this financial burden.
Police Recommendations
In The Near Term - The police force should be increased by at least three persons to meet the needs of the communities that are receiving police services from the Borough.
Wilson 7,830
FBI standard recommend an optimum force of 17 policemen or the equivalent based on the use of part time police persons. The police service need breakdown by community served is presented below:
Wilson 14. policemen
Consider new technologies that can increase the efficiency of the Police Departments work. For example: a Department computer to create and maintain required records; an additional speed detection system (Vacar) would aid in traffic management; and drug testing equipment. These items could assist in helping the Department achieve its mission.
.
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Computer drug testing equipment and Vacar speed detector should be included in the Borough’s capital improvement program.
Maintain the practice of replacing one police cruiser every year.
Lona Term - In addition to ongoing manpower needs, an investigation to determine the feasibility of joining forces with an adjacent police unit should be undertaken. If, for example, Palmer Township Police force and Wilson’s Department were merged, what benefits ccluld accrue to both communities? This type of an organization could be forrned while keeping the Borough’s force in place in the Municipal Building.
Implementation of a County (or region) wide emergency response 91 1 system will help all communities, including Wilson Borough.
BOROUGH GARAGE AND MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
The Borough Garage is h a t e d in the Avona Heights neighborhood on the southwest corner of Firmstone and Iron Streets. The garage, constructed in the mid seventies has adequate area for storage for equipment and materials.
Major maintenance equipment includes:
MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
TYPE OF EQUIPMENIT AGE
4 - 10 Ton Trucks
1 - Blazer 4 x 4
1 - 8 Ton Truck
1 - Chevrolet Sub.
4 - 2 Ton Trucks
1 - Pick-up Truck
2 - Air Compressors
1 - AMC (Mail) Truck
1 - Backhoe
1 - Jeep
1 - Sweeprite
1 - Chevrolet Police Car
1 - Sewer Roder
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1971,1971,1976, 1995
1971
1991
1985
1973,1983,1988, 1994
1988
1964, 1988
1973
1995
1988
1992
1988
1955
I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I 1 I 1 I I
1
I I
TYPE OF EQUIPMENT AGE
2 - Leaf Loaders
1 - Michigan Loader
1 - Roller
1 - Lee Boy Paver
1962, 1989
1991
1974
1993
The garbage trucks are being disposed off and garbage pick-up and disposal are handled by a private contract on a Borough-wide basis as of 1992.
A capital improvement replacement program for the Operation Department’s equipment needs to be developed so that costs can be budgeted over a period of time.
Recommendations
In The Near Term - Have the Superintendent of Operations prepare a report including the age, condition, availability of parts and replacement priority for all major equipment for which he is responsible. Then, include a replacement program for the equipment in a Capital Improvement Program which is made a part of the Annual Borough Budget.
In The Long Term - Consider cooperative arrangements with adjacent municipalities for certain maintenance activities.
Utilize grants and low interest loan programs to fund replacement equipment.
No additional space needs are anticipated in the near future. The elimination of Borough garbage trucks has freed up space for other vehicles and uses.
LIBRARY
A Library is an important education and cultural resource providing support to businesses, senior citizens and other Borough residents.
Wilson’s library, a memorial to Mary Meuser, was bequeathed to the Borough by Frederick H. Meuser. The two and one half story brick structure, on the north side of Northampton Street a t North Eighteenth Street, has been in use since the early 1 960‘s. The building’s 4,032 square feet contain approximately 35,000 catalogued items. Annual circulation of the library in 1990 was 46,237 items. The library’s book collection totals 20,570 volumes.
Additional space is provided in Williams Township to the library by the Williams Township Supervisors, in a cloak room of its old municipal building. Books can be exchanged or returned on Saturday mornings. No staff is provided.
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Operation of the library is under the responsibility of a Board of Library Directors. Directors are appointed frorn the communities served. The communities served in addition to Wilson include CVilliams Township, Glendon and West Easton Boroughs and the Wilson Area School District. In 1990, the staff of the library included three full-time and four part-time employees.
Funding for the library is obtained from the communities served and from the Wilson Area School District. A small amount of State Aid is also included. Wilson provides, in addition to its funding, maintenance of the grounds and building and pay's insurance for the facility.
Wilson Borough has also assisted the library by obtaining State and Federal grant funds to improve the building, provide handicapped access and relocate a traffic signal to improve safety for citizens walking to the library.
A Borough with a population between 5,000 and 10,000 persons would normally have a library book collectuon in the range from 15,000 to 20,000 volumes. Floor space for such a typical library would range from 3,500 to 7,000 square feet. The combined population of the communities served by the library, according to the 1990 U.S. Census of Population, was 13,366 persons.
A library serving a population of 14,000 persons should meet the following ALA- Public Library Association's "Interim Standards for Small Public Libraries: Guidelines Toward Achieving the Goals of Public Library Service", meet the following minimum standards:
- Four full time staff, plus part time help.
A book collection of 26,732 volumes
Total floor space of approximately 10,000 square feet
While continuously improving, the Meuser Library does not meet these standards.
Lib r ar v Recommend at ions!
Near Term :
Seek to obtain more part-time help
Increase the book collection in the Adult Section
I Lona Term:
Increase full-time staff
- Develop a functioning branch in Williams Township, staffed with part-time personnel
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- Expand library
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Public Schools in Wilson are a vital part of educational, cultural, recreational and social life. In addition, school facilities are an important land use element in the communities structure.
This planning analysis includes the study of school facilities because of their importance to the Borough.
Wilson is a part of the Wilson Area School District which also serves West Easton, Glendon, and Williams Township.
Facilities
Four schools are located in Wilson Borough:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Avona Elementarv - This school is located in the Avona Heights neighborhood on the northwest corner of Twenty-Third Street and Front Street. The school was built in 1955 of steel and masonry construction. An addition was added in 1960. The school provides space for grades Kindergarten through Four and has a capacity of 198 pupils. The school is in very good condition. The school's site contains just under one acre.
Wilson Borouah Elementary - Located in Fairview neighborhood, a t the southwest corner of Washington Boulevard and South Twenty-First Street. Built in 1980 of steel and masonry construction. The three story building is on a site of approximately two acres. The condition of the school is rated excellent. Capacity is 456 pupils containing grades Kindergarten through Fourth grade.
Philir, F. Lauer Middle School - Located in Avona Heights neighborhood'along Firmstone Street a t the southern end of Balata Street. Built in 1974, the Middle School is of steel, brick and masonry construction. Grades Five through Eight are housed in the school and it has a capacity of 862 pupils. Condition of the Middle School is rated excellent.
Wilson Area Hiah School - Located in the Fairview neighborhood along Twenty-Second Street between Butler Street and Washington Boulevard. The new high school built in 1993 is on the eastside of South Twenty- Second Street.
The abandoned, old high school 1924 building will be demolished and is to be replaced with a practice field.
The gymnasium building, constructed in 1960, will be linked to the new high school with a covered bridge over Twenty-Second Street.
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The School District has its own comprehensive plan. The Borough provides comments from a Citizens Advisory Committee regarding the direction of the plan.
5. William P. Tollinaer Administration Building - School Board offices are located on the southeast corner of Washington Boulevard and Twenty-First Street. Administrative offices for the Wilson Area School District are maintained in the building.
Maintenance of the school facilities is good. With long term quality maintenance, the schools, in the Borough, will continue to contribute to the quality of life of Borough residents for many years.
PUBLIC UTILITIES
Sewaae DisDosal - Wilson Borough owns and maintains its sewage collection system. This system is connected to the Easton Area Joint Sewer Authority Treatment facility which hi3S recently been expanded. In 1991, the annual cost for sewerage treatment and debt service on the upgraded plant, amounted to $950,000.
It is anticipated, in light of the recent treatment plant improvements and the small amount of land that can be developed in the Borough, that the present system will adequately function for many years.
Stormwater - Stormwater is most often controlled by street gutters, collector pipes and sometimes open drains. The natural topography of the Borough utilizes creeks and streams to carry stormwater to the Lehigh River.
The Borough stormwater collection system has developed over many years. Generally, the system performs satisfactorily with a few exceptions.
Removal of the Lehigh Valley Railroad tracks and ballast had caused stormwater problems. Stormwater from Wilson Borough had been inundating property in the Borough of West Easton where ballast was removed. The Borough developed a system to divert this stormwater away from West Easton property.
The stormwater collection system will continue to age and will need replacement and continual maintenance in future years. A monitoring and phased replacement program should be developed.
Water SUDD~V - Water is supplied to the Borough by the Easton Suburban Water Authority (ESWA). Wilson Borough does not own either the distribution system or the treatment facility.
No problems appear to exist with water treatment or supply. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does continue to raise quality-standards. Additional improvements to the ESWA treatment facility will no doubt be required in the future as Federal standards increase and the water system ages.
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VII. PLAN CORRELATION STATEMENTS
I PLAN CORRELATION STATEMENTS
INTRODUCTION
The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code requires that three statements be included in the Comprehensive Plan relative to the following:
1 . A statement on the interrelationships between various planning components.
2. '
A statement on the short and long range plan implementation strategies.
3. A statement on the relationship of the existing and proposed development of the Borough to the plans of contiguous municipalities, and of the County and the relationship of the proposed development in the municipality t o regional trends.
These required statements which are set forth in Section 301 (a) 4.1 , 4.2 and 5 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act of 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247, as reenacted and amended, are presented below:
SECTION 301(a) 4 . 1 - STATEMENT OF PLAN INTERRELATIONSHIPS AMONG VARIOUS PLAN COMPONENTS
Communitv DeveloDment Goals and Obiectives - The new Wilson Borough Comprehensive Plan establishes a plan for the Borough based on a series of integrated Community Development Goals and Objectives, dealing with the need to enhance the Borough as a desirable place in which to live, which preserves positive environmental conditions which exist and which encourages neighborhood conservation and rehabilitation, and the preservation of historically significant structures.
The goals and objectives also encourage the stabilization of the Borough's commercial and industrial development and economy; and the preservation and improvement of the tax base. These goals also provide for the elimination of undesirable, uneconomical and unattractive mixtures of land use for the purpose of preserving and enhancing the quality of life and to preserve property values.
The goals and objectives further provide for the development of a variety of housing types at appropriate densities which are capable of serving all groups and families, at various income levels, which are appropriately located relative to th,e commercial and industrial uses in the Borough. The community development goals further provide for the improvement of the major street and local road systems which are designed to control and reduce traffic congestion and which can circulate people and goods throughout all areas in a safe and efficient manner.
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Finally, the goals provide foir an adequate system of community facilities which are capable of serving the existing population and which also provide a fair share of the regional needs of the regional population surrounding the Borough.
ComDrehensive Plan - The Comprehensive Plan sets forth a number of interrelated plans which are designed to accomplish these goals and objectives identified by the Borough. These plans which are identified below further take advantage of the Borough’s existing assets and the opportunities for the purpose of enhancing community life within the Borough:
1. A plan for the proper use of land to serve the needs of the existing and future population which will enhance the quality of life and will preserve and conserve neighborhoods.
2. A plan for traffic, transportation and parking improvements would provide a street network capable of serving the existing and proposed future land uses.
3. Proposals for a Community Facilities Plan which will build on the existing network of community facilities in the Borough and which will provide the necessary services, buildings and facilities to serve the needs of the future population. These services include recreation areas, public buildings, municipal offices, fire and police protection, schools, public library and public uti I it ies .
4. The plans also continue to serve the regional fair share needs of the area relative to hospital and medical facilities, affordable housing and the demand for rental housing units.
All of the Borough Plans are interrelated and they are intended to work together to achieve and support the goals and objectives outlined above. They have the following implications:
- The improvement of the land use structure of the Borough and the ,
achievement of a better balance between land use development and street and parking infrastriJcture which are intended to serve existing land uses.
- The Borough Zoning Ordinance was also amended in 1994, based on the Land Use Plan and this amendment promotes the elimination of existing environmental problems and the prevention of future environmental problems resulting from inappropriate land uses.
- The promotion of energy conservation through the rehabilitation of existing homes which provides for increased insulation of existing homes and structures in the Borough, and the elimination of traffic problems and increased traffic efficiency which would result in a reduction of gasoline which accompanies, traffic congestion and parking problems.
.
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The preservation and improvement of existing commercial and industrial areas in the Borough which will support economic development and maintenance of the Borough's tax base.
I
- Improvement of the quality of life in existing neighborhood areas which will reduce social conflict and problems which adversely affect the population.
The use of infrastructure improvement programs which will promote and make use of other available funding sources to carry out portions of the Plan.
SECTION 301(a) 4.2 - STATEMENT OF SHORT AND LONG RANGE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES, INCLUDING IMPLICATIONS FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLANS AND FOR NEW OR UPDATED DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS AND IDENTIFICATION OF AVAILABLE PUBLIC FUNDS
The Comprehensive Plan establishes short and long range proposals extending to the Year 2020. This provides an opportunity for determining short term needs which require implementation in the near future. These short term needs include necessary street repair and improvements, firefighting improvements, library improvements and municipal building improvements, and expenditures for other short term requirements. Many of the short term needs are currently being programmed through the use of general tax revenues and CDBG grant funds and funds made available from the Keystone Recreational Program and other grant programs.
During the Comprehensive Planning process, the Comprehensive Plan as it was being developed, was being used to provide a Gasis for the Three Year Community Development Plan which established short term priorities to guide the use of CDBG funds. This process, already established, will continue in the future.
Longer term proposals, including long range housing rehabilitation programs to improve neighborhood quality and funding are intended to continue over a longer time period since the problems which exist will take many years before they can be fully addressed. These programs provide opportunities to fund housing rehabilitation and also affordable housing programs using local funds, available mortgage resources and also HUD assisted "CDBG" and "HOME" housing programs. The Borough has already made a start in the use of these programs and continued priority to promote homeownership and improvement of housing quality will be programmed and continued over a long term basis.
The Borough should also continue to assign longer term priorities to the various recommendations included in the Plan and should determine the extent to which they can be funded locally or by other agencies, such as the School District and also by PennDOT and by local business and industry. Some of these problems may seem too expensive for immediate funding. However, adopting a longer time scale allows funding to be considered over many years which can permit the accomplishment of important projects in an orderly manner.
Development regulations have also been adopted, including the updated Zoning Ordinance which provides lor orderly land use changes in accordance with the Land Use Plan and which promotes the proper location of structures to meet the needs of the population and also to ensure public health and safety considerations. Updated building, plumbing, fire prevention, electrical and building and housing maintenance codes also exist and should be continually updated as required. These regulations can serve to ensure that new construction and building changes will conform with modern standards and will result in the elimination of existing problems.
The Borough should also consider the adoption of a Rental Housing Inspection Program which would requ,ire that all rental units which become vacant are inspected prior to further cccupancy to identify conditions and code deficiencies which should be addressed prior to their reoccupancy by a new tenant.
SECTION 301(a) 5 - STATEMENT INDICATING THE RELATIONSHIP OF EXISTING AND PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF THE BOROUGH TO PLANS OF CONTIGUOUS MUNICIPALITIES AND TO PLANS FOR THE COUNTY AND THE REGIONAL AREA
The proposed Comprehensive Plan has been coordinated with available plans and development proposals established by adjoining municipalities of the City of Easton, West Easton Borough, Palmer Township and Glendon Borough, and also by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission which has established plans that consider regional trends and growth of both Northampton and Lehigh Counties.
Borough plans have also c:onsidered the land use development adjoining the Borough in contiguous municipalities and also the transportation needs which are required to serve the Borough and the region as a whole.
The Borough’s Comprehensive Plan, as proposed, has also been submitted to the adjoining municipalities, the School District and the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and all comments received will be considered by the Borough before its official adoption of the Comprehensive Plan in 1998 by Borough Council.
Transportation improvements, including the new 1-78 Interstate highway and the proposed extension of US; Route 33 South towards Philadelphia will serve the Borough and regional municipalities; and will also benefit all municipalities by reducing the amount of through traffic on local streets and on existing US Route 22 and by providing better access to important traffic generators.
Proposed recreation improvements have also considered regional implications including the extent to which Meuser Park is utilized by persons from outside of the Borough, the use of the Lehigh River as a recreation resource, and the proposed Parkway in the Borough using the currently abandoned railroad track which may eventually connect into other regional trail systems. All of these improvements have implications not only for Wilson Borough, but also for the contiguous municipalities and for the region.
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All of the three statements presented above clearly indicate that Wilson Borough is not an island in itself, but a part of a growing and developing region. The Comprehensive Plan is intended to permit the coordinated growth of the Borough, consistent with the position which it has in the region, while at the same time meeting the specific needs of Borough residents.
FUTURE BOROUGH ACTIONS
This Comprehensive Plan update is intended to give direction to public policies over a 27 year period from 1993 to the year 2020. Every five to seven years the plan should be reviewed and updated if necessary.
Having a good comprehensive plan is important. However, the Plan is only the first step in the improvement process. It is even more important and difficult t o implement the Plan. Successful implementation of a comprehensive plan relies on the combination of the following key factors: leadership, public support or cooperation, effective land use control regulations, and financial resources.
Wilson community leaders and citizens have much t o do with carrying out community improvements as recommended in this Comprehensive Plan. First, this plan recognizes the importance of community involvement to implement the plan. Therefore, this plan recommends the use of grass roots approach to assure continued public participation in Borough decision-making process, to keep all Borough residents informed of major matters affecting the community through newsletters, public hearings, and other mass communication medium, such as newspaper, broadcast and television, to conduct Community questionnaires periodically, and to continue frequent communication between the Borough’s governing body and residents.
Second, the Borough should coordinate the Wilson Borough Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, Building and Fire Prevention Codes and orhter regulations to ensure that they are all consistent with the new Wilson Borough Comprehensive Plan and are consistent with each other. When the Borough applies one of these regulations, all of the regulations should be considered at the earliest stage to avoid later inconsistencies and problems.
Third, the Borough must continue to address the lack of financial resources by utilizing Federal and State grants in combination with local tax resources to resolve priority issues. Borough Council, working with the Borough Planning Commission and other Borough agencies and departments to continually update priorities so that they can be accomplished in an orderly manner. Cooperation with adjacent municipalities and with the County is also essential in providing regionalized community facilities and services. The Borough should also seek more opportunities for partnerships between the public sector and private sector, and with State and governmental agencies.
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I I I 1 1 1 I E I APPENDICES
BACKGROUND ANALYSIS I I
A. COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE AND DATA I 1 ANALYSIS
I B. LAND USE AND PHYSIOGRAPHY
E C. POPULATION AND HOUSING ANALYSIS
m D. ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
I 1 I
APPENDIX A
COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE AND
DATA ANALYSIS
I I I I I I I I I 0 I I I I I I I 1 I
APPENDIX A
COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
BOROUGH OF WILSON, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA.
DATA ANALYSIS
THIS PROJECT WAS FINANCED (IN PART) BY A GRANT FROM THE FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF HUD, UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF
THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
PRESENTED TO THE BOROUGH OF WILSON
BY
MICHAEL CABOT ASSOCIATES, COMMUNITY PLANNERS
JANUARY, 1992
WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION - PART I
Distribution and Response Supplement ai In f oir mat ion Use of Survey Data for Planning Studies
COMMUNITY QUESTIONINAIRE ANALYSIS - PART II
A. B. C. Commercial Facilities D. Desirable Fuiture Development E. Transportation Issues F. Employmenl Information G.
Housing, Household and Residency Information Borough Problems, Facilities and Services
General Comments on Needed Borough Improvements
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION - PART 111
PAGE NO.
1
1 2 3
4
4 6 8 10 11 12 13
15
Map of Survey Districts ..... . . . . .. . .. . .. . . . . . . ... . . ........ Following Page ..... . . . .I5 Survey Form Used 16 Survey Tabulations, By Major Categories
- A. Housing, Household and Residency Information 19 - B. Borough Protilems, Facilities and Services 23 - C. Commercial IFacilities 25 - D. Desirable Future Development 28 - E. Transportatiam Issues 29 - F. Employment Information 40 - G. General Comments on Needed Borough Improvements 41
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WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
INTRODUCTION
This Community Questionnaire Survey Report is part of the Wilson Borough Comprehensive Plan initiated in 1990. The purpose of the Community Questionnaire was to obtain responses from residents of all areas of the Borough concerning the following topics:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
Housing, Household and Residency Characteristics, and Home Improvement Needs
Borough Problems, Facilities and Services
Borough Commercial Facilities and Resident Purchasing Habits
Various Types of Future Development
Transportation Issues
Employment Issues
Needed Borough Improvements
The Questionnaire forms were delivered by community volunteers to 3,105 occupied housing units within the municipality from June to December of 1990. Completed survey forms were returned to the Borough Municipal Building through February, 1991.
DISTRIBUTION AND RESPONSE
The Borough has been divided into five Block Group areas (based upon U.S. Census groupings) in order to identify the existing conditions and resident attitudes in the different areas of the Borough.
Prior to distribution, survey forms were preprinted with the appropriate survey area number. Of the 3,105 forms delivered, 482 were completed and returned for analysis. However, the tabulation of returned survey forms revealed an apparent distribution problem in survey Block Group 2 in Census Tract 0173, located south of Freemansburg and Avona Avenues. Results from this area were unusable and have not been included in the forthcoming analysis.
However, questionnaire forms were received from all of the four remaining Block Groups numbered 1 through 4, all located in Census Tract 0172. Survey response rates from these areas are shown on the following table.
1
QUESTlONPdAIRE RESPONSE RATE BY SURVEY AREA BOROUGH OF WILSON
RESIDENT QUESTIONNAIRE JUNE TO DECEMBER, 1990
SURVEY AREA Surveys Surveys Percentage (Census Tract 01 ‘72) Distributed Returned Response
Rate
Block Group 1
Block Group 2
Block Group 3
Block Group 4
61 7 166 26.9
809 164 20.3
492 73 14.8
769 79 10.3
Borouah Total ~~ ~
2,687 482 17.9
Source: Michael Cabot Associates, Inc., 1991.
Responses from the four survey areas ranged from 10.3% in Block Group 4 to 26.9% in Block Group 1. In general, residents from the northern block group areas 1 and 2 demonstrated a greater degree of interest and participation than the residents in the Borough’s; other survey areas.
BLOCK GROUP SURVEY AREAS
Below follows a brief description of each block group area from which questionnaire survey responses were obtained. A survey district map depicting the location of these areas within the Borough can be found at the beginning of Part Ill of this Appendix Section.
Census Tract 01 72
Block Grow 1 - This area of the Borough is located north of Ferry Street and is dominated by the Borough‘s largest recreation facility, Meuser Park and by several industries, of which the largest are Mack Printing, Bean Incorporated and Harcro Pigments. These industrial sites are located along the tracks of the former Eastern and Northern Division of the Lehigh Valley Railroad (now Conrail). The remaining eastern portion of this block group is characterized predominately by high density residential neighborhoods. Although most of the Borough’s vacant land is located in this northeastern portion of the community, almost all is considered as undevelopable due to steep slope and surface water limitations.
Block GtouD 2 - This block group lies between Washington Boulevard and Ferry Street and includes the site of the Easton Hospital complex. East of the hospital are intensely- developed residential areas with some commercial uses mixed i‘n from Eighteenth Street east to Fifteenth Street.
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Block Group 3 - This area of the Borough is situated south of Washington Boulevard and east of Twenty-Third Street, and northeast of a zig-zag along Forest Street, Twenty-First Street, Ealer Avenue and Center Street. Within the western portion of this survey district is the Wilson School District Elementary School and the Borough Municipal Building. The eastern section is comprised of residential areas with mixed commercial uses along Butler and Washington south of Nineteenth Street.
Block Grour, 4 - Situated in the western midsection of the Borough, large industrial and commercial uses can be found off the Route 22 interchange between Twenty- Fifth and Twenty-Fourth Streets. This survey area is also the location for much of the Borough's most intensely developed residential neighborhoods.
Census Tract 0173
Block Grour, 2 - As mentioned earlier, this area lying south of Freemansburg and Avona Avenues produced no usable survey results. The Easton Childrens Home, Wilson School District and Victor Ballata Belting Company are the largest land uses in the area. Medium and high density residential neighborhoods can be found here, as well as the relatively new Fox Croft townhouses.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
This report also includes additional sections consisting of the following information:
0 Map of Survey Areas
0 A copy of the Questionnaire Survey Form used.
0 Individual tabulations arranged by major Questionnaire categories.
0 Listing of comments offered by respondents relative to various survey questions.
Whenever possible, the survey question categories lettered "A" through "G", are used in the narrative, tabulations and list of comments to facilitate an easier comparison of results and analysis with the survey questions in the Questionnaire.
USE OF SURVEY DATA FOR PLANNING STUDIES
It is intended that the results and analysis of this survey will be utilized by the Wilson Borough Planning Commission and other Borough officials. The information produced is presented to assist with the identification of the problems, conditions and concerns of the residents of the Community. In the course of the planning process, this will be an important resource, as goals, objectives and planning recommendations are considered and a strategy is developed to correct the problems identified.
3
COM IMU N ITY QU ESTlON NAlRE ANALYSIS
The analysis of the Community Questionnaire has been drawn from the results of the Borough-wide tabulations of all responses submitted. Below follows a summary of those results and is presented by the major topic categories as they appeared on the survey form.
Whenever the term "Borough-wide" is used in this Survey Analysis it refers only to Block Groups (or Survey Areas) 1 through 4 in Census Tract 0172 (see map). As explained previously, Block Group 2 in Census Tract 01 73 has been excluded due to lack of survey data.
A. HOUSING. HOUSEHOLD AND RESIDENCY INFORMATION
This set of questioris requested information regarding housing unit type and ownership, as well as the number of persons per household and the characteristics of the heads of households. In addition, residency characteristics and home improvement needs were also addressed.
A l .
A2.
A3.
A4.
A5.
TvDe of Housina Unit - Borough-wide, 84.6% of all respondents reported living in either a single family or a two-family type of home. Two-family home occupancy ranged from 52.6% in Survey Area 4, to 31.5% in Survey Areas 1 and 3.
Home Owner- - Home ownership levels of respondents were reported as kleing 84.6%, the same percentage of questionnaire returns reporting occupancy in single and two-family homes.
Age of Head of Household - Borough-wide, over one-third (35.4%) of the respondents indicated that the head(s) of the household was age 65 years or over. This figure is fairly close to the 30% figure reported in the 1990 IJ.S. Census. This age group is usually over represented by a much greater degree in surveys of this type. The greatest proportion of respondents (42.1 YO) reported household heads in the 36-64 age group.
Head of Hou:jehold - Borough-wide, 40.3% of all respondents reported male headed households. Of the remaining households, 32.8% were headed by a married couple, while 26.9% reported to be headed by a single female.
Number of Persons Per Household - The average number of persons living in responding households was 2.56 persons. 19.4% and 37.7% of survey respondents reported households comprised of one person and two persons, respectively. Households consisting of three or four members were reported by 35.5% of survey respondents.
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I I 1 I I I I I I 1 I I 1 I I I 1 I I
I I I I I 1 I 1 I I I I I I I I I c I
A6a.
A6b.
A7.
A8.
A9.
Lenath of Residencv In Home - Over half (55.4%) of all respondents indicated they have resided in their home in excess of ten years and 27.5% have resided in their homes over 30 years. Of significance is that 33.9% of respondents have reported to be living in their homes for less than five years, indicating that some turnover in the housing stock has been occurring in recent years.
Lenath of Residencv In Borouah - Apparently however, residents have changed their homes in the Borough, with 51.3% reporting that they have lived in the Borough at some time for over 20 years, compared to 39.4% who have lived in their present household over 20 years.
This same situation also exists in all individual neighborhoods. In fact, almost one-quarter of all respondents have resided in the Borough for over 5 0 years, although not all at their present residence.
Aae of Residence - The age of residences reflect the fact that the Borough’s housing stock is quite old with 81 % of all households reporting that their homes are over 5 0 years of age. Survey Areas 2 and 3 reported the highest percentages of pre-1940 housing; 97% and 91 YO respectively.
Prior Residencv In Other Parts Of The Reaion - Of those respondents who are not natives of the Lehigh Valley, 57.1 % have indicated that they have originated from other areas of Pennsylvania. One-third have reported to be natives of New Jersey.
Desired lmmovements For Residential Unit - There appears to be a relatively large desire to improve existing residential structures. For the Borough as a whole, 73.3% of all questionnaire survey respondents indicated a desire to make some type of repair or improvement to their residence. Significantly higher responses in almost all repair categories were reported from Survey Area 4.
Based upon the total number of questionnaires returned, the following are the most common types of repairs and improvements desired:
YO of Total
Respondents TYPE OF RESIDENTIAL IMPROVEMENT Survey
Window improvement
Various indoor improvements
Roof repair or replacement
Sidewalk repairs
35.9
35.7
28.1
25.4
Painting or siding 21.3 Source: Michael Cabot Associates, Inc., 1991.
5
Interest in making residential improvements is quite high amongst survey respondents, demonstrating a high level of resident pride and concern regarding the quality of their living quarters and structural appearance of their homes.
A1 0. Affordabilitv of Needed ImDrovements - 31 % of all respondents'to this question indicated a need for financial assistance in order to make the desired improvements to their homes. Although residents have expressed a wish to improve or repair their dwellings, the financial ability to do so is reported to be a significant hurdle for many respondents.
B. BOROUGH PROBLEMS, FACILITIES AND SERVICES
This survey question produced important information concerning various Borough problems as perceived by questionnaire respondents. In addition, residents provided an evaluation of the services and facilities serving the Borough, and also suggested measures which may be taken to meet their existing and future service needs.
B1. Most Serious Borouah Problems - This particular section presented Borough residents with a range of problems and were requested to select the five most serious problems, in order of urgency. These responses were weighted as described in the Table Section and a score was derived for each of the problems identified by the survey respondents. Based upon these scores, the most serious problems in the Borough were ranked in order of degree of severity.
The following is a list of those problems considered by survey respondents to be the most serious and are presented below in a descending order of urgency: - Lack of parking
- Air pollution
- Excessive traffic on streets
- Excessive noise
- Excessive parking on local streets
- Poor c:ondition or maintenance of nearby buildings - Poor street lighting
- Poor condition of sidewalks
- Poor condition or maintenance of yards and vacant lots
Poor condition of streets and curbs -
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I I I I I I 1 I 1 I 1 1 I I 1 I I
Based upon the scores achieved, the above ten issues represent problems which should be reviewed and addressed where appropriate. Noteworthy is that Borough Council is currently evaluating reports of deficient street illumination for consideration as a future improvement program. The remaining problems shown on Tabulation B1 in the Table Section may also be important but of a very local nature.
B2. Ratina of Communitv Services and Facilities - In a similar manner to question B1, respondents were presented with a list of community services or facilities and were asked t o rank these as "Excellent", "Satisfactory" or "Poor". These responses were weighted as described in the Table Section and a score was derived for all services and facilities. Based upon these scores, the services and facilities were then ranked in order of excellence.
For the Borough as a whole, the following ranking was derived, starting with those which were most highly rated:
Rated Verv Hiah - Garbage collection - Fire protection - Hospital
- Library - Medical Care - Public water system - Churches/Synagogues
- Group Homes for the disabled
Rated Good - Schools - Sanitary sewers - Nursing Homes - Police protection - Snow removal - Storm water drainage - Day Care Center
Rated Fair
Rated Unsatisfactory
- Social Services - Recreation - Street cleaning - Street lighting - Street/Shade trees
- Handicapped facilities - Community Center - Housing for Elderly - Other facilities for elderly - Facilities to serve the youth
7
From the resdts tabulated, there appears to be a high satisfaction with the basic municipal services offered, but respondents have indicated marginal ratings for recreation and social services as well as street lighting and cleaning. Notably low in the ratings are special services and facilities to serve the youth and senior citizens.
C. COMMERCIAL FACILITIES
Commercial Facilities were studied t o determine the relative proportion of commercial purchases made in and out of the Borough by Borough residents. The types of additional commercial development and improvements desired were also requested on the Questionnaire.
C1. Purchases Made In and Out Of The Borouah Bv Borouah Residents - Respondents were asked to estimate the approximate percentage of retail purchases made inside the Borough and also at various other shopping areas. This provided important information regarding an estimated local market share of retail purchases made by Borough residents.
The responses received were weighted, as described in the footnotes of Tabulation C1 within the Table Section of this report. From the results, an estimate was made of the relative purchases made in various shopping areas, including the Borough.
Borough-wide tabulations revealed the following profile of resident purchasing habits:
_ _ ~
Location of Puirchases Food and Clothing/ Furniture, Convenience Speciality Appliances
Items Items and Auto ~~
Wilson Borough 32.8 16.8 17.4
City of Easton 14.5 17.4 18.8
Allentown/Bethlehem 13.9 20.1 22.4
Township Shoppirig Areas 24.9 28.1 21.3
Other Areas 13.8 17.6 20.1
TOTAL 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
From this data, it is apparent that those goods that are required more frequently, such as "Food and Convenience Items" are purchased most often in the Borough (32.8%). However, a significant portion (24.9%) of resident convenience goods purchases were also made in the Township areas.
8
As can be expected, "Clothing and Specialty Items" are most frequently purchased in the Township areas, accounting for 28.1 % of resident expenditures of this type. Similarly, the greater variety of shopping opportunities for "Furniture, Appliances and Autos" also leads most Borough residents to the Township areas and nearby City business districts.
The high proportion of Wilson resident expenditures (67 - 83%) outside the Borough is indicative of the emergence and popularity of convenient one-stop shopping plazas in the Valley. This situation poses a special challenge for local merchants and Borough officials regarding the future viability of the local retail economy and the strength of the Borough's tax base.
C2. Most Needed ShoDDina Area ImDrovements - Respondents were presented with a range of improvements that may be needed in the Borough's shopping areas and were requested to select the items in most need of attention. All responses were weighted, scored and ranked in the order of reported urgency.
Borough-wide, the following improvements were considered to be the most seriously needed and are listed below in a descending order of priority:
- Reduction or better control of traffic
- Additional parking for shoppers
- Safer or improved pedestrian crossings
- Improved and safer sidewalks
- Improved street lighting
- Directories to help shoppers find specific stores
- Improved appearance of public areas
- Improved traffic signs
- Improved appearance of buildings
Respondents placed the greatest importance upon improvements needed in areas of traffic control, parking availability and pedestrian safety. Improved street lighting, shopping directories and aesthetic physical improvements were also identified as important issues.
9
These matters of accessibility and a pleasant shopping environment are considered to be essential factors if the Borough's shopping areas are to remain competitive in the future.
C3. Desire For Additional Commercial DeveloDment - The questionnaire requested that residents indicate whether or not additional commercial facilities were desired in the Borough. Borough-wide, 81.3% of all respondents answered this question, of which 76.1 % stated they did not want to see more commercial enterprises in the Borough area. The negative res!ponses were highest in Survey Area 1 , where 82.5% indicated additional commercial development was not wanted.
However, of the 24% who stated more commercial facilities were needed, over half (60.3%) specified a desire for some type of retail establishment.
D. DESIRABLE FUTUFIE DEVELOPMENT
Respondents were asked to check the types of additional development which they would like to see in the Borough at sometime in the future. This included categories for several types of development, and for more specific land uses as well. The number of responses received in each category was tabulated and percentages were calculated based upon the appropriate level of response. This provided a composite picture of resident attitudes toward various types of potential development.
D1. Additional Rlesidential DeveloDment - Support for additional housing construction by survey respondents is relatively weak, ranging from 23.4% in favor of more single family homes to less than 1 YO in favor of low income housing development.
Those responding in favor of additional single family homes was highest (33?/0) in Survey Area 3, while respondents from Survey Area 2 indicated t:he highest support (1 3.4%) for additional apartment housing.
D2. Improvement of Existing Neiqhborhoods - As can be expected, the preservation and future improvement of residential areas received th greatest support (69.1 %), an indication of the high level of neighborhood pride prevalent in Wilson Borough.
Additional Residential Parkinq - Borough-wide, 56.2% of all respondents reported support for the development of additional parking areas. Although parking spaces are a t a premium throughout all the Borough's older neighborhoods, response to this issue was particularly high (72.2%) in Survey Area 4.
I
D3.
10
D4.
D5.
D6.
D6a.
D7.
D8.
Additional Commercial DeveloDment - Few residents reported any desire for future commercial development, receiving only a 10.5% positive response.
Additional Industrial DeveloDment - Even fewer respondents (9.1 %) indicated that they wanted to see more industry within the Borough.
Additional Neiahborhood Recreation Areas - Borough-wide, 51.3% of respondents indicated a desire for more nearby recreation areas or facilities to serve their neighborhoods. Response to this type of development was highest in Survey Area 4 (63.3%).
GrouDs SDecificallv In Need Of Recreational ODDortunities - Of the survey respondents stating their support for development of more recreational space, approximately 51 YO and 60% indicated it should be targeted to serve teenagers and young children, respectively. Furthermore, 39.3% pointed out facilities should also serve senior citizens and 29.2% indicated adults need additional recreational opportunities as well.
Beautification of ODen %ace - Almost half (45.6%) of the questionnaire respondents have reported support for the additional landscaping and preservation of the Borough's open space areas.
Preservation of Historic Structures - The prospect of preserving historic buildings within the Borough received a significant (37.6%) amount of support with the highest response (47.6%) coming from Survey Area 2.
E. TRANSPORTATION ISSUES
A series of questions relative to transportation issues were included for the purpose of providing information about the respondents mode of transportation to work and the location of needed street repairs or other traffic related improvements which may be required.
E l . Mode of TransDortation To Work - Of the 300 households reporting an employed adult(s), 97.7% (293 households) reported private automobile transportation as a means of travelling to work for at least one adult. 9.3% indicated an adult walking to a place of employment.
E2. Need To ImDrove or Extend Streets - Approximately 70% of all s'urvey respondents provided an answer to this question. Of those, 32.9% indicated that street extension or improvements were needed. The remaining 67% checked "No" (1 2.1 YO) or "No Opinion" (55%).
11
E3.
E4a.
E4b.
E4c.
E5.
Name and Location of Streets Needina Improvement - Many (1 19) comments were received identifying the street name and location where improvements were needed. Almost half of all reported locations art? along Butler (31) , Twenty-Fifth (1 9) and Ferry (6) Streets. Specifics about these sites can be found in Tabulation E3 within the Table Section of this report.
Traffic Intersection Problems - Respondents provided 260 comments regarding various traffic signal, traffic flow, vehicle turning, visibility and pedestrian safety problems existing at many locations throughout the Borough. 75% of all reported intersection hazards are situated at several locations along Northampton Street, Butler Street and Freemansburg Avenue. Again, the detailed comments have been listed in the Table Section of this report.
Street Liaht Problems - Seventy-six comments were submitted by survey respondents regarding street light problems. These comments should be reviewed carefully since many residents have apparently confused street lights with traffic signals.
Street Sian Problems - Of the 23 comments submitted, 18 concerned locations where various speed limit and safety signs are needed. Specific details can be found in the Table Section, Tabulation E4c.
Household Bicvcle RidershiD - Residents were asked to provide the number of household members who use a bicycle for either recreation or transportation. Borough-wide, 30% of all respondent households reported the use of a bicycle, with an average of approximately two bicyclists per household.
F. EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
This section of the survey form included a series of questions related to household employment, sources of income, area employment opportunities and industrial development. The responses received are summarized in Tabulation F in the Table Section and are further discussed below.
F1.
F2.
1 I 1 1 I 1 1 B 1 I I I I I I I I I I
EmDlovment Status of Household Head - All survey respondents answered this question and tabulated results indicate that 63% of the respondent households heads are employed and 35.9% are retired. The proportion of households with retired adults is consistent with the information provided in question A3 "Age of Head of Household" which revealed that 35.4% of the household heads are age 65 years or older.
Location of EmDlovment of Household Adults - Of the 300 households reporting an employed adult(s), 23% (69 households) reported at least
12
I 1 I 1 1 I I U 1 I 1 I I I 1 I I
one adult employed in Wilson Borough, 55% (1 65 households) with an adult(s) working in other parts of the Lehigh Valley and 27.6% (83 households) with an adult(s) employed in the New York/New Jersey area.
F3. Maior Source of Income - Survey respondents were asked to report the major source(s) of income within the household. All survey respondents provided information on this question, of which 60.8% (292 households) indicated a job or self employment as a source of income. Again, consistent with the proportion previously identified as older aged respondents, 36.4% (1 78 households) reported social security and/or pensions as a source of income.
F4. Number of Household Incomes - Of the 300 responding households with an employed head of household, 62% (1 86 households) reported more than one employed adult. The percentage of multiple income households ranged from 55% in Survey Area 4 to 8 5 % in Survey Area 3.
F5. Need For Additional EmDlovment Omortunities - A high percentage (75%) of survey respondents who answered this question indicated additional employment opportunities are needed for Wilson Borough residents.
F6. Location of More Industrial DeveloDment - Respondents were asked to indicate their preference for the location of new industrial development in the area. Borough-wide, 80% of the questionnaires returned indicated a response to this question, of which 21.7% reported a preference for such development within the Borough limits, compared to 78.3% preferring a location in the adjoining Cities or Townships.
Apparently, there is a concern that additional industrial development may bring problems, which are feared will decrease the quality.of life in the Borough.
G. GENERAL COMMENTS ON NEEDED BOROUGH IMPROVEMENTS
Survey respondents were given a final opportunity to summarize five of those improvements which they considered to be the most needed. Borough-wide, 47.1 % of all respondents provided comments concerning various issues and situations of community importance.
The most common reported improvement needs in this subsection have been categorized and are listed below in the order of the most frequently reported type of improvement needed:
- Vehicle parking
I 13
Pol ice protect ion
Street c I e a n i n g
Recreation facilities and programs
Community facilities and youth programs
Street pavement condition
Sidewalk repairs
Traffic f low
General property maintenance
Street trees and shrub maintenance
Recycling program
Snow removal
Street lighting improvements
Consistent with the responses to previous questions, residents again pointed out that vehicular parking, police protection, recreation facilities and overall Borough appearance are the most prominent issues in need of attention. A complete listing of 'comments submitted, with the corresponding response rates, are summarized in Tabulation G1 within the Table Section. Those issues raised by Borough residents present a broad array of concerns especially worthy of consideration in the development of the Borough Comprehensive Plan.
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I I
I 1 - SURVEY FORM USED
I I I I 1 I I I I I I I
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION - PART 111
CO M M UNITY O U EST1 0 N NA I RE DETA I LED TABU LATlO NS
BOROUGH OF WILSON, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA. I
- MAP OF SURVEY DISTRICTS
- SURVEY TABULATIONS, BY MAJOR QUESTIONNAIRE CATEGORIES (A THROUGH G) INCLUDING DETAILED COMMENTS I
15
SCALE: 1"-APPROX. 900'
COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY DISTRICTS
CENSUS BLOCK GROUP- BOROUW BOUNDARY ----. CENSUS TRACT -1111.
??\
BOROUGH OF WILSON NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA.
MICHAEL CABOT ASSOCIATES, COMMUNITY PLANNERS
I I 1 I 1 I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I
WILSON BOROOGH, PA. - COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT QUESTIONNAIRE JUNE, 1990
DEAR RESIDENT OF WILSON SOROUGH;
The Borough has cap le ted many c m u n i t y improvements i n recent years. The Borough I s concerned about the future of the Borough and wl th the need t o Improve and conserve the older, wel l established neighborhoods.
Borough Council and the Borough Planning Commisslon have therefore decided t o update the Borough’s Comprehensive Plan and t o study the ex is t ing and fu ture problems and needs o f the Borough. Wlth your help and suggestions we can work together t o improve the Borough and t o provlde a proper guide f o r fu ture growth and development.
Please answer the fol lowlng questions which should take about ten mlnutes o f your time. This survey Is conf ident ia l and no signature o r l den t i f l ca t l on Is necessary.
S J j
1. What type o f home do you l i v e in? (check only one)
a.-Slngle family house b . T w o Family House c. -Townhouse o r Row house
d . A p a r t m e n t house 8.- Other (Specify)
2. Do you Own o r rent your home? a.-Own home b.- Rent home c. O t h e r
3. Age o f Head o f Household - Check only one Item:
a. U n d e r age 35 b. -Age 36 t o 64 c. Age 65 and over
4. Sex o f Head o f Household - Check only one item:
a.-Female Head b.-Male Head c.-Female and Male Share Repsonslbl l i t ies
5. Number o f persons In your household?
6. Length o f Residency - Speclfy no. o f years f o r each:
a. No. of years I n residence b. No. o f years I n Borough
7. How o l d I s the residence I n which you l l v e ?
8. I f you are not a native o f the Borough, d i d you l l v e i n another par t o f the Lehigh Valley before moving In to the Borough? c. I f No, please specify p r i o r locatlon o f residence:
Check applicable i t w s only:
a. -Roof b.- Wlndows c . O u t s i d e wal l d. - Pal n t 1 ng/S1 d I ng
e.-Foundation f.- Heating g. - Elect r lca l h. - Plumblng
1 .-Indoor Improvements j. -Sidewalk repai rs k. _. Other(Spec1fy)-
years
b. - No a. - Yes
9. What improvements, I f any, would YOU l i k e t o make t o your property?
structures
- repairs system system
1O.Can you afford t o make these needed improvements?
p. NEIGHBORHOOO PROBLEMS. FACILITIES AND SERVS CES
a. - Yes b. - No
1. Ident i f y the f i v e most serious problems i n the area where you l i ve , then number each problem selected i n order o f Importance (number them one through f i v e wi th
a. _. Poor condltlon o r maintenance b. - Poor condit ion or maintenance
c. Nuisance problems, such as: _. excessive noise, a i r po l lu t ion,
number one being the most serious)
o f nearby bul ldings o f yards and vacant l o t s
-excessive t r a f f i c on streets, -excessive p a r K g on local streets, -disturbances from business,industry o r other uses, __ radon i n f i l t r a t i o n
d. -Poor conditlon o f s t reets e. P o o r condit ion o r f.- Poor s t ree t 1 igh t lng and curbs lack o f sidewalks
(Continued on Next Page)
16 1
1. (Continuatlon from f i r s t pagii):
9. -Lack o f parking h.-Inadequate local i.-Accumulatlons o f
j. - Stray dogs or animals
1.- Other condftions or problems which downgrade the neighborhood.
2. Please ra te the adequacy o f the fol lowing Servlcer o r f a c i l l t l e s . Use "E" for Excellent, "S" f o r Satisfactory and "P" f o r Poor.
a.-street cleanlng b.-snow removal c.-garbage & t rash d . w a t e r supply
e.- sewers f.-rain water g . s t r e e t l i gh t i ng h.-police
i .- f i re protectlon j.-schools k.-recreation l.-street t rees
m.-library n.-soclal services 0. m e d i cal p. - hospi t a l
q.-nurslng homes r.-churches o r 9.-daycare t.-group homes f o r
nearby recreation trash, garbage f a c i l i t i e s and junk cars
k.-Lack of trees on local s t reets
Spec i f y :
drainage protect lon
synagogues centers physlcal ly o r men- t a l l y disabled
u.-cmunity v.- houslng f o r w . o t t m r fac i l - x.- f a c i l i t y f o r centers the e lder ly i t i e s f o r hand1 capped
e lder ly
y.- f a c i l l t l e s f o r youth z . o t h e r ( s p e c i f y ) - 1. Please estimate the approxlrnate percentage o f purchases whlch you make inslde and
outside of the Borough:
Food and Clothing and Furniture, appl l- !:onvenIence It- Spec i a l t v Items -
a. I n Wilson Borough x x x
b. City o f Easton x x x c. C i t ies o f Allentown/Bethlehem x x x
d. Townshlp Shopping Areas x x x
e. Other areas x x x
f. Total: 100 x 100 x 100 x
2. Ident l f y the f i v e most needed Improvements t o the Borough's shopping areas, i n order o f importance - (number them one through f i ve) : -
a.-Reduction o r bet ter b.- Safer or improved c.-Improved comer- control o f t r a f f i c pedestrian crossing c l a l signs
d.-Improved and safer e.-Improved s t ree t f . H o r e a t t rac t i ve sidewalks 1 ight ing store f ron t slgns
g.-Directories t o help h.-Improved t r a f f i c i.-Improved buf fers customers f i n d signs between carmercial spec i f ic stores fi res ldent la l areas
-
j.-Improve appearance k.-Improved appearance l.-Addltional park- o f bui ldings of public areas ing f o r shoppers
(Streets,sldewalks, parks)
3. Would you l i k e t o see any addit ional comnerclal development i n the Borough?
a. -Yes b. -No c. ._ I f yes, please specify type o f development
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I I I I 1 I 1 I I I I I I 1 I 1 I I I
p. DESIRABIE FUTURE DEVELOPHE MI Please check i f you want t o see more o f the fol lowing I n Wilson Borough. CHECK WHAT YOU WANT
1. -More Residential Development (check type desired):
a. -Single family homes
d.- Apartments
b.-Two family homes
e. - Other (Specify)
c. __ Town houses
2.-Preservation and Improvement of ex is t ing Residentlal Neighborhoods
3 . A d d i t i o n a l parking t o serve Residential Areas
4.-Hore Comnercial Wvelopnent 5.- More Indus t r ia l Development
6 . M o r e recreation areas t o serve residents i n your neighborhood. I f checked, please indicate age groups needing more recreation f a c i l i t i e s :
a . Y o u n g chi ldren b . T e e n a g e r s c.-Adults d.- Senior Citizens
7.-Hore landscaping, beauti f icat ion o r preservation o f a t t rac t i ve open space.
8. -Preservation o f structures o f h i s t o r i c In terest
1. I f head o f household works, how does he (of she) t rave l t o work?
a. walks b. - private car c. other transportation (specify)-
Should any s t reets be extended o r Improved t o help t r a f f l c flow?
a. -yes b. -no c. -no opinion
2.
3. Please l i s t name an d locat ion o f s t reets needing Improvement o r extenslon:
4. Please specify tvoe. name and loca t ion of t r a f f i c Intersection problems, s t ree t l i gh ts or stop signs, which you would l i k e t o see addad or corrected i n the Borough? Please l i s t . Please specify locat ion o f improvement:
a. Intersection Problem b. S t r e e t L ight Problem c. S t r e e t Signs
5. How many people i n the family use a bicycle f o r recreation o r transportatlon?
F. EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
1. I s head o f household: a. -employed? b. -unemployed? c., -ret ired
2. I f employed, check where household head i s employed: - Elsewhere i n
a. W i l s o n Borough b. -Northampton County c. -Lehlgh County
d. -New Jersey/N.Y. 9. - Philadelphia Area f. P o c o n o s 9. O t h e r
3. Check major sources o f income f o r household:
a.-job or self-employment b.-penslon o r Social Security c . O t h e r
4. Is more than one adult i n t h i s household employed? a. -yes b. -no
5. Are more employment opportunities needed fo r Borough residents? a.-yes b . n o
6:. Where would you rather have more indus t r ia l employment?
a. -In the Borough b. -In the adjoining C i t i es o r Townships
9. GENERAL COMMENTS
1. L i s t f i v e o f the most needed Borough improvements which you would l i k e t o see, including f a c i l i t i e s o r services, addit ional comnercial f ac i l i t i es (spec i f y location):
A. HOUSING, HOUSEHOLD AND RESIDENCY INFORMATION WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990
Neighborhood Survey Areas Total Entire Borough
CT 172 CT 172 CT 172 CT-172 Neighborhood BG-1 BG-2 BG-3 BG-4 Characteristics
No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a)
1. Tme of Housina Unit
- Single Family
- Two Family
- TownIRow House
- Apartment
- Other (b)
Total Responding
2. o w n e f s ~ - Homeowner
- Tenant
- Other
Total Responding
82 49.7 59 36.0 36 49.3 31 39.7 208 43.3
52 31.5 82 50.0 23 31.5 41 52.6 198 41.3
13 7.9 12 7.3 4 5.5 3 3.9 32 6.7
17 10.3 10 6.1 7 9.6 3 3.9 37 7.7
1 0.6 1 0.6 3 4.1 5 1 .o 165 100.0 164 100.0 73 100.0 78 100.0 480 100.0
133 80.6 142 86.6 60 83.3 72 91.1 407 84.6
31 18.8 20 12.2 12 16.7 7 8.9 70 14.6
1 0.6 2 1.2 4 0.8 ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~~ ~~
165 100.0 164 100.0 72 100.0 79 100.0 481 100.0
3. Aae of Head of Household
- Under 35 Yrs. 35 21.3 36 21.9 12 16.7 25 31.7 108 22.5
- 36 to 64 Yrs. 64 39.1 73 44.2 30 41.6 35 44.3 202 42.1
- Age 65+ Yrs. 65 39.6 56 33.9 30 41.7 19 24.0 170 35.4
Total Responding 164 100.0 165 100.0 72 100.0 79 100.0 480 100.0
4. Sex of Head of Household
- Female 48 29.3 44 26.8 20 27.4 17 21.8 129 26.9
- Male 64 39.0 62 37.8 31 42.5 36 46.2 193 40.3
- Both Share 52 31.7 58 35.4 22 30.1 25 32.0 157 32.8
Total Responding 164 100.0 164 100.0 73 100.0 78 100.0 479 100.0
Footnotes: (a) Percentage based upon the number of respondents answering the specific survey question. (b) "Other" housing types include: 3 - within a commercial building; 2 - unspecified.
~
I I i I I 1 I I I I 1 1 I I 1 I I I I
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I
A. HOUSING, HOUSEHOLD AND RESIDENCY INFORMATION WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990
~ _ _ _ ~ ~ ~ ~~
Neighborhood Survey Areas Total Entire CT-172 Borough
CT 172 CT 172 CT 172 Neighborhood BG-1 BG-2 BG-3 BG-4
No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a) Characteristics
5. No. of Persons in Household
- 1 Person 39 23.9 28 17.2 14 19.7 11 14.3 92 19.4
- 2 Persons 59 36.3 64 39.2 28 39.4 28 36.4 179 37.7
- 3 Persons 32 19.6 31 19.0 13 18.3 20 26.0 97 20.3
- 4 Persons 24 14.7 27 16.6 10 14.2 11 14.3 72 15.2
- 5 Persons 7 4.3 8 4.9 5 7.0 6 7.8 26 5.5
- 6 Persons 2 1.2 5 3.1 7 1.5
- 7 Persons 1 1.4 1 0.2
- 8 Persons 1 1.2 1 0.2
Total Responding 163 100.0 163 100.0 73 100.0 77
6a. Lenath of Resid- in Home (Years]
- Less than 1 9 5.8 5 3.1 7 9.6 3
- 1 t o 5 46 29.5 47 29.0 15 20.5 27
- 6 t 0 1 0 12 7.7 19 11.7 9 12.3 10
- 11 to 20 25 16.0 31 19.2 8 11.0 11
- 21 to 30 20 12.8 18 11.1 11 15.1 7
- 31 to 40 26 16.7 25 15.4 10 13.7 9
- 41 to 50 16 10.2 12 7.4 8 11.0 8
- 51 to 60 2 1.3 4 2.5 2 2.7 3
- Over 60 1 0.6 3 4.1
100.0
3.8
34.6
12.8
14.1
9.0
11.5
10.4
3.8
475
24
135
50
75
56
70
44 11
4
100.0
5.1
28.8
10.7
16.0
11.9
14.9
9.4
2.3
0.9
Total Responding 156 100.0 162
6b. Lenath of Residemcv in Borouah (Years]
- Less than 1 3 2.0 5
- 1 t o 5 37 24.3 38
- 6 to 10 10 6.6 20
- 11 to 20 17 11.2 24
- 21 to 30 18 11.8 8
- 31 to 40 35 23.0 19
- 41 to 50 17 11.2 20
- 51 to 60 10 6.6 9
- Over 60 5 3.3 10
100.0 73 100.0 78
3.3 6 8.7 1
24.8 8 11.6 20
13.1 7 10.1 6
15.7 7 10.1 7
5.2 7 10.1 11
12.4 13 18.9 10
13.1 9 13.1 8
5.9 5 7.3 5
6.5 7 10.1 2
100.0
1.4
28.6
8.0
10.0
15.7
14.3
11.4
7.1
2.9
469
15
103
43
55
44
77
54
29
24
100.0
3.4
23.2
9.7
12.4
9.9
17.3
12.2
' 6.5
5.4
Total Responding 152 100.0 153 100.0 69 100.0 70 100.0 444 100.0 FOOtnOteS: (a) Percentage based upon the number of respondents answering the specific survey question.
A. HOUSING, HOUSEHOLD AND RESIDENCY INFORMATION WILSON BOlROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990
Neighborhood Survey Areas Total Entire Borough
CT 172 CT 172 CT 172 CT-172 Neighborhood BG-1 BG-2 BG-3 BG-4 Characteristics
No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a)
7. Aqe of Residence (Years)
- 0 t o 1
- 1 t o 5 4 3.1 4 1.1
- 6 t o 10 1 0.8 1 0.3
- 11 to 20 1 0.8 1 0.8 2 0.5
- 21 to 30 9 6.9 2 1.5 3 5.3 1 1.8 15 4.0
- 31 t o 40 21 16.2 1 0.8 1 1.8 2 3.6 25 6.7
- 41 to 50 16 12.3 1 1.8 7 12.7 24 6.4
- 51 t o 60 22 16.9 22 16.7 6 10.4 3 5.5 53 14.2
- Over 60 56 43.0 106 80.2 46 80.7 42 76.4 250 66.8
Total Responding 130 100.0 132 100.0 57 100.0 55 100.0 374 100.0
8. Prior Residencv in Other Parts of Cauntv (For Non-Borouqh Natives)
- Yes 109 73.2 99 68.3 39 65.0 51 71.8 298 70.1
- NO 40 26.8 46 31.7 21 35.0 20 28.2 127 29.9
Total Responding 149 100.0 145 100.0 60 100.0 71 100.0 425 100.0
8b. Locations of Prior Res-dencv (for Mon-Borouqh Natives)(b)
- Other Areas of 30 56.6 37 58.7 20 69.0 6 33.3 93 57.1 PA
- New Jersey 16 30.2 20 31.8 8 27.6 9 50.0 53 32.5
- New York 3 5.7 2 3.2 2 11.1 7 4.3
- Other area of 2 3.8 3 4.8 1 3.5 1 5.6 7 4.3
- Foreign 2 3.8 1 1.6 3 1.8
Total Responding 53 100.0 63 100.0 29 100.0 18 100.0 163 100.0
USA
Footnotes:
(a) Percentage based upon the number of respondents answering the specific survey question. (b) Percentage based upon the number of respondents indicating a location of prior residency.
I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I
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A. HOUSING, HOUSEHOLD AND RESIDENCY INFORMATION WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990
Neighborhood Survey Areas Total Entire Borough
CT 172 CT 172 CT 172 CT- I 72 Neighborhood BG-1 BG-2 BG-3 BG-4 Characteristics
No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a)
9. Desired Imrovements to Residential Unit
- Roof 44 26.5 40 24.4 21 28.8 32 40.5 137 28.1
- Windows 63 38.0 53 32.3 21 28.8 38 48.1 175 35.9
- Outside Walls 1 1 6.6 14 8.5 3 4.1 3 3.8 31 6.4
- PaintinglSiding 38 22.9 35 21.3 1 1 15.1 20 25.3 104 21.3
- Foundation 15 9.0 19 11.6 10 13.7 6 7.6 50 10.2
- Heating 19 1 1 . 4 33 20.1 8 11.0 17 21.5 77 15.8
- Electrical 24 14.5 24 14.6 12 16.4 1 4 17.7 74 15.2
65 13.3 - Plumbing 24 14.5 22 13.4 5 6.9 1 4 17.7
- Indoor 51 30.7 60 36.5 24 32.9 39 49.4 174 35.7
System
improvemnts
- Sidewalks 33 19.9 50 30.5 18 24.7 23 29.1 124 25.4
- Other (b) 9 5.4 12 7.3 6 8.2 9 1 1 . 4 36 7.4
IO. Finanad Assistance Need to Make Desired lmrovements? (c)
- Yes 39 31.7 38 31.7 16 31.4 16 27.6 109 31.0
- NO 84 68.3 82 68.3 35 68.6 42 72.4 243 69.0
Total Responding 123 100.0 120 100.0 51 100.0 58 100.0 352 100.0
Footnotes:
(a) Percentage based upon the total number of completed questionnaires returned. (b) "Other" desired improvements include:
10 - GaragelCarport 3 - Deck 2 - Chimney 1 -Doors 1 - Carpeting 6 - Porch 2 - CurblSidewalk 1 - Insulation 1 Radon 4 - Landscaping 2 - Driveway 1 - Air conditioning 1 - GutterslSpouting
(c) Percentage based upon the number of respondents answering the specific survey question.
6. NEIGHBORHOOD PROBLEMS, FACILITIES AND SERVICES WILSON BCIROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990
61. Most Serious Neiahborhood Problems (Weiahted ResDonses Ranked No. 1 Most Serious t o No. 16 - Least Serious Lid
TYPE OF NEIGHBORHOOD PROBLEM TOTAL BOROUGH-WIDE
SCORE RANK
- Lack of Parking
- Parking
- Air Pollution
- Traffic
- Noise
- Condition of Nearby Buildings
- Street Lighting
622
482
399
380
320
318
27 1
- Condition of Sidewalks 250 8
- Condition of YardsWacant Lots 241 9
- Condition of Streets 21 7 10
- Stray DogdAnimals
- TrashlJunk Cars
163 11
158 12
- Disturbances 150 13
- Lack of Trees 143 14
- Recreation Facilities 94 15
- Radon 32 16
- Other (b) Footnotes: (a) Respondents listed five most serious problems in order of perceived urgency. These five responses
were weighted as follows:
1st Response: Points: 5 Most Serious 2nd Response: 4 3rd Response: 3 4th Response: 2 5th Response: 1 Least Serious
The highest weighted scores for each problem are the most serious.
(b) Other (but unranked) problems; reported by survey respondents include: 5 - Rental occupants 4 - Unkept properties 3 - Noise 2 - Traffic problems 1 - Vandalism 3 - Drugs 2 - Curbing 1 -Crime 3 - Illegal parking
3 - Speeding vehicles 1 - Rowdy children 3 - Poor drainage
1 - Skateboarding 1 - Dixie Tavern patrons 1 - Police protection
2 - Unshoveied snow 1 - Barking dogs
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B. NEIGHBORHOOD PROBLEMS, FACILITIES AND SERVICES WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990
B2. Resident Ratina of BorouGh Communitv Services and Facilities (Weiahted Responses Ranked No. 1 Best to No. 25 - Rated Poorest (a]
COMMUNITY SERVICE OR FACILITY TOTAL BOROUGH-WIDE
SCORE RANK
- Garbage Collection
- Hospital
- Fire Protection
- Public Water System
- Library
- Medical Care
- Churches or Snynagogues
- Sanitary Sewers
- Police Protection
- Schools
- Snow Removal
- Street Cleaning
- Stormwater Drainage
- Street Lighting
- Nursing Homes
- Recreation
- Street/Shade Trees
- Group Homes for the Disabled
- Social Services
1,543
1,059
1,055
1,032
1,018
988
975
972
942
932
91 1
890
875
864
806
779
766
640
639
1
2
3
4
5 ,
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
- Day-care Centers 620 20
- Facilities for Youth 51 5 21
- Housing for Elderly 494 22
- Community Centers 49 1 23
- Facilities for Handicapped 464 24
- Other Facilities for Elderly 454 25 Footnotes: (a) Respondents rated each Borough Service as "Excellent", "Satisfactory" or "Poor". These responses
were weighted as follows: . "Excellent" Response: 3
"Satisfactory" Response: 2 "Poor" Response: 1
The highest weighted scores for each problem are the most serious.
C. COMMERCIAL FACILITIES WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990 Neighborhood Survey Areas Total Entire
Borough CT 172 CT 172 CT 172 CT-172
Neighborhood BG-1 BG-2 BG-3 BG-4 Characteristics
Score % Score % Score % Score % Score %
1. Percentaaeof R a s k h b a l * Purchases, Made in Area Markets (individual res~onses were scored and weiahted to nrovide the ~ e r c e n t e fiuu res bdowl(a]
Food and Convenience Items:
- Wilson Borough 325 30.6 390 34.6 162 32.8 171 33.6 1,048 32.8
- City of Easton 160 15.1 157 13.9 68 13.8 79 15.5 464 14.5
- Allentown/ 147 13.9 160 14.2 72 14.6 65 12.8 444 13.9
-Township Shopping 280 26.4 264 23.4 121 24.5 129 25.3 794 24.9
- Other Areas 149 14.0 155 13.8 71 14.4 66 12.9 441 13.8
Bethlehem Cities
Area
Total Responding 1,061
ClOthinQ &
- Wilson Borough 152
- City of Easton 164
- Allentown/ 187
- Township Shopping 252
- Other Areas 161
Bethlehem Cities
Area
Total Responding 91 6
Furniture. AmGances & Autos:
- Wilson Borough 137
- City of Easton 158
- Allentown/ 182 Bethlehem Cities
Area - Township Shopping 172
- Other Areas 169
100.0 1,126 100.0 494
16.6 172 16.6 85
17.9 187 18.1 70
20.4. 207 20.0 84
27.51 295 28.5 129
17.6 175 16.9 88
100.0 1,036 100.0 456
16.8 159 16.3 79
19.3 181 18.6 80
22.3 234 24.1 88
21.0 208 21.4 101
20.'7 191 19.6 92
100.0 510
18.6 71
15.4 75
18.4 96
28.3 128
19.3 80
100.0 3,191 100.0
15.8 480 16.8
16.7 496 '87.4
21.3 574 20.1
28.4 804 28.1
17.8 504 17.6
100.0 450
18.0 91
18.2 86
20 .o 97
23.0 91
20.9 89
100.0 2,858 100.0
20.0 466 17.4
18.9 505 18.8
21.4 601 22.4
20.0 572 21.3
19.6 541 20.1
Total Responding 818 100.10 973 100.0 440 100.0 454 100.0 2,685 100.0 Footnotes: (a) Respondents indicated the percentage of total purchases made in various market places for certain commodity
groups. Individual responses were categorized in percentile ranges and scored as follows:
Percentile Ranae Score 0 - 25% 1
26 - 50% 2 51 -75% 3 76 - 100% 4 Higher relative scores represent a higher utilization of the market place indicated.
-
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C. COMMERCIAL FACILITIES WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990
C2. Most Needed ImDrovements in the Borouah's ShoDDina Areas, ReDorted bv Survev Rewondents Ranked No. 1 - Most Uraent to No. 11 - Least Uraent (a)
TYPE OF IMPROVEMENT NEEDED TOTAL BOROUGH-WIDE
SCORE RANK
- Reduction or better control of traffic
- Additional parking for shoppers
- Safer or improved pedestrian crossings
- Improved and safer sidewalks
- Improved street lighting
- Directories to help shoppers find specific stores
- Improved appearance of public areas
- Improved traffic signs
- Improved appearance of buildings
- Improved buffers between commercial and residential areas
- More attractive store front signs
- Improved commercial signs
863
588
548
443
390
390
388
369
359
288
220
173
1
2
3
4
5
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Footnotes:
(a) Respondents listed five most needed improvements in order of perceived urgency. These five responses were weighted as follows:
1st Response: Points: 5 Most Serious 2nd Response: 4 3rd Response: 3 4th Response: 2 5th Response: 1 Least Serious
The highest weighted scores for each problem are the most serious.
C. COMMERCIAL FACILITIES WILSON BIDROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990
Neighborhood Survey Areas Total Entire Borough
CT 172 CT 172 CT 172 CT-172 Neighborhood BG-1 BG-2 BG-3 BG-4 Characteristics
No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a)
3. Desire for Additional Commerdal F t c S t i e s in the Borouah Area?
- Yes 28 21.4 37 27.4 10 17.5 18 26.9 93 23.9
- NO 103 78.6 98 72.6 47 82.5 49 73.1 297 76.1
Total Responding 131 100.0 135 100.0 57 100.0 67 100.0 390 100.0
If Yes. What Tv~es? (b)
- Grocery store 7 25.0 5 13.5 5 27.8 17 18.3
- Convenience goods 3 10.7 1 2.7 4 4.3
- Speciality shops 3 10.7 8 21.6 3 30.0 14 15.1
- Clothing 2 7.1 3 8.1 6 33.3 11 11.8
- FurniturelAppliance 3 10.7 3 3.2
- Indoor recreation 2 7.1 1 2.7 2 11.1 5 5.4
- Office/Professional 1 2.7 1 10.0 2 11.1 4 4.3
- Day Care 2 5.4 2 2.2
- Restaurant 1 2.7 1 5.6 2 2.2
- Light Manufacturing 1 5.6 1 1 .I
- Mall 1 3.6 4 10.8 5 5.4
- Department store 1 2.7 1 10.1 2 2.2
- All types 1 3.6 4 10.8 1 10.0 6 6.5
Footnotes:
(a) Percentage based upon the number of respondents answering the specific survey question. (b) Percentage based upon the number of respondents answering "yes" to the previous question.
~
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D. DESIRABLE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990 Neighborhood Survey Areas Total Entire
Borough CT 172 CT 172 CT 172 CT-172
Desired Types of BG-1 BG-2 BG-3 BG-4 Future Development
No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a)
1. More Residential DeVelODment
- Single Family
- Two Family
- Town Houses
- Apartments
- Low Income
- Elderly
2. Reservaaionand lmrwovement of Existina Residential Neishbom oods
3. Additional Parldro to Serve Residential Areas
4. MoreCommerdal Develooment
Housing
5. More Industrial Development
6. NeedMore Nehhbomood Recreation Areas
33
6
6
8
4
6
109
86
15
18
77
S~ecificaUv to Serve: (b)
- Young Children 34
- Teenagers 54
- Adults 29
- Senior Citizens 36
7. Moreladscap ina. Beautifim tion or Reserva 70 tion of Attractive o m SDaCe
8. Preservation of Historic 57 Structures
19.9
3.6
3.6
4.8
2.4
3.6
65.7
51.8
9.0
10.8
46.4
44.2
70.1
37.7
46.8
42.2
34.3
35
6
4
22
19
118
93
21
14
82
43
36
16
32
85
78
21.3
3.7
2.4
13.4
11.6
72.0
56.7
12.8
8.5
50.0
52.4
43.9
19.5
39.0
51.8
47.6
24
2
1
8
4
51
35
6
9
38
25
24
13
13
30
25
32.9
2.7
1.4
11 .o
5.5
69.9
48.0
8.2
12.3
52.1
65.8
63.2
34.2
34.2
41.1
34.2
21
4
2
3
1
55
57
9
3
50
25
34
14
16
35
21
26.6
5.1
2.5
3.8
1.3
69.6
72.2
11.4
3.8
63.3
50.0
68.0
28.0
32.0
44.3
26.6
113
18
13
41
4
30
333
27 1
51
44
247
127
148
72
97
220
181
23.4
3.7
2.7
8.5
0.8
'6.2
69.1
56.2
10.8
9.1
51.3
51.4
59.9
29.2
39.3
45.6
37.6
Footnotes: (a) Percentage based upon the total number of questionnaires returned. (b) Percentage based upon the number of respondents indicating a desire for more neighborhood recreation areas.
E. TRANSPORATION WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
JUNE TO AUGUST. 1990 Neighborhood Survey Areas Total Entire
Borough CT 172 CT 172 CT 172 CT-172
Transportation BG-1 BG-2 BG-3 BG-4 Issues
No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a)
1. Mode of Tramortation to Work
- Walking 8 6.8 13 11.2 6 13.6 1 1.8 28 8.4
- Private Car 104 88.9 99 85.4 36 81.8 54 94.7 293 87.7
- Other (b) 5 4.3 4 3.4 2 4.6 2 3.5 13 3.9
Total Responding 117 100.0 116 100.0 44 100.0 57 100.0 334 100.0
2. Need To Improve Or Extend Streets
- Yes 31 30.4 38 30.2 20 37.7 22 38.6 111 32.9
- NO 12 11.8 21 16.7 3 5.7 5 8.8 41 1.2.1
- No Opinion 59 57.8 67 53.2 30 56.6 30 52.6 186 55.0
Total Responding 102 100.0 126 100.0 53 100.0 57 100.0 338 100.0
E. TRANSPORATION
.JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990 WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
3.Name and Location of Streets INeed ImDrovement
Number of
Comments STREET NAME LOCATlON/IMPROVEMENT NEEDED Reported
Butler Street: A t 25th Street intersection Specifics not given A t 22ncl Street intersection A t 23rd Street intersection A t 24th Street intersection From 1 !Sth to 25th Street From William Penn to 25th Street 19th Street signal light Lower speed limit
14 6
3 2
2 1
1 1
1
Total Comments
Freemansburg Ave. to Northampton Street A t South 25th Street Specifics not given Butler Street to Glendon Bridge Near Victor Balata By the Silo and Rudy’s Car Wash
Twentv-Firfttr Street: A t Route 22
31
4
3
3 2
- 2
1 1
I 1
1 I 1 I I I I
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E. TRANSPORATION WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990
STREET NAME LOCATlON/IMPROVEMENT NEEDED Reported Comments
Twentv-Fii Street:
Ferry Street:
Northampton Street:
Seventeenth Street:
Borouah Allevs:
SDrina Garden Street:
Eiqhteenth Street:
Streets in Howital Area: Lehiah Street:
Near Burger King 1
A t Northampton Street intersection 1 Need four traffic lanes 1
Total Comments 19
2200 Block should be one-way 2 From 1600 to 2400 Block 1
1800 Block, crown too high 1 A t 20th Street intersection 1
Stop sign visibility problem at 20th Street 1
Total Comments 6 Specifics not given 3 Removal signal at 18th Street 2 Total Comments 5
North 17th St. near Northampton St. 2 South 17th St. at Fairview Avenue 2 South 17th Street 1
Total Comments 5
Alley between 22nd & 23rd Sts. should be one-way 3 Between 20th 81 21st Streets 1 All need paving 1
Total Comments 5
16th to 17th St. should be one-way 2
15th to 16th St. should be one-way 1 17th to 18th Street 1
Total Comments 4 Specifics not given 2 North Eighteenth Street 1
From Northampton to Butler Street 1
Total Comments 4
Specifics not given 4
From 1600 to 2400 Block 2 Specifics not given 1
Total Comments 3
E. TRANSPORATION WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
.JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990 3.Name and Location of Streets Need ImDrovement
~ ~~~
Number of
Comments STREET NAME L.OCATOON/IMPROVEMENT NEEDED Reported
Washinuton Boulevard: Specifics not given From 1600 to 2400 Block At 17th Street intersection Needs repaving
Nineteenth Street:
Twentieth Street:
Twentv-First Street:
~ ~~~ ~
Total Comments 7 N. 19th St. too narrow for two-sided parking 1
Specifics not given 1
Total Comments 2 South 20th Street 1
North 20th Street - change to one-way 1
Total Comments 2 Area around School Administration building 1
From Northampton St. to Hospital should be one-way 1
Bushkill Road: Total Comments From 15th St. to 16th St. Specific:s not given
2 1 1
Twentv-Second Street: Church Street: Freemansbura Avenue: Sixteenth Street Twenty-Third Street: Twentv-Fourth Street: t ine Street: Hillside Avenue: Forrest Street: Hav Street: Thirteenth Street: Dixie Avenue: Other Comments:
Total Comments Traffic congestion From 16th St. to 17th St. Specifics not given Too narrow Specifics not given Eliminate Dixie parking lot From 20th to 21st Streets Specific:s not given Specific:s not given Specific:s not given Specific:s not given Specific:s not given Too many one-way streets Repaint all street lines
2 2 2 2 1
1 1
1
1 1
1
1 1
2, 1
E. TRANSPORATION WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990 4a. Street Name, Location and TvDe of Traffic Intersection Problem:
Street Traffic Problem No. of Namehtersection Reported
Comments
Northampton Street: - At 18th Street Malfunctioning signal 21
Specifics not given 1 Remove signal light 8
Total Comments 30
- At 17th Street Remove stop light 8
Poor visibility (parked cars) 5 Needs traffic signal 1 Specifics not given 1
Total Comments 15
- At 25th Street Specifics not given 7 General repairs needed 2
Needs left turn signal arrow 2 Bad merge from Rt. 22 East Exit ramp 2 Total Comments 13
- At 21st Street Signal light needed 8 Specifics not given 2
Total Comments 10
- At 20th Street Poor visibility (parked cars) 4
Needs left turn signal arrow Total Comments 5
1
- At 16th Street Specifics not given 4
- At 22nd Street Needs left turn signal arrow . 2 Turning lane markings misleading 1 Total Comments 3
E. TRANSPORATION WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990 4a. Street Name, Location andl TvDe of Traffic Intersection Problem:
Street Traffic Problem , No. of Name/lntersection Reported
Comments
- At Wood Avenue - At Ferry Street
- At 15th Street - At 19th Street - At 24th Street - At all intersections
Needs left turn signal arrow Specifics not given Light clhanges too quickly Specifics not given Specifics not given Specifics not given
Butler Street: - At 24th Street
- At 25th Street
- At 18th Street
- At 15th Street
- At 20th Street
2 1 1 1
1 1
Stop li!ght 13
Total Comments 23
Needs signal light 10
Needs left turn signal arrow Specifiics not given Needs left turn lane
9 7 5
Total Comments
Very bad Signal light too long Adjusl: signal timing Walk/Don't Walk sianal
21
4
3 2 2
Total Comments 11
Needsl signal light 5 Specifics not given 2 Total Comments 7
Needs signal light 4
E. TRANSPORATION WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990 4a. Street Name, Location and TvDe of Traffic Intersection Problem:
Street Traffic Problem ' NO. of Namehtersection Reported
Comments
Butler Street (cont.1 - At 21st Street Specifics not given 2
Needs signal light 1
Total Comments 3
- At 22nd Street Pedestrian crossing needed 1 Specifics not given ' 1
Total Comments 2
- At 23rd Street - At 16th Street - At 17th Street - At 19th Street
Specifics not given Visibility problem Specifics not given Needs signal light
2 2 2 1
F r eem a ns bu r a Avenue : - At 25th Street Needs turning signal arrow 13
Total Comments 17
Specifics not given 4
- At 22nd Street Drivers disregard signals 4 - At 23rd Street Specifics not given 3 - At 21st Street Too dangerous 3
- At 24th Street No right on red 2 Walk/Don't Walk signals I
Total Comments 3
- At 18th Street - At 15th Street
- At Center Street
Specifics not given Specifics not given Specifics not given
I E. TRANSPORATION
WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990
4a. Street Name, Location and TvDe of Traffic Intersection Problem:
I Street Traffic Problem No. of Namehtersection Reported
Co'mments
Specifics not given 6 Ferrv Street: - A t 22nd Street
- At 20th Street
- A t 21st STreet
- At 18th Street
- At 19th Street
- A t 23rd Street
Other 25th Street Locations: - At William Penn
- A t Rudy's Auto Svc
- At K-Mart Area
- A t Forrest Street
Fairview Avenue: - A t 22nd Street
- At 17th Street
Stop siign ignored by drivers 3 Can't see stop sign 1
Total Comments 4
Specifics not given 3 Poor visibility (parked cars) 1
Total Comments 4
Poor visibility
Four-way stop signs needed
Difficult t o turn onto Northampton Street
Specifics not given
Need left turn sianal
3 2 a
7 2
Total Comments
Needs turning signal arrow
Specifics not given
Specifics not given
Flashing light obstructs f low
Poor visibility (parked cars)
9
2 2 1
5 3
E. TRANSPORATION WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990 4a. Street Name, Location and TvDe of Traffic Intersection Problem:
Street Traffic Problem No. of Name/lntersection Reported
Comments
Fairview Avenue: - A t 21st Street: Poor visibility
Specifics not given
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Lehiah Street: - A t 16th Street
- A t 22nd Street
- Near Linden Street
Washinqton Street: - A t 15th Street
- A t 16h Street
- A t 17th Street
- A t 21st Street
- A t 22nd Street
SDring Garden Street - A t 16th Street
- A t 15th Street
Other Noted Intersections:
15th St/Liberty St
19th St/Hay Terrace
23rd St/Birch St
Total Comments 2
Needs two-way stop signs 2 4-way stop sign 1
Total Comments 3
Specifics not given
Specifics not given
Specifics not given
Specifics not given
Specifics not given
4-way stop sign Specifics not given
Barrier obstructs view
Poor visibility of stop sign
Specifics not given
Specifics not given
3 1
2 1
1 1
Stop sign disregarded 1
E. TRANSPORATION WILSON EIOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990 4b. Street Name, Location arid TvDe of Street Liaht Problem:
Street Namehtersection Street Light Problem No. of
Reported Comments
NorthamDton Street: - At 18th Street
- At 17th Street - No Specific Location given
Butler Street: - At 24th Street - No Specific Location given - At 25th Street - At 17th Street - At 15th Street
Freemansburcr Avenue: - At 23rd Street
- At 25th Street - No Specific Location given
Ferrv Street: - At 17th Street - At 2200 Block
Fairview Avenue: - At 17th Street - Near Hospital
Specifics not given 18 Light needed 2
Stop light should be removed Move light to 17th Street Total Comments 22
1 1
Specifics not given
Specifics not given
Needs left turn signal arrow Specifics not given Needs street lights
4
3
10 4
1 1 1
Specifics not given 1
Liaht is too lona east/west 1
Total Comments 2
Specifics not given
Move signal to Northampton/l7th Needs lighting
On 2200 Block Specifics not given
2 1
2 2
1
1
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E. TRANSPORATION WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990 4b. Street Name, Location and TvDe of Street Liaht Problem:
Street Name/lntersection Street Light Problem No. of
Reported Comments
Liberty Avenue: - At 15th Street - At 1500 Block
Lehiclh Street: - At 17th Street - A t 18th Street
HosDital Area: - At 22nd Street - No Specific Location given
Other Areas and Intersections: - At 16th Street - A t 17th St./Church St. - A t North 18th Street - A t South 19th Street - A t 24th StJBirch Street - At 25th StJWood Street - At 25th St. Shopping Area - At Spring Garden Street - Alley by Dixie Tavern - Borough side streets - All residential areas - No specific location given
Needs more lighting Needs lighting
Specifics not given Specifics not given
Specifics not given
Specifics not given Light needed Stop light More lighting needed Specifics not given Specifics not given Specifics not given 1500 Block Street light Specifics not given Specifics not given Trim tree branches
1
1
1 1
1
1
1 1
1 1 1
1
1
1
1
1 1 1
Update lighting 1
E. TRANSPORATION WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990 4c. Street Name, Location arid TvDe of Street Sian Problems:
I No. of Sign Type or Problem Location Reported
' Comments
SDeed Limit Sians Needed: All Borough alleys 1
Fairview Avenue 1 Beech Street (1900 Block) 1 20th Street (400 Block) 1
Freemansburg Avenue (Between 20th & 24th Sts.) 1
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Street Name Sians Needed:
Children Plavina Sian Needed:
One-Wav Sians Needed:
Enforcement of Stor, Sian:
Sians Blocked Bv Trees:
Dead End Siqn Needed:
Stor, Sian Needed:
South 19th Street Various unspecified locations Alleys
Lehigh Street (1 500 Block) Lehigh Street (18th to 20th Sts.) Beech Street (1 900 Block)
North 17th Street A t 18th Street/Washington Blvd.
1 2 2
2 1
1
1
1
A t 23rd Str--t/Birch Street 2 At 18th Street/Fairview Avenue 1 A t 20th Street/Ferry Street 1
Boroug h-wide 1
From Rt. 22 to Fairview Avenue 9
From Rt. 22 at Forrest Street 1
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E. TRANSPORATION WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
JUNE TO AUGUST. 1990
Neighborhood Survey Areas Total Entire
CT 172 CT 172 CT- 1 72 Borough
No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a)
5. Number of Household Members Usina a Bicvcle For Recreation or TransDortation
Households With:
- 1 Bicyclist 20 12.1 19 11.6 13 17.8 7 8.9 59 12.2
- 2 Bicyclist 22 13.2 17 10.4 9 12.3 7 8.9 55 11.4
- 3 Bicylist 3 1.8 8 4.9 2 2.7 6 7.6 19 4.0 - 4 Bicylist 2 1.2 7 4.3 1 1.4 1 1.3 I 1 2.3
- 5 Bicylist 1 0.6 2 1.2 3 0.6
Total No. 48 28.9 53 32.3 25 34.3 21 26.6 147 30.5 House holds
- - - -
Total No. 86 115 41 43 285 Persons
Footnote:
(a) Percentages based upon the total number of completed questionnaires returned.
Fa, EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990 Neighborhood Survey Areas Total Entire
Borough Employment CT 17;! CT 172 CT 172 CT- 1 72 Characteristics BG- 1 BG-2 BG-3 BG -4
No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a) No. %(a)
1. Emlovment Status of Head of Household -Employed 103 62.8 103 61.3 39 54.2 55 73.3 300 62.6 -Unemployed 3 1.8 4 2.4 7 1.5
-Retired 58 35.4 61 36.3 33 45.8 20 26.7 172 35.9 ~~
Total Responding 164 900.0 168 100.0 72 100.0 75 100.0 479 100.0 (b)
2. EmDlovment Location of Head of Household:
-Wilson Borough 22 19.5 22 19.1 14 32.6 11 18.6 69 20.9
-Other Northampton 44 38.9 47 40.9 14 32.6 25 42.4 130 39.4 County
-Lehigh County 17 15.0 13 11.3 2 4.7 3 5.1 35 10.6
-New Jersey/ New York
24 2.1.2 30 26.1 10 23.3 19 32.2 83 25.2
-Philadelphia 3 2.7 2 4.7 5 1.5
-Poconos 2 1.7 2 0.6
-Other 3 2.7 1 0.9 1 2.3 1 1.7 6 1.8
Total Responses(b1 113 160.0 115 100.0 43 100.0 59 100.0 330 100.0
3. Maior Source of Income
-Job/Self Employed 98 58.7 102 59.0 38 50.0 54 74.0 292 59.7 -Social Security/ 62 37.1 64 37.0 33 43.4 19 26.0 178 36.4 Pension
-Other 7 4.2 7 4.0 5 6.6 19 3.9
Total Responses 167 100.0 173 100.0 76 100.0 73 100.0 489 100.0
4. More Than One EmDloved Household Adult?
-Yes . 62 46.6 61 42.4 33 53.2 30 43.5 186 45.6 -NO 71 !53.4 83 57.6 29 46.8 39 56.5 222 54.4
Total Responding 133 100.0 144 100.0 62 100.0 69 100.0 408 100.0
5. EmDlovment Omortunities Needed for Borouah Residents? -Yes 87 '79.8 80 72.1 37 78.7 40 67.8 244 74.9
-NO 22 20.2 31 27.9 10 21.3 19 32.2 82 25.1
Total Responses 109 100.0 111 100.0 47 100.0 59 100.0 326 100.0
6. Location of More Industrial Employment
-In Borough 29 :23.4 28 20.1 17 31.5 9 13.6 83 21.7
-In Adjoining Areas 95 '76.6 111 79.9 37 68.5 57 86.4 300 78.3
66 100.0 383 100.0 Total Responses 124. 100.0 139 100.0 54 100.0 Footnote: (a) Percentages based upon the number of respondents answering the specific survey question. (b) Some respondents reported households with more than one employed person.
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G. GENERAL COMMENTS ON NEEDED IMPROVEMENTS WILSON BOROUGH COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE
JUNE TO AUGUST, 1990
FACILITY, SERVICE OR BOROUGH CONDITION IN No. of Percentage NEED OF IMPROVEMENT Comments of Total (a)
Vehicle parking
Police protection
Street cleaning
Recreation facilities and programs
Community facilities and youth programs
Street pavement condition
Sidewalk repairs
Traffic f low
General property maintenance
Street trees and shrub maintenance
Recycling program
Snow removal
Street lighting improvements
Enforcement of traffic regulations
Housing conditions
Multi-family housing conversions
Zoning enforcement
Emergency response
Public transportation
School pedestrian crossings
School system
Storm drainage
Other (b)
TOTAL
37 31
27
27
26
18
17
16 14
13
12
11
9
6
6
5
5 5
5
5
4
4
15
319
16.4 13.7
12.0
12.0
11.5
8.0
7.5
7.1
6.2
5.8
5.3
4.9
4.0 2.7
2.7
2.2
2.2 2.2
2.2
2.2
1 .% 1.8
Footnotes:
(a) Percentages based upon the total number (226) of respondents answering this question. (b) "Other" reported improvement needs include:
2 - Elderly housing 2 - Animal control 1 - Affordable housing 1 - Noise pollution
2 - Refuse collection 2 - Condition of public areas
2 - Air pollution 2 - Water system 1 - Library
APPENDIX B
LAND USE AND PHYSIOGRAPHY
I I
APPENDIX B
LAND USE AND PHYSIOGRAPHY
LAND USE TRENDS
Existing land use patterns and physical conditions of the community were carefully examined through field surveys and examination of existing data. A block-by-block analysis was undertaken and compared with the land use analysis previously completed in 1958 for the 1959 Comprehensive Plan.
The Borough's first phase of development occurred from 1912 to 1929. Development then slowed because of the Great Depression and World War Two. In the last four decades, most of the vacant land in the Borough has been built upon and can now be considered as fully developed. Only a small portion of land located in Avona Heights remains vacant.
In the surrounding communities to the west and north, relatively rapid urban growth is taking place. In Bethlehem Township to the west and in Forks and Palmer Townships to the north, urban growth will continue. U.S. 22 skirts the northern edge of the Borough and isolates its northern most part.
Wilson Borough's boundaries encompass 1.1 3 square miles. These boundaries contain a population density of 6,929 persons per square mile - one of the highest municipal population densities in the region.
A number of land uses which have a regional function are located within the Borough limits, including commercial, educational and medical uses. Also, with a regional impact is the new Antonian Housing Development designed for elderly citizens and the Children's Home of Easton, a private institution for children.
External Land Use Influences - External land use influences, which are often beyond the control of the Borough administration, are important to examine in order to develop and adjust the Borough's future planning strategies. A number of influences can be directly related to regional transportation improvements and to State of Pennsylvania and Borough taxation:
a. The extension of Interstate 78 and the future extension of Pa. Route 33, which will t ie three expressways together, will impact both positively and negatively upon Wilson Borough.
On the positive side, they will improve regional circulation and should decrease some of the congestion on the overall highway network and local streets. This improved circulation will make it easier for Borough residents to travel to employment and business centers which are located close to the network.
b.
C.
d.
e.
On the negative side, heavily travelled thoroughfares such as Twenty-Fifth Street may become even more congested as additional vehicles utilize the local interchanges.
This improved regional access will also make it more attractive for migrants from New York and New Jersey to move to Wilson and the surrounding area.
Pennsylvania has some of the lowest tax rates of any of the surrounding states. This coupled with the improved transportation system may continue to spur increased migration from adjacent states.
There are both State and National trends for a smaller family size and for an increased number of single parent households. Overall, households are increasing and the population per household is decreasing.
The increasing number of automobiles registered per family is also a State and Nation-wide trend and is anticipated to continue in the future. Associated parking and traffic congestion problems will likely continue.
Elderly citizens are living longer and tend to remain in their own homes. This is a local and national trend which prevents a more rapid turnover of homes that could be occupied by growing families.
PATTERN OF BOROUGH DEVELOPMENT
The Freemansburg, Fairview, and Spring Garden neighborhoods are the oldest and most intensively developed areas of Wilson Borough. These neighborhoods were the location of high growth from 1912 to 1929. This period of growth set the pattern of land use in these neighborhoods that exists today and established the Borough's overall character. This character is typified by attractive one, two, and multi-family homes on smiall lots tightly clustered together. During much of this period of high growth, the principle mode of passenger transportation for inter- urban travel was the trolley cars of the Northampton Transit Company. Connecting services to Easton, Bethlehem, Allentown, Bangor, and Stroudsburg provided access to employment, shopping and recreation for new families.
On the eastern edge of these neighborhoods, near Wilson's boundary with the City of Easton, a number of commercial uses, primarily convenience commercial uses have developed. Commercial uses are also scattered throughout the old neighborhoods.
Industrial land uses have located along the former Eastern and Northern Division of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. The railroad enters the Borough in its northeastern corner, crosses the Borough, then swings south exiting the Borough a t Twenty- Fifth Street near Butler Street. In Palmer Township, the railroad swings
I
southwesterly in a wide arc and re-enters the Borough near Hillside Avenue. The railroad crosses the Borough in a northeasterly direction and exits near the Borough's eastern boundary near Avona Avenue. On this portion of right-of-way, track and ballast have been removed and it is earmarked to be abandoned and sold. In the early days of the Borough's development, raw materials and finished goods and products were often transported by railroad. Industrial and heavy commercial development along railroads was commonplace.
The Avona Heights neighborhood is the location of the most recent development in the Borough. Residential, educational and institutional land uses are major factors establishing the pattern of land use in the Avona Heights neighborhood. Because development has occurred in more recent times, the residential lots are larger than those in the older neighborhoods and additional space for automobile parking and storage is provided. The location of these neighborhoods within the Borough is shown on Map 3.
SUMMARY OF MAJOR LAND USES
The overall land use of Wilson Borough's 726 acres (1.1 3 square miles) has undergone modest changes in the last three decades. The conversion of agricultural and vacant lands to developed land uses has accounted for most of the change.
In 1958, 74 percent of the Borough was developed with residential, transportation, public, industrial and commercial land uses. In 1991 the developed area of the Borough increased to 86 percent of the Borough's total land (Table 1 1.
Undevelopable lands limited by steep slopes, floodplains or water areas now occupy about two-thirds of the remaining lands (63 acres). This leaves about 33 acres of vacant land area that is developable. In effect, the Borough can now be considered as fully developed.
1991 Residential uses (206.4 acres) occupy a third (33 percent) of the developed lands, nearly the same percentage as in 1958 (34.1 percent). The Borough's residential uses include single family, two family, apartments, and group quarters.
Also similar to 1958 proportions, 1991 transportation uses continued to occupy just less than one third of the developed land (1 81.2 acres), while public/semi- public land uses retained an approximate 15% share of total land development. Important to keep in mind is that, although these land uses have nearly maintained their proportionate share of overall development, significant increases in actual acreage have occurred in these land use categories during the period.
Commercial land uses have generated the greatest development increases in the last three decades:
a. The proportion of commercial land uses increased from 7.9 percent of developed land (42.3 acres) in 1958 to 13.4 percent (83.9 acres) in 1991.
b. The majority of this change occurred through conversion of agricultural lands to shopping and transportation interchange related uses in the western area of the Borough near the U.S. 22/ 25th Street Interchange.
The remaining developed acreage are in industrial land use and have only experienced modest change. The proportion of the Borough's developed land in industrial use decreased slightly from 10.9 percent (58.7 acres) to 8.9 percent (55.5 acres) for the period.
TABLE 1 SUMMARY OF MAJOR LAND USES
WILSON BOROUGH DECEMBER, 1958 - FEBRUARY, 1991
Number of Acres Percent of Total Percent of Total
1958 1991 1958 1991 1958 1991
LAND USE Developed Acreage Acreage
DEVELOPED LAND
Residential 183.3 206.4 34.1 33.0 25.3 28.4 Commercial 4.2.3 83.9 7.9 13.4 5.8 11.6 Industrial 58.7(a) 55.5 10.9 8.9 8.1 7.6 Public/Semi-Public 8'1 .O(a) 98.6 15.1 15.8 1 1 .I 13.6 Transportation 172.6 181.2 32.1 29.0 23.8 25.0
Developed Total 537.9 625.7 100.0 100.0 74.1 86.2
UNDEVELOPED LAND
Vacant Waterwavs
184.9 96. I -- -- 25.5 13.2 3.2 4.2(b) -- -- 0.4 0.6
Undeveloped Total 188.1 100.3 -- -- 25.9 13.8
100.0 GRAND TOTAL 726.0 726.0 -_ _ _ 100.0
Footnotes:
(a) 8.1 2 acres of land reported to be used for parking in 1958 has been incorporated into Public/Semi Public and Industrial land use categories for c o m pa rat iv e p u r p o .s es .
(b) Figure includes mapping area adjustment to correct 1958 computation error.
Source: Field Survey conducted by Michael Cabot Associates, February, 1991 and Wilson E3orough Master Plan field survey conducted by Candeub and Associai[es, December, 1958. See Appendix Table A for more de t a i I ed breakdown .
. . ., . . . . . _ . .
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m
LAND USE PLANNING DISTRICTS
There were four land use planning districts or neighborhoods established in the 1958 Master Plan. They are logical neighborhoods that should continue to be used in the on-going planning of the Borough. The four districts shown on Map 3, include:
1. Avona Heights
2. Freemansburg
3. Fa i rvi ew
4. Spring Garden
Changes in land use within each neighborhood since 1958, shown in Table 2, vary based on availability of vacant land, economic factors and developed property.
TABLE 2 TOTAL AND DEVELOPED ACREAGE BY PLANNING DISTRICTS
WILSON BOROUGH DECEMBER, 1958 - FEBRUARY, 1991
Neighborhood Acreage
Total Developed Percent Developed Planning Districts
1958 1991 1958 1991
Avona Heights 150.8 92.8 126.9 61.5 84.1 5
Freemansburg 146.9 143.1 144.5 97.5 98.31
Fairview 220.2 186.7 218.7 84.6 99.32
Spring Garden 208.1 115.4 135.5 55.4 65.1 1
TOTAL BOROUGH 726.0 538.0 625.6 74.0 86.2
Source: Land use survey, and Neighborhood Analysis Report No. 1 prepared by I. Candeub and Associates, 1959; and 1991 Survey and Analysis by Michael Cabot Associates.
ANALYSIS OF PRINCIPAL LAND USES
To further understand the nature of the changes and stabilities of land use in the Borough, an examination of the characteristics of the principal land uses in the four Borough neighborhoods was completed. They are outlined in the following paragraphs and are compared to the Borough’s development in 1958 in Table 3.
TABLE 3 TOTAL LAND USE IN ACRES BY PLANNING DISTRICTS
WILSON BOROUGH, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA. DECEMBER, 1958 - FEBRUARY, 1991
PLANNING DISTRICT
LAND USE Avona Heights Freemansburg Fairview Spring Garden Borough Total
1958 1991 1958 1991 1958 1991 1958 1991 1958 1991
DEVELOPED LAND
Residential 24.2 42.1 72.4 72.7 59.1 60.9 27.6 30.8 183.3 206.5 Commercial 0.4 3.3 15.9 14.0 16.4 45.6 9.7 21.0 42.3 83.9 Industrial 2.9 2.5 11.6 12.2 26.6 21.8 18.9 19.1 60.0 55.5 Public/Semi Public 42.0 49.3 1.7 2.5 20.1 29.3 16.0 17.6 79.8 98.7 Transportation 23.4 29.7 41.7 43.2 64.5 61.2 43.2 47.1 172.8 181.2
SubTotal 92.9 126.9 143.3 144.5 186.7 218.8 115.4 135.6 538.3 625.8
UNDEVELOPED LAND
Vacant Land 55.4 21.4 3.8 2.4 33.5 1.5 92.2 70.9 184.9 96.2 Water Bodies 2.6 2.52 -- -- -- -- 0.5 1.7 3.2 4.2
GRANDTOTAL 150.8 147.0 220.2 208.1 726.0
Note: Figures differ slightlly from Table 1 and Appendix Table A because of rounding.
Source: Appendix Table A - Land Use Quantities, Michael Cabot Associates, 1991.
Residential Land Use - Residential uses have increased in number since 1958 and now occupy 206 acres or 33 percent of the Borough’s developed land. This residential acreage is comlprised of 98 acres of single family homes, 79 acres of two-family homes and 40 acres occupied by apartments and group homes.
The neighborhoods with the largest number of residential land uses are Freemansburg (73 acres) and Fairview (61 acres). Avona Heights now has 42 acres of residential land use, almost twice the acreages reported in 1958 (24 acres). Spring Garden neighborhood has the smallest land area devoted to residential uses (31 acres).
Commercial Land Use - Light and heavy commercial land uses have more than doubled in the last thirty-two years. In 1958, commercial uses occupied 42 acres (7.9 percent of developed land) and by 1991 increased to about 8 4 acres (1 3.4 percent of developed land).
The largest acreage increase occurred in the Fairview neighborhood section near the U.S. 22 and 25th Street interchange, jumping from 4.2 acres in 1958 to 31.7
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acres in 1991. Light commercial uses consisting of retail shopping stores and highway oriented businesses comprised most of this increase. The food fair stores, K-Mart and Weis Markets and strip mall development typify these new land uses.
Heavy commercial uses have increased from 20 acres in 1958, to 33 acres in 1 990. Auto sales, freight offices, gas stations, heavy equipment and material storage are the most common types of heavy commercial uses in the Borough. They are located, for the most part, in the Fairview and Spring Garden neighborhood sections.
Industrial Land Use - Land developed with various manufacturing and processing plants comprise the Borough's primary industrial uses. Only two establishments (Victor Balata and Harcro Impigments) have been identified as heavy industrial uses and account for 29% (16 acres) of the land in this category. The remaining industrial operations are engaged in a less intensive type of manufacturing activity.
It is important to note that, although the overall acreage in industrial use has not changed since 1958, actual industrial activity is declining in the Borough, exemplified by the recent loss of the Dixie Cup Company.
Public and Semi-Public Land Uses - Areas occupied by schools, municipal parks, hospitals, churches, utilities, municipal buildings and other institutions comprise the land uses in this category. Land occupied by such uses increased from 79.8 acres in 1958 to 98.7 acres in 1991. This increase is accounted for mostly in the Avona Heights and Fairview neighborhoods due to the expansion of governmental and educational facilities in these areas.
Transportation - Borough-wide, the overall amount of land devoted to transportation uses has changed little since 1958. The small increase in acreage can be accounted for primarily by additional streets and alleys opened in the Avona Heights, Spring Garden, and Freemansburg neighborhoods:
- Avona Heights 22 acres (1 6 in 1958)
- Freemansburg 39 acres (37 in 1958) - ' Spring Garden 35 acres (32 in 1958)
Since 1958, a slight decrease in street acreage occurred in the Fairview neighborhood, while railroad right-of-way in the Borough has remained nearly the same for the period.
Vacant Land - The 96 acres of remaining vacant land can be categorized as buildable and non-buildable. Non-buildable land is steeply sloped or subject to surface water limitations. Approximately 65 acres fall in this category, with most located in the northern part of the Borough. Almost all the vacant land with development potential can be found in the Avona Heights section.
Vacant land which is buildable, about 31 acres, consists of parcels scattered throughout the Borough. In a practical sense, it can be stated that the Borough is
fully developed, except for Avona Heights which has 21 acres of vacant land, of which about 75% is undeir the control of the School Board.
Conclusions - Major land use problems, identified in the 1959 Master Plan will continue to require a reasoned, but strict application of standards and regulations as land changes and buildings are remodeled or reused.
The major land use problems identified include:
- "Presence of Mixed Land Uses", due to the lack of suitable zoning controls within the neighborhoods. This has resulted in the intermixture of commercial with residential uses. Smaller sized industrial uses are also dispersed among existing residential properties;
It should be noted t:hat the development of lands which were vacant in 1958, have met contemporary planning and building standards; and
- "Excessive Lot Coverage", small lots have been developed with a high percentage of the lot covered by buildings. This often results in inadequate light, air and open space, and inadequate parking
Problems identified in the 1990 land use survey are summarized by neighborhood as follows:
SDring Garden Neiahborhood - The Land Use Plan of 1959 proposed that land in the vicinity of North Twenty-First Street and Liberty Street be encouraged to develop or redevelop with light industrial uses. Since 1959, some of the land in this area has developed according to the Land Use Plan. But, some of the land has been developed, or redevleloped with multi family residential and commercial uses. The zoning district map and the future land use plan need to be reviewed closely when zoning changes or permits are authorized.
In the northernmost part of the neighborhood, north of Route 22, there is wooded vacant land zoned for industrial use. Much of this land is steeply sloped, and for the most part unbuildable. A different zoning district classification should be considered for this property.
Two family and multi family uses in the Spring Garden neighborhood suffer from a lack of adequate off-street parking. The residential units with the greatest parking needs are located along Spring Garden, Wright, Seventeenth, Eighteenth and Nineteenth Streets.
Fairview Neiqhborhood - Mixed commercial and residential uses increased since the 1959 Land Use Plan survey. In the other neighborhoods with a substantial number of mixed uses (Freemansburg and Spring Garden), there was a decrease in these uses. Reduction in the number of mixed commercial and residential uses is a long term planning goal.
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There are a number of low and moderate income homeowners. Careful budgeting is required to maintain these homes. Outside financial assistance will be needed.
A shortage of off-street parking for residential, hospital and commercial uses is severe in the Fairview neighborhood.
In future years, the hospital and/or medical land uses, which have a regional influence, will need to expand. This expansion will impact commercially and residentially developed property nearby.
Construction of the new High School Complex will require cooperation from the Borough on changes or use of Twenty-Second Street right-of-way between Washington Boulevard and Butler Street.
A decline in industrial activity may lead to abandonment of facilities such as the old Dixie Cup plant and the Maier’s Bakery. Reuse of this land may be necessary.
Freemansburg Neiahborhood - A lack of off-street parking for commercial and residential uses is a critical problem in the Freemansburg neighborhood because it has the largest number of acres in residential land use.
Low and moderate income families will also need assistance to maintain their home a t the same neighborhood standards as residents of the Fairview and Spring Garden neighborhoods.
The Victor Batata and Textile Belting Company has recently changed ownership. Loss of industrial operations at this site would create both economic and land use problems.
Avona Heiahts - Because it is the most recently developed neighborhood, it has fewer problems. The Avona Heights neighborhood contains the majority of the few remaining vacant acres in the Borough. Good planning and code enforcement is necessary to assure that they are properly developed. The Avona Elementary School serves the neighborhood from its site at Twenty-Third and Front Streets.
Some of the streets need to be properly rebuilt for drainage, subgrade, base and surface.
Two regional land uses are located in the Avona Heights neighborhood. The Easton children’s home which provides a home for disturbed children is located on a 34 acre site in the southern most part of the neighborhood. The other regional facility is the Phillip F. Laurer Middle School, a part of the Wilson Area School Districts facilities.
Focusing on these issues is a challenge for Borough planning and administration in future years. The development of standards to reuse and preserve the residential neighborhoods and non-residential uses, and their enforcement is discussed in the future land use plan part of this Land Use Plan report.
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APPENDIX C
POPULATION AND HOUSING ANALYSIS
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
APPENDIX C
POPULATION AND HOUSING ANALYSIS
POPULATION DATA ANALYSIS
Significant changes are occurring in Wilson Borough regarding the size of the population and its characteristics. As an important part of the planning process, an analysis of this information follows, presenting tabulated data with accompanying narrative describing the present demographic changes that are occurring in the Borough relative to the trends in the surrounding areas.
GENERAL AREA POPULATION TRENDS
1940 to 1990 Census figures indicate varying population trends for Wilson Borough, the surrounding municipalities and the County itself. During the past 50 year period, the population of Wilson Borough peaked at 8,465 people in 1960 and has since been slowly declining until this past decennial period when a gain of 266 persons was recorded. (See Tables I and 1 1 ) .
All of the Borough’s municipal neighbors have also undergone a growth in population since 1980, as well as the County as a whole. Palmer Township, in particular, has experienced large percentage increases, from 1940 to 1970, and still registered an increase of over 1,000 persons per decade since 1970. 1990 Census data indicates a significant gain in total population for the County, with Wilson Borough and all its neighboring municipalities recovering some of the losses experienced during the 1970’s.
From 1940 to 1990, most of the County’s population increase can be accounted for in the outlying Township areas while the older urbanized areas have undergone significant population decreases.
WILSON BOROUGH POPULATION TRENDS
Despite the fact that the Borough has experienced an overall decline in population from 1970 to 1980 of 842 persons, the number of households in Wilson Borough dropped by only 17 for the same period. This shrinking household size in fact, can account for nearly 93% of the Borough’s population loss during the 70’s. The dramatic decline has smoothed out during the past decade to 2.42 persons per household, but is still a significant drop from 3.01 persons per household in 1960 (See Table 1 1 1 ) .
Por>ulation Comr>osition - As the total number of reported residents increased for the 1980-90 period, the age composition of the Borough shifted considerably (See Table IV). For this decennial period, the proportionate number of 0 to 18 year olds increased by 3.5% as compared to a decrease of 8.7% in the County, while the proportionate number of elderly decreased by 8.2% in the Borough, a proportionate
total of persons age 65 and over in the County increased by 20%. Even though the change rates in age composition are more dramatic in some of the surrounding municipalities, the Borough continues to have a comparatively high proportion of elderly but an increasing number of youth than most of the municipalities in it's vicinity. These recent shifts in age groups have begun to bring the Borough into a closer age profile of the overall County.
Natural PoDulation Chanae And Micaration - Changes in population are a result of natural increase (the number by which actual births exceeds deaths in a given area) and also of the movement or migration of persons into or out of an area.
Data for resident births and deaths for Wilson Borough and Northampton County have been assembled on an annual basis for a period April, 1970 through April, 1990 (See Tables V, VI arid VII).
For this 20-year period a natural decrease of 152 people has occurred in the Borough while the County experienced a natural increase in population by 12,372. The natural decrease in the Borough's population is indicative of the smaller and shrinking proportion of native young adults combined with the growing elderly segment.
Based upon the natural changes described above and the actual population existing in the Borough and County, it is possible to make an estimate of the migration activity for each area. These estimates are set forth in detail in the accompanying table, but a summary of tlhe natural population change factors for the Borough is presented below:
'WILSON BOROUGH 1970 -1990
MIGRATION FACTOR NO. OF PERSONS
1970 Population (adjusted)
- Natural Change, 1970-80
- Net Emigration
1980 Population
- Natural Change, 1980-90
- Net Immigration
1990 Population
8,406
- 128
-71 4
7,564
+ 24
+ 242
7,830
As indicated on Table VII, until only recently, the birth rate in the Borough has remained markedly lower than the County, while the Borough's death rate has grown higher than the County rate since 1970.
These factors combined with a Borough immigration rate of 31.99 person per thousand, indicate changes are occuring within the Borough, characterized by an aging population, shrinking in size, but being replaced by some immigration.
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TABLE I
POPULATION TRENDS 1940 - 1990 WILSON BOROUGH AND VICINITY
I Year Wilson Glendon West Easton Palmer City of Northampton
1940 8,217 552 1,159 2,567 33,589 168,959
1950 8,159 60 1 1,368 4,086 35,632 185,243
1960 8,465 555 1,228 8,823 31,955 201,412
Borough Borough Borough Township Easton County
I 1970 8,406 637 1,123 12,684 29,450 2 1 4,545
I Source:
1980 7,564 354 1,003 13,926 26,027 225,418
I 1990 7,830 39 1 1,163 14,965 26,276 247,105
U.S. Census Bureau 1960, 1970, 1980 and 1990.
I TABLE II
PERCENTAGE POPULATION CHANGE 1940 - 1990 WILSON BOROUGH AND VICINITY
Decennial Wilson Glendon West Easton Palmer City of Easton Northampton Period Borough Borough Borough Township County
No. % No. YO No. % No. YO No. YO No. YO
I I I 1950-1960 306
1940-1950 ( 58) (0.7) 49 8.9 209 18.0 1,519 59.2 2,043 6.1 16,284 9.6
3.8 (46) (7.7) (140) (10.2) 4,737 115.9 (3,677) (10.3) 16,169 8.7
82 14.8 (105) (8.6) 3,861 43.8 (2,505) (7.8) 13,133 6.5
1970-1980 (842) (10.0) (283) (44.4) (120) (10.7) 1,242 9.9 (3,423) (11.6) 10,873 5.1
I 1980-1990 266 3.5 37 10.5 160 16.0 1,039 7.5 249 1.0 21,687 9.6
1960-1970 ( 59) (0.7)
I Source: U.S. Census Bureau 1960, 1970, 1980 and 1990 figures calculated by Michael Cabot Associates, Inc.
TABLE 111
POPULATION IN HOUSEHOLDS AND GROUP QUARTERS WILSON BOROUGH 1960 - 1990
Population Characteristics 1960 1970 1980 1990
TOTAL POPULATION
% Change from Previous Census
POPULATION IN HOUSEHOLDS
% Change from Previous Census
TOTAL NO. OF HOUSEHOLDS
Persons Per Household
POPULATION IN GROUP QUARTERS
% Change from Previous Census
% of Total Population
8,465 8,406
+ 3.8% - 0.7%
8,286 8,226
- 0.7%
2,750 3,029
3.01 2.72
179 180
+ 0.6%
2.1 % 2.1 %
7,564
- 10.0%
7,398
- 10.1%
3,012
2.46
166
- 7.8%
2.2%
~
7,830
+ 3.5%
7,655
+ 3.5%
3'1 62
2.42
175
+ 5.4%
2.2%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 19160, 1970, 1980 and 1990.
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TABLE IV
WILSON BOROUGH AND VICINITY POPULATION COMPOSITION 1980 - 1990
1980-1990 PLACES AND AGE GROUP 1980 Percent 1990 Percent Proportionate
Change
Total 225,418 100.0 247,105 100.0 Source: U.S. Census Bureau 1980 and 1990; and Michael Cabot Associates,lnc.
TABLE V 'RESIDENT BIRTHS AND DEATHS
WILSON BOROUGH AND NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA. 1970 - 4/1/90
YEAR WILSON BOROUGH NORTHAMPTON COUNTY Births Deaths Births Deaths
Census Period 4/2/70 to 4/1/8Q 4/2/70 To 1 213 1 /70 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1/1/80 To 4/1/80 Census Period 4/2/80 to 4/1/90 4/2/80 To 12/31 180 1981
982 983 984 985 986 987
1988 1989 1 /1/90 To 411 /90 (a)
(a) 71 111 82 73 62 71 70 82 87 88
(a) 20
(a) 60 88
76 104 103 102 102
91 80 85 79
105 18
67 87
77 85 90 84 73 87
106 85 68 75 66 78 99 83
104 86 30 20
(a) 2,304 2,906 2,608 2,548 2,582 2,600 2,567 2,613 2,549 2,720
(a) 697
(a) 2,090 2,831 2,764 2,737 2,662 2,788 2,718 2,940 3,173 3,228
853
1,591 2,184 2,185 2,243 2,270 2,032 2,128 2,141 2,122 2,138
599
1,500 2,014 2,076 2,124 2,129 2,149 2,229 2,243 2,336 2,122
551
Total for 1 0-Year Census Period: 81 7 945 26,694 21,633 4/2/70 - 4/1/80 - Natural Increase (Decrease)
4/2/70 - 4/1/80 (1 28) 5,061
Total for 1 0-Year Census Period: 861 837 28,784 21,473 4/2/80 - 4/1/90
- Natural Increase (Decrease) 24 7,311 4/2/80 - 4/1/90
Footnote: (a) Estimate by Michael Cabot Associates Source: Pa. State Health Data Center
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TABLE VI PO PU LATl ON I M M IG RATION (EM IG RATIO N 1
WILSON BOROUGH AND NORTHAMPTON COUNTY 1 9 7 0 T O 1 9 8 0 A N D 1 9 8 0 T O 1 9 9 0
MIGRATION FACTOR WILSON NORTHAMPTON BOROUGH COUNTY
CENSUS PERIOD 4/2/70 TO 4/1/80
Actual 1970 Population
Natural Change (a)
Potential 1980 Population
Actual 1980 Population
Net Immigration (Emigration) (b)
8,406 21 4,545
- 128 5,061
8,278 21 9,606
7,564 225,418
(714) 5,812
CENSUS PERIOD 4/2/80 TO 4/1/90
Actual 1980 Population 7,564 225,418
Natural Change (a) 24 7,311
Potential 1990 Population 7,588 232,729
Actual 1990 Population 7,830 247,105
Net Immigration (Emigration) (b) 242 14,376
Footnotes:
(a) Births minus deaths, for the period.
(b) Actual population minus potential population, for the period.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1970, 1980 and 1990; PA. State Health Data Center.
TABLE VI1 BIRTIHS, DEATHS, NATURAL CHANGE
AND I nfl M I G RAT1 0 N (EM I G RAT1 0 N 1 RATES WILSON BOROUGH AND NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA.
1970, 1980 AND 1990
MIGRATION FACTOR WILSON NORTHAMPTON BOROUGH COUNTY
POPULATION
1970 1980 1990
NO. OF BIRTHS
1970 1980 1990
NO. OF DEATHS
1970 1980 1990
8,406 7,564 7,830
95 80
104
99 85 86
21 4,545 225,418 247,105
3,072 2,787 3,228
2,147 2,099 2,122
BIRTHS/lOOO PERSONS
11.30 14.32 1970 1980 10.58 12.36
13.28 13.06 1990
DEATHS/lOOO PERSONS
1980 11.24 9.31 1990 10.98 8.58 NATURAL CHANGE/lOOO PERSONS
1970 -0.48 4.31 1980 -0.66 3.05 1990 2.30 4.48 IMMIGRATION (EMIGRATION) 1970-1 980
1970 11 -78 10.01
Persons (71 4) 5/81 2 Rate/lOOO Persons in 1970 (84.9) 27.09 IMMIGRATION (EMIGRATION~I 1980-1 990
Persons 242 14,376 31.99 63.78 Rate/lOOO Persons in 1980
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1970, 1980 and 1990; Pa. State Health Data Center.
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I 1
TABLE Vlll
BOROUGH OF WILSON 1980-1990 MINORITY POPULATION CHANGE
All Persons 7,564 100.0 7,830 100.0 I White (a) 7,395 97.8 7,385 94.3
I
Total Minority 169 2.2 445 5.7
- Hispanic 63 0.8 152 1.9 I - Black (a) 42 0.6 193 12.5
- Other Races (a) 64 0.8 100 1.3
Footnote: (a) Not of Hispanic Origin 1
TABLE IX
1980-1990 MINORITY POPULATION CHANGE COUNTY OF NORTHAMPTON
1980 1990
Population Group No. of Persons % of Total No. of Persons YO of Total
I I Ail Persons 225,418 100.0 247,105 100.0
White (a) 21 2,821 94.4 227,521 92.1 I Total Minority 12,597 5.6 19,584 7.9 - Black (a) 3,875 1.7 4,968 2.0 - Hispanic 7,059 3.1 11,591 4.7 - Other Races (a) 1,663 0.7 3,025 1.2
I Footnote:
I (a) Not of Hispanic Origin
Source: 1980 and 1990 U.S. Census
I I I
TABLE X
BY BLOCK GROUP AREA WILSON BIDROUGH, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA.
POPULATION AND HOUSEHOLD TRENDS 1980 - 1990
BOROUGH TOTAL
Demographic CENSUS TRACT 172 C.T. 1 7 3
Block Grouo 1 Block Grow 2 Block GrouD 3 Block Grow 4 Block Grow 4 ' Characteristics
1980
POPULATION
Total - White (a) - Black (a) - Other (a) - Hispanic (b)
AGE COHORTS
0-1 7 18-44 45-61 62 -+ HOUSEHOLDS
Total - With Children --Single Parent(c) --Head Age 65 -+ --Single Female (c) PersonlHousehold
1990 POPULATION
Total - White (a) - Black (a) - Other (a) - Hispanic (b)
AGE COHORTS
0-1 7 18-44 45-61 62 -k
HOUSEHOLDS
Total - With Children --Single Parent(c1 --Head Age 65+ --Single Fernale(c) PersonIHousehold
No. % NO. % No. % No. % No. % No. %
1,455 1,427
19 9
22
334 504 282 335
599 176 48
179 71
2.40
1,390 1,356
15 19 36
31 7 588 21 5 270
569 176 36
163 64
2.44
100.0 1,935 100.0 1,090 98.1 1,896 98.0 1,081
1.3 17 0.9 -- 0.6 22 1.1 9 1.5 15 0.8 11
23.0 380 19.6 222 34.6 644 33.3 359 19.4 3824 16.7 212 23.0 E87 30.3 297
7'85 466 29.4 207 26.4 118 27.3 34 16.4 36 29.9 285 36.3 165 39.7 130 45.6 76
2.33 2.33
100.0 1.959 100.0 1,088 97.6 1,848 94.3 1,058
1.1 78 4.0 13 1.4 33 1.7 17 2.6 43 2.3 30
22.8 429 21.9 254 42.3 756 38.6 450 15.5 267 13.6 129 19.4 507 25.9 255
131 3 462 30.9 239 29.4 142 20.5 64 26.8 35 28.6 272 33.5 153 39.9 'I49 54.8 75
2.29 2.35
100.0 99.2
0.8 1 .o
_-
20.4 32.9 19.5 27.2
25.3 30.5 35.4 46.1
100.0 97.1
1.2 1.6 2.8
23.3 41.3 11.8 23.4
30.7 24.6 33.1 49.0
1,947 1,920
27 7
--
513 718 325 39 1
750 278 48
224 87
2.59
2,028 1,955
24 49 24
513 869 285 36 1
806 272
59 221
96 2.52
100.0 1,137 98.6 1,113
-_ 13 1.4 11 0.4 8
26.3 288 36.9 408 16.7 252 20.1 189
41 2 37.1 154 17.3 28 29.9 88 38.8 23
2.66
100.0 1,365 96.4 1,287
1.2 72 2.4 6 1.2 19
25.3 348 42.9 574 14.0 209 17.8 234
512 33.7 167 21.7 45 27.4 121 43.4 40
2.52
100.0 7,564 97.9 7,437
1.1 49 1 .o 78 0.7 63
25.3 1,737 35.9 2,633 22.2 1,395 16.6 1,799
3,012 37.4 933 18.2 194 21.4 941 26.1 387
2.46
100.0 7,830 94.3 7,504
5.3 202 0.4 124 1.4 152
25.5 1,861 42.1 3,237 15.3 1',105 17.1 1,627
3,162 32.6 996 26.9 239 23.6 944 33.1 424
2.42
100.0 98.3
0.7 1 .o 0.8
23.0 34.8 18.4 23.8
31 .O 20.8 31.2 41.1
100.0 95.8
2.6 1.6 1.9
23.8 41.3 14.1 20.8
31.5 24.0 29.9 44.9
Footnotes: (a) Includes persons of Hispanic origin (b) May be of any race (c) Percentages represent proportion of figures on previous line
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1980 and 1990.
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TABLE XI
SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS WILSON BOROUGH AND NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA.
1980 AND 1990
CHARACTERISTICS WILSON BOROUGH NORTHAMPTON COUNTY
1980 1990 1980 1990
Total Year Round Housing Units
OCCUPANCY
- % Owner Occupied - YO Renter Occupied - % Vacant
VACANCY STATUS
- "For Sale" Vacancy Rate - "For Rent" Vacancy Rate
PERSONS PER OCCUPIED UNIT
- Persons Per Household - Persons Per Owner Occupied - Presons Per Renter Occupied - % of Occupied Units with
Over One Person Per Room
UNITS IN STRUCTURE % OF HOUSING UNITS IN STRUCTURE WHICH ARE:
- One Unit (a) - Two to Nine Units - Ten+ Units - Mobile Home
FINANCIAL
- Median Value of Owner Occupied Units
- Median Contract Rent for Renter OccuDied Units
3,099
67.1 30.1
2.8
0.7 3.7
2.46 2.69 1.94
1 .o
74.1 20.7
5.2 --
$32,200
$ 198
3,325
60.5 34.6
4.9
1 . I 7.4
2.42 2.58 2.14
1.1
69.3 19.5 10.2 0.2
$84,700
$ 441
83,876
70.0 25.4
4.6
1.4 6.3
2.73 2.90 2.26
1.7
79.8 13.7
3.7 2.9
$43,900
$ 175
95,345
70.2 25.2
4.6
1.4 5.7
2.62 2.73 2.30
1.4
76.2 14.2 4.8 3.6
$1 05,400
$ 381
FOOTNOTES: (a) Includes detached and attached single family structures.
SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, 1980 AND 1990.
TABLE XI1 HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS AND TRENDS 1980 - 1990
BY 5LOCK GROUP AREA WILSON BOROUGH, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA.
Demographic CENSUS TRACT 172 C.T. 173 BOROUGH TOTAL
Block Group 1 Block Group 2 Block Group 3 Block Group 4 Block Group 4 Characteristics
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1980 1990 19130 1990 1980 1990 1980 1990 1980 1990 1980 1990
Total No. of units OCCUPANCY
- Owner Occupied
- Renter Occupied
- Vacant
YO of Total
% of Total
% of Total
VACANCY STATUS
- "For Sale" Rate(%)
- "For Rent" Rate(%)
HOUSBIOU) SUE
-PersonMousehdd -Owner Occupied -Renter Occupied
UNITS IN STRUCTURE
- One Unit YO of Total
- Two+ Units % of Total
- Mobile Home
FINANCIAL
-Median Value (0 wner Occupied 1 (in Thousands)
- Median Rent (Renter Occupied)
61 1
386 63.2 213
34.9 12
1.9
0.5
2.7
2.40 2.68 1.88
437 71.5 174
28.5 _-
$35.8
$183
590
364 61.7 205
34.7 21
3.6
1.1
4.7
2.44 2.59 2.19
409 69.3 177
30.0 -_
$89.1
$396
809
4.50 5!5.5 335
4'1.4 24
:3.0
0.4
4.8
2.33 2.78 1.72
488 60.3 32 1
39.7 _ _
$34.1
$259
883
407 46.1 406
46.0 70 7.9
1 .o
11.4
2.29 2.66 1.91
441 49.9 436 49.4
-_
$85.7
$488
492
297 60.4 169
34.3 26
5.3
1 .o
4.0
2.33 2.45 2.13
341 69.3 151
30.7 -_
$31.7
$188
498
274 55.0 188
37.8 36 7.2
2.1
8.3
2.35 2.48 2.17
32 1 64.5 171
34.3 -_
$83.8
$41 7
769
59 1 76.9 159
20.7 19
2.5
1 .o
1.2
2.59 2.72 2.09
643 83.6 126
16.4 -_
$30.5
$190
829
57 1 68.9 235 28.4
23 2.8
1 .o
3.3
2.52 2.65 2.20
656 79.1 163
19.7 4
$81.5
$408
418
356 85.2
56 13.4
6 1.4
0.6
6.7
2.68 2.73 2.38
387 92.6
31 7.4 _-
$30.6
$184
525 3,099 3,325
395 2,080 2,011 75.2 67.1 60.5 117 932 1,115
22.3 30.1 34.6 13 . 87 163
2.5 2.8 4.9
0.8 0.7 1.1
4.1 3.7 7.4
2.52 2.46 2.42 2.48 2.89 2.58 2.65 1.94 2.14
477 2.296 2,304 90.9 74.1 69.3
43 803 990 8.2 25.9 29.8
5 _ _ 1
$85.2 $32.2 $84.7
$521 $198 $441
Footnote:
(a)
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 'I 980 and 1990.
Includes detached and attached single family structures.
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I I I I 1 I I I I I 1 I I I 1 I I
APPENDIX D
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I
APPENDIX D
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
TABLE I
WILSON BOROUGH AND NORTHAMPTON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT STATUS 1960 - 1990
WILSON BOROUGH NORTH AM PTON
1960 1990 1960 1990
DEMOGRAPHIC COUNTY CHARACTERISTICS
PERSONS 16 YRS. OLD + - YO Male - YO Female
LABOR FORCE: - % Male - % Female
PERCENTAGE OF PERSONS 16 YRS. OLD + IN LABOR FORCE: - % Male - % Female
CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE: - YO Male - % Female
EMPLOYED: - % Male - % Female
UNEMPLOYED: - % Male - % Female PERCENT UNEMPLOYED:
6,472 46.2 53.8
3,616 66.2 33.8
55.9 80.1 35.1
3,616 66.2 33.8
3,497 66.7 33.3
119 49.6 50.4 3.3
6,171 45.9 54.1
3,911 54.1 45.9
63.6 74.3 54.4
3,911 54.1 45.9
3,710 53.5 46.5
201 65.2 34.8
5.1
148,507 49.0 51 .O
83,686 66.3 33.7
56.4 76.2 37.2
83,621 66.3 33.7
80,139 66.1 33.9
3,482 72.3 27.7 4.2
1.9 5 , 7 7 7 48.0 52.0
123,369 55.0 45.0
63.1 72.5 54.5
123,211 55.0 45.0
1 17,962 54.8 45.2
5,249 57.9 42.1
4.3
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1960, 1990.
OBSERVATIONS:
1) Total persons in the labor force and civilian labor foce increased for Wilson by 7.54% between 1960 and 1990, while it increased 32.2% for the County.
2) Wilson male population experienced the brunt of the unemployment. Unemployed males increased from 49.6% in 1960 to 65.2% in 1990. However, for the County, males experienced a decrease of the unemployed from 72.3% in 1960 t o 57.9% in 1990, whereas the male percentage increased from 27.7% in 1960 to 42.1 YO in 1990.
TABLE I I
PERCENTAGE OF EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRIAL SECTOR 1960 - 1980
SECTOR
WILSON NORTHAM PTON BOROUGH COUNTY PENNSY LWANlA
-
1960 1990 1960 1990 1960 1990
MANUFACTURING 48.1 26.4 56.3 27.1 33.3 20.0
NON-MANUFACTURING 51.6 72.5 41.7 71.7 53.0 78.2
ARGRICULTURE, 0.3 1 .o 2.0 1.2 2.9 1.8 FORESTRY & FISHERIES
Source: U.S. Census Bur,eau, 1960, 1990.
OBSERVATIONS:
Wilson's non-manufacturing sector experienced a smaller increase ( + 20.9%) in employment than did the County ( + 30%) and the State ( + 25.2%) between 1960 and 1990.
Wilson experienced a larger decline in manufacturing (-21.7%) than did the State (-1 3.3%).
3) Farm employment has dropped substantially throughout Pennsylvania. Both the County and the State experienced declines (-0.8% and - 1.1 YO, respectively) in farm employment, whereas Wilson farm employment actually increased by 0.7% from +0.3% in 1960 to + 1 .O% in 1990.
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TABLE 111 LABOR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS - 1990
WILSON BOROUGH, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA.
CHARACTERISTICS WILSON NORTHAMP BOROUGH TON
COUNTY
PERSONS 16 AND OVER:
% of Total Population
PERSONS IN LABOR FORCE:
% of Persons 16 and Over
CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE (CLF):
Employed
Unemployed
% CLF Unemployed
CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE BY SEX
% Male
% Female
% OF FAMILIES WITH:
No Workers
1 Worker .
2 Workers
3 or More Workers
6,171
78.8
3,911
63.4
3,91 I
3,710
201
5.1
54.0
46.0
247,105
79.2
123,369
63.0
123,21 I
11 7,962
5,249
4.3
55.0
45.0
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1990
OBSERVATIONS:
No significance, even with PA State Data.
TABLE IV 1990 PLACE OF WORK AND
MEANIS OF TRANSPORTATION TO WORK WILSON BOROUGH AND NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA.
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DEMOGRAPHIC CHA RACTERlSTl CS
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WILSON N 0 RTH A M PTO N BOROUGH COUNTY
NO. % NO. %
TOTAL PERSONS REPORTING PLACE OF WORK (a)
- Worked in County of Residence
- Worked outside County of Resident
- Worked outside State of Residence
- Worked in place of Residence
- Worked in Central City of IVlSA/PSMA
- Worked in remainder of MSA/PSMA
- Worked in MCD of Residerice
TOTAL PERSONS REPORTING MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION (a)
- Private Vehicle
- Walked
- Other
(In State)
7,645
2,432
430
760
500
1,246
1,777
500
3,556
3,253
223
80
100.0
31.8
5.6
9.9
6.6
16.3
23.2
6.6
100.0
91.5
6.3
2.2
260,828
67,186
32,886
15,749
21,008
43,097
57,234
23,668
11 3,178
105,257
5 , 894
2,027
100.0
25.8
12.6
6.0
8.1
16.5
21.9
9.1
100.0
93.0
5.2
1.8 Footnotes : a) Tabulations for employed persons 16 years and older.
"Area of Residence" r'efers to corporate boundary limits of the area appearing in the column heading.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1990.
OBSERVATIONS:
1) Wilson and County workers rely more on the use of private vehicles (91.5%) t o commute to work than for the average for the State (89.9%). However, Wilson workers also walk to work more than the average for both the County and the State. More Wilson workers worked within the County (31.8%) than the average for the County (25.8%). Less Wilson worker:; worked outside the County and in the State (5.6%) than did the average for the County (12.6%), but more Wilson workers commuted out of State (9.9%) than did the average for the County (6.0%).
2)
3)
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TABLE V TOTAL WHOLESALE TRADE
1982 AND 1987 PENNSYLVANIA, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY AND WILSON BOROUGH
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NO. OF
AREA MENTS DEMOGRAPHIC ESTABLISH-
1982 1987
PEN N SY LV AN I A 17,873 19,793
NORTHAMPTON 229 282 COUNTY
- WILSON BOROUGH 7 9
- PALMER TOWNSHIP 16 10
- BALANCE OF 206 263 COUNTY
SALES ($1,000)
1982 1987
78,446,663 104,454,301
589,751 974,634
7,711 12,488
104,865 33,598
477,175 928,548
NO. OF EMPLOYEES
1982 1987
221,346 247,599
2,537 2,998
79 50
201 ’ 119
2,257 2,829
Source: 1982 and 1987 Census of Wholesale Trade, U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census.
TABLE VI SERVICE INDUSTRIES BY STORE GROUP
1977, 1982 AND 1987 NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA.
SALES ($1.000)
% o f 1977 1982 1987 % o f Change
7787
29.4 8,122 11,412 16,701 51.4
11.2 12,192 26.467
NO. OF EMPLOYEES
1977 1982 1987 % o f Change
7787
433 441 573 24.4
635 803 20.9
a) b) C) Except hospitals in 1982.
Includes rooming houses, camps, ltdging places (except membership lodges). Includes electric, jewelry and furniture repair.
Health Services (C)
Legal Services
Educational Services
Social Services
En#-ing. Accounting. Research. Manage- ment
:ootnotes:
Source: 1977, 1982 and 1987 Census of Service Industries, U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census.
306 368
103 109 124 16.9 10,933
3 3
30 35
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