Lancaster County Planning

Congrats to our partner, the Lancaster Conservancy, for preserving more natural land in the Susquehanna Riverlands. Thinking beyond boundaries is a key component of our comp plan. Although this newly preserved land is in neighboring York County, it’s part of the Susquehanna River landscape, which is an important resource for both Lancaster and York Counties. Helping to preserve this area as a whole is mutually beneficial to both our communities. http://dlvr.it/Ryd0sp

The Lancaster County Planning Department currently has two open positions! The positions are for Administrative Secretary I and Senior Planner. Applications are due April 25, 2021 for the Administration Secretary and May 10, 2021 for the Senior Planner. To apply, and for more information, visit the link below, and navigate to "planning commission" in the search feature: https://lcjob1.co.lancaster.pa.us:8046//HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG&

Places2040 encourages us to Connect People, Place, and Opportunity. The Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail (WERT) has proven to be a magnet for people, housing, and businesses, connecting multiple communities in Northeast Lancaster County with a safe, accessible active transportation corridor. We look forward to what the trail will connect next! https://lancasteronline.com//article_4452b16c-9ef6-11eb-a0

Happy Earth Day! Happy Earth Day!

Check out the upcoming webinars this week: https://lancastercountyplanning.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=161

The next MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) meeting will be held Monday, April 26, 2021 at 12:30pm (Online Only Using Lifesize App) at: https://call.lifesizecloud.com/1696302 To access the meeting by phone, call: 312-584-2401... Code: 1696302# [remember to hit # after the number] See more

Places2040 calls for more places to hike, bike, and enjoy nature. That’s why the Greater Lancaster Heritage Pathway is so important. But regional shared-use trails can only happen if municipalities work together. Manheim Township’s approval of Lancaster City’s request to extend the trail network near the waterworks is a great example of intermunicipal cooperation! https://lancasteronline.com//article_c07e8e22-9d76-11eb-bf

South Central Transit Authority develops its annual Program of Projects based on Federal Transit Administration funding. The draft 2020-2021 Program of Projects is available for review at the link below. A public hearing is scheduled for 5:00 pm on Monday, May 17, 2021 at 45 Erick Road, Lancaster PA 17601. https://lancastercountyplanning.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=160

The next LCPC meeting will be held Monday, April 26, 2021 at 2:30pm (Online Only Using Lifesize App). For all information, and to join the meeting, click the link below: https://lancastercountyplanning.org///Agenda/_04262021-394

We’re excited to hear that Denver Borough and East Hempfield Township received competitive PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund awards. Denver Borough will construct an extension of Washington Street, and East Hempfield Township will make congestion and safety improvements at a few intersections. Improvements and expansions of multi-modal transportation are an important component of our active transportation, metro transportation, and comprehensive plans. https://www.governor.pa.gov//governor-wolf-announces-inv/

This project involves the adaptive reuse of an existing building located in an industrial park. The project is consistent with two policies in places2040: 1) using existing buildings and maintaining public infrastructure and 2) growing where we’re already growing. https://lancasteronline.com//article_e4caffd0-97d7-11eb-ac

On April 13, 2021, LNP reported on Denver Borough’s proposal to adopt an official map. Denver Borough Council has begun the public review period for a draft official map completed in coordination with a local Active Transportation plan adopted in Fall 2020. Our staff helped guide the process by encouraging inclusion of elements featured in places2040 and the Lancaster Active Transportation Plan. Official maps are one of seven catalytic tools highlighted in places2040.

Places2040 emphasizes growing responsibly and saving our farm and natural lands by promoting redevelopment, rehab and infill in our urban areas. https://lancasteronline.com//article_b5896164-43d4-11eb-93

Attention!! We’re pleased to announce that the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners has passed an ordinance distinguishing between the Planning Commission and the Planning Department. In response, we’ll be rebranding ourselves over the next few weeks. Stay tuned for our new logo!

Congratulations to our partner, Lancaster Conservancy, for preserving these natural lands in York County. Thinking beyond our boundaries is the only way we can preserve the Susquehanna River Valley, one of the important landscapes identified on the places2040 Future Land Use Map. https://www.lancasterconservancy.org//lancaster-conserva/

Check out the upcoming webinars for Thursday-Friday this week: 1.) Equity Planning -American Planning Association Virginia Chapter... Thursday, December 17, 2020 1:00 - 2:30 PM EST 1.5 AICP and LA CES PDH credits Link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/regist/3863632593578108688 2.) Become a Civic Engagement Champion -American Planning Association Colorado Chapter Friday, December 18, 2020 1:00 - 2:30 PM EST 1.5 AICP and LA CES PDH credits Link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/regist/6365768112337926157 3.) USACE Inundation Mapping -American Planning Association Friday, December 18, 2020 1130 AM 1:00 PM EST 1.5 AICP and LA CES PDH credits Link: https://www.planning.org//haz/planninginformationexchange/

First, we need greater affordability and inventory. Lancaster County needs a greater, more adaptive supply, facilitated by zoning policies and financial products that can close the funding gap that inevitably exists in affordable housing projects. The Lancaster County Planning Commission’s Places 2040 plan already highlights some of the approaches that will be needed. Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership has been growing a lending program to get some projects across the finish line. https://lancasteronline.com//article_0aca00e6-3b17-11eb-b2