Second Annual Density Summit
Making Compact Development Work for Everyone
Full Day Smart Growth Forum
May 31, 2007 at Lancaster's
Farm and Home Center
Every Pennsylvania municipality faces the complex responsibilities
of zoning for every use, of accommodating reasonable growth, of protecting
farm land and natural and historic resources and of maintaining community
character through effective zoning and subdivision ordinances.
Lancaster County will grow by more than 100,000 new residents and
50,000 additional housing units by the year 2030. If we plan for more
density and build at the 7.5 unit per acre net average density recommended
in Lancaster County’s comprehensive plan update, Balance, we
can protect Lancaster’s working farms, its agricultural economy
and the unique character of Lancaster County. With rising energy costs,
increasing budget constraints and changing demographics, development
at densities of from 7 to 10 units per acre make sense. Compact development
cuts infrastructure costs, supports municipal fiscal health, offers
a variety of housing choices, creates walkable neighborhoods, affords
greater energy efficiencies and helps protect the environment.
The participants at last year’s took a summit visual preference
survey that resulted in a strong consensus supporting well designed,
compact development in urbanized areas and protecting Lancaster County’s
rural areas from development.
The density summit this year will build on last year’s results
and provide practical solutions and guidance to help decision makers,
officials, planners, developers and community members for implementing
the recommendations of Balance and assuring the future of Lancaster
county balances growth, conservation and affordable housing and community
development. Summit participants will gain a detailed view of multi-municipal
planning efforts within the county and the critical elements of implementing
ordinances, how to create communities and neighborhoods at increased
density with effective zoning and subdivision and programs for transferring
development rights. There will be special presentations on density-and-transportation
and parking management to support smart growth.
Thank you to the generous organizations that are sponsoring this important
event
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