Shohola celebrates conservation milestone

Proposed ordinances receive overwhelming support

By SANDY LONG

SHOHOLA, PA — Smiles and a sense of satisfaction permeated the Shohola Township Municipal building at a November 10 public hearing preceding the town’s regular monthly meeting as two proposed ordinances were resoundingly supported and approved.

Chairman George J. Fluhr opened the special session with a brief summary of Shohola’s conservation history, a description of conservation design and the importance of protecting areas of open space. “The new ordinance is a response to those who have criticized the old style of development,” Fluhr said.

Carson Helfrich of Community Planning and Management Associates (CPMA) provided consulting services and shepherded the township through the process of drafting the substantial documents. The Paupack, PA, firm helps municipalities address growth and development issues by working with them to develop comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances and other management tools.

Fluhr read excerpts from correspondence submitted to the board in relation to the proposed ordinances. Overwhelmingly positive statements of support and praise from township residents, business owners, organizations and county agencies followed one after another.

The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) submitted a letter that read, “The UDC supports Shohola Township’s efforts to provide controlled development of the township, while still conserving the environment, through conservation design provisions included in proposed Ordinance 60 amending the Shohola Township Zoning Ordinance and proposed Ordinance 61 amending the Shohola Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.”

The letter continued in support of protecting the rights of the residents of the township to enjoy clean air, pure water and the natural, scenic, historic and aesthetic value of the environment.

Pike County Conservation Department Watershed Specialist John Jose read an agency statement commending the work of the township. “Effective natural resource protection is driven at the municipal level,” said Jose.

County planner Mike Mrozinski noted that Pike’s newly adopted comprehensive plan encourages conservation design. “We fully support your efforts,” Mrozinski concluded.

One resident lauded the foresight of a board willing to look toward the future to benefit upcoming generations. Another said, “We love living here and are glad to see you doing something to preserve it.” Resident Jeffrey Seeds explained how a favorite creek from his childhood now runs “under a mall and through a tube,” and expressed his gratitude to the board for taking action to prevent similar outcomes in Shohola Township.

Fluhr concluded the comments period by asking, “Is anyone opposed to this?” Met with silence, the board proceeded to vote on each ordinance in turn. Both were unanimously approved.

The township’s subdivision and land development practices will now be based on land capabilities and will encourage design options that take into account the preservation of environmental resources.

The new ordinances will provide for controlled development while protecting areas of open space within subdivisions. Conservation design will be mandatory for all subdivisions of more than 10 acres in the township’s substantial Residential Forest District and optional in the remaining districts.

Following the successful vote, Monica Drewniany, Director of Community Planning for the Natural Lands Trust, said, “I congratulate you. With this ordinance, you have a very good chance of preserving much of your township’s rural character.”

Speaking on behalf of the board, Fluhr said, “It makes us feel that we’re doing something right.”