Townships seek citizen feedback on planning

Public meeting scheduled for June 27

By SANDY LONG

LACKAWAXEN AND SHOHOLA TOWNSHIPS, PA — Residents of two Pike County townships have an opportunity to contribute to planning efforts through a new community survey. Lackawaxen and Shohola townships are in the process of developing a multi-municipal comprehensive plan. The objective of the joint effort is to plan together for future development, preservation and conservation of lands and other natural resources as the townships also create a new multi-municipal Open Space, Greenways and Recreation Plan.

The community survey provides residents with the opportunity to register their opinions related to economic development, environmental resource conservation and outdoor recreation. Responses will provide the townships with information that will be used to guide future planning. Surveys must be returned by July 13.

The Lackawaxen-Shohola Citizens Advisory Committee, comprised of residents and officials from both townships, is overseeing the process and working with consultants from the Johnson, Mirimiran and Thompson engineering firm from York, PA. Committee chairperson Peter Wulfhorst said that the joint plan is the first in Pike County to receive funds from Pike County’s Scenic Rural Character Preservation Bond.

Surveys will be mailed to residents of both townships and distributed through local retail outlets, libraries and other public access locations. The surveys are also available at both township buildings. Residents are being asked to consider a proposed visioning statement, which appears on the community survey, as a tool to guide future development in the townships.

The comprehensive plan will address issues such as land use, transportation, housing, natural and historic resources, community facilities and services. It will aim to develop strategies to manage and direct growth, identify rural resource areas and non-residential uses and determine appropriate public facilities. It will include short- and long-term implementation strategies for the next two decades and provide the basis for developing or updating various township ordinances.

The Open Space, Greenways and Recreation Plan is being developed in support of the comprehensive plan and will identify opportunities to connect public open space and recreation facilities by means of corridors known as greenways.

As part of the process, children living within the townships participated in a discussion and mapping activity to identify potential park and recreation areas and facilities. Some children expressed interest in being able to ride their bikes to school, while others wanted a mall—as long as it wasn’t built in their neighborhood—according to Nelia Wall, a representative of Shohola Township serving on the Citizens Advisory Committee.

Public meetings are being scheduled to provide information about the process to township residents. According to Wulfhorst, stations will focus on various aspects of the project, such as a visual preference survey featuring photos and maps. “We’re hoping people come out and provide feedback on what has taken place so far, ask questions about the plans and survey and get involved.” The first meeting will occur on June 27, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Lackawaxen Township Fire Hall.

For more information, contact either township office, or visit www.lackawaxen.org or www.shohola.org or www.pikepa.org.