Over 900 township residents took this poll in the Spring of 2020. I created it so residents can give Commissioners feedback on our community. It included general and specific issues as well as guidance on what we should focus on in 2020 and beyond.

The survey used an established and reputable survey app. Residents had to provide a valid email and the polling app only allowed 1 vote person. (Note, some questions have fewer responses because questions were able to be skipped.) 

Poll was open to Lower Mac residents ONLY. Here were the results:

1.) Lower Macungie has very low residential property taxes. The rate is among the lowest in the state for a suburban community our size. Part of how property taxes are kept so low in Lower Mac is our use of a homestead exclusion.

Do you know if you qualify for the homestead exclusion to reduce your township property tax bill? 

 

2.) How important is it to keep the homestead reduction in place as a way to ensure township property taxes remain low while ensuring impactful commercial entities (like existing warehouses and shopping centers) pay a fair share?

 

3.) Through various strategies, Lower Macungie has successfully and permanently preserved over 500-acres of farmland and open space last 5-years. This includes the 190-acre Weiner Farm located adjacent to Sauerkraut Ln, Brookside Rd and Macungie Rd. This is the largest preservation effort of its kind in Lehigh Valley history. The property was under immediate threat of being developed with over 250+ homes if action wasn’t taken.

Should the Township continue preservation efforts?

 

4.) If you chose YES to the previous question and believe Lower Macungie should continue preservation efforts:

If another major preservation effort was identified BUT would require a small tax increase AND if it would include a sunset provision so the tax automatically repealed after a specific goal is completed, would you support a targeted tax via referendum for the specific purpose of farmland or open space preservation?

 

5.) Rank these possible Lower Mac initiatives in order of importance. (1 was highest priority, 6 was lowest priority)

 

6.) Lower Macungie gets our local police protection from the Pennsylvania State Police. Are you happy with the service Pennsylvania State Troopers provide to our community?

 

7.) A goal is to better market Lower Macungie as it’s own economic entity and unique place to live, work and play. In terms of economic development (*in appropriate locations) what should we focus on for our community as part of these efforts? Check all boxes you agree with. Leave blank ones you do not.

8.) An ongoing project, Lower Macungie Township has spent several million dollars expanding the community center with an additional gym and more community room space. This was paid for primarily through use of a line of credit.

Do you support this?

 

9.) In 2017 Lower Macungie Commissioners made new warehouses illegal in most all Township areas. This includes Industrial and Light Industrial districts where they were previously allowed. No new warehouse applications can be submitted in these areas.

Do you support the townships removal of warehouses from the zoning code?

10.) Over the last few years, Lower Macungie Commissioners denied several controversial land development applications that the Board of Commissioners felt were too impactful for the neighborhoods proposed. In some cases, the Township was sued and had to defend its decision.

Is it worthwhile for the township to spend public dollars defending decisions to deny certain impactful land development applications?

 

11.) Lower Macungie has a 1400+ acre park system. What are your priorities for the park system? Choose your top priorities. Leave blank items you do not feel should be a priority.

The choices were (since some were long and cut off on the graph below)

 

 

10.) Overall, how would you categorize Lower Macungie as a place to live?

11.) Are Lower Macungie Commissioners doing a good job? Do you feel like you are being represented well?