About admin

Born and raised in Lower Macungie Township in the village of East Texas. B.A. in Political Science from Slippery Rock University. Co-owner of Bar None Weddings & Entertainment. I love and care about my hometown and frequently blog about local issues that I think are important.

2019 Lower Macungie Summer Concerts Schedule

Lower Macungie Concerts in the Parks Schedule:

July 19th – Main Street Cruisers Hills at Lockridge Park 7pm

July 27th – Bootleg Express Classic 60’s and 70’s 6pm

August 10th – Marine Band East Texas Park 7pm

August 16th – The Majestics Traditional Country East Texas Park 6pm

August 30th – Island Time summer music Hills at Lockridge 6pm.

ALL CONCERTS ARE FREE!

For your information:
Soliciting & Peddling in Lower Mac. What you need to know click here.

Lower Macungie Yardwaste Recycling center: Hours and information

Did you know Lower Macungie has a very successful yard waste recycling center and program? Any township resident can take advantage of the recycling program FREE! This includes both drop off of waste (we take all kinds of yard waste ranging from tree, branches, stumps to grass & leave clippings) and pickup of humus and mulch!

Yardwaste permit application form.

DURING WINTER HOURS: The yard waste recycling center, located at 5536 Indian Creek Road, operates from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun only during winter hours.

Click here for hours and list of acceptable waste.

*SPRING HOURS START MAY 1st-31st
Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-7pm.
Sat, Sun 12-7pm

SUMMER HOURS START JUNE 1st 
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat.9am-7pm
Sun-12-7pm

2019 Loading Service available on dates listed below while supplies last.
ONLY these Thursdays in April from 1PM to 5PM:

  • April 4, 11, 18, and 25.

Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (No refuse drop off during these times)

  • Saturdays in April: April 6, 13, 20, and 27.
  • Saturdays in May:  May 4, 11, 18  and 25.

Cost: Starting at $15.00 CASH ONLY (small pickup truckload or small trailer)
No drop off of yard waste during loading service hours.

THANK YOU FOR RECYCLING YOUR YARDWASTE – Remember, dumping in public open spaces is illegal.

Lower Macungie Summer Parks Concerts Schedule

 

How to vote with an absentee ballot.

2019 is a municipal election year! Local elections make a great deal of difference when it comes to the things that shape our daily lives. Over the next few weeks you will have an opportunity to get to know candidates for School Board, Township & Judge. 

Election day is May 21st. Can’t make it to the polls on election day? An absentee ballot is a paper ballot sent to you by mail.
You mark and cast the ballot by returning it to the Lehigh County Election Office.

To vote by absentee you must be registered. It’s very helpful for:

    • College Students
    • People whose Work or Vacation take them away from the Municipality where they Live
    • Those with a Physical Disability or Illness that Prevents them from going to the Polling Place
    • Members of the Military
    • People who may have a Conflict due to the Celebration of a Religious Holiday
    • County employees who cannot vote due to duties on election day

 

To request an absentee ballot do one of the following:

    • Apply in Person 
    • Complete an Official Form
    • Send a signed letter to your County Election Office. You must include the same information as that on the application form.

Fill out completely the absentee ballot application marking the reason why you can’t get to the polls on election day. In Pennsylvania, you must meet one of the listed reasons. 

Next, send your absentee ballot application to the Lehigh County Election Office. 

Once accepted, you will get an absentee ballot with instructions from the  Election Office. 

Deadlines: The county office must receive absentee ballots by May 17, 2019 for the May 21, 2019 municipal primary
. (Military or overseas, you must submit ballot by May 20, 2019 to be received by county office no later than May 28.)Lehigh County Absentee Ballot Information – includes link to form

More information here: What Pennsylvania Voters need to know about absentee ballots.

Register to vote online here.

State of the Township 2019

Lower Macungie is the 3rd largest municipality in the Lehigh Valley. 32,000 residents over 24 square miles. We maintain 132 miles of roads, 14 bridges and 124 miles of sewer lines. Growth is an opportunity but at the same time one of our biggest challenges. Over the last four years we’ve focused on balancing economic development with quality of life. That means preserving prime agriculture and environmentally sensitive open space whenever possible. Where we can’t, there is a focus on guiding higher value projects to appropriate locations where infrastructure already exists.

A major focus has been maintaining balance between preservation and economic growth.

 
Morning Call: In biggest preservation yet, Lower Mac protects 200 acres

We have 1,600 acres of parkland. In addition, over 800 acres of permanently preserved farmland. Over 4 years, 7 additional farms have been protected including a massive tract at Brookside Rd. and Sauerkraut Ln. The single biggest preservation of it’s kind in area history with some of the best soil in the Commonwealth. We have park master plans we’re currently working on implementing including the Greenway and Kratzer farm.

The Kratzer Farm a planned passive central park and agriculture area in Lower Mac.

While preservation is a success story, we’ve done it in a way that hasn’t stymied economic growth. New businesses have brought over 1500 new jobs. Including high value employers such as manufacturing, a financial headquarters and numerous small and independent business.  Companies make it known they choose here because of outstanding quality of life

We also continue to work on relationships with existing businesses such as iconic Mack Trucks who undertook a major plant re-configuration recently. Another great example is Smooth-on who brought 160 jobs by choosing to re-locate their company to a pre-existing facility in the township. And others. 

Movie special effects company moves into former Daytimers Building.

The $27 million 2019 budget continues to address all the infrastructure I mention above, as well as facilities, parks and operations. We also fund the Library and Fire Dept. Once again, the budget reflects no tax increases. Also no sewer rate increase. A few years ago, Commissioners adopted an innovative tax break for residential homeowners. 80% of township homeowners have taken advantage of the program to reduce or eliminate their township property tax bills. Today the average Lower Mac property tax bill with homestead is around $65 per year. Our taxes are the lowest of any Suburban Community in the Lehigh Valley.

Last year LMFD put into service a new $1.3 Million aerial firetruck purchased by the township. Next, for 2019 is a new tanker/pumper.Once operational, it will carry greater amounts of water and foam. The merger with Alburtis FD has strengthened fire and rescue service. As always we thank volunteers. To demonstrate that, Commissioners enacted a $1000 tax credit for firefighters. 

Major investments have been made to facilities including in partnership with the Library. We matched library fundraising and state grants to fund an expansion to meet overflowing demand. Other projects include the community center and Camp Olympic park barn which is now the home of the Lower Macungie Historical Society museum.
Learn more here!

Overview of the Bartholomew center for the Preservation of Township History

Along with Alburtis, Emmaus, Macungie and the Milfords we completed the new joint regional comprehensive plan. We work more closely with our neighbors than ever before. The plan is the culmination of two years of research and engagement.  Nearly 1500 residents participated through surveys, public meetings and stakeholder interviews. 

For 2018 our Community Center spearheaded a number of goodwill projects including:

  • Cell Phones For Soldiers program
  • The Troop Support program for township Vets overseas.
  • Pajama and book Program benefitting local kids
  • Community Day – A free event for community businesses
  • Multiple free health and wellness classes co-sponsored by St. Luke’s
  • A bi-yearly Stuff The Truck benefitting Habitat for Humanity

In writing this I know I’m leaving out alot. Would simply take too much space to touch on everything. 

Lastly, while the board determines direction I’d be remiss to not say how proud I am of our amazing staff responsible for the day to day operations as well as long term strategic planning. Also our wonderful volunteers. And to also say thank you to outgoing Commissioner Doug Brown. A former board President, Doug is completing 12 years of dedicated service this year. Thank you Doug.

Ron

President Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners

Zoning Code Update

A major project over the last year has been a comprehensive update of the zoning code. We’ll be advertising it in the next few weeks.

This is the result of several years effort starting with the Southwest Lehigh Comprehensive Plan update, adoption of the Hamilton Corridor plan and instituting a successful farmland preservation program beganning with the adoption of an official map that identified preservation priorities in 2017. Today, we have over 800 acres of preserved farms, nearly doubling the amount over the last 4 years. A personal goal is to have 1000 acres of farms permanently preserved.

The purpose of the update is to foster and attract high-value economic development while minimizing impacts and continuing with preservation of prime agriculture and farmland.

A few key points and highlights:

No major rezoning.
In an effort to preserve our outstanding quality of life, the update does not include wholesale map changes of any existing area to more intense uses. Much of what’s being done is instead refining existing zones. Simply put, we’ve removed impactful uses such as logistics warehouses and added or removed barriers for more high-value attractive uses. An example would be the creation of a new enterprise district as an alternative to a traditional industrial zone. The purpose is to attract and incentivize modern and innovative technology, research, manufacturing and professional development along the eastern portion of Hamilton Bypass close to highways as an alternative to more high impact shopping centers or heavy industrial uses.

Note, around 2009 prior boards changed large areas of the township wholesale to more intense uses. Many changes were done to areas without adequate infrastructure. This was a mistake. There is NONE of that in this update. In fact, the new code is designed to work hand-in-hand with preservation efforts by guiding economic development to appropriate areas where infrastructure exists.

A new open space development option
Where we can’t preserve entire parcels, this option allows for continued agriculture or open space preservation integrated as part of new residential development. An example would be the Stone Hill Meadows project where 70% of the land will be permanently preserved as part of land development.

Promoting high value uses in appropriate locations
A goal is to make it easier for entrepreneurs to choose to do business in Lower Mac by promoting new uses such as craft breweries and distilleries, craftsman spaces, artisans, live work mixed use options and ultra light manufacturing. If an entrepreneur is looking to locate in the Lehigh Valley, giving Lower Macungie a look should be a no-brainer. The new code will facilitate attracting entrepreneurs with low impact but high value economic development in existing commercial areas.

Getting regulations out of the way for adaptive reuse & historic preservation
The new code incentivizes reuse of irreplaceable bank barns throughout the township as well as other historic and otherwise older buildings of character. We’ve already had a number of great projects accomplishing this last few years. Here is an example. The new code will make it even easier.

An example of a recent adaptive reuse project in Lower Mac.

Other comprehensive plans adopted by the township last 4 years:
Kratzer Farm Park – Lower Mac’s planned Central Park!
The Township Greenway System

Zoning Code Open House Tonight

Friends and Neighbors,

We will be holding an open house tonight (3/14) to review proposed changes to zoning at the township building from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. This isn’t a formal hearing (that will come later) but rather an informal presentation meant to be more user friendly for residents to give feedback.

This is a significant step in what has been a multi year process to retake control of Lower Macungie’s land use future ensuring we remain a wonderful place to live with balance between economic development, our quality of life and our agricultural heritage.

In 2013 members of the current board were elected in response to residents frustration with prior board land use decisions resulting in the proliferation of warehouses and rapid loss of farmland. 

In response the current board undertook a new mantra to “preserve land whenever and wherever we can, and where we can’t seek higher quality development in appropriate locations.”

To roll out that strategy, in 2016 we strategized funding and mapped out an aggressive preservation program. With it, we have already worked to permanently preserve well over 400 acres. Including one of the largest farmland preservation deals of it’s kind in Lehigh Valley history.

Next, in 2017 immediate triage was needed in the form of removing warehouses from the zoning code in all areas except court mandated ones. Further, we took the additional step to actually deny a conditional use for a warehouse that was potentially grandfathered before new laws took place. 

Then, throughout 2018 we worked with planning partners (Alburtis, Macungie, Upper + Lower Milford and Emmaus) to update the Southwest Regional Comprehensive Plan

And finally, we used that process to inform the current code update overviewed here. The new code deals with seeking higher value growth when preservation isn’t an option. 

We’re integrating tools such as incentivizing historic building preservation, further utilizing conservation clusters as a way to preserve open space within new residential projects, establishing a new enterprise zone to attract high quality economic development, enacting high quality design standards and guiding growth away from greenfields towards appropriate corridors where infrastructure exists. When an attractive project is proposed in Lower Mac, the goal is to get government out of the way as much as possible. By becoming more attractive for high quality developers to bring high value economic development at appropriate locations we’re actually helping our preservation efforts in the agricultural areas of the township.

Everything last 4+ years has been about balancing preservation goals with seeking higher value economic development. I hope you join us tonight to overview some of the new and exciting changes.

Thank you,
Ron

Term Limits and Local Gov.

Multiple people who I admire and in some cases consider friends have spoken out in opposition to term limits for Lehigh County. I respectfully, disagree.

Here is an article on the recent conversation.

A term limit proposal for 3 terms totalling 12 years has been made and presented to the County board. It received support from executive Armstrong at the recent state of County speech.

I am a supporter of term limits. Pretty much across the board. It’s one of the things in government I feel most strongly about. It’s an essential reform.

I have struggled at times with the question whether we need term limits for positions with part time stipends or no pay at all. This was brought up by numerous Commissioners in arguments against County term limits.
The problem is to assume that financial security is the only motivating factor that can lead one to cut corners over time. Certainly, full time pay and benefits supercharges an environment ripe for corruption. The Pennsylvania State House is the ultimate example. Full of warm bodies happily taking a taxpayer salary, benefits and pensions serving for a lifetime without accomplishing much of anything.

With or without a career dynamic when put in a position of power, there is potential to eventually be corrupted by it. Local government does not come with great esteem, perks or broad sweeping power. Nonetheless, important decisions are made and therefore opens the door to bad behavior. (realized or not) Humans accustomed to power do not want to give that power up.

While I wholeheartedly agree with Commissioner Grammes that those who serve on the local level are for the most part the truest public servants, I am still convinced and concerned that the longer one serves, the more likely decisions are impacted by self interest one way or another. The founders realized this. Which is why our system was concieved with a citizen legislator in mind.

The problem is not just pursuing self interest. There are also cases where genuine desire to accomplish something, even if well intentioned opens the door to a sort of tunnel vision. In other words, end justifies the means traps. In protecting institutions process is everything. We have a very high profile conversation right now at the federal level about this.

A desire to take a machete to bureaucratic red tape is a good thing. But that can’t conflict with checks and balances meant to ensure good, transperent and ethical government. Even the best and most well intentioned of us are susceptible.

By remaining in government perpetually at one position, you acquire the habits of a place, which might differ from those of their constituents. I’m paraphrasing this from one of founders in something I read at some point that stuck with me. Think of it as almost a political stockholme syndrome.

We also have the flip side of this human nature problem dealing with the assertion that “politicians are term limited, by voters”. Another point referenced by one opposing Commissioner.

Ask yourself question: Are 90% of incumbents better than any other challenger who could materialize? Since that’s roughly how many incumbents keep positions.

No. Definitely not. This drives the fact 84% of Americans support limits.

This is the other side of the equation. There are reasons for retention rate of incumbents across the board, despite an overwhelmingly opinion that term limits are needed. It has to do with incumbency protections baked into a rigged game. It’s reality whether someone actively takes advantage or not. The protections are still there and the results the same. It truly is much less about merit than it is a natural tendency and nature to maintain status quo.

Would we lose some good public servants with limits? Sure. There are of course exceptions to the rule. My friend Percy Dougherty is an example. The County is better off because of his long tenured service.  But the flip side of allowing bad folks, placeholders or compromised to languish is more concerning. New blood is an antiseptic. Turnover brings fresh viewpoints. Too many people have a pre-disposition to “this is the way it’s always been done” thinking. 

Another thought, whether consciously or not it’s narcissistic to think that out of a county with a talent pool of almost 400,000 people (or in my case a township of 32,000) that there aren’t others capable of doing a job. Perhaps even at a higher level. 

One last note, for term limited public servants opportunity still exists (and they ought to be encouraged) for higher officer. The cream rises to the top. Where opportunities don’t exist, there are lots of ways to stay involved as a citizen activist or as a formal volunteer on boards, commissions etc. This addresses the question of “losing institutional knowledge”. Someone who genuinely cares, even if term limited still has ample opportunity to participate. To say otherwise implies that there is a different dynamic between being on the “outside” vs. the “inside. I think most will agree in good government that gap should be very narrow if at all. 

The only exception I would say are truly small Boroughs where the talent pool is numerically small. I support a 12 year 3 term limit for all paid positions, for County Government and for large municipalities. 

State should allow communities to opt out of truck stop gambling.

Last years statewide gambling expansion will soon allow video gaming terminals in truck stops. This is not something I would want to see in Lower Mac. So, this is something to keep an eye on. What you need to know:

In 2017 the state legislature passed a gambling expansion allowing for 10 new satellite casinos around the state. Part of the law, included the ability for municipalities to opt out and say no to these facilities locally. In Lower Mac we voted to opt out. So, we won’t have a mini casino here in Lower Mac. We prohibited them. We felt it wasn’t something that made sense for us so we shut the door.

Here is the list of communities that prohibited mini casinos.

Another part of the expansion is a pilot program to permit gambling via video gaming terminals at truck stops. So far however, the state legislature hasn’t put forward a provision allowing local communities to opt out like they did with mini casinos. This prevents us from prohibiting truck stop gambling in the same way we could mini casinos.

Senator Scott Martin (Thank you!) however, is working to change that. I support legislation to allow us to say no to truck stop gambling and encourage local State Senators Pat Browne & Lisa Boscola to co-sponsor Senate Bill 87 which would allow local communities to say NO to truck stop gambling in addition to mini casinos. 

I hope to see a companion bill in the state house as well.

State Hospital worth saving.

Most have heard about the dilemma with the Allentown State Hospital. It was built in 1912 and closed in 2010. A cornerstone of the community, it housed treatment for 2,012 patients at its peak. Since it’s closure, the buildings have sat empty, yet upkept. Photos of the inside show remarkably little damage or decay for a building that’s been vacant for almost a decade.

Many years ago, before I knew what the buildings even were I remember driving past doing a double take, pulling into the campus and taking a walk. The stately grounds and handsome buildings were truly stunning up close. It’s of a character and quality that simply do not get built anymore.

“It is has been said that, at its best, preservation engages the past in a conversation with the present over a mutual concern for the future.” William J. Murtagh, Keeping Time: The History and Theory of Preservation in America

The Allentown State Hospital. Prime candidate for adaptive reuse.

A petition has been established to express a desire to save the Hospital in some form. It’s now surpassed 3000 signatures. Petition here.

An impressive number for the short time it’s been active. While the campus is in the City of Allentown since it’s owned by the state it’s fate is a concern for all residents.

As our communities age, more and more buildings of character with rich histories are finding themselves in need of rejuvenation; adaptive reuse is the conscious decision to preserve the past while planning for the future. It’s reuse of pre-existing buildings for new purposes.

The PA state legislature has, unfortunately, moved forward plans to demolish the campus at a cost to taxpayers of $15 million. This is shortsighted. Of course, the campus has costs associated with allowing it to languish as well. Though, I question the numbers being thrown around (2.2 million a year) as I question a lot of price tags associated with government decision making.

Preservation of this type is not impossible. In fact, around the Country, conscientious communities are putting old institutional sites to new and profitable uses, preserving their local history and boosting their economic base. Is it challenging? You bet. Expensive? Yes. On the backend, however, the economic benefits of historic preservation are enormous. Sometimes to be forward thinking we need to not forget the past. This is called adaptive reuse. We’ve seen it happen on a smaller scale in Lower Macungie with a number of great projects recently. Here is one example. It’s a policy goal to make it even more attractive and feasible. The concept in Lower Mac can be applied to bank barns, farmhouses and other buildings we’re interested in seeing rejuvenated as opposed to bulldozed in favor of a new cookie cutter development.

The offices of Werner & Co. This is an adaptive reuse of an old Chuch converted into office space in Lower Macungie Twp.

With the right private partnerships, adaptive reuse is an option for the State Hospital as well. Here is a wonderful resource to explore other similar projects. (many also former state hospitals). Opportunities just as complicated have been resolved with creativity and dedication. It starts with a mindset.

I also wanted to point out. When an article was posted a few days ago about a potential private investor it was immediately shared all over. Petition signatures spiked. Clearly, the community sees value here. Throughout the day the relatively short article became longer as politicians no doubt scrambled to add quotes to build a narrative for demolition. Some concern is valid. But again, other initiatives just as constrained, complicated and costly have moved forward. I’m disappointed that some of the critique of the potential investor, Nat Hyman of Allentown seems to be politically motivated since he was at one time a Mayoral candidate in Allentown. The biggest naysayer has been a member of the other party. This is an issue that ought to transcend party politics. I hate seeing partisanship creep into an otherwise healthy discussion. I don’t want to focus on that here. But it’s important to consider. Lehigh Valley blogger Bernie O’Hare has some thoughts.

What our local state politicians should be focusing on is reducing the regulatory burden for private investors who want to save these types of structures. Code requirements are incredibly cumbersome. Of course, some are absolutely necessary. It’s been well documented the asbestos issues with this type of old building. (Again, something that’s been addressed in other similar examples)

Locally, next store in the Borough of Macungie there was a wonderful project by a community conscientious business to build a retail cupcake/coffee shop in an old building of character on Main Street. The couple who own a successful business put a ton of money creating a beautiful space. Unfortunately, the project had to be abandoned because of state requirements to retrofit the building which were in some ways just not feasible because of a zero setback off the sidewalk, but also astronomically expensive. This was such a shame.

State Legislators in our area have supported tax subsidies for strip malls and major grants for warehouses. Projects that without question would have moved forward without government bailouts. Historic rehabilitation and adaptive reuse projects continue to be a struggle. In part because of the regulatory environment. This is a case of misplaced priorities.

The recent Southwest Lehigh Comprehensive Plan scientific survey told us a few things clearly. One question asked if the community values historic architecture as community identity. 85% indicated it’s extremely, very or moderately important. It would benefit our state elected officials to pay closer attention to public sentiment here.



LVPC survey shows Lower Mac has right priorities.

A survey administered by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission this year asked what Lehigh Valley residents like most and what they like least about living in the Lehigh Valley.

“The survey reached out to a wide swath of Lehigh Valley residents. A random sample of addresses were selected to receive postcards inviting residents to participate by using a web link provided. It also promoted the survey through media, encouraging residents who weren’t contacted to participate. It remained open from March 8 through April 16. The total number of participants: 1,064. “

This survey and similar ones conducted over the last few years, including during the Southwest Regional Comprehensive plan update have driven our local policy goals and priorities. 

Read the whole article here

It’s no coincidence many of the items residents indicated they like most about living here coincide with township initiatives, projects and goals. On the other hand, areas of concern are where we’ve also focused attention to address challenges. This has been by design.

Here are the top items and concerns from the survey and corresponding township initiatives:


Residents say they love the Valley’s rich Historic sites and unique architecture and they don’t want to see it lost. So, we worked to preserve a nearly 200-year-old farmhouse by working with a developer to approve a plan to integrate it into a new development. We also support the phenomenally active Lower Macungie Township Historical Society. Last year, they opened the new Bartholomew Center for the Preservation of Township History.  Moving forward the township is continuing to integrate more incentives for private property owners to preserve and maintain historic barns and other structures of significance through adaptive reuse. 

Access to cultural and entertainment activities are important. We made a major investment in our Community Center and library. A new children’s wing will be completed next year. Each year over 10,000 children attend more than 300 programs in our public library. Also, the community center and our wonderful recreation staff offer a wide variety of programs year round not just within the community center but throughout various public performance spaces in the park system as well. 

Residents value the low cost of living we have. So, we’ve worked to keep it that way by maintaining some of the lowest taxes in the Lehigh Valley. Including most recent, our utilization of the homestead program to reduce residential property taxes for homeowners. With this program, we shifted the burden of funding important capital improvements from homeowners to impactful land users. 

It’s abundantly clear residents see the preservation of natural and farmlands as a top priority. Lower Macungie is a leader in this area. Most know, we’ve instituted an aggressive farmland preservation program preserving 11 farms on 400 acres of land over the last 4 years. This includes the transformative preservation of the 185 acre Weiner Farm off Sauerkraut and Brookside Rd. This was the largest preservation acquisition of this type in Lehigh Valley history. Additionally, we’ve worked to preserve over 200 acres of non-farm open space including natural areas, the Shepherd Hills Golf Course and other areas.

We’re not finished. Based on the official map of priorities we adopted, we’re continuing to have conversations with landowners to preserve more farms and open space. 

Residents love the Valley’s Parks, trails and recreational activities
Over the last 4 years, Lower Mac has made significant capital investments throughout our 1400 acre township park system at multiple park locations. We’ve expanded Camp Olympic, staffed a Parks Director position and adopted numerous comprehensive plans that roadmap the future of our system. The township adopted and is now working on implementing an ambitious greenway plan along the Swabia and Little Lehigh Rivers. The first section will be completed next year. 

Not surprisingly, the top 3 concerns expressed by residents are warehouses, traffic and trucks. Last year we removed warehouses from the zoning code in all areas except where they are mandated by a court settlement negotiated in 2013 by a previous board. Simply put, the township now has more than our fair share of warehouses. Moving forward, with the new zoning code to be installed next year and through proactively working with developers on better projects we’re focused on attracting higher value employers in less impactful sectors. Development has to provide a higher return on public investments. Our policies work towards that goal. We also updated the traffic impact fee ordinance last year. Which means developers whose projects add significant traffic to Township roads will have to pay more to compensate for the increased congestion.