POSITION STATEMENT ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN HARRIS TOWNSHIP
Our small-town atmosphere, low crime rate and controlled growth are important to Harris Township. In 2000, residents identified the "small-town atmosphere" as one of the main reasons for remaining in Harris Township or relocating to our Township. Implementing wise growth strategies in Harris Township will ensure that we retain our small-town atmosphere.
Controlled growth ensures that we can provide essential services at a reasonable cost. Controlling growth requires that development occur within the public sewer service area and that building lots remain a reasonable size. Increased building lot size contributes to urban sprawl, which translates into increased vehicle traffic on state and local roads. Within the rural area, Harris Township allows for Rural Cluster Zoning, which permits controlled development of farmland.
Harris Township should continue the infill development pattern within the Regional Growth Boundary. Additionally, the Township should encourage use of Planned Residential Developments to promote open space preservation with a mix of housing types, on smaller lot sizes. Developments such as Liberty Hill, Rockey Ridge, and The Gates provide ample opportunities for people searching for new homes in Harris Township. Demonstrating that growth is proceeding in our Township, from 2012 to the end of 2014, Harris Township issued 183 zoning permits for over $37,000,000.
From data presented to Harris Township Supervisors by the Centre Region Planning Agency, Harris Township can expect the following growth within the current sewer service area from 2003 to 2030:
*Nearly 800 residential dwelling units
*Population growth greater than 2,100
*Retail space of about 10,000 square feet
*Office and industrial growth of about 40,000 square feet
Harris Township should define acceptable uses for certain neighborhoods that could include home offices, small neighborhood commercial ventures, outdoor cafes, artist studios, and the like. I believe that we can and need to experience growth in Harris Township and at the same time maintain the historic characteristics that add to the attractiveness of our villages, such as Boalsburg, Linden Hall, and Shingletown.
Controlled growth ensures that we can provide essential services at a reasonable cost. Controlling growth requires that development occur within the public sewer service area and that building lots remain a reasonable size. Increased building lot size contributes to urban sprawl, which translates into increased vehicle traffic on state and local roads. Within the rural area, Harris Township allows for Rural Cluster Zoning, which permits controlled development of farmland.
Harris Township should continue the infill development pattern within the Regional Growth Boundary. Additionally, the Township should encourage use of Planned Residential Developments to promote open space preservation with a mix of housing types, on smaller lot sizes. Developments such as Liberty Hill, Rockey Ridge, and The Gates provide ample opportunities for people searching for new homes in Harris Township. Demonstrating that growth is proceeding in our Township, from 2012 to the end of 2014, Harris Township issued 183 zoning permits for over $37,000,000.
From data presented to Harris Township Supervisors by the Centre Region Planning Agency, Harris Township can expect the following growth within the current sewer service area from 2003 to 2030:
*Nearly 800 residential dwelling units
*Population growth greater than 2,100
*Retail space of about 10,000 square feet
*Office and industrial growth of about 40,000 square feet
Harris Township should define acceptable uses for certain neighborhoods that could include home offices, small neighborhood commercial ventures, outdoor cafes, artist studios, and the like. I believe that we can and need to experience growth in Harris Township and at the same time maintain the historic characteristics that add to the attractiveness of our villages, such as Boalsburg, Linden Hall, and Shingletown.
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