Vision Statement
In conversations, meetings, surveys and studies, Harris Township residents continue to indicate a desire for a high quality of life. Our residents prefer a small-town atmosphere with ties to our historic past. Residents are satisfied with our current police services and fire protection, low crime rate, charming scenery, clean air, proximity to farmland and open space, and controlled development.
Public transportation, well-maintained local roads and efficient municipal services are important, and responsible and effective spending of tax dollars to maintain these services is equally important. Harris Township's strengths will continue to be a mix of old and new, continuing strong community spirit, and neighborhoods that are connected with sidewalks and bike paths. I support these values and will continue to work to preserve and strengthen them.
Much positive action has occurred in Harris Township. Examples include passage of the Ridge Overlay District (#277) in 2008, passage of the Riparian Buffer Ordinance (#292) in 2011, completion of a Small Area Plan for Boal Avenue, review of all zoning types, and, most recently, a review of agricultural zoning to allow for diversity of operations on farms.
Harris Township has a strengthened ability to plan for capital projects, a strong financial and daily operating relationship with the Boalsburg Fire Department, and a recently completed public works facility.
From an environmental and land-use planning perspective, a new Regional Growth Boundary and Sewer Service Area have been identified and a Sewage Management Ordinance is in place to protect sensitive areas served by on-lot sewer systems. Our Official Map Ordinance aids in land development decisions, provides for interconnectivity between our many neighborhoods, and assists in maintaining and protecting current open space.
From another environmental perspective, our Township has been investigating the emerging solar energy opportunities, and is about to adopt Ordinance 347: Accessory Solar Energy System regulations which address self-contained building and ground-mounted solar energy installations.
Harris Township government is not big government. It is resident-responsive government providing good services at a very reasonable cost.
Public transportation, well-maintained local roads and efficient municipal services are important, and responsible and effective spending of tax dollars to maintain these services is equally important. Harris Township's strengths will continue to be a mix of old and new, continuing strong community spirit, and neighborhoods that are connected with sidewalks and bike paths. I support these values and will continue to work to preserve and strengthen them.
Much positive action has occurred in Harris Township. Examples include passage of the Ridge Overlay District (#277) in 2008, passage of the Riparian Buffer Ordinance (#292) in 2011, completion of a Small Area Plan for Boal Avenue, review of all zoning types, and, most recently, a review of agricultural zoning to allow for diversity of operations on farms.
Harris Township has a strengthened ability to plan for capital projects, a strong financial and daily operating relationship with the Boalsburg Fire Department, and a recently completed public works facility.
From an environmental and land-use planning perspective, a new Regional Growth Boundary and Sewer Service Area have been identified and a Sewage Management Ordinance is in place to protect sensitive areas served by on-lot sewer systems. Our Official Map Ordinance aids in land development decisions, provides for interconnectivity between our many neighborhoods, and assists in maintaining and protecting current open space.
From another environmental perspective, our Township has been investigating the emerging solar energy opportunities, and is about to adopt Ordinance 347: Accessory Solar Energy System regulations which address self-contained building and ground-mounted solar energy installations.
Harris Township government is not big government. It is resident-responsive government providing good services at a very reasonable cost.
