Forks Township Comprehensive plan Update

The following proposal was discussed at the April 10, 2008 Planning Commission meeting.


I would like to present a proposal on how to improve the draft of the Forks Township Comprehensive plan now under review. I have considered the public input and comments from our last meeting. They have led me to the conclusion we need to enhance the current draft of the plan.

Some of the public comments are as follows:
1.“yesterday's truths are not necessarily today's”
2. “If the comprehensive plan was lifted from other towns and can it stand on its own and can it withstand a challenge?”. Is our plan based upon on our needs, our vision of the future?
3. A citizen spoke about township beautification projects
4. "Philosophy of the township must be seen in the Comprehensive Plan and also be seen in the zoning code.
5. “…the Comp Plan may take a laissez faire attitude toward farmland preservation”

Additionally, I had the opportunity to review other townships’ comprehensive plans, which provide me with new ideas and insights on the development of other Comprehensive Plans.
1. Radnor PA
2. Lansdale PA
3. Lycoming County Pa

First, I would like to thank all the citizens of Forks Township who provided their time and talent to create the latest draft of our plan. The various teams provided great ideas on how to improve our township with recommendations on how to implement these solutions. It was truly a remarkable effort. Now, I believe it’s time to enhance the plan, so that it embodies the vision of our township. This plan needs to be our guiding document for the next 5 to 7 years.

I would like to propose the creation of a three person Planning Commission Ad Hoc committee that would be charged with the following responsibilities:

1. Review other township’s Comprehensive Plan’s to determine how other townships create Comprehensive plans. The information can be gathered by the township staff.

2. Develop ideas on how to better organize the data. Create a five to seven year vision statement for the township. Check facts and determine that we have included all relevant ideas and conclusions. Make sure the material is presented in proper sequence and is readable by our citizens.

3. Prepare a report with specific recommendations for discussion by the full Planning Commission.

4. Implement the recommendations, as approved by the Planning Commission.

Lastly, I recommend that the final draft be subject to edit review by pre-selected commission members with assistance from informed citizens

If you have any ideas or comments about critical issues facing Forks Township, please share your ideas via our blog.

Involved – Every Voice Counts!

Sincerely,David Billings
d.billings@att.net