Second Annual Density Summit

Making Compact Development Work for Everyone
Full Day Smart Growth Forum
May 31, 2007 at Lancaster's Farm and Home Center

Every Pennsylvania municipality faces the complex responsibilities of zoning for every use, of accommodating reasonable growth, of protecting farm land and natural and historic resources and of maintaining community character through effective zoning and subdivision ordinances.

Lancaster County will grow by more than 100,000 new residents and 50,000 additional housing units by the year 2030. If we plan for more density and build at the 7.5 unit per acre net average density recommended in Lancaster County’s comprehensive plan update, Balance, we can protect Lancaster’s working farms, its agricultural economy and the unique character of Lancaster County. With rising energy costs, increasing budget constraints and changing demographics, development at densities of from 7 to 10 units per acre make sense. Compact development cuts infrastructure costs, supports municipal fiscal health, offers a variety of housing choices, creates walkable neighborhoods, affords greater energy efficiencies and helps protect the environment.

The participants at last year’s took a summit visual preference survey that resulted in a strong consensus supporting well designed, compact development in urbanized areas and protecting Lancaster County’s rural areas from development.

The density summit this year will build on last year’s results and provide practical solutions and guidance to help decision makers, officials, planners, developers and community members for implementing the recommendations of Balance and assuring the future of Lancaster county balances growth, conservation and affordable housing and community development. Summit participants will gain a detailed view of multi-municipal planning efforts within the county and the critical elements of implementing ordinances, how to create communities and neighborhoods at increased density with effective zoning and subdivision and programs for transferring development rights. There will be special presentations on density-and-transportation and parking management to support smart growth.

Thank you to the generous organizations that are sponsoring this important event

Gold Sponsor:		Keystone Custom Homes, Inc.
Bronze Sponsors:		Bank of Lancaster County, NA
		Buchart-Horn, Inc./ BASCO Assoc.
		Building Industry Association of Lancaster County
		Charter Homes & Neighborhoods
		ELA Group, Inc.
		Fulton Bank
		Lancaster Alliance/Campaign
		Lancaster Area Sewer Authority
		Lancaster County
		Lancaster General Hospital
		PPL
		RGS Associates, Inc.
		Saxinger & Black, Inc.
Supporters:		Pennsylvania Agricultural Ombudsman Program
		The Charlan Group
		Trout Ebersole & Groff
Special thanks to McCormick Taylor for donating communication and design services for the Density Summit this year.
Summit Brochure (including registration form) [pdf]
Registration Form []
Press Release []
Bios for Julie Campoli and Todd Litman