ESTERN NTY EHENSIVE
IFFLlN EN NSYLVAMIA
Newton Hamilton Building New Fairview Building
Kistler Building Center Building
Adopted: August 8, 2001; August 20, 2001; September 4, 2001 WESTERN MlFFLlN COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Miff lin County, Pennsylvania
PREPARED FOR:
Wayne Township Kistler Borough Newton Hamilton Borough
Adopted: August 8,2001 ; August 20,2001 ; September 4,2001
PREPARED BY:
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee
Wavne Township Kistler Borouqh Newton Hamilton Borouah
Donald Gearhart Barbara Hobbs Carl Sunderland Maurice Stidfole Janet Shugarts Lionel Wilson William Wingeri Stan Westbrook John Woods
Citizen Volunteers
Dale Smith (Wayne Township) Myra Ordanoff (Kistler Borough) Barbara Wahler (Wayne Township)
Mifflin County Planning and Development Department
William Gomes, AICP, Director of Planning Lynn Garland, CD Administrator Tina Kernan, Associate Planner Douglas Marks, Housing Rehabilitation Specialist Linda Rheam, Planning/Rehab Secretary Suzanne Kochenderfer, CDBG Secretary Donna Baer, Fiscal Assistant
Mifflin County Mapping Department
Stewart Bruce, Director Laura McLaughlin, GIS Analyst
Consultants
Gannett Fleming, Inc. VanLandingham Consulting, Inc.
Funding for this project was provided through a PA Small Communities Planning Assistance Program Grant (SCAP) and local assistance from the Mifflin County Board of Commissioners.
For information or to request copies, contact:
Mifflin County Planning and Development Department Mifflin County Courthouse 20 N. Wayne St. Lewistown, PA 17044
Phone: 71 7-242-0887 Fax: 71 7-248-3695
www.mifflincounty.Icworkshop.com Table of Contents Table of Contents
PART ONE .BACKGROUND TRENDS AND ISSUES
Chapter 1. Introduction ...... 1-1
Introduction ...... 1-1 Historical Background ...... 1-2
Chapter 2 . Population Analysis ...... 2-1
Introduction ...... 2-1 Population and Population Change ...... 2-1 Age Structure ...... 2-1 Gender. Race and Ethnicity ...... 2-3 Household and Family Structure and Persons in Group Quarters ...... 2-3 Population Projections ...... 2-6
Chapter 3 . Housing Analysis ...... 3-1
lntroduction ...... 3-1 Total Housing Units. Change and Occupancy. 1980-90 ...... 3-1 Recent Growth in Housing Units ...... 3-1 Home Ownership and Rentals ...... 3-2 TypeofHousing ...... 3-2 AgeofHousingStock ...... 3-3 Housing Values ...... 3-3 Rentalcosts ...... 3-6 Housing Condition ...... 3-6 HousingNeeds ...... 3-6
Chapter 4 . Economic and Socioeconomic Analysis ...... 4-1
Introduction ...... 4-1 IncomeandPoverty ...... 4-1 Educational Attainment ...... 4-1 Labor Force and Unemployment ...... 4-2 Place of Employment ...... 4-3 Employment by Industry ...... 4-3 Results of Community Survey with Regard to Economic Development ...... 4-4 Sectors of Economic Activity ...... 4-5
Chapter 5 . Land Use Analysis ...... 5-1
Introduction ...... 5-1 Existing Land Use ...... 5-1 LandUseTrends ...... 5-5 Regulatory Measures ...... 5-6 Mifflin County Brownfields Pilot Program ...... 5-8
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan i August 2001 Table of Contents
Chapter 6. Community Facilities and Services Analysis ...... 6-1
Introduction ...... 6-1 Publicsafety ...... 6-1 Utility Networks ...... 6-6 Education Facilities ...... 6-8 Health Care Facilities ...... 6-9 Libraries ...... 6-11 Stormwater Management ...... 6-11 Solid Waste Management ...... 6-12 Public Water Service Facilities ...... 6-13 Public Sewer Service Facilities ...... 6-16 Parks and Recreation ...... 6-17
Chapter 7 . Transportation Analysis ...... 7-1
Introduction ...... 7-1 Existing Roadway Network ...... 7-1 Access Points to Major Roadways ...... 7-2 Roadway Classifications ...... 7-2 Roadway Conditions ...... 7-3 Transit Services ...... 7-7 Rail Transportation ...... 7-8 Trails and Bikeways ...... 7-9 Aviation ...... 7-9 LiquidFuelsTax ...... 7-10
Chapter 8. Cultural Resources Analysis ...... 8-1
Introduction ...... 8-1 Historic Preservation ...... 8-1
Chapter 9 . Environmental Resources Analysis ...... 9-1
Introduction ...... 9-1 Floodplains ...... 9-1 Wetlands ...... 9-1 Steepslopes ...... 9-2 Soils ...... 9-2 Water Quality and Supply ...... 9-3 Karst Topography ...... 9-4
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Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan I1 August 2001 Table of Contents
PART TWO .GOALS. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONAND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
Chapter 10. Housing Plan ...... 10-1
Chapter 11. Economic Development Plan ...... 11-1
Chapter 12 . Future Land Use Plan ...... 12-1
Chapter 13. Community Facilities and Services Plan ...... 13-1
Chapter 14. Transportation Plan ...... 14-1
Chapter 15. Plan Interrelationships ...... 15-1
Chapter 16. Plan Review. Approval and Maintenance ...... 16.1
Chapter 17 . Funding Sources ...... 17-1
Chapter 18. References ...... 18-1
Chapter 19. Definitions ...... 19-1
... August 2001 Western Mijflin County Comprehensive Plan 111 Table of Contents
LISTOF TABLES
Chapter 2 . Population Analysis ...... 2-1
Table 2- 1 Demographic Change and Density. 1970 to 2000 ...... 2-2 Table 2-2 Generalized Age Structure. 1980. 1990 and 2000 ...... 2-2 Table 2-3 Gender. Race and Ethnicity. 1980. 1990 and 2000 ...... 2-4 Table 2-4 Household and Family Structure and Persons in Group Quarters ...... 2-4 Table 2-5 Population Projections for the Western Mifflin Region to 2020 ...... 2-7
Chapter 3 . Housing Analysis ...... 3-1
Table 3-1 Total Housing Units. Occupancy and Tenure. 1980. 1990. and 2000 ...... 3-2 Table 3-2 Home Ownership and Rental Units. 1980. 1990. and 2000 ...... 3-3 Table 3-3 Type of Housing Units. 1990 ...... 3-4 Table 3-4 Housing Values and Rents. 1990 ...... 3-5 Table 3-5 Future Housing Needs in Western Mifflin County ...... 3-7
Chapter 4 . Economic and Socioeconomic Analysis ...... 4-1
Table 4-1 Socioeconomic Characteristics. 1990 ...... 4-2
Chapter 5 . Land Use Analysis ...... 5-1
Table 5-1 Summarization of Existing Land Use by Major and Minor Subcategory Classifications for Western Mifflin County. Pennsylvania. 1999 ...... 5-2 Table 5-2 Comparative Housing and Population Densities for Wayne Township. Kistler Borough and Newton Hamilton Borough ...... 5-3 Table 5-3 Mifflin County Subdivision and Land Development Reviews. Total Acres Developed.199 3.2000 ...... 5-6 Table 5-4 Building Permit Trend Comparisons. 1990 through 2000 ...... 5-7 Table 5-5 Enacted Land Use Regulatory Measures in Mifflin County ...... 5-9
Chapter 6 . Community Facilities and Services Analysis ...... 6-1
Table 6- 1 Mifflin County Insurance Service Office Public Protection Classification Ratings ...... 6-4 Table 6-2 Community Water Systems Serving Western Mifflin County ...... 6-14 Table 6-3 Parks and Recreation Facilities. Western Mifflin County ...... 6-19
Chapter 7 . Transportation Analysis ...... 7-1
Table 7- 1 Existing Roadway Classifications ...... 7-4 Table 7-2 Roadway Conditions and Deficiencies ...... 7-5 Table 7-3 Geometric Deficiencies ...... 7-6 Table 7-4 Crash Types and Number of Occurrences ...... 7-6
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan iv August 2002 Table of Contents
Table 7-5 Amtrak’s Pennsylvania Route Schedule and Services from Lewistown (Mifflin County). Pennsylvania ...... 7-9
Chapter 8. Cultural Resources Analysis ...... 8-1
Table 8-1 National Register of Historic Places. Listed and Eligible Properties in Western Mifflin County. PA ...... 8-2 Table 8-2 Historic Surveyed Sites for Western Mifflin County. 1978 ...... 8-2
Chapter 9 . Environmental Resources Analysis ...... 9-1
Table 9-1 Engineering Characteristics of Western Mifflin County’s Geologic Formations ...... 9-6
Chapter 14. Transportation Plan ...... 14-1
Table 14-1 Improvement Recommendations to Roadway Conditions ...... 14-4
Chapter 17 . Funding Sources ...... 17-1
Table 17-1 Directory of Potential Funding Sources ...... 17-2
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Western Mijjlin County Comprehensive Plan V August 2001 Table of Contents
LISTOF FIGURES
Chapter 1. Introduction ...... 1-1
Figure 1- 1 Base Map: PennDOT Centerlines and Hydrology in Western Mifflin County (Map Insert)
Chapter 2. Population Analysis ...... 2-1
Figure 2-1 Age Structure for Pennsylvania, Mifflin County and Region, 1990 ...... 2-6
Chapter 4. Economic and Socioeconomic Analysis ...... 5-1
Figure 4- 1 Distribution of Employment, 1997 ...... 4-5
Chapter 5. Land Use Analysis ...... 5-1
Figure 5-1 Western Mifflin County Land Use Distribution, 1999 ...... 5-1 Figure 5-2 Existing Land Use in Western Mifflin County (Map Insert) Figure 5-2A Base Map: Western Mifflin County PennDOT Centerlines, Hydrology and Land Use in Newton Hamilton Borough (Map Insert) Figure 5-2B Base Map: Western Mifflin County PennDOT Centerlines, Hydrology and Land Use in Kistler Borough (Map Insert)
Chapter 6. Community Facilities and Services Analysis ...... 6-1
Figure 6-1 Community Facilities and Services (Map Insert)
Chapter 7. Transportation Analysis ...... 7-1
Figure 7- 1 Transportation Map: Functional Classification of Roadways (Map Insert)
Chapter 9. Environmental Resources Analysis ...... 9-1
Figure 9- 1 Environmentally Sensitive Areas: Water Features (Map Insert) Figure 9-2 Environmentally Sensitive Areas: Steep Slopes (Map Insert) Figure 9-3 Environmentally Sensitive Areas: Prime Agricultural Soils (Map Insert) Figure 9-4 Soil Suitability for On-lot Disposal Systems (Map Insert) Figure 9-5 Geologic Formations (Map Insert)
Chapter 12. Future Land Use Plan ...... 12-1
Figure 12-1 Future Land Use Map (Map Insert)
Chapter 14. Transportation Plan ...... 14-1 Figure 14-1 Western Mifflin County Transportation Improvement Map (Map Insert)
Western MijJlin County Comprehensive Plan vi August 2001 Part One - Background Trends and Issues Chapter 1 - Introduction Chapter 1 - Introduction
INTRODUCTION and development trends, community facilities and services, and the transportation system. Regional Setting After assessing the future impacts of these trends and issues, a set of goals and The Western Mifflin County study area objectives, as well as a capital improvements comprises three municipalities that include program, was developed to meet the Wayne Township, Kistler Borough, and communities’ preferred vision for the hture. Newton Hamilton Borough (Figure 1- 1). These municipalities are primarily situated in Funded by a grant from the United States the Ridge and Valley Province, which is Environmental Protection Agency, the characterized by mountainous terrain and flat Brownfields Pilot Project is designed to bottom valleys that have been severely eroded identify, prioritize, and assess potentially by stream overflow. Land elevations in the contaminated sites throughout the county and study area vary from approximately 500 and to plan cleanup and redevelopment of selected 2,321 feet above mean sea level while slopes sites. The overall Brownfields pilot goal is to range from zero to 60 percent. The western make the county cleaner and economically and portion of the study area is bordered by the environmentally greener. Juniata River, which also serves as the dividing line between Mifflin and Huntingdon Both this plan and the Mifflin County Counties. In total, the study area encompass Comprehensive Plan provides the policy a land area equaling 48.4 square miles. Of the documents necessary to implement the three municipalities, Wayne Township Brownfields Pilot Project. Likewise, the pilot encompasses the largest land area with 47.9 project provides valuable public square miles. Newton Hamilton and Kistler involvement-key person interviews and Boroughs cover 0.2 and 0.3 square miles, regional community forums-and Brownfield respectively. priorities as input for policy action plans.
The study area is best characterized as a rural To encourage a wider understanding and farming community with densely populated support for this comprehensive planning community type settings located in Kistler and effort, a nine-member Western Mifflin County Newton Hamilton Boroughs. In addition, Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee was Mount Union Borough in Huntingdon County appointed. The committee’s membership also adjoins the study area to the west and included community leaders from each of the serves as an important employment and three municipalities. This group met on a commercial service area for the citizens of the routine basis to review progress and provide study area. direction on the regional comprehensive plan.
Project Background The plan is divided into two phases. Phase I addresses the elements of population, This comprehensive plan was prepared in economic conditions, land use, community conjunction with the Mifflin County facilities and services, and transportation. Comprehensive Plan and Brownfields Pilot Phase I1 provides the planning Project. The intent of this document is to recommendations and implementation assess the current trends and issues facing the strategies for improvement. Western Mifflin County region in terms of socioeconomics, housing, land use patterns
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 1-1 August 2001 Chapter 1 - Introduction
What Is a Comprehensive Plan? historic, and cultural resources; and the prospects for future growth in the This comprehensive plan is the official municipality.” statement of public policy of each municipality’s governing body. It is meant for Community involvement is vital in facilitating use by the local officials and staff, authorities, the planning process and realizing the plan’s private citizens, and the business community. implementation. Community involvement in The plan is intended as a guide for the this planning effort included: legislative decisions and as a reference for needed policy changes. It should serve as the . Community Questionnaire Survey having basis for planning improvements and a 39 percent (76/195) response rate. rendering of municipal services. . Key person interviews; . Community forums; The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning . Public meetings; and (MPC) requires that a comprehensive plan t Steering Committee meetings. consider many factors which influence a community such as location, character, and HISTORICAL BACKGROUND timing of future development. Essentially, a comprehensive plan provides a blueprint for a This section provides a brief historical community’s future growth and development. overview of the Western Mifflin County study The Western Mifflin County Comprehensive area. These historical accounts were derived Plan was prepared in accordance with the from Bicentennial Edition (July 3, 1976) of MPC, which includes the recent amendments The Sentinel. pursuant to Acts 67 and 68. Wayne Township How Is a Comprehensive Plan Prepared? Wayne Township, which was established in A comprehensive plan document consists of 1782, seven years prior to the establishment of three integral components: 1) background Mifflin County, ranks as one of the county’s studies; 2) the community’s goals and most senior municipalities. Mifflin County objectives; and 3) policy action plans for land was officially carved from Cumberland and use, housing, transportation and community Northumberland Counties in 1789 and named facilities. According to section 30 1.2 of the for Thomas Mifflin, the first governor of the MPC: commonwealth under the Constitution of 1790. “In preparing the comprehensive plan, the planning agency shall make careful Prior to 1782, Wayne Township was surveys, studies and analyses of originally included in the land area that housing, demographic and economic comprised Derry Township in Cumberland characteristics and trends; amount, County. Thereafter, in 1791 , there developed type, and general location and a great dispute over the Wayne Township interrelationships of different boundary line-first between Cumberland and categories of land use; general location Huntingdon Counties and later between and extent of transportation and Huntingdon and Mifflin Counties. community facilities; natural features affecting development; natural,
Western MifjWn County Comprehensive Plan 1-2 August 2001 Chapter 1 - Introduction
As a result of this boundary dispute, the 1802, the town was laid out “in the general assessment of 1792 was conducted in two plan of Newton Hamilton.” parts. However, an act of Assembly passed on March 29,1792, altered the boundary line and ultimately settled the dispute.
Kistler Borough
Similar to Juniata Terrace Borough in Mifflin County, Kistler Borough also began as a company-owned development. The Mount Union Refractories Company began the present day Kistler Borough by building homes for the benefit of its workers. In 1917, when the project was well under way, the corporation village had a population of 250 persons. Each housing unit constructed contained five rooms and a shower bath. Each tenant was also given a “liberal truck patch” and the company purchased one-half of the seed. The newly formed community contained all modern equipment and ample playground area for children that included an attendant who was thoroughly trained in administering first-aid. Furthermore, the company also constructed a school and employed teachers and a visiting nurse.
However, in May of 1925, the community’s residents petitioned the Mifflin County Court to become an incorporated borough. The court subsequently concurred and set June 2, 1925, as the date for the borough to hold its first election.
Newton Hamilton Borough
Newton Hamilton Borough was formed by an act of legislature on April 12, 1843, and its first election was held in March 1844. The present site of the borough was formerly included in the tract of land warranted to Hugh Brown in 1762. At the time of his death, the ownership of the land was inherited by Margaret Hamilton prior to 1783. Around
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 1-3 August 2001
Chapter 2 - Population Analysis Chapter 2 - Population Analvsis
INTRODUCTION Between 1970 and 1990 both Newton- Hamilton and Wayne Township had In any Comprehensive Plan it is necessary to population growth, while Kistler Borough understand the characteristics of the residents decreased slightly (Table 2- 1). Total in order to plan for their needs and expected population change in the Township was 697 changes in their needs. This Section deals persons or 38.2 percent; Newton Hamilton with such characteristics as total population, grew by seven persons or 2.5 percent. Kistler change in that population over time, age Borough declined from 369 residents to 314 structure, household and family structure, race or -14.9 percent. Most of the positive and ethnicity, and persons living in group population change in the Township occurred quarters. Total population is projected between 1970 and 1980; its population in through 2020 based on the projections made 1970 was 1,824 in 1970 but increased to 2,49 1 by the State Data Center for Mifflin County, in 1980. During the 1980’sgrowth was much and through the Mifflin County Planning and slower; the Township added only 30 residents Development Department. Here, the Region’s to a total of 2,521. During the 80’s Newton expected change in population is conditioned Hamilton lost 30 residents from 317 to 287. by the age structure of the three Kistler lost population over both Census municipalities. Most of the data in this periods; it fell from 369 residents in 1970 to Section is derived from the Census of 364 in 1980 and to 314 by 1990. Overall, the Population and Housing for 1980 and 1990. Region grew by 649 residents from 1970 to However, when available, Census 2000 data 1990 (26.2 percent). was included. Based on the preliminary Census data for POPULATION AND 2000, this growth scenario has changed with POPULATION CHANGE Newton Hamilton declining by 5.5 percent and Wayne Township falling by 4.4 percent. The Western Mifflin County Region includes In contrast, Kistler Borough grew by 8.7 Wayne Township and the Boroughs of Kistler percent. The Region, overall, grew by 557 andNewton-Hamilton. The two Boroughs are persons from 1970 to 2000 (18.4 percent). tiny in area and quite small in population Most of this population growth occurred (Table 2-1). The 1990 Census of Population during the 1970s, with the majority occurring and Housing (hereafter the Census) shows in Wayne Township. Kistler as having an area of 0.1 of a square mile and a population of 314. Likewise, AGE STRUCTURE Newton-Hamilton is listed as 0.2 square miles and 287 residents. Wayne Township, in Compared to Pennsylvania, the Western contrast, had an area of 5 1.7 square miles and Mifflin Region has a young population when 2,521 residents in 1990. In total, the Region looking at Kistler and Newton Hamilton had 3,122 residents and an area of 52 square Boroughs (Table 2-2). The median age for the miles. This yields an average density of 60 state in 2000 is 38.0 while the County’s is persons per square mile. Based on the 38.8 . In comparison, the 2000 Census preliminary 2000 U.S. Census Bureau data, reported that the Western Mifflin Region’s however, the population for the Region has median age is 40.0. Within this Region, declined to 3,030, or 58 persons per square Kistler and Newton Hamilton Boroughs’ mile. median ages are 40.3 and 3 1.8, respectively, while Wayne Township’s median age is 33.5. Menno Township was the only municipality in
Western Mijjlin County Comprehensive Plan 2- 1 A ugust 200 I Chapter 2 - Population Analvsis
Table 2-1 Demographic Change, 1970 to 2000
I970 1 1,766,3 IO 45,268 369 280 1,824 2,473
~~ 1980 I 1,864,720 46,908 364 317 2,491 3, I72 1990 I 1.88 1,643 46,197 3 I4 287 2,521 3,122 2000 12,28 1,054 46,486 344 272 2,414 3,030 Density 2000 (Pers/Sa. Mile) 272.8 107.8 3,440.0 1,360.0 46.7 58.3 Numeric Population Change 1990 to 2000 I 399,411 I 289 I 30 I (15) I (107) I (92) ~~ 1980 to 1990 16,923 (71 1) (50) (30) 30 (50) 1970 to 1990 I 15,333 929 (55) 7 697 649
1990 to 2000 I 3.4 I 0.6 I 9.6 I (5.2) I (4.2) I (2.9) 1980 to 1990 4.4 2.7 (6.7) (2.9) 32.3 22.5 1970 to 2000 4.4 2.7 (6.7) (2.9) 32.3 22.5
Table 2-2
Newton Mimin Kistler ,Wayne.~A..c iegion Category Pennsylvania - Hamilton County Borough , *ToynsJip Bo;o,ugh P Percent of Population Under 18 Years of Age 2000 I 23.4 I 24.6 I 29.9 I 30.5 I 23.1 I 24.5 I990 I 23.5 I 24.9 I 25.5 I 30.7 I 27 I 27.2 1980 26.3 28.9 29.1 I 33.4 35.5 34.6
2000 15.6 17.0 11.0 11.8 16.7 16.6 I990 I 15.4 I 16 I 18.2 I 13.6 I 12 I 12.8 I980 12.9 13.4 14.8 11.6 8.2 9.3
Median Age 2000 38.0 I 38.8 33.5 I 31.8 40.0 Sources: Census of Population and Housing, 1980 - 1990. Federal Census 2000
the County to have a median age below becomes more evident when looking at 1990 Newton Hamilton, which may be attributed to in detail. In 1990,849 persons or 27.2 percent the large percentage of Amish families of all residents of Western Mifflin were under residing in this part of the County. 18 years of age (Table 2-2). By comparison, only 23.5 percent of persons in Pennsylvania The median age for the Region rose and 24.9 percent of the population of Mifflin dramatically between 1990 and 2000, and County were under 18. In contrast to the reflects the aging population base. This population profile of most smaller Boroughs,
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 2-2 August 2001 Chapter 2 - Population Analysis both Kistler and Newton Hamilton have a similar in magnitude to the changes significantly greater percentage of the experienced in the state and County. population in the younger age groups. Kistler had 25.5 percent under 18 in 1990 while GENDER, RACE, AND ETHNICITY Newton Hamilton had 30.7 percent in that age group. With the exception of Kistler, these Females represent 51.5 percent of the total 1990 figures have remained relatively stable population in the Region in 2000 (Table 2-3). when compared to the preliminary 2000 data. This was slightly lower than the state and The 2000 Census shows the under 18 County percentages because the population of population for Kistler at 29.9 percent, Newton the Region is younger and in areas with older Hamilton at 30.5 percent and the Region at populations there tend to be a greater number 24.5 percent. Mifflin County’s under 18 age of females than males because the former live group stands at around 24.6 percent of its longer on average. 2000 population. In 2000, Wayne Township recorded 23.1 percent of its population under Less than one percent of the population of the 18 years of age. In 1990, 735 residents were Region is African-American or Hispanic. of school age (between 5 and 19 years of age), This is typical of Mifflin County and many but by 2000, this had dropped to 625. other places in rural Pennsylvania. By comparison over 10 percent of the population The Region had 399 persons over 65 years of of the Commonwealth is Black and 3.2 age in 1990. This was 12.8 percent of total percent is Hispanic. In Kistler Borough, 0.6 population. In Pennsylvania 15.4 percent percent of the population was Black in 2000 were over 65 and in Mifflin County 16 percent (four persons); this was down from almost were in that age group. Kistler Borough had five percent (18 persons) in 1980. The the highest percentage of elderly with 18.2 Hispanic population of Wayne Township percent over 65, followed by Newton tripled between 1980 and 1990 but this was a Hamilton with 13.6 percent. Only 12.0 very small number of residents; from 6 to 18, percent of persons living in Wayne Township but by 2000, had dropped to 13. No other in 1990 were over the age of 65. By 2000, racial groups were reported in the Region in those persons 65 years of age and older had 1990. Preliminary 2000 Census data indicates declined as a percentage of the total that the minority population for the Region is population in Newton Hamilton and Kistler slightly over one percent. Boroughs. In Wayne Township, however, this population group grew by 28 percent. HOUSEHOLD AND FAMILY STRUCTURE AND PERSONS IN As was common in both the state and the GROUP QUARTERS County, the percentage of the population under 18 decreased between 1980 and 1990 in Households are defined by the Census as any the Region. Likewise the percentage of group of persons living in an occupied persons over 65 increased. Persons under 18 housing unit. Families are defined as related were 34.6 percent of the population in 1980 persons living in a housing unit. Single but this percentage fell to 27.2 percent in person households (individuals living alone) 1990. In 1980, only 299 persons or 9.4 and households containing only unrelated percent of the population was over 65 in the individuals (such as unrelated roommates) are Western Mifflin Region; this had increased to not considered families. Families are a subset 12.8 percent by 1990. These changes were of households. Institutionalized persons are persons incarcerated or placed into nursing
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Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 2-3 August 2001 Chapter 2 - Population Analvsis
Table 2-3 Gender, Race and Ethnicity, 1980,1990 and 2000
Female, 2000 51.7 51.8 54. I 52.9 51.0 51.5 Female, 1990 52.1 52.1 52.2 55. I 51.1 51.7
~ Black, 2000 10.0 0.5 0.6 0 0.3 0.3 Black, 1990 9.2 0.2 I .4 0.0 0.3 0.3 Black, 1980 8.8 0.2 4.9 0.0 0. I 0.1 Hispanic, 2000 3.2 0.6 0.6 0.4 0.5 0.5 Hispanic, 1990 I .o 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.6 0.6 Hispanic, I980 I I .3 0.3 I 0.0 0.0 I 0.2 I 0.2 Sources: Census of Population and Housing, 1980 - 1990. Federal Census 2000
Table 2-4 Household and Familv Structure and Persons in GrouD Ouarters
1 Newton Mifflin , e Kistler Category Pennsylvania Hamilton Wayne Region County' Borough Borough Township
Households
~~ 2000 4,777,003 18,413 I38 99 644 1,181 1990 4,495,966 17,697 I32 I03 89 I 1,126 1980 4,2 19,606 16,813 133 104 785 1,022 Percent Change 1980-1 990 I 6.55 I 5.26 I (0.75) I (0.96) I 13.50 I 10.20 Persons Per Household
~~ ~ ~ ~ 2000 2.48 2.49 2.39 2.75 2.5 1 2.55 I990 2.57 2.58 2.38 2.79 2.79 2.74 1980 I 2.81 I 2.79 I 2.74 I 3.051 3.171 3.10 Families 2000 3,208,388 12,905 91 79 708 878 I990 3,155,989 12,842 85 78 704 867 1980 I 3,134,322 I 12,861 I 971 851 6571 839 Institutionalized persons (2000) I 213,7901 625 I 01 01 491 49 Other persons in group quarters (2000) 219,51 I 65 0 0 14 14 One Person Male (1990)" 429,925 1,401 15 4 66 85 One Person Female (1990)* I 720,7691 2,9341 26 I 20 I 981 144 Male Headed HH wlChildren (1990)* 67,505 276 4 3 24 31 Female Head Household w/Child (1990)* 290,395 926 9 7 49 65
Western MijJlin County Comprehensive Plan 2 -4 August 2001 Chapter 2 - Population Analysis
homes. Other persons in group quarters point; in the state the number of families include persons in dorm rooms, barracks, increased by a similarly small percentage. ' hotels and the like. Institutionalized persons Overall, in 1990 families were 77 percent of and other persons living in group quarters are all households while in the state and County not counted in households. Table 2-4 shows the percentages were 70.2 and 72.6 the distribution of household and family respectively. structure for the Region' in 1990. While population slightly declined from 1990 to Single person households were only 8.4 2000, in the Region, the number of percent of the households in the Western households did increase. In 1990, there were Mifflin Region in 1990. They were 24.5 1,126 households in the Region; by 2000, this percent of all households in the County and number increased to 1,181; a gain by 4.9 25.6 percent in Pennsylvania. The much percent. The increase in households was only higher proportion of elderly persons (largely slightly higher than the County rate, but below widows and widowers) in these larger the state rate of 6.25 percent. All of the gain aggregates accounts for most of this in the number of households came in Wayne difference. Township. In fact, Kistler Borough experienced a decrease in its total number of There were a significant number of households and an increase in its total households with children headed by a male, population. Newton Hamilton experienced with no wife present, - or by a female, with no the exact opposite trend as Kistler Borough. husband present, in the Region in 1990. A total of 96 such households were found (8.5 The only way that households can increase percent). By comparison, less than seven while population remains constant is for the percent of all households in the County, and average size of households to fall. Between less than eight percent of households in the 1990 and 2000, the average size of households state, were of this type. This is simply because in the Region decreased from 2.74 to 2.55 families with children-of whatever persons, or by 6.9 percent. This decreasing structure-are a greater percentage of total household size trend was also experienced at households in the Region. There were 63 the County and state levels, whereby, Mifflin persons in group quarters in the Region in County's household size fell from 2.58 to 2.49 2000; of these the majority are located in a persons per household and Pennsylvania's nursing home in Wayne Township. household size fell from 2.57 to 2.48 persons per household. These decreases in household Estimates produced by the Mifflin County size may be attributed to the aging Planning and Development Department at the population. Households over the period were end of 2000, indicated that there were 1,208 splitting into two or more (smaller) units as occupied housing units in the Western Mifflin children came of age and formed their own County Region. This figure is based on households. building permits issued between 1990 and 1999, and a vacancy rate of almost 15 percent. Families were also increasing in number in the Based on preliminary Census enumerations, Region during the 1980's but at a slower rate however, there were 1,18 1 occupied housing than households. In 1980 there were 839 units in 2000. families in Western Mifflin; by 1990 this had increased to 867 (an increase of 3.3 percent). In the County the number of families fell during the decade by a fraction of a percentage
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 2-5 August 2001
Chapter 2 - Population Analysis
Table 2-5 Population Projections for the Western Mifflin Region to 2020
Sources. Mimin County comprehensive Plan (2000)- Derived from Housing Permit Data and Estimates ofHousehold Size. Pennsylvania State Data Center.
Western M@lin County Comprehensive Plan 2-7 August 2001 Chapter 3 - Housing Analysis Chapter 3 - Housing Analysis
INTRODUCTION Overall, there were 304 vacancies in 2000 with an overall vacancy rate of 20.5 percent. Housing is an important concern for all However, when the 233 seasonal homes are Comprehensive Plans. It is important both for subtracted from total vacancies, the effective the shelter function it provides as well as the vacancy rate in the Region was 4.8 percent. In for the fact that it represents the largest store 1990, there were 192 total vacancies for an ofprivate wealth in most communities and the overall vacancy rate of 14.6 percent. One basis for most local taxation. In this section hundred and thirty-seven (137) of these 192 the local stock of housing is examined in vacancies in 1990 were for seasonal or terms of occupancy, type, value, condition, occasional use. When they are subtracted from age, and infrastructure. Much of the data in the 192, the effective vacancy rate for 1990 this section is from the 1980 and 1990. was 4.2 percent. Discounting seasonal units, However, when available, Census 2000 data the actual vacancy rate in the County was 6.0 was included. percent in 2000.
TOTAL HOUSING UNITS, CHANGE RECENT GROWTH IN AND OCCUPANCY, 1980-1990 HOUSING UNITS
In 2000, there were 1,485 housing units in the Between 1990 and 2000, building permits for Western Mifflin Region (Table 3-1); this was single family homes in the Region was quite an increase of 167 units, or 12.8 percent from high (Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan the 1990 Census of Population and Housing. Update, 2000, and the Mifflin County In comparison, Mifflin County gained only 5.6 Planning Commission's Annual Report, percent in total units between 1980 and 1990. 2001). There were 106 single family home Most of the increase occurred in Wayne permits issued in Wayne Township as well as Township; Kistler Borough gained only six 24 permits for mobile homes. Kistler had one units and Newton Hamilton Borough gained single family permit; Newton-Hamilton had one. The number of total units in Wayne two; and Newton Hamilton had five mobile Township increased from 1,055 to 1,230 or by home permits issued during the time frame. 16.6 percent. During the same period there were 29 demolition permits issued in Wayne Township The number of occupied housing units in the and one in each of the Boroughs. (It is not Region on Census Day 2000 was 1,18 1. This clear from the data whether the demolition was an increase of 55 units. However, when permits were for residences or some other reviewing the total housing stock, it increased structures but a conservative view would be by 164 units. Most of the remainder of the that they were housing structures). On net new units constructed in the' Region were then, the Region had at least 109 new homes seasonal units which were not inhabited on built in the nine year period. This would April 1, 2000 when the Census was taken. indicate that the rate of growth in new Many of these seasonal units are cabins and construction has declined somewhat from the mobile homes which serve as hunting and 1980 to 1990 period; but, if all permits issued fishing camps. Seasonal units in the Region led to the building of a new residence, total in 2000 were almost 16 percent of the total units would be expected to increase by about housing stock; in the County they were only 8.3 percent from 1990 through 2000. The 5.2 percent. County as a whole had a net of 1,504 new residences, an increase of 7.7 percent.
-
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 3- 1 August 2001 Chapter 3 - Housing Analysis
Table 3-1 Total Housing Units, Occupancy and Tenure, 1980,1990, and 2000
Total Housing Units 2000 I 20.745 I 141 I 1141 1,230 I 1,485
~ 1990 19,641 149 I14 1,055 1,318 1980 18,557 I43 I I3 838 1,094
2000 18,413 138 99 944 1,181 1990 11,691 132 103 89 I 1,126 I980 16,813 133 I04 785 1,022
2000 I 2,332 I 31 15 I 286 I 304 1990 1,944 17 II 164 192 I980 872 IO 9 53 12
2000 1,082 1 4 228 233
1990 1,166 1 2 I34 137 1980 I 124 I 01 01 I6 I 16 Sources: Census of Population and Housing, 1970 - 1990. Federal Census 2000
Based on the building permit activity (1 990- percentage of rental-occupied units is higher 2000), there are some 1,427 total housing in Kistler (19.5 percent) and Newton units in the Region. Using historical vacancy Hamilton (17.1 percent) Boroughs. rates for the Region, there are an estimated 1,2 19 occupied housing units. The age structure of the population in 1990 is reflected in the percentage of homeowners HOME OWNERSHIP AND RENTALS over the age of 65. Whereas in the County almost 30 percent of all homeowners are over In 2000, there were 1,014 owner-occupied 65, in Wayne Township that group represents housing units in the Region compared with only 26 percent of total owner occupants. The only 167 rentals. Hence, owner-occupied two Boroughs have substantially older units were 68.3 percent of all units. This is populations than the Township which is comparable to the County’s percentage of 65.7 reflected in the fact that 42 percent of percent. Home ownership remained fairly homeowners in Kistler Borough and 35 constant in the Region whereby the percentage percent of homeowners in Newton Hamilton of owner-occupied housing units increased are over 65. This suggests that substantial from 85 percent in 1990, to 85.9 percent in turnover of the housing stock in the Boroughs 2000. may be expected in the next few years as older homeowners die or move into smaller units or Although the greatest number of rental units nursing homes. It should be noted that similar are found in Wayne Township (123 of the 2000 Census data was not available at the time total regional 167 units in 2000), the
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 3 -2 August 2001 Chapter 3 - Housing Analysis
2000 I3,63 I Ill 82 82 I 1,014 1990 12,887 97 77 783 95 7
1980 12,304 I04 76 684 864
2000 4,782 27 17 I23 I67 1990 I 4,8101 351 26 I 108 I I69 I980 4,509 I 29 28 I 101 158 that this plan was prepared; therefore, a AGE OF HOUSING STOCK comparison with the 1990 data was not made. The two Boroughs were largely developed TYPE OF HOUSING before 1940; most of their housing stock is quite old. According to the 1990 Census, over Table 3-3 provides information regarding the 53 percent of the housing stock of Kistler and types of housing units found throughout the 54 percent of the housing stock of Newton- Western Mifflin County Region. Of the 1,318 Hamilton was built before 1940. By contrast, total units in the Region, 93 1 or 70.6 percent only 17 percent of the houses in Wayne were single family detached homes in 1990. Township predate the Second World War. In addition, 293 or 22.2 percent were mobile Over 37 percent of all housing units in Mifflin homes. Therefore, the remaining housing County, when the Census was taken in 1990, stock, 7.2 percent, includes single family row were built before 1940 making them at least houses, two-family homes, and some 15 50 years old at that time. Just 25 percent of multi-family houses. This suggests that the housing stock in the Boroughs was built housing choice is somewhat restricted in the after 1970, while 53 percent of Wayne area. The primary concern here is that in a Township’s unit were built after 1970. rural region, such as Western Mifflin, is that as people age and their housing needs change, HOUSING VALUES they have little alternative to staying in their single family home if they want to stay in the Housing serves as a store of wealth for both area. owners and landlords. For this reason, as homeowners we like to see the value of our Recent estimates of housing based on permits homes increase; on the other hand, rising and the 1997- 1998 reassessment indicates that house values make it more difficult for new 74.2 percent, or 1,050 units, of the total families starting out to purchase their own housing stock is single family construction homes and are likely to lead to increases in the while 20.9 percent, or 296 units, can be property tax. The price of housing in an area classified as mobile homes. at a particular time, relative to state and national averages, is usually a good reflection
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 3 -3 August 2001 ChaDter 3 - Housing Analvsis
Table 3-3 Type of Housing Units, 1990
Newton Kistler Wayne Mifflin County Borough Region I Pennsylvania Township Category I I
Total Units 90 19,641 I 100.01 1491 100.0 I 7641 72.41 931 I 70.6 I I I Single Family Attached L3i 1.7 Duplexes or 2 Family I 279,700 I 5.7 2.4 3 or 4 Units, Multifamily 227,788 4.6 6621 2.0 51 os( 141 1.1 I I I 5 to 9 Units, Multifamily 171,041 3.5 477 0.0 + IO to 19 Units, Multifamily I 149,4191 3.0 152 0.8 0.0 0.0 20 to 49 Units, Multifamily I 99,244 I 2.0 78 0.4 0 0.0 01 0.0 01 0.01 01 0.0 50 or more, Multifamily 144,428 2.9 1281 0.71 01 0.0 0 I 0.0 01 0.01 01 0.0 I Mobile home 254,920 5.2 181 15.8 Other (e.g. Garage Apt) I 65,293 I 1.3 3 I 2.6 Source: Census of Population and Housing, 1990. of the recent economic health of the area and At the other end of the housing price of local incomes. As shown in Table 3-4, the distribution, only 13 owner-occupied homes in Western Mifflin Region has housing values the Region were valued at more than $100,000 substantially below those in both the state and in 1990. This was about 2.2 percent of the the nation. The median value of owner housing stock (again, not including farms or occupied units in 1990 was only $42,900 in farm residences). In Pennsylvania over 28 Wayne Township,$30,900 in Newton percent of residences were valued at more Hamilton Borough, and $23,700 in Kistler than $100,000 in 1990. Even Mifflin County Borough. These medians do not compare well had almost 5.0 percent of its owner occupied to the $44,800 median for the County or the housing stock valued at over $100,000 $69,700 median for Pennsylvania. Part of the according to the 1990 Census. wide variation in median values stems from the fact that housing stocks in rural Boroughs During the 19905, prices rose more slowly tend to be older than those in rural Townships than they did in the 1980's because inflation because in many cases the Townships are still was relatively lower. The Consumer Price growing while the Boroughs are fully built Index for housing has increased by 24.5 out. percent since 1990 nationwide; if the median home in Mifflin County had kept pace with Over 38 percent of all single family owner- that increase it is now worth about $55,800. occupied houses (not including farm If, as seems more likely, housing value properties) were valued at less than $30,000 in increases remained proportionally the same as Western Mifflin compared to 24.4 percent they were in the 1980's, the median value has countywide and 13.3 percent statewide. A increased to about $52,860. The preceding is windshield survey of the Region indicates that borne out by findings from the Mifflin County many of the lowest value houses are probably Assessment Office. For the period from 1995 older mobile homes. to 1997, the average value of a housing unit
Western MifJlin County Comprehensive Plan 3 -4 August 2001 Chapter 3 - Housing Analysis
Table 3-4 Housing Values and Rents, 1990
Lower Contract
Upper Contract Rent
Source. Census of Population and Housing, 1990. sold (at market) in the County was between on building permits issued in Wayne $48,000 and $52,000. By the year 2000, the Township over the past two years indicate that average value of a single family home sold in new home construction ranges between the County was over $66,000, while houses in $7 1,000-$72,000, compared to the County Western Mifflin County sold on average at price range of $85,000-$97,000. over $57,000. In contrast, estimates provided
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 3 -5 August 2001 Chapter 3 - Housing Analysis
RENTAL COSTS because it reflects the condition of seasonal places and hunting camps as well as year- Rents in the area are also quite low. In 1990, round residences. Western Mifflin, as a the median rent for the Region was about whole, contained 28 1 housing units that were $17 1 and 75 percent of all rents were below considered deteriorated or 19.9 precent of the $220. In Mifflin County the median rent was Region’s housing stock. $204 and the upper quartile value was $249. Both the Region and the County were A windshield survey conducted by the exceptionally low compared to the state. Due Consultant and County staff in October 1999, to the urban rental market in the larger cities, indicated that the reassessment survey was the median Pennsylvania rent in 1990 was probably fairly accurate with respect to total $322 with 25 percent of all monthly rents deterioration when the caveat about seasonal above $447. units is taken into account.
In 1991, the average “reasonable” rent in the HOUSING NEEDS County was $284 for a one-bedroom apartment; by 2000, this had increased to The Mifflin County Planning and $391, an increase of 38 percent (Mifflin Development Department developed housing County Housing Authority). Two-bedroom unit projections-assuming the rate of growth rents increased from $344 to $460 (34 would remain constant-using the residential percent). And three-bedroom units increased building permit activity over the period from from $434 to $562 (29 percent). It should also 1990 to 1999 (Table 3-5). There was an be mentioned that all of these rents in the overall average of 7.09% growth in residential County have increased faster than the construction for the County as a whole, but Consumer Price Index or the price of new when looking at each municipality the rate of homes. growth varied.
HOUSING CONDITION
As part of the Countywide reassessment in 1997 the exterior conditions of all structures were evaluated and scored according to their apparent deterioration. Countywide approximately 8.2 percent of the total housing stock was determined to need substantial rehabilitation (Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan Update, 2000). The same survey showed that Wayne Township had significantly more deteriorated units than the County, while both Kistler and Newton Hamilton Boroughs had significantly fewer. According to the reassessment survey, Kistler Borough had only four units with an alpha score of “D’ or below (2.68 percent of all units) while Newton Hamilton had 10 deteriorated units (8.3 percent). The 267 deteriorated units (23.3 percent) in Wayne are probably misleading
~~
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 3 -6 August 2001 Chapter 3 - Housing Analysis
Table 3-5 Future Housing Needs in Western Mifflin County
Est. Housing Units by Percent of Projected Units by Projected Units by Location Municipality, 2000 Growth Municipality, 2010 Municipality, 2020
I Kistler I I49 I 0.000 I IS3 I IS3 I Newton Hamilton 120 o.os0 I26 I32
Wayne 1,146 0.086 1,241 1,348
Mifflin Co. 2 1,033 0.07I 22,524 24,I20
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 3-7 August 2001 Chanter 4 - Economic and Socioeconomic Analvsis Chapter 4 - Economic and Socioeconomic Analysis
INTRODUCTION the County median in 1989 was $22,778. However, household income in the Region In a small, rural, region such as Western was less than 80 percent of the state median. Mifflin County most employment occurs Since households are larger in the Western outside of the municipality of residence. This Mifflin Region than they are most places in is largely because there are very few the state, household income must be spread employment opportunities except farming in over a greater number of individuals. For this the local area. Other than a small grocery in reason per capita income (total regional Newton-Hamilton, most non-farm income divided by population) is far below the employment in the Region occurs along a strip state average. In 1989, the per capita income of Route 22/522 bordering Mount Union. of residents of the Region was $8,786 With the exception of Meadowview Manor, compared to $10,609 for County residents and the Route 22/522 corridor is primarily a $14,068 for all Pennsylvanians. Per capita highway commercial oriented area that income for the Region was only 62.4 percent includes a bar and two restaurants, which of the state average. serve both local and non-local clientele. The Tuscarora Intermediate Unit (a publicly The income data imply significantly lower funded regional education service) is also local purchasing power and suggest that located in Wayne Township. The old Empire poverty will be high. It is. In 1989, about Kosher Packing plant now contains a concrete 15.1 percent of all residents of the Region had block supply company. Most other incomes below the poverty level. Poverty was employment in the Region is an ancillary greatest in Kistler Borough where 16.5 percent activity which takes place in the residence. had incomes below poverty. In Pennsylvania Activities include beauty salons, fire wood, 11.1 percent of all persons were in poverty in yard care, day care, and other local services. 1989; in Mifflin County the percentage was In the Western Mifflin Region almost 98 13.2. percent of all employed persons work outside their home municipality (Table 4-1). This is EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT exceptionally high even for small, rural areas. In Mifflin County, as a whole, 74.3 percent The lower incomes of residents of the area is work outside their place of residence and directly related to a fairly low level of statewide the percentage is 69.9 percent. Since education. The Region trails both the state most employment, other than farming, occurs and the County in the percentage of adults outside the Township and the two Boroughs, who have completed a high school education. this economic analysis concentrates on the In 1990,74.7percent of all persons over 25 in income, employment, and occupation of the Pennsylvania had a high school diploma. In residents of the Region. Mifflin County the percentage was 68.2 percent but in the Region it was only about INCOME AND POVERTY 63.7 percent. College education lags even further. Only 6.4 percent of adult residents of In 1989, the median household income in the Region had a college degree compared to Kistler Borough was $20,972; in N-H 17.9 percent statewide and 8.7 percent in Borough it was only $19,444 and in Wayne Mifflin County. Township the median was $23,472 (Table 4- 1). For the Region as a whole it was approximately $22,500. By Mifflin County standards these are pretty average incomes:
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 4- 1 August 2001 ChaDteu 4 - Economic and Socioeconomic Analvsis
Table 4-1 Socioeconomic Characteristics, 1990
Percent Population in 11.13 13.16 16.46 13.51 14.95 15.1 Poverty Income Per Capita, 89 $14,068 $10,609 $9,725 $7,936 $8,766 $8,786 Median HH Inc., 89 $29,069 $22,778 $20,9 72 $19,444 $23,472 $22,500
~~~ Percent Over25, HS Grads 74.7 68.2 66.5 63.4 63.3 63.7 Percent Over25, Coll Grads 17.9 8.7 8.9 3.4 6.4 6.4 LFPR-Males I 71.4 I 71.5 I 68.8 I 79.2 I 74.1 I 74.1
LFPR - Females 54.4 49.7 45.0 45.2 48.2 47.3 LFPR - Total 61.5 59.0 57.3 62.6 60.0 60.0 Total Employment 5,434,532 19,83 1 I40 I I9 1,060 1,319 Percent Emp Out ofcounty I 20.8 I 17.2 I 88.1 I 68.4 I 62.0 I 65.4 Percent Emp Out ofstate I 4.3 I 0.7 I 0.0 I 1.7 I 1.9 I 1.7 Percent Emp Out of MCD 69.9 I 74.3 98.5 96.6 98.0 97.9
Services : 32.6 25.3 20.0 10.9 24.5 22.8 Public Administration 4.0 2.4 8.6 3.4 6.7 6.6
LABOR FORCE AND for Mifflin County it was 59 percent (Table 4- UNEMPLOYMENT 1). The Western Mifflin Region was between the two at 60.0 percent. One major reason that The labor force is defined as all persons over the LFPR was lower in the County and the the age of 16 employed or unemployed but Region was a low participation rate by seeking employment. The Labor Force females (49.7 and 47.3 percent respectively Participation Rate (LFPR) then, is calculated compared to a state average of 54.4 percent). by dividing all those in the labor force by total A higher percentage of men were in the labor persons over 16. Higher LFPR is usually a force in the Region than in the state (74.1 sign of a healthy local economy. In 1990 the percent compared to 7 1.4 percent). total LFPR for Pennsylvania was 6 1.5 percent;
Western MijJlin County Comprehensive Plan 4-2 August 2001 Chapter 4 - Economic and Socioeconomic Analysis
The only available statistics on unemployment Union and many of the residents of the Region for small areas such as the municipalities in are employed in this area. Relatively few of the Region are from the Census of Population the residents of the Region are employed out and Housing. This data is almost ten years old of the state. Only 1.7 percent of local but it suggests that one reason that the LFPR employees worked out of the state in 1990 was low for women in the Region was that compared to 4.3 percent of all employed state female unemployment was high. In 1990, the residents. The Community Survey (October overall unemployment rate in the state was 6.0 1998) indicated that 68.4 percent of all percent and it was a bit lower for women than respondents worked outside the County; this men. By contrast, the unemployment rate for is roughly the same percentage as shown in the Region was about 11.7 percent and for the Census. females it was a full point higher than it was for males. The County unemployment rate in EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY 1990 was 6.7 percent. It has stayed above the state rate for most of the 1990’s and in 1999 The largest sector of employment for residents was also 6.7 percent. There is little reason to of the Region is manufacturing (Table 4-1). believe that the Regional rate has fallen below In 1990, 32.8 percent of all workers living in the County rate. the Region were employed in this sector. Since there is no manufacturing employment PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT available in Wayne Township or in either of the Boroughs, it is likely that most of these The section introduction mentions the fact that workers are employed in nearby Huntingdon most employed residents of the Region must County. (See above). Some manufacturing work out of their local municipalities. Table workers are also employed in the Lewistown 4-1 shows that 98.5 percent of the employed area of Mifflin County. In Pennsylvania only residents of Kistler Borough work out of their 20.0 percent of the labor force was employed municipality; 96.6 percent of N-H residents in manufacturing in 1990. In the County just work elsewhere; and 98.0 percent of Wayne over a third of all workers are employed in residents work in other localities. Much of manufacturing. this employment occurs not only outside of the local place of residence but outside the The Region mirrors the County in agricultural County as well. Over 65 percent of the employment. In 1990, about 4.9 percent of all employed residents of the Region are employed residents of the Region were employed in other Counties according to the employed in agriculture which is below the Census. In contrast only 20.8 percent of the 5.2 percent of workers Countywide. Both the employed residents of the state and 17.2 County and the Region are significantly more percent of the residents of Mifflin County are concentrated in agricultural employment than employed outside of their County of the state; in 1990 only 1.7 percent of residence. The high percentage of residents of employed workers in Pennsylvania were in the Region employed outside of Mifflin this sector. Between 1987 and 1997, the County is less surprising than it might seem number of farms in the County decreased by at first glance. The nearest population center 8.5 percent and the acreage farmed decreased of any size is Mount Union Borough by 9.3 percent; persons claiming farming as immediately across the Juniata River (the their principal occupation declined by 9.8 County boundary) in Huntingdon County. percent. It is likely that some of this decline Much of the industrial employment of occurred in Western Mifflin but no up-to-date Huntingdon County is located near Mount statistics are available.
Western MiffIin County Comprehensive Plan 4-3 August 2001 Chapter 4 - Economic and Socioeconomic Analysis
Only 1.1 percent of all workers in the Region compared to 32.6 percent in the state and 25.3 were employed in mining; however, this percent in the County. amounts to a fairly significant concentration compared to the 0.6 percent statewide or the The two sectors, other than manufacturing and 0.3 percent in Mifflin County. Most of these agriculture, to have significantly more workers are likely employed in the nearby employment than expected are wholesale trade quarries located in Huntingdon County. (7.5 percent locally compared to 4.3 percent in Pennsylvania) and Public Administration (6.6 Construction workers were 6.4 percent of total percent local and 4.0 percent statewide). employed residents in 1990. This is similar to the state average and slightly above the In all, the employment structure of Western County rate of 4.9 percent. Transportation Mifflin County is fairly typical of a rural area. sector employment is also close to the state The low level of local retail trade and service and County averages. In 1990,3.5 percent of sector employment suggests that most all workers who lived in the Region were residents must travel to Lewistown or Mount employed in transportation compared to 4.4 Union for even basic necessities. This, in percent in Pennsylvania and 3.8 percent in turn, suggests that the potential for local Mifflin County. Employment in provision of lower order (convenience type) communications and public utilities was also goods and services exist. similar to the statewide and County averages at 2.4 percent for the Region, 2.5 percent for RESULTS OF COMMUNITY SURVEY the state and 1.6 percent for the County. WITH REGARD TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT There are substantially fewer retail trade employees in the Region than one might Almost 40 percent of the Western Mifflin expect. Only 8.9 percent of total employment respondents to the Community Survey was in this sector compared to the state (Summer, 1998) indicated that employment average of 17.1 percent and the County opportunities in their community and the average of 15.4 percent. The highly rural surrounding area were only fair or poor and nature of the area reduces local retail trade that they would be willing to pay for efforts to employment opportunities. Most retail improve them. This was significantly higher workers must travel to ,Lewistown or Mount than the County average of 30 percent. Union for employment in this sector. Respondents also felt that unemployment was Similarly, employment in the finance, a greater problem than most residents of the insurance, and real estate sector is fairly low. County (79 percent compared to 74.5 percent Like retail trade, this sector has a highly urban considered unemployment a severe or orientation; therefore, the fact that only 3.2 moderate problem). Over 97 percent indicated percent of local residents are employed in this that increasing employment should be a high sector-compared to 6.5 percent statewide-is or moderate priority and 88 percent were not remarkable. supporters of workforce training and retraining. On the other hand relatively few Even service sector employment is much (39 percent) were in favor of giving tourism lower in the Region than in the State, and development a high priority and 72 percent somewhat lower than in the County; in 1990, were strongly in favor of supporting the family 22.8 percent of employed residents of the farm. Region worked in the services sector
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 4-4 August 2001
ChaDter 5 - Land Use Analvsis
Chapter 5 - Land Use Analysis
Table 5-1 Summarization of Existing Land Use by Major and Subcategory Classifications for Western Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, 1999
Wayne Township Kistler Borough Study Area Land Use Categories HaI (Includes Major and Sub- Yo of % of Yo of Total categories) Wayne N-H Total Region (Acres) I (Acres) I Total Total Total Residential 1,064.50 3.31 40.18 I 24.35 I 57.23 46.06 I 1,161.91 I 3.61 Single Family Residential 788.56 2 45 Residential Farm 141.81 0 44 Mobile Home 88.70 0.28 Vacant Residential 43.23 0 13 2.20 0 01
1.09 0.003
273.93 0.85
93.27 0.29
Service I .96 0.01 Retail 6.14 0.02 29.10 0.09 53.77 0.17 1.57 0.005 0.73 0.002
12.71 0.04
12.7 1 0.04
353.34 1.10
342.04 I .06 7.09 0.02 3.98 0.0 I 0.23 0.00 I
6,470.68 20.308
Agnculture 6,296.70 19.59 Undeveloped 173.98 0.54
Transportation, 409.94 1.28 Communication, and Utilities I I
Utility 48.34 0.15 48.34 Railway or Terminal 6 I .48 0.19 -- __ 61.48 Highway 300. I2 0.93 12.67 I 7.68 I 11.33 9.12 324.12 Forest Land 23,154.36 72.05 59.06 I 35.79 I 18.64 Public (State Forest) (2) 3,543.64 11.03 Non-Public 19,610.72 6 I .02 59.06 35.79 18.64
Water 303.07 0.94 18.52
Total 31,862.96 100.0 165.03 100.0 124.26 Notes: I. Area calculation based MiMin Count issessment fice records for Wavne Townshio 2. Area calculation based on data downloac from PA Spatial Data Access Online littl,://wWw.pasda.psu.edu/,1999. ** Total acres (273.93) not included in “Total” land area due to being derived from the Mimin County Assessment Office and not from “Sources.” Sources: MiMin County Mapping Department, 1999, and MiMin County Planning and Development Department, 1999
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 5 -2 August 2001 Chapter 5 - Land Use Analysis
Table 5-2 Comparative Housing and Population Densities for Wayne Township, Kistler Borough and Newton Hamilton Borough
Sources. * Paths and Bndges to the 21” Century Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 2000 (Table 2-20) U.S.Census Bureau
Newton Hamilton Boroughs, respectively, 22 corridor and the Juniata River. In total, comprise 35.9 percent and 67.3 percent of there are 1,065 acres of residential land in their total land areas. Wayne Township, which comprises 3.3 percent of the township’s total land area. An interpretation of the major land use categories presented in Table 5-1 is provided Residential parcels in Kistler Borough are in the following sections. This information equally divided among single family detached provides a better understanding of these major housing and mobile home units. land use categories and their distribution Approximately 40 acres, or 24 percent, of the throughout the study area. borough’s land area is classified as residential.
Residential Residential settings in Newton-Hamilton Borough primarily consist of single family Residential land uses within the study area are detached units intermixed with mobile homes. primarily represented by low density Roughly 57 acres, or 46 percent, of the (typically, housing units on lots of more than borough’s land area is classified as residential. one acre), single family detached housing units. However, housing densities are much In total, residential land uses constitute 1,162 higher in portions of Wayne Township, and acres or 3.6 percent of the entire study area. Kistler and Newton-Hamilton Boroughs. For example, housing units in the Wayne Residential Seasonal Township communities of Ryde, Lucy Furnace, and the Methodist Camp are mostly The residential seasonal category represents situated on lot sizes less than one-half acre. uses that have been developed for recreational and/or leisure-time activities. Such uses are The majority of Wayne Township’s residential for temporary occupancy and are not intended land uses are located on individual lots and for year-round dwelling purposes. Typical farm operations scattered throughout the residential seasonal uses include travel valley areas; mainly between the U.S. Route trailers, motor homes and hunting cabins.
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 5-3 August 2001 Chapter 5 - Land Use Analysis
Although Table 5-1 indicates that on 1.1 acres percent of the total land area. Of the three of residential seasonal land exists within the municipalities, Wayne Township contains the study area, the Mifflin County Assessment majority of these land uses with Office has indicated that hunting camps approximately 353 acres, or 95 percent of the comprise 274 acres, or less than one percent, study area’s total public and quasi-public land of the region’s total land area. According to uses. the Mifflin County Assessment Office, these 274 acres are included in 50 parcels located in Agriculture and Open Space Wayne Township. This category includes all land areas currently Commercial and Industrial being used for agricultural purposes (ie., cropland, pasture, farm, and non-farm Commercial uses include land sustaining agricultural uses), as well as undeveloped retail, wholesale, office, and service areas’. These uses comprise 6,521 acres, or businesses. As shown in Table 5-1, 20.3 percent, of the total land area, which commercial uses are located on 97 acres, or make them the second largest land use only 0.3 percent of the total study area. Of the category. three municipalities included in the study area, Wayne Township contains the majority (93.27 The limestone-based soils underlying various acres) of the commercial land uses. As portions of the study area’s valley floors illustrated in Figure 5-2, commercial uses are continue to support a productive agricultural located throughout the township; however, the community. The majority-approximately heaviest concentrations are located towards 6,471 acres, or 99.2 percent-of the study the western most portion of the township in area’s agricultural activities are located in close proximity to the Juniata River, and Wayne Township. Kistler and Newton-Hamilton Boroughs. Transportation, Communication, and Utilities Of Newton-Hamilton Borough’s total land area, approximately 3.4 acres or 2.8 percent is Land uses included in this category include classified as commercial. Kistler Borough has various transportation networks and support no commercial land uses. systems, as well as communication and utility rights-of-way. Many of these land uses are The industrial land use category pertains only characterized by areas of activity to a 12.7 1 acre quarry operation located in the interconnected by linear patterns. The eastern-most portion of Wayne Township. county’s transportation network greatly influences other land uses. For example, Public and Quasi-public many land use boundaries are essentially defined by transportation systems. Land uses within this category typically Furthermore, the extent of a transportation sustain establishments or properties that system in an area defines the level of access; provide educational, cultural, or social this, along with other infrastructure (e.g., services for the community, and include uses water and sewer) impacts the present and such as municipal buildings, churches, future use of the land. These land uses schools, fire companies, cemeteries, recreational facilities, and other similar civic I uses. These uses are located throughout the According to the Mimin County Mapping Department, undeveloped land uses consist of, but not limited to study area and comprise 37 1.26 acres or 1.1 brownfield areas, refuse areas, and other pasture land areas.
Western MifJlin County Comprehensive Plan 5-4 August 2001 Chapter 5 - Land Use Analysis comprise 434 acres, or 1.4 percent of the total classifications and quantifying techniques. study area. However, a general comparison of forest and industrial land uses was made due to Forest discernable differences in acreage levels. For example, the approximate amount of existing Forested areas include land which is covered forest land increased from 1974 levels; by deciduous and/or evergreen vegetation, and specifically, in those areas where former timberland. Historically, the land use of the farming operations have been replaced with study area has been dominated by forest land; either tree cover. In terms of industrial land with the heaviest concentration of this use use, the existing inventory of these uses shows located along the steep slopes and ridges of a decrease from the 1974 data. This is due to Jack’s Mountain and Blue Mountain. the deceased operations of the former Empire Kosher Chicken Processing Plant and the Today, forested land areas remain as the Powder Plant near Kistler Borough. predominant land use, comprising 23,232 acres, or 72 percent of the total study area. Of A further assessment of development trends the three municipalities, Wayne Township within the study area was made possible contains the largest portion (72 percent) of through information collected from the county forest land. The remaining portions are and local municipalities. located in Kistler (59 acres) and Newton Hamilton (approximately 19 acres) Boroughs. A farmland loss analysis, sponsored by the Mifflin County Agricultural Land Preservation Approximately 3,544 acres, or 11 percent, of Board, was performed by the Mifflin County the study area’s total forest lands, are Mapping Department with funding from the classified as public land. These public land PA Department of Agriculture, Bureau of areas are included in Rothrock and Tuscarora Farmland Protection. Using aerial State Forests. According to the land use photographs from 1975 and digital inventory, these public lands are located only orthophotos from 1995, the Mapping in Wayne Township. Department employed a manual aerial photo interpretation process to determine that the Water County lost 3,248 farmland acres during this period. Of this total, Wayne Township lost 78 Due to the scale of the data presented in acres. Of this 78 acres, over 36 acres was Figure 5-2, this category only defines the attributed to residential development. Kistler Juniata River Water body, which covers and Newton Hamilton Boroughs did not almost 322 acres, or one percent, of the total experience losses in farmland. study area. Table 5-3 provides a comparative overview of LAND USE TRENDS subdivision and land development activity for Mifflin County’s municipalities for the period A comparison of existing land use with 1993 to 2000. As shown, Wayne Township previous comprehensive planning studies2, experienced the fifth highest percentage of proved difficult due to differences in land use total acres developed during this period. Development activity in both Kistler and Newton-Hamilton Boroughs was virtually 2 Wayne Township Comprehensive Development Plan ( 1974) and Mount Union Region: Regional I - Sketch Plan (1974)
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 5-5 August 2001 Chapter 5 - Land Use Analysis
Table 5-3 Mifflin County Subdivision and Land Development Reviews Total Acres Developed, 1993-2000
112.37 1,647.06 I IBratton Township I 1.351 2.191 95.661 46.721 17.841 23.731 16.04 11 1.90 I 315.441 . I !Brown Township ( 5.851 0.00l 165.341 316.471 24.491 58.921 84.35 225.91 I 881.341 (Burnham Borough I 1.501 0.251 2.791 4.321 0.981 0.341 0.00 10.25 I 20.431 IDecatur Township I 21.321 145.021 762.491 180.691 70.371 132.21 I 170.23 901.59 I 2,383.921 IDerry Township I 3.64) 110.541 139.97) 312.45) 31.66) 693.00) 247.89 1,085.91 I 2,625.07) lGranviile Township I 16.92 I 58.92 I 266.64 I 173.58 I 53.001 52.07 I 15 1.23 185.03 I 957.391 Juniata Terrace Borough 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 I 0.ool Kistler Borough 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 14.62 14.62 Lewistown Borough 0.57 0.00 1.47 0.00 0.97 0.00 14.83 18.59 McVeytown Borough 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03 . I (MennoTownship I 8.921 13.941 96.801 8.471 12.181 25.931 15.92 285.33 I 467.491 I loliver Township I 29.081 131.001 342.951 96.291 206.091 84.701 76.62 1,028.98 I 1,995.711 IUnion Township I 35.04) 2.601 241.261 89.241 17.771 27.781 44.19 596.34 1,054.231 I I I I I I I I Wayne Township I 1 18.92 3.47 395.95 II 1.23 33.76 56.41 105.63 -1,153971 )County Totals I 291.871 830.921 2,874.691 1,441.991 652.221 1,255.851 1,300.16 4,887.59 I 13,535.291 Note: No development occurred during survey period in Newton Hamilton Borough. Sources: Miftlin County Planning and Development Department, 2001, City and County Data Books (1993 and i997) non-existent due to their limited areas Building permit information shown in Table available for growth. 5-4 provides insight on the specific areas of development within the study area and the Separately, according to the U.S. Census county as a whole. As shown, the majority of Bureau, Wayne Township experienced the development within the Western Mifflin third highest percentage gain in total housing County study area for the period 1990 to 2000 units for all Mifflin County municipalities was single family residential. The second during the period 1980 to 1990. During this greatest development activity was period, the township’s total housing unit stock commercial/public based. Of the three increased from 891 in 1980 to 1,055 in 1990, municipalities included in the study area, or by 18.4 percent. In contrast, growth in total Wayne Township experienced the greatest housing units during the 1980 to 1990 period development activity. In contrast Kistler and for both Kistler and Newton Hamilton Newton Hamilton Boroughs experienced very Boroughs decreased by four percent and eight little development activity, due to their limited percent, respectively. During this period, the areas available for growth. number of total housing units in Kistler Borough decreased from 153 units in 1980 to REGULATORY MEASURES 149 units in 1990. The number of total housing units in Newton Hamilton Borough The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning decreased from 122 in 1980, to1 14 in 1990. Code (MPC) provides the legal framework for local governments to enact, administer and enforce both zoning, and subdivision and land
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 5-6 August 2001 Chapter 5 - Land Use Analysis
Table 5-4 Building Permit Trend Comparisons, 1990 through 2000 - Single Family Lesidential /Public Demoli Muni. 1 - 00 90 -Armagh 40 -Bratton 00 -Brown 00 -Bumham 64 -Decatur 00 -Derry 40 -Granville 16 0 Juniata 00 -Terrace -Kistkr 00 -Lew"twn 20 -McV'twn 20 -Menno 20 Newton. Hamilton 0 00 -Borough Oliver IO 0 2 913 - -Union 40~ 0302 -Warn 12 00 2416 Total 21 35 30 28 24 42 6 IO 4 0 21 41 26 32
Sources Mif in County Planning and I3' evelopment Di n ent based on d ta denved from muntcipa ty year end repIO ~rts and buildin'P permit recors, 199:I and1997 Pennsylvaini ia County Ihta Books. direct contac h municipalities, and Couni f Planning Commission's I innual Report 3:I.
Western MifJlin County Comprehensive Plan 5-7 August 2001 Chapter 5 - Land Use Analysis development regulations. Zoning is a method a The Pilot is taking a two-track approach to community may use to regulate the use of land foster brownfields cleanup and and structures and is designed to protect public redevelopment. First, the Pilot is currently health, safety, and welfare, and to guide targeting the Corkins’ property, a former growth. In contrast, subdivision and land automotive shop located at an entrance to the development regulations do not control which downtown area, for assessment and cleanup uses are established within the municipality nor planning. Simultaneously, the Pilot program where a use or activity can or cannot locate; has also identified and prioritized seven other rather, it controls how a use or activity relates brownfields sites, which includes the Empire to the land upon which it is located. Chicken Processing Plant in Wayne Township. As shown in Table 5-5, Kistler Borough is the only municipality within the study area that has adopted a zoning ordinance. Furthermore, each municipality within the study area is subject to Mifflin County’s subdivision and land development ordinance provisions.
According to Kistler Borough officials, the borough experiences frequent problems in enforcing the zoning ordinance even with a codes enforcement officer. Too often, local citizens take action without first conferring with the codes enforcement officer. However, both the zoning, and subdivision and land development ordinances are effective.
MIFFLIN COUNTY BROWNFIELDS PILOT PROGRAM
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Brownfields are abandoned, idled, or underused industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.”
In June 1999, the U.S. EPA awarded Mifflin County a $200,000 Brownfields Pilot Program Grant. Through this program, the County’s objective is to develop a comprehensive strategy to promote environmental and economic sustainability that integrates the Pilot project with this Comprehensive Plan. This strategy has and continues to rely on an extensive community involvement program.
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 5-8 August 2001 Chapter 5 - Land Use Analysis
Table 5-5 Enacted Land Use Regulatory Measures in Mifflin County
Mifnin County __ March 1995
Armagh Township __ February 1990
Bratton Township - Mimin County
Brown Township 1973 Mimin County
Burnham Borough 1973 June 1975
Decatur Township - October 1994
Derry Township 1977 June 2000
Granville Township I998 December 1989
Juniata Terrace Boroueh Mimin County
Kistler Borough I997 Mitllin County
Lewistown Borough I954 March 1954
McVeytown Borough Mimin County
Menno Township December I99 I
Newton Hamilton Borough Mifllin County
Oliver Township __ March 1993
Union Township I968 October 1978 I 1 - 8, Wayne Township I I . Milllin County _I J* Source: Mimin County Planning and Development Department, 1999.
Western MifJlin County Comprehensive Plan 5-9 August 2001
ChaDter 6 - Communitv Facilities and Services Analvsis Chapter 6 - Community Facilities and Sewices Analysis
INTRODUCTION trooper available 24 hours a day to handle incidents. This is the average number of This chapter inventories existing community troopers assigned for this zone. Incident data facilities and services within the Western for 1998 indicates that a total of 103 crimes Mifflin County study area and discusses the were investigated by the PSP in the study area, issues associated with their operation and which is a manageable number for the provision. This is useful in identifying manpower assigned. strengths as well as inadequacies and needs. The operation and provision of the various In addition to the PSP, the Mifflin County facilities and services are the duties of both Sheriffs office also provides various policing private and public organizations, as noted and law enforcement duties. The sheriffs throughout this chapter. primary duties are to serve as an officer of the court and operate the County jail. The sheriff PUBLIC SAFETY also performs a variety of administrative duties including serving court issued writs, Police Protection orders, and notices, executing judgement orders, transporting prisoners, and selling of Police protection is a service required for delinquent real estate and personal property. county residents and businesses. The In addition, the sheriff is responsible for traditional role of the police involves three regulations enacted under the Brady Bill, functions: (1) law enforcement, (2) order including performing background checks on maintenance, and (3) community service. residents applying for gun permits, Law enforcement involves the application of investigating gun dealers, and issuing a license legal sanctions, usually arrest, to persons who to sell firearms. injure or deprive innocent victims of life or property. Order maintenance involves the The allocation of police resources is often a handling of disputes. The third aspect of the concern in rural areas where staff is limited. police function, and the one most likely to According to the U.S. Department of Justice, occupy the major portion of the officer’s time, approximatelyhalf of the nation’s local police varies from community to community departments employ fewer than 10 according to tradition and local ordinances. commissioned officers; typifying Mifflin These are activities not necessarily related to County’s police department sizes. criminal acts and include such tasks as traffic control, education, and other public services. Rural departments are not only small but generally funded at about half the level of The provision ofpolice protection is a primary urban departments, per officer. The small fimction of each municipality. The citizens sizes and small budgets of many rural within the study are serviced entirely by the departments do not mean they are ineffective. Pennsylvania State Police (PSP). According To the contrary, rural police typically have to the PSP office in Yeagertown, patrol areas higher clearance rates than urban departments. within Mifflin County are divided into zones, In addition, rural citizens have a more positive which are determined by workload (Le., the image of their police than do urban citizens. number of incidents occurring over a period of As a result, the USDOJ’s suggests that small time). The study area municipalities are town and rural police department included in a single zone, which also inefficiencies may be best addressed through encompasses both Menno and Oliver inter-agency cooperation, rather than formal Townships. Zones are designed to have one consolidation (USDOJ, 1994).
Western Miffrin County ComprehensivePlan 6- 1 August 2001 Chapter 6 - Community Facilities and Services Analysis
Fire Protection effectiveness of an emergency service provider, it is important for both County and The Newton-Wayne Volunteer Fire Company local officials to continually monitor each (Co. #26) is the study area’s primary fire department’s response times. incident response agency, which provides primary service to Wayne Township, and According to the Mifflin County Emergency Kistler and Newton Hamilton Boroughs Services Department, the allocation of fire (Figure 6-1). department resources is not evenly distributed throughout the county. The uneven The Newton-Wayne Volunteer Fire Company distribution of resources, coupled with the is highly dependent upon manpower since it is shortage of volunteer personnel, has often staffed entirely by volunteer personnel. posed the need for the consolidation of Similar to state and national trends, the services, tied to response times and service practice of volunteering is declining in Mifflin areas. However, the 1998 Quality of Life County, which may be attributed to the Survey reported that most (41 percent) study following: area respondents rate their fire service as good to excellent, and indicated they would pay for First, young people have more choices for needed improvements. how they can spend their leisure time than they did in the past. Therefore, lack of interest A municipality’s fire-suppression capabilities due to participation in other activities or the are evaluated through a fire rating lack of free time are reasons for the decline in classification system implemented through the volunteering. Insurance Service Office’s (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) system. Fire Second, volunteer interest appears to be protection classification ratings are based on diminishing because of the large number of the quality of a local fire department and the hours that are necessary to conduct fund- distance a dwelling is located from a standard raising activities. Constant fund-rasing public fire hydrant. Local insurers depend on becomes tiresome to the typical volunteer ISO’s PPC database for accurate and timely firefighter who is interested in training and information on a municipality’s fire actual fire-fighting. The increased need and suppression capabilities to independently emphasis on fund-raising has diminished the determine homeowner’s and commercial ranks of these companies, and possibly property insurance rates. ISO’s PPC database dissuaded new membership development. contains detailed information on the fire suppression capability of approximately Third, the number of employment 43,000 fire districts and municipalities opportunities within the County and region nationwide. Key PPC information elements may require many of the would-be volunteer include emergency service area boundaries, fire-fighters to commute outside of their local fire-station locations, and mutual aid municipality or the County on a daily basis. agreements. The rating system is based on a This situation results in lack of manpower scale of 1 (best) to 10 (worst). during working hours and can lead to increased response times. Primarily due to Western Mifflin County’s rural nature, Wayne Township, and Kistler As manpower decreases, the response time to and Newton Hamilton Boroughs have IS0 incidents lengthens. Since response time is ratings equal to or greater than six (Table 6- used as a critical indicator to determine the I). However, these municipalities can
Western Mqflin County Comprehensive Plan 6-2 August 2002 Chapter 6 - Community Facilities and Services Analysis possibly improve their protection ratings by Emergency Medical Services informing IS0 of any changes in their fire protection resources. For example, Wayne Emergency medical services (EMS) can be Township has strategically placed divided into two general types. The first, approximately nine dry hydrants throughout emergency ambulance service involves the the municipality to provide adequate pickup of patients at the scene of a medical opportunities for the Newton-Wayne emergency. Then patients are expediently Volunteer Fire Company and other responding transported to a local medical care facility for agencies to access fire suppression water treatment. The second, routine transports, is supplies. "Dry hydrants improve rural fire for the transport of patients from one medical fighting abilities resulting in reduced care facility to another. insurance premiums as determined by the ISO. Dry hydrants installed in untreated water Western Mifflin County is serviced by a total sources conserve treated water for domestic of four EMS providers, who provide various use. Shorter traveling distances for fill-ups levels of service including basic life support save fuel and, coupled with a higher (BLS), advanced life support (ALS), and Fire-Fighting capability and lower insurance quick response service (QRS). Basic life rates, attract homeowners."' support services are provided by the McVeytown Volunteer Fire Company and The levying of a local fire tax is often a Mount Union Volunteer Fire Company. The revenue tool used by local municipalities to Lewistown Hospital provides ALS services financially support their local fire while QRS is provided through Newton- departments. However, only four Hamilton Fire Company. municipalities in Mifflin County currently levy a fire' tax. These include: Much like volunteer fire companies, emergency medical services are in constant b Lewistown Borough (1.5 mils with need of volunteers. Currently, the Newton- approximately $139,000 estimated Wayne Volunteer Fire Company has six revenue) emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and b Burnham Borough (1.0 mils with one paramedic, while the McVeytown approximately $28,000 estimated Volunteer Fire Company has 29 EMTs and revenue) six emergency responders. Each company is b Granville Township (1 .OS mils with equipped with an automatic defibrillator approximately $97,998.6 1 estimated service. revenue) b Deny Township (1.0 mils with The Seven Mountains EMS Council is approximately $150,000 estimated contracted through the Pennsylvania revenue) Department of Health to coordinate emergency medical service programs within a four county area of Central Pennsylvania, which includes Mifflin County. Seven Mountains acts as the liaison between the Department of Health and the Regional EMS providers on issues such as training, I State of New Mexico. Forestry Division of ambulance licensure, receiving facility the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. "Dry accreditation, medical command Fire Hydrants Reduce Rural Insurance Premiums." Forest Health: A Birrnine Issue. 1998.
Western Mijj'lin County Comprehensive Plan 6-3 August 2001 Chapter 6 - Community Facilities and Services Analysis
Table 6-1 Mifflin County Insurance Service Office Public Protection Classification Ratings
Armagh Township 7.9 Kistler Borough 7
Bratton Township 9,9 Lewistown Borough 5
Brown Township 69 McVeytown Borough 6
Bumham Borough 7,9 Menno Township 9, 9
Decatur Township 9 Newton-Hamilton Township 6
~~ Deny Township I 6, 9 I Oliver Township I 69 I Granville Township 6,9 Union Township 6, 9
Juniata Terrace 6,9 Wayne Township 6,9
(E. Walnut Street Adjacent 6,9 (South Hills) 69 Lewistown)
Note: More than one classification may be provided for a municipality or service area based on differing distances that dwelling units are from fire hydrants and responding fire stations Source: Insurance Service Office, 1999. authorization, treatment and transfer funding with EMSOF money, including protocols, protocols, mass casualty pediatric care and electronic data collection preparation and coordination, quality items. assurance, and complaint investigation. According to the council, the Newton-Wayne Mifflin County’s fire and EMS services Fire Company is in constant need of more (includes both paid and volunteer) are fbnded members and is deficient in emergency through various resources, which include vehicle operation training. However, in fund-raising and donations, municipal response to this need, the council will provide contributions, state insurance rebates (i.e., out- an Emergency Vehicle Instructor’s course in of-state fee for insurance companies), local the near future. government financial assistance, workman’s compensation and vehicle insurance. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, revenues from the Emergency Medical Hazardous Materials Team Services Operating Fund (EMSOF) provided partial funding for 2,442 prehospital care In Pennsylvania, each county is required under equipment upgrades for ambulance services Act 165 to have a contract with a state- between 1990 and 1995. In 1996 alone, a certified hazardous materials response team. total of 586 services received some funding The program, which is managed by the toward equipment. Purchase of automated Pennsylvania Emergency Management external defibrillator (AED) equipment in Agency (PEMA), establishes operational, rural areas is a high priority for the use of staffing, training, medical monitoring, supply, these funds. As a result, the Newton Hamilton and equipment guidelines Of the 42 state- Volunteer Fire Company has been equipped certified hazardous material teams, Mifflin with an AED unit. Furthermore, there has County is serviced by the Mifflin County Haz- been an expansion of items eligible for partial Mat Team 27. The team is responsible for
Western kfqflin County Contprehensive Plan 6-4 August 2001 Chapter 6 - Community Facilities and Services Analysis responding to a wide variety of incidents requirements under Pennsylvania Act 165. In involving the storage and transport of Pennsylvania, an offsite emergency response hazardous materials. A more comprehensive plan is required for each SARA EHS planning focus on the types of hazardous materials facility. This plan becomes a supplement to being stored in and transported through the county emergency operations plan. Mifflin County may be found in the County’s Mifflin County has 17 SARA EHS planning Hazardous Commodity Flow Study. facilities, each having a plan filed with the county’s emergency management office. Each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties is According to the Mifflin County Emergency designated as a Local Emergency Planning Services Office, there are no SARA EHS District and each is required to have a Local planning facilities located in the Western Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). Mifflin County study area. A current list of Mifflin County LEPC members are appointed SARA planning facilities may be obtained by the governor from a list of nominees from the Mifflin County Emergency Services submitted by the governing body of the Office. county. The Mifflin County LEPC is comprised of the county emergency services Emergency Management director, one county commissioner, and at least one person selected from the following Overview groups: The Pennsylvania Emergency Management b Elected officials representing local Services Code (35 Pa. C. S. Section government within the county; 7 101-7707) requires that all counties and b Law enforcement, first aid, health, municipalities develop and maintain an local environment, hospital and emergency management program consistent transportation personnel; with state and federal emergency management Firefighting personnel; programs. Each county and municipal b Civil Defense and emergency program is administered by a director, who is management personnel; appointed by the Governor based upon the b Broadcast and print media; recommendation of county and or municipal b Community groups not affiliated with officials and the Pennsylvania Emergency emergency services groups; and Management Agency. b Owners and operators of facilities subject to the requirements of the Recently, the Mifflin County Board of Superfunds Amendments and Commissioners created a director’s position Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA). for the County’s Office of Public Safety. The duties of this position include supervising and LEPC responsibilities are essentially those coordinating activities of the County’s established by SARA (Superfund emergency services department, overseeing Amendments and Reauthorization Act of the operations of the emergency 1986) Title 1112, with additional specific communications and enhanced 9 11 center and hazardous materials response. Currently, the
L County is contracted with an outside agency to One part of the SARA legislation is Title 111, which is also know as the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA). The EPCRA requires states to implement procedures for organizing local chemical emergency preparedness programs and to receive and disseminate information on hazardous chemicals Dresent at facilities within local communities.
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 6-5 August 2001 Chapter 6 - Community Facilities and Services Analysis perform a needs and realignment assessment Telecommunications of the Office of Public Safety. Telecommunication services within the Mifflin County has a government-sponsored Western Mifflin County study are provided by search and rescue team (Team 44) operating Verizon. under the auspices of the Mifflin County Emergency Services Department. Requests Wireless telecommunication service in the for team activation must have approval of the past was rarely a land use issue, but the county emergency services director. In-county proliferation of cellular phone tower responses are made by Mifflin County’s local construction has caused it to become an emergency management coordinators or police important planning issue throughout officials. Out-of-county responses are Pennsylvania, particularly for local honored only when requested by the municipalities. The demand for wireless jurisdiction’s emergency services director. services requires providers to construct coverage facilities to assure service The Pennsylvania Wing, Shade Mountain throughout the market area and then to add Squadron 1302, of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) capacity facilities which make available is also operational in Mifflin County. The additional channels to accommodate new CAP is an aviation-oriented volunteer subscribers. There are at least eight wireless organization, which is the federally chartered communication towers located in Mifflin auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Each County, however, none are located within the state comprises a Wing. Shade Mountain study area. Squadron 1302 is comprised of senior members. There currently is not an active The 1996 Telecommunications Act generally Cadet program in Mifflin County. 1 protects local zoning authority over the placement of cellular towers. However, each Each municipality included in the Western municipality included in the study lacks a Mifflin County study area has adopted an zoning framework to effectively deal with the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), which has placement of wireless facilities. been approved by the Mifflin County Office of Public Safety and PEMA.. The purpose of Mifflin County Digital Community Program the EOP is to address a municipality’s natural and man-made hazard risks, and to establish a The Mifflin County Management Information standard operating procedure for effectively Systems (MIS) Department is currently managing and recovering from these hazard working on several “Digital Community” risks. projects throughout the county. One such project is the fiber optics network. It will a UTILITY NETWORKS high-speed network connection that will benefit the county in several ways. By touting With increased residential, commercial, and such a network, the county will be more industrial development activity, more demand appealing to businesses that are looking to is placed on gas, electricity, and relocate to an area that can accommodate communication systems. Although most their business needs. It will also benefit the utilities have the ability to meet increased schools and the hospital by providing them demands, it is essential to provide a brief high-speed access to the Internet. The review of the study area’s service providers network is limited, but is expected to grow as and issues relating to their activity. time goes on.
Western MifJlin County Comprehensive Plan 6-6 August 2001 Chapter 6 - Community Facilities and Services Analysis
Other projects include networking the law Valley REC, who is a cooperative member of enforcement agencies, such as Mifflin County the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, Probation, District Justices, Police, etc. The was incorporated November 1, 1938 and benefit will be in the transmitting of secured, provided its first electric service in November accurate information that can be entered once 17,1939. Currently, VREC provides services into a computer and shared with any to approximately 538 residential customers in appropriate offices connected to the network. the Ferguson Valley area of Mifflin County, which includes Granville (48 residential The MIS department is also managing a Social customers), Oliver (332 residential Network (SNET) project that will link the customers), and Wayne (1 58 customers) human service agencies throughout the Townships. Historic trends in Valley REC’s county, and in some cases to their state Mifflin County customer base were partners in Harrisburg. Through use of this unavailable from the cooperative. However, network the agencies can share data where VREC uses a 1.73 percent consumer growth appropriate and legally acceptable. This will rate to predict its future service needs. allow them to take a proactive role in the community. Instead of waiting for the client As with telecommunication services, electric to come to them, they can go to the client, service has also increasingly become a land having been informed ahead of time through use issue, particularly at the local level when the referral aspect of the network. utilities attempt to locate additional facilities, such as substations and new or larger Electric Service transmission lines.
Residents within the study area receive Natural Gas Service electric services from the Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec/GPU) and Valley Natural Gas service is currently not available Rural Electric Cooperative (VREC). in the Western Mifflin County study area. However, these services are provided In 1998, the Pennsylvania Electric Company elsewhere in Mifflin County; specifically, by provided electric service to approximately Penn Fuel Gas Company, Interboro Gas 1,460 customers within the Western Mifflin Company, and Lewistown Gas Company. County study area. Of this total, Kistler Penn Fuel Gas provides full or partial services Borough provided 149 customers, Newton to various municipalities, which includes Hamilton Borough provided 123, and Wayne Armagh, Bratton, Brown, Derry, Granville, Township provided 1,188 customers. A Menno, and Union, Townships. Interboro historic comparison of Penelec/GPU’s Gas Company services the Lewistown customer base for these municipalities reveals Borough area. that the highest consumer growth is occurring in Wayne Township, where from 1991 to The proximity of land development relative to 1998, the GPU customer base grew from pipeline. locations is an important land use 1,108 to 1,188, or by 7.2 percent. During this issue, as pipelines are occasionally damaged same period, GPU’s customer base in Newton due to excavation and construction. Federal Hamilton grew from 116 to 123 customers, or law mandates certain safety codes, which must by approximately 6 percent, while Kistler’s be met before and during the operation of the customer base grew from 146 to 149, or by 2.1 pipeline. An emergency preparedness and percent. response plan is also required.
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 6-7 August 2001 Chapter 6 - Community Facilities and Services Analysis
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES Additional technological capabilities include Internet access, and broadcast and cable Public and Private Schools television services. Furthermore, the following programs are currently offered by The Western Mifflin County study area is the Kistler Elementary School: included in the Mount Union Area School District. The district obtains leadership and t Half-day kindergarten; education services through the Tuscarora t Art instruction with a certified art Intermediate Unit (IU #11). Services provided instructor; include curriculum planning, instructional t Music instruction with a certified materials, continuing professional education, music instructor; and special education to all local schools. The t Enrichment programs; IU receives funding through both the t Tutorial or extra help programs; Pennsylvania Department of Education t Physical education instruction with a (PADE) and the local school districts. certified physical education instructor; and The Mount Union School District has a t Education field trips current (Le., 2000-200 1) enrollment of 1,60 1 students. This represents a 1.0 percent Included in the Mount Union School District’s increase (1 5 shdents) from the district’s 1999- proposed $10 million construction project is 2001 enrollment of 1,586 students. It is the demolition and reconstruction of the projected that the 2001-2002 school year Kistler Elementary School facility. enrollment will equal 1,58 1 students. Demolition has already occurred and the new facility is currently under construction. The Mount Union School District does not During this entire process, the students will maintain enrollment records by place of attend classes at the Shirley Township facility. residence. However, there are currently 504 The new Kistler Elementary school will students enrolled in the district who reside in accommodate 350 to 400 students and will Mifflin County @e., Wayne Township, Kistler replace the existing Mount Union Elementary Borough and Newton Hamilton Borough). school facility. This figure was obtained through the Mount Union School District. According to the PADE, the unadjusted 1996- 97 expenditures per pupil for the Mount The Kistler Elementary School, which is Union Area School District was $5,8 14. This located in Kistler Borough and included in the represents a slight, but real increase in Mount Union School District, provides expenditures when compared to the district’s primary level (i.e., Grades 4 and below) 1990 adjusted3 expenditure level of$5,088. In education services to Wayne Township, and comparison, the district’s 1996-97 Kistler and Newton Hamilton Boroughs. The expenditures were almost equal to the Mifflin current enrollment level for the school is 53 County School District’s level of $5,854, but students. were considerably lower than the commonwealth’s expenditures of $7,483. According to the PADE, the Kistler Elementary School currently has eight computers available for student use. 3 However, only one of these computers is Adjusted by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 1990 and 1998 calender years. Inflation Index for equipped with CD-ROM capabilities. ~ ~~ this period equals 1.247
Western Mijjjin County Comprehensive Plan 6-8 August 2001 Chapter 6 - Communi@ Facilities and Services Analysis The IU number 11 operates the Huntingdon facilities, some students from Mifflin County County Career and Technical Center, which is are also enrolled in the two Huntingdon located in Mill Creek. The center offers a County-based private schools, which are the total of 11 work force preparation courses for Calvary Christian Academy and Huntingdon students in grades 10 through 12. Courses are Christian Academy. divided into two program categories, which are the Tech Prep Advanced Skills Preparation Higher Education and Vocational Skills Preparation. The Tech Prep Advanced Skills category is designed for Higher education opportunities are provided those students who are pursuing careers that through various two and four-year degree require post secondary education. The granting institutions located throughout Vocational Skills category is designed for central Pennsylvania. These include Penn students wishing to enter the workforce upon State University, Bucknell University, Juniata their graduation from high school. College, Susquehanna University, DuBois Business School and the Pennsylvania College Mifflin County 2000, Inc., is a nonprofit of Technology, which is a wholly owned organization focused on improving the affiliate of Penn State University. In addition, education of all in Mifflin County. Developed the South Hills School of Business and in concert with the nation’s educational Technology recently opened a branch campus improvement initiative (America 2000), in Lewistown. Based in State College, the Mifflin County 2000 is comprised of a grass school offers five Associate Specialized roots coalition of education, business, parent, Business degree programs and three Associate and student groups. The primary objectives of Specialized Technology degree programs. this organization are to: Higher education institutions have a number b improve the graduation rate; of important roles that have a positive impact b restructure the core curriculum, with on both the region and Mifflin County’s emphasis on school-to-work programs businesses. First, they serve the higher and quantifiable performance education needs of students from in and out of standards; and the county. Second, through research and b hrther develop the region’s post- achievements in science, technology, and the secondary education opportunities. arts and humanities, they fuel the state’s economy and enrich its culture. Finally, they These objectives are primarily achieved provide specific services to business and through various programs, which include industry, particularly in worker preparedness. grants for educators, scholarships, annual career and science fairs, and annual HEALTH CARE FACILITIES recognition of new teachers and student achievements. The citizens of Western Mifflin County are serviced by a wealth of medical facilities and There are three private educational facilities expertise. The Lewistown Hospital, a private, located in Mifflin County. These include the non-profit hospital operating as an entity of Sacred Heart Catholic School, Mifflin County the Lewistown Healthcare Foundation, serves Christian Academy and Belleville Mennonite as Mifflin County’s primary medical facility. School. Several Western Mifflin County This facility, a 190 bed acute care community children are enrolled at the Belleville hospital accredited by the Joint Commission Mennonite School. In addition to these on the Accreditation of Healthcare
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 6-9 August 2001 Chapter 6 - Community Facilities and Services Analysis
Organizations, serves a population of service, and assisted and independent living approximately 80,000 in Mifflin, Juniata, and quarters. surrounding counties. In conjunction with the Lewistown Hospital, the Endoscopy Center of Meadowview Manor, which is located in Pennsylvania in Lewistown is a Wayne Township, is a personal care and separately-licensed facility that provides rehabilitation center that was started on June specialty or multi-specialty outpatient surgical 15, 1982. It is licensed by the PA Department treatment on a regular and organized basis. In of Health for 52 beds and services an area addition, the Geisinger Health System is stretching from Huntingdon County to planning to develop a new clinic in Derry Lewistown. The facility also has a full service Township on the former site of the Mifflin rehabilitation center that offers physical, County Farm. This 40,000 square foot facility occupational, and speech therapy. will offer primary practice services with outreach programs and will be staffed with Malta Home for the Aging (Granville specialists fiom both Danville and Milton S. Township) has 20 personal care beds and 40 Hershey medical centers. These specialists nursing home beds, and is currently at will meet with patients on a scheduled basis. maximum capacity. Furthermore, it is implementing a three-phase retirement In addition to the Lewistown Hospital, the community development in Granville residents of Western Mifflin County also Township that will add an additional 200 utilize the JC Blair Memorial Hospital, which units. This development, which is called is located in Huntingdon Borough, Knight’s Haven, will provide single family Huntingdon County. According to the housing units for the region’s senior Pennsylvania Department of Health, this population. hospital is classified as a general service, non- profit controlled facilitiy, which has 104 William Penn Nursing Center (Lewistown) licensed beds, 104 setuphtaff beds and 14 has 121 beds and is near capacity. It currently well infant bassinets. has no future plans for expanding its current facilities . The Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Division of Home Health is responsible for Ohesson Manor (Deny Township) has 27 the licensing and oversight of Pennsylvania’s units for assisted living and 134 nursing home home health agencies. Total Life Care Home beds. It is currently at or near capacity, but Care Services of Lewistown is the county’s has no immediate plans to expand its only licensed home health care agency. This facilities. The facility recently completed a agency is both Medicare and Medicaid special care unit for Alzheimer patients and certified. persons with Dementia.
Long term care services in Mifflin County are Valley View Haven in Union Township has provided through five (5)agencies, which are 118 duplex units and six single units for the Malta Home for the Aging, Ohesson unassisted living, as well as 46 beds for Manor, Valley View Haven, Meadowview assisted living and 122 nursing home beds. Manor, and William Penn Nursing Center. A This facility is near capacity levels and has constant issue for these facilities is the task of recently expanded its facility by assessing the various service needs of the implementing an assisted living area. county’s aging population, such as the need Additional expansion is not planned at this for special care services, continuing-life care time.
Western MifJlin County Comprehensive Plan 6-10 August 2001 Chapter 6 - Communi& Facilities and Services Analysis
LIBRARIES and boroughs. It also receives state tax funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Public library services are provided through Education. the Mifflin County Library system, which is part of the Central Pennsylvania District STORMWATER Library Consortium. The Mifflin County MANAGEMENT Library is based in Lewistown and includes four branch libraries, which are located in Within Pennsylvania, stormwater management A1 lensvi11 e, Be 11e v i 11e (Kish Branch) , planning and decisions are performed by McVeytown (Rothrock Branch), and Milroy. municipalities through local subdivision and Of these facilities, the Rothrock branch library land development ordinances. But too often, provides the closest service for Western local officials only focus their planning and Mifflin County citizens. There are no public decision making efforts within their municipal library facilities located within the study area. boundaries and do not consider the impacts of their actions on downstream communities. The library system is funded through county Therefore, adequate planning cannot be tax dollars and state aid. The library system thoroughly accomplished on a parcel-by- offers a variety of services including, but not parcel or municipality-by-municipality basis. limited to interlibrary loan, audiohideo Compounding the problem is a lack of clear lending service, Internet and fax service, legal guidance and sufficient hydrologic computer services, summer reading, and adult information. These together have hampered programs. Additional library services the ability of municipalities to make sound available to the public include the Mifflin stormwater management decisions. County Law and Historical Libraries. Multimunicipal cooperation and joint participation by everyone to resolve flooding In addition, the Mount Union Branch Library problems are the keys to the successful of the Huntingdon County Library System resolution. also services Western Mifflin County citizens. Located at 9- 11 West Market Street in Mount Design standards for drainage and stormwater Union, the Mount Union Branch Library is management improvements within the study newly renovated and provides a wide variety area are subject to the requirements contained of services through the Huntingdon County in the Mifflin County Subdivision and Land Main Library. These services include, among Development Ordinance. others, the Children’s Program and Summer Reading Club, inter-library loan and ACCESS The Pennsylvania Stormwater Management PA interlibrary loan program services, and Act 167 of 1978, requires counties to prepare computer and Internet access. Furthermore, stormwater management plans on a the Huntingdon County Library System watershed-by-watershed basis. These plans operates the Barth Bookmobile, which must be prepared in consultation with the services 24 local communities throughout affected municipalities. Standards for control Huntingdon County on a bi-weekly basis. The of runoff from new development are a bookmobile carries a selection of over 4,000 required component of each plan and are books and magazines for adults and children based on a detailed hydrologic assessment. A and operates all year-round. The Huntingdon key objective of a stormwater management County Library System operates with local, plan is to coordinate the decisions of the municipal funds provided by the Huntingdon watershed municipalities. A plan is County Commissioners and many townships
Western Mijjlin County Comprehensive Plan 6-1 1 August 2001 Chapter 6 - Community Facilities and Services Analysis implemented through mandatory municipal required when a landfill’s remaining disposal adoption of ordinance provisions consistent capacity drops below three years. with the plan. Municipal solid waste in Mifflin County is The Western Mifflin County study area is defined as waste generated from residential, located in the Lower Juniata Watershed commercial, industrial office/lunch room, (Subbasin 12) and is drained by both the institutional, and community activities, with Kishacoquillas and Aughwick Creek 60 percent of the total currently being Watersheds. Subbasin 12 is included in the generated from residential sources. Most Susquehanna River Drainage Basin. A municipal solid waste from Mifflin County is stormwater management plan is currently deposited at the Authority’s Barner Landfill. being prepared for the Kishacoquillas Creek The landfill, which began operating in August Watershed, which will include its tributaries-- 1988, accepts waste from all municipalities in Laurel Creek and Honey Creek. There is no Mifflin County and some waste from Juniata stormwater management plan for the and Huntingdon Counties. Aughwick Creek Watershed. The total amount of waste disposed in Mifflin Plans prepared under the Stormwater County’s Barner Landfill decreased by four Management Act will not resolve all drainage percent, from 38,610 tons in 1992, to 36,977 issues. A key goal of the planning process is tons in 2000. The 2000 tonnage level to maintain existing peak runoff rates represents a 26 percent decrease from the throughout a watershed as land development 49,809 tons ofwaste disposed in the landfill in continues to take place. Although this process 1999. does not solve existing problems, it should prevent their escalation. The correction of the There are six major solid waste haulers that existing problems is the responsibility of the utilize the Barner Landfill. These include the affected municipalities. Borough of Lewistown, Eagle Waste (WSI), Cocolamus, Parks Garbage Service, S&S SOLID WASTE Trash Service, and D and M Grove, as well as MANAGEMENT other private commercial and private cash customers. The majority of the refuse disposed The Pennsylvania Municipal Waste Planning, at the landfill is generated in both Mifflin and Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 101 of Juniata Counties.
1988, requires , counties to develop formal plans for managing municipal wastes. Plans The landfill’s remaining disposal capacity is are subject to municipal ratification and limited to three years. To prepare for future approval from the PADEP. In accordance solid waste disposal activities the Authority with the Act, each County must ensure 10 and County Planning staff are cooperating in years of available disposal capacity and the preparation of the Mifflin County Solid establish a post-closure care trust fund for Waste Plan Update. In the first phase of the landfills. The Mifflin County Solid Waste plan update, the Authority has determined the Management Plan, which was completed in Barner Landfill’s remaining disposal capacity, 1991 for the Mifflin County Solid Waste has examined future closure and post-closure Authority, was prepared in accordance with costs, and has begun to examine short and the Act 101 requirements. As mandated by long-term disposal alternatives. The second Act 10 1, the County is initiating a decennial phase of the plan update, which is now update of its plan. Plan updates are also underway, will help secure long-term disposal
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 6-12 August 2001 Chapter 6 - Community Facilities and Services Analysis capacity, review current and proposed which is a consecutive water system to Mount recycling activities, identify steps to maximize Union Area Water Authority. Approximately land clean-up of open space dumping 9,800 feet of eight inch and 1,700 feet of six activities throughout the County, review the inch main transmit water from the master feasibility of a waste transfer station at the meter through the system to a 200,000 gallon Barner Landfill site, and examine the future steel storage tank. The water system is role of the Authority’s staff in solid waste metered. Water treatment is provided by the management activities for the County. The Mount Union Area Water Authority prior to County expects to finalize a draft of the plan its transmission to Newton Hamilton and update by the end of 200 1. Wayne Township. Additional treatment is not provided by Wayne Township. There are no The Authority submitted a permit application planned improvements to the water system at to the PADEP in February 1999 for a transfer this time. station on the present landfill property. In April 2000, the Solid Waste Authority Newton Hamilton Borough Water Department received a permit from PADEP to construct and operate this transfer station, which is now Newton Hamilton Borough is located in known as the Barner Site Transfer Station. Wayne Township along the Juniata River east This facility may accept for transfer municipal of Mount Union. The Newton Hamilton solid waste, including commercial and Borough Water Department’s water system household nonhazardous waste, and serves a total of approximately 116 customer constructioddemolition waste. The plan connections located in the Borough ofNewton update will help determine whether to Hamilton and Wayne Township. Newton construct this proposed transfer facility. Hamilton Borough receives water from the Mount Union Area Water Authority through a PUBLIC WATER master meter located adjacent to River Road, SERVICE FACILITIES approximately 3,000 feet south of the borough. Newton Hamilton sells water to The Western Mifflin County is serviced by Wayne Township through a 6-inch meter four Community Water Systems (CWSs). located along Wayne Street, approximately Figure 6- 1 identifies these various providers 200 feet southeast of the railroad bridge. and their respective service areas. Table 6-2 Water treatment is not provided by Newton lists each CWS along with their respective Hamilton for water purchased from Mount service area(s), customer connections, and Union or transmitted to Wayne Township. water sources. The following section provides The distribution system contains a descriptive overview of these four CWS and approximately 11,800 feet of 6-inch diameter any known planned improvements. transit pipe and approximately 2,500 feet of four inch diameter transit pipe. Newton Wayne Township Municipal Authority Hamilton provides no storage in their distribution system. Wayne Township Municipal Authority is located in Wayne Township. It serves approximately 79 customer connections in an area consisting of the old Methodist Training Camp and an adjacent area located to the east along the railroad tracks. Water to supply the system is purchased from Newton Hamilton
Western Mijjlin County Comprehensive Plan 6-13 August 2001 Chapter 6 - Community Facilities and Services Analysis
Table 6-2 Community Water Systems Serving Western Mifflin County
Customer Primary Source(s) Public Water Supply Name Service Area Consecutive Source(s) Connections Groundwater Surface Water
Meadowview Manor, Incorporated Meadowview Manor, Incorporated Self Serving I 0
Mount Union Area Water Authority Kistler Borough, Wayne Township, Newton Hamilton 475* 0 2
Mount Union Area Water Newton Hamilton Borough Water Department Newton Hamilton Borough, Wayne Township 1 I6 0 0 Authority Wayne Township Municipal Water Authority Methodist Training Camp 79 0 0 Mount Union Area Water
Western Mvflin County Comprehensive Plan 6-14 August 2001 Chapter 6 - Community Facilities and Services Analysis
Mount Union Area Water Authority Meadowview Manor, Incorporated
The Mount Union Area Water Authority Meadowview Manor, Inc., provides water provides water service in Northern service at its personal care and rehabilitation Huntingdon County and western Mifflin facility located along U.S. Route 22/522 in County. The Authority serves 2,279 customer Wayne Township. The water system currently connections, of which 475 are located in serves the 50 residents and 20 staff members Mifflin County. Water to the supply system is at the facility. Water supply for the system is obtained from two surface water provided by a single well. Approximately 40 sources-Licking Creek and Singers Gap Run. feet of one inch pipe delivers raw water from A 1.5 mile cast iron main transmits raw water the well to the treatment facility. Disinfection from the Licking Creek intake to the Licking is the only treatment process provided by Creek treatment facility. Approximately 100 Meadowview Manor. Raw water enters the feet of 12-inch piping delivers raw water from treatment facilities and is disinfected prior to Singers Gap Reservoir to the Singers Gap the two 220-gallon detention tanks and two treatment facility. Finished water is delivered pressure tanks. Water is distributed to the distribution system through 1.5 miles of throughout the facility by a one inch water 12-inch and 6.5 miles of 10-inch main from line. Pressure in the system is provided by the Singers Gap and 8 miles of 10-inch main from well pump and maintained by the the Licking Creek supply. Acceptable hydropneumatic tank. No improvements to pressure levels are maintained in the Singers the personal care facility are planned. Gap transmission main by a pressure reduction valve. Meadowview Manor utilizes an elevated sand mound system for its sewage disposal Water treatment processes currently used by functions. This system services the entire the Mount Union Area Water Authority facility and is functioning adequately. include coagulation, filtration, disinfection and corrosion control. Raw water is filtered Mijjjin County Water Supply Plan and then disinfected with chlorine prior to pumping to storage at Singers Gap and The last comprehensive review and evaluation discharge to the transmission main at Licking of the long-term water needs of Mifflin Creek. County was conducted in 1979. The Mifflin County Board of Commissioners recognized The distribution system contains two (2) the importance of safe, adequate, reliable, finished water storage tanks and drinking water to the vitality of Mifflin approximately sixteen (1 6) miles of County and decided to take an active role in distribution main. These mains range in updating the 1979 County Water Supply Plan. diameter from 2-inch to 8-inch. Fire hydrants The PADEP awarded Mifflin County a grant are available for fire protection. All customer of up to $63,900 to prepare a countywide connections are metered. water supply plan. The final draft of the plan was recently completed and it evaluates the Recent water use restrictions have long-range needs of all 15 community water demonstrated the need for additional water supplies in the county. In addition, the plan supply. The authority is currently in the identifies the current and future technical, process of identifying potential water well managerial, and financial needs of the sites. systems, taking into consideration the most recent changes- to the Safe Drinking- Water
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 6-15 August 2001 Chapter 6 - Community Facilities and Services Analysis
Act. Furthermore, there is an evaluation of limitations, the effectiveness of OLDS is the ways that small systems can benefit from diminished. As shown in Figure 9-4, much of consolidation with large systems, cooperative the study area’s soils are limited in their agreements, and shared services. Water ability to support on-lot disposal systems and supply planning and sound land use planning therefore, require specialized disposal are being closely coordinated. technologies. Addressing these needs requires a revision to a municipality’s Act 537 plan. It PUBLIC SEWER is important to note that analysis at this scale, SERVICE FACILITIES based upon available data, is not a substitute for site testing. This analysis should be used The Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act of only as a general indication of those areas that 1966 as amended, commonly referred to as may be suitable for on-lot systems. “Act 537”, is the primary law controlling individual and community sewage disposal Information regarding Western Mifflin systems. Act 537 requires that every County’s municipal Act 537 plans was municipality in the state prepare and maintain gathered from PADEP and the respective an up-to-date sewage facilities plan. Act 537 municipal engineers. Key issues and requires municipalities to review their official recommendations contained in these Act 537 plans at five-year intervals and perform Plans are summarized as follows: updates, as necessary. Municipalities can apply to the PADEP for up to 50 percent Kistler Borough Act 53 7 Plan (April 2000) reimbursement of the cost of preparing an Act 537 plan. The Borough of Kistler accepted bids for the selected alternative in the borough’s Act 537 High growth municipalities are frequently Plan dated April 2000. This project has been performing updates to their Act 537 Plan. For completed. The borough’s Act 537 plan stable or slow growth municipalities, 20 years indicated that a complete system of combined or more may elapse between editions. sanitary and stormwater collection sewers Regardless of timing, such plans and their were installed at the time of the original approval by PADEP are needed before any development of the borough by the American major sanitary sewer projects are eligible for Refractories Corporation. This system is funding by the state. comprised entirely of eight-inch diameter vitrified clay pipe with concrete joints. Due to The majority of the Western Mifflin County the age of this system, many problem areas study area is serviced by on-lot sewage exist, such as broken pipes, displaced joints systems, of which many have experienced and blockages resulting from root penetration. malfunctions. However, small portions of the The majority of improved properties in the study area, such as Kistler Borough and the borough are served by the existing sewer Methodist Camp, are serviced by a public collection network, which discharges directly sewage collection system and a community into the Juniata River. package collection and treatment system, respectively (Figure 6-1). A number of residential properties in the borough exist beyond the extent of the A significant problem confronting many existing collection system. These systems are municipal sewage treatment needs is soil served by on on-lot disposal systems. suitability for on-lot disposal systems (OLDS). Due to a variety of soil characteristic
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Western Mvflin County Comprehensive Plan 6-16 August 2001 Chapter 6 - Community Facilities and Services Analysis
The Act 537 plan recommended that a new Mount Union Borough [Huntingdon County, sewer system be installed and sewage PA] Act 537 Plan (Prepared May 1995, conveyed to the Mount Union Wastewater Amended October 1999) Treatment Plant (WWTP). This development of this system was recently completed. The Mount Union Borough Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) currently serves the Newton-Hamilton Borough Act 53 7 Plan Borough of Mount Union and portions of (September 1993) Wayne and Shirley Townships. The permitted capacity of the WWTP is 0.6265 million A review of the existing wastewater treatment gallons per day (MGD). The annual average facilities and technology shows that the on-lot flow for 1998 was 0.42 MGD, while the disposal systems currently serve all portions of maximum consecutive three month average the borough. Many of these appear to be daily flow was 0.75 MGD. According to the malhnctioning and are proposed to be 1998 Municipal Management Wasteload replaced by public sewerage, as recommended Report, the WWTP was hydraulically by the plan. This Act 537 Plan proposes to overloaded and is projected to be hydraulically publicly sewer the entire borough of Newton overloaded in the next five years due to the Hamilton. A previous alternative was to tie in expansion of the sewer service area. Also, with the Mount Union system. starting in the Year 2000 and progressing up through the Year 2003, the WWTP is Currently, Borough officials are waiting for projected to be organically overloaded. In Wayne Township to adopt their Act 537 Plan addition to limited system growth within the to determine a course of action in updating next five years, the Borough of Mount Union their system. anticipates providing service to Kistler Borough and campsites in Wayne Township, Wayne Township Act 537 Plan as well as the Industrial Park in Shirley Township. The Wayne Township Act 537 Plan is presently before the Board of Supervisors for PARKS AND their review. The alternative selected for RECREATION implementation in the plan involves the construction of a 0.19 mgd extended aeration Residents within the Western Mifflin County package wastewater treatment plant and study area are offered a variety of recreation collection system in Wayne Township that options, from publicly-owned lands @e., state, will provide service to five areas of Wayne county, and municipal) to private facilities. Township and accept sewage from the An inventory of public park and recreation Borough of Newton Hamilton. facilities in the county is provided in Table 6- 3. These facilities are open to the public on a year-round, full-time or part-time basis. These facilities constitute approximately 4,259.8 acres of recreational land and provide the citizens with an abundance of both active and passive recreational opportunities.
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 6-17 A ugust 200 I Chapter 6 - Community Facilities and Services Analysis As shown in Table 6-3, each facility is further . Natural Resource Areas: These park types characterized by the National Park and serve to protect significant natural Recreation Association (NRPA) by resources, unique landscapes, and open classification, location, and size criteria space, and scenic viewsheds. Size and standards. Mifflin County’s facilities are location criteria standards are dependent classified as one of the four following park on resource availability and opportunity. types: . Park Trail: Park trails serve as Neighborhood Park: Neighborhood parks multipurpose pathways and are typically remain the basic unit of the park system located within greenways, parks, and and serve as the recreational and social natural resource areas. Their focus is on focus of the neighborhood. A recreational value and harmony with the neighborhood park should be natural environment. centrallylocated within its service area, which encompasses a 1/4 to 1/2 mile Although Mifflin County’s draft recreation distance uninterrupted by non-residential plan has not been updated since 1978, the roads and other physical barriers. county has been actively involved in park Demographic profiles and population planning, acquisition, and development density within the park’s service area are activities. For example, the county has the primary determinants of a assisted in various local projects including neighborhood park’s size. Generally, five development of the McVeytown Community acres is accepted as the minimum Park, the Kistler Borough recreation plan, size,... while 7 to 10 acres is considered Longfellow Park improvements, and the optimal. Union Township recreation plan.
School-Park: Depending on the In the past, the common measure of a park, circumstances, school-park facilities often recreation, and open space system’s spatial compliment other community open lands. and service requirements was the application The optimum size of a school-park site is of acres per 1,000 population standard. Since dependent upon its intended use. then, the NRPA has revised their recreation, park and open space standards and guidelines Community Park: A community park to include various planning factors such as a serves to meet a community’s recreational community’s participation rates and patterns, needs, as well as preserving unique needs and preferences, quality of a recreation landscapes and open spaces. They are experience, economic benefits, and desire or generally larger in size and serve a broader demand for certain types resources and purpose than neighborhood parks. A facilities. These revised standards allow community park should serve two or more communities to address their park and neighborhoods and has an optimal size recreation needs in terms of its unique social, between 20 and 50 acres, which is based economic, and institutional structure. on the land area needed to meet a Therefore, a standard for parks and recreation community’s recreational needs. cannot be universal, nor can one community
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 6-18 August 2001 Chapter 6 - Community Facilities and Services Analysis
Table 6-3 Parks and Recreation Facilities, Western Mifflin County
‘otal 4,259.8 (I) Of the 583 acres, only 20 acres are considered developed. The balance remains as forested land area. * A=Active; P=Passive C = Community Park; NR = Natural Resource Area; P = Private > = Determined by the quality and suitability of the site. Usually serves two or more neighborhoods and 1/2 to 3 mile distance. = Determined by location of school district property. v = Variable I = As needed to accommodate desired uses. Usually between 30 and 50 acres. Sources: National Recreation and Park Association, 1996. PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Recreation Resource Inventory, 1999. Mimin County Planning and Development Department, 1999. MiMin County Mapping/MIS Department Online. “Experimental GIS Web Site.” http://mifflincounty.Icworkshop.com/.2000.
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 6-19 August 2001 Chapter 6 - Community Facilities and Services Analysis be compared with another, regardless of their similarities (NRPA 1996).
Unique Outdoor Recreation Opportunities
Recreational boating activities are an important component to the study area’s various recreational opportunities. Much of Western Mifflin County’s recreational boating activities are conducted on the Juniata River. The Juniata River provides good fishing for bass and other warm water fish. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission maintains a list of boating access areas under the ownership or control of the commission. Currently, the commission maintains a boating access area along the Juniata River in Newton- Hamilton Borough.
The Roth Rock and Tuscarora State Forests provide both local and regional residents with a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hunting, cold water fishing, snowmobiling, and hiking and biking. These forests are most heavily used during the commonwealth’s annual big game hunting seasons, which primarily run from October through January. Hunting and other outdoor recreation opportunities are important to the Western Mifflin County area; particularly in terms of supporting the local economy. However, these outdoor activities occasionally generate local problems and hazards, such as littering, trespassing and firearm safety.
Western MifJlin County Comprehensive Plan 6-20 August 2001
Chapter 7 - Transportation Analysis Chapter 7 - Transportation Analysis
INTRODUCTION to US 1 1& 15. The roadway continues in a southwest direction to Lewistown The transportation network of a community is where it merges with US 22. US the backbone for its development and 22/522 enters Wayne Township at the prosperity. It can help to attract a thriving northern boundary with Oliver society of merchants and residents and is the Township and traverses the Township overall base plate for community growth. A in a southwest direction to the carefully planned roadway network, designed southern boundary with Huntington to properly fit the structure of the community County at Mt. Union, where US and suit its needs will ultimately mold the 22/522 splits into 22 and 522. At this framework for its future population. The juncture, the Dicosmo Bypass was advancement and success of a community is recently constructed as part of Route often influenced by its transportation network, 522 and serves to divert truck traffic and if poorly planned or maintained, it can around Mount Union Borough. US 22 sometimes deter affluence and overshadow continues west to Ohio, running many of the community’s positive attributes. through Pittsburgh, and US 522 continues south connecting with the EXISTING ROADWAY NETWORK PA Turnpike at Fort Littleton and continuing into Maryland and West The existing roadway network of Wayne Virginia. Township consists of a system of principal
arterials (US 22/522),minor arterials (SR 103 b SR 103 provides northeastlsouthwest & Newton Rd.), collectors and local roads travel through the Township south of (Figure 7-1). The roadway network for the the Juniata River and provides indirect Borough of Newton Hamilton is a system of service to the Boroughs of Newton local roads connected to Newton Rd. The Hamilton and Kistler. The roadway network for the Borough of Kistler is easternmost point of SR 103 begins at a system of local roads connected to Kistler Lewistown and continues southwest, Rd. The local roadways were originally entering Wayne Township at the established to connect the various farms and northern boundary with Bratton towns within the community. The major Township. The roadway traverses the barriers of US 522, the railroad and the township in a southwest direction and Juniata River, combined with a roadway exits the Township at the southern network initially designed to suit the needs of boundary with Huntington County, the local community, results is an asymmetric south of the Juniata River. SR 103 roadway system layout. continues along the Juniata River to Mt. Union. The major roadways servicing the Township
and Boroughs are as follows: b Newton Rd. provides northhouth travel through the Township and the b US 221522 provides Borough of Newton Hamilton and northeast/southwest travel through the provides indirect service to the northern portion of the Township and Borough of Kistler. Newton Rd. provides indirect service to the connects US 22/522 with SR 103. . Boroughs of Newton Hamilton and Kistler. The easternmost point of US 522 begins at Selinsgrove, connected
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 7- 1 August 2001 Chapter 7 - Transportation Analysis b Ferguson Valley Rd, although commonwealth or Wayne Township. No local considered a local road and not a roads for either Newton Hamilton or Kistler major roadway, is a highly utilized Borough are shown. Figure 7- 1 illustrates the roadway for travel throughout the study area’s roadway classifications. center of Wayne Township. This road provides for travel through the central Roadway Classification Definitions portion of the Township north of the Juniata River and provides indirect Interstate service to the Boroughs of Newton Hamilton and Kistler. Limited access highways designed for traffic between major regional areas or larger urban ACCESS POINTS TO MAJOR communities of 50,000 or more; these ROADWAYS highways extend beyond state boundaries, with access limited to interchanges located by As indicated in above, US 221522, SR 103 and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Newton Rd. are the major roadways servicing Wayne Township and indirectly the Boroughs Freeway of Newton Hamilton and Kistler. Limited access roads designed for large US 221522 provides several at-grade signed volumes of traffic between communities of intersections along its length within the 50,000 or more to major regional traffic township. These intersections are located at generators (such as central business districts, Ferguson Rd., Newton Rd.lLucy Furnace Rd., suburban shopping centers and industrial Big Greenbriar Rd., Fairview Rd., Old 22 Rd., areas); freeways should be tied directly to and Phone Rd. In addition, it also provides arterial roads, with accessibility limited to two at-grade signalized intersection at the split specific interchanges to avoid the impediment into US 22 and US 522. of thru traffic.
SR 103 provides several at-grade signed Principal Arterials intersections along its length within the township. These intersections are located at Principal Arterials provide land access while Sugar Ridge Rd., Sugar Valley Rd., two retaining a high degree of thru traffic mobility intersections with Wharton Rd., Ryde Rd., and and serve major centers of urban activity and the Juniata River Bridge at Newton Hamilton traffic generation. They provide a high speed, Borough. high volume network for travel between major destinations in both rural and urban areas. ROADWAY CLASSIFICATIONS Minor Arterials Wayne Township contains principal and minor arterial roadways, collectors and local Minor Arterials give greater emphasis to land roads. Newton Hamilton Borough contains access with a lower level of thru traffic local roads that connect with the minor mobility than principal arterials and serve arterial, Newton Rd. Kistler Borough contains larger schools, industries, institutions, and local roads that connect with the collector, small commercial areas not incidentally Kistler Rd. Table 7-1 summarizes the served by principal arterials. roadway classifications. All roads shown on Table 7-1 are owned by either the
Western M@lin County Comprehensive Plan 7-2 August 2001 Chapter 7 - Transportation Analysis Collectors Geometric Deficiencies
Collector Roads serve dual Several locations within the Township require hnctions-collecting traffic between local attention for geometric improvement. Poor roads and arterial streets and providing access horizontal and vertical geometry is a safety to abutting properties. They serve minor hazard and deters the development of traffic generators, such as local elementary surrounding areas. Roadways that are not in schools, small individual industrial plants, conformance with design andor construction offices, commercial facilities, and warehouses standards can cause the need for excessive not served by principal and minor arterials. maintenance or repair of rutted roadway or off-road repair for accidents or instances of Local Roads vehicles “running off the road.”
Those that are local in character and serve Table 7-3 list those roadways with poor farms, residences, businesses, neighborhoods geometric designs and their associated and abutting properties. problems.
ROADWAY CONDITIONS Crash and Safety Analysis
Several of the Township roads are in need of A safety analysis was conducted to identify improvements to facilitate increased safety, the number and types of crashes that occur at promote growth and accommodate the various locations throughout Wayne growing needs of the community. Township. Table 7-4 displays this data. Improvements to existing established roadways generally consist of pavement Crash data for the Township was obtained overlays, pavement widening, shoulder from the Pennsylvania Department of construction and/or widening, pavement Transportation for the years 1994 through markings, guide-rail installation and drainage 1999. This information identifies number and improvements. type of crashes.
In general Wayne Township, Kistler Borough As indicated in Table 7-4, the four major and Newton Hamilton Borough roadways documented types of crashes were improper have poor or non-existent pavement markings, turning, driving too fast for conditions, driving specifically center and edge lines. According on the wrong side of the road and loss of to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control control. The causes for these types of crashes Devices there are basically 3 types of may range from poor lane identification to centerline configurations that are limited sight distance. The location of each recommended for use; (1) double solid yellow type of crash will require field inspection to centerline, (2) single hatched yellow ascertain the likely cause and appropriate centerline, (3) double yellow centerline with mitigation. When a predominant crash one side hatched to identify passing lanes. pattern exists at a particular location, Solid white edge lines create an easily identifiable travel lane and are especially usehl to motorists at night and at times of inclement weather. Table 7-2 lists the roadways requiring attention and their associated deficiencies.
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 7-3 August 2001 Chapter 7 - Transportation Analysis Table 7-1 Existing Roadway Classifications
Mt. Hope Rd. Fairview Rd. Loop Rd. Lucy Furnace Rd. Old Pike Rd. Country Club Rd. Lower Country Club Rd. Kistler Rd. Silverford Heights Rd.
Memorial Rd.
1Sugar Valley Rd. (Gravel) Ryde Rd. (Gravel) Greenbriar Crossover (Gravel)
IGillian Rd. (Gravel) I
Borough not previously listed Roads within Kistler Borough- not previously listed All other roads not listed Source: Gannett Fleming, Inc. and PADOT, 1999.
Western Mijj%n County Comprehensive Plan 7-4 August 2001 Chapter 7 - Transportation Analysis
Table 7-2 Roadway Conditions and Deficiencies
ISR 103 117”-18” width I Prone to flooding I
SR 30 17 (Sect. of Ferguson Valley Rd. through Narrow roadway Newton Hamilton Borough) I Wayne Township Roads I Ferguson Valley Rd. north of 221522 Steep driveways wash gravel and debris onto roadway Narrow roadway; 40 mph speed limit is too high; Steep edges west lBig Greenbriar Rd. end north side with no guide-rail ILittle Greenbriar Rd. 11 7” width I EpeRd. ISections with poor surface condition, 17” width Fairview Rd. Sections with poor surface condition
Lucy Furnace Rd. 17” width; Steep edges with no guide-rail Old Pike Rd. Utility pole in middle of road
Wharton Rd. Spring crosses under road (no pipe); Floods due to proximity to river Loop Rd. Narrow roadway 1st st 17” width Kistler Rd. Steep edges on east side with no guide-rail
Sections with poor surface condition; Steep edges on east side with Country Club Rd. no guide-rail Lower Country Club Rd. Narrow roadway; Trees in clear zone
Dale Rd. 16” width
IVineyard Rd. (Gravel) ISteepness causes washout I ILittle Kansas Rd. (Gravel) INarrow roadway I
IRoads within Newton Hamilton Borough INarrow roads, no shoulders I Roads within Kistler Borough INarrow roads, no shoulders, 16”-17” width Source: Gannett Fleming, Inc., 1999.
Western MiJflin County Comprehensive Plan 7-5 August 2001 Chapter 7 - Transportation Analvsis
Table 7-3 Geometric Deficiencies
Ferguson Valley Rd. immediately east of Newton Poor sight distance at Conrail bridge; Sharp curve onto IHamilton bridge FnValley Rd. at intersection with Fairview Rd. IPoor sight distance due to Township maintenance bldg. I Big Greenbriar Rd. Offset roadway alignment at intersection with Ferguson
Little Greenbriar Rd. 90 degree curve with poor sight distance
Mt. Hope Rd. Two 90 degree curves signed in both directions Lucy Furnace Rd. 90 degree curve with poor sight distance
Ryde Rd. 1st 100 yards is very steep ILittle Kansas Rd. lPoor horizontal geometry due to stream I Source: Gannett Fleming, Inc., 1999.
Table 7-4 Crash Types and Number of Occurrences
A Crash Type** ,Number of 0ccur"reriCes I Improper Turning I 24 I I Too fast for driving conditions I 24 I Driving on wrong side of road 23 I ~ossof control I 18 I Driver Drinking 12 Failure to heed stopped vehicle 11
Over posted speed 10 Pulled out too soon 8 Tailgating 8 Improper entrance 8 Overcompensation 6 Too fast for road design 6
Western Mifflin County Cotnprehensive Plan 7-6 August 2001 Chapter 7 - Transportation Analysis improvements can sometimes be implemented TRANSIT SERVICES to minimize the frequency of incidents based on an assessment of the probable cause. Historically, the development of area trolley and bus services was a natural outgrowth Curb and Sidewalk Conditions linking the region’s job opportunities with the residences of employees. At one point there Subdivision and land development activities were over 50 buses covering up to 6,000 miles in Wayne Township, and Kistler and Newton a day in the County. Hamilton Boroughs are regulated by the Mifflin County Subdivision and Land Today, the County’s taxi and other mass Development Ordinance. According to the transit services are inefficient and lacks a ordinance’s minimum design standards for centralized service center. low density residential areas, “Sidewalks will not be normally required except where needed Bus Service to facilitate pedestrian traffic to school, shopping, park, or other uses which generate Today, intercity bus service is provided by pedestrian traffic” (p.25). As a reflection of Greyhound Bus Lines and Fullington these standards, there are limited to no curb Trailways for both passenger and package and sidewalk facilities existing in Wayne shipments. Lewistown is an intermediate stop Township, which is primarily due to the for both bus services, who operate along US. existence of single family homes (e.g., Route 322 from Harrisburg to State College, farmsteads) situated on large (i.e., > one acre) Altoona, Pittsburgh, and points west. These tracts of land. These low density rural bus lines operate four east and west bound development settings do not facilitate the need buses from Lewistown. for pedestrian movement facilities such as sidewalks. Limited sidewalk facilities exist Recently, the Greyhound Bus Lines were only in Kistler and Newton Hamilton forced to terminate their operations at the Boroughs. However, these facilities mostly Gables Inn in Lewistown. Although exist in a deteriorated condition. Greyhound continues to service Mifflin County residents, the bus line has no ticket Curbing is also limited to non-existent in the agency in Lewistown. This, in turn, causes Wayne Township, which is not required under passengers to be picked up at the Square and the county’s subdivision and land then taken to the next scheduled stop to development ordinance. According to local purchase their tickets. Furthermore, the lack officials and as witnessed during field of a centralized transportation center poses inspections, the township has experienced several problems, such as passenger safety moderate to severe roadside drainage and deficiencies and coordination between modes erosion problems on both public and private of transportation (Le., Amtrak and bus road systems, which may be attributed to the services). lack of curbing. Limited curbing facilities do, however, exist in Newton Hamilton Borough, Public Transit Service but are mostly in a poor to deteriorated condition. The Mifflin-Juniata Agency on Aging provides rural transit services throughout the two county area. The majority of patrons are persons 65 years of age and older requesting trips to local senior centers, shopping
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 7-7 August 2001 Chapter 7 - Transportation Analysis facilities, and medical facilities. The service RAIL TRANSPORTATION is funded by various sources including the Shared-Ride Program, Act 26, medical Passenger rail service is provided by Amtrak assistance, program income, and County which services points both east (i.e., funds. Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and New York) and west (Le., Altoona, Johnstown, Pittsburgh, Ridership information gathered from the Cleveland, Toledo, and Chicago) of agency is summarized as follows: Lewistown. Service is provided by the Pennsylvanian, Three Rivers and the Skyline b From FY 1996-97 to FY 1998-99, Connection trains on a daily basis. A detailed one-way trips decreased from 63,420 schedule for these train connections at to 56,937, or by 10.2 percent. Lewistown is provided in Table 7-5. b Decreases in ridership are directly related to decreased attendance at In 1989the Pennsylvania Intercity High Speed senior citizen centers. Rail Passenger Commission conducted a study b Trips to local medical facilities are to determine the feasibility of constructing and increasing, but at a slower rate than implementing a high speed rail system the decrease in other trips. between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The corridor has been designated by the Federal In addition to its current services, the Mifflin- Railroad Administration (FRA) as a highspeed Juniata Area Agency on Aging is being rail corridor and is therefore eligible for designated by Mifflin County as the provider consideration in demonstration funding of the Medical Assistance Transportation packages. This system, which would be Program. This program annually generates operated by Amtrak, would include a station approximately 7,500 trips. stop in Lewistown. Based upon the study’s recommendations, the commission voted for The most significant problem associated with magnetic levitation for Pennsylvania. Since the Mifflin-Juniata Agency on Aging’s transit the completion of this study, there has been no service is the requirement that patrons must substantive work performed on the schedule pick-up service 24 hours in advance. Philadelphia-Pittsburgh high speed rail This requirement is of particular concern for corridor. Ongoing work that has been done in patrons needing medical services. the corridor is between Harrisburg and Philadelphia; as a result, this increases the In conclusion, this comprehensive planning possibility of extending service west of process has indicated a real need for improved Harrisburg. local and regional transportation services. For example, the Quality of Life Survey revealed Norfolk Southern provides freight rail service that the majority of respondents (48 percent) in the area operating the former Conrail lines gave a moderate to high priority to between the New York metropolitan area and establishing a local bus service. Also, the the Midwest through Allentown, Harrisburg, majority of respondents rated the County’s Altoona, and Pittsburgh. Norfolk Southern public transit services as being either poor also operates the Lewistown station in Mifflin (over 49 percent) or fair (24 percent). County. Additional freight lines or other improvements to the existing Norfolk Southern service at Lewistown are not anticipated in the near future.
Western Mvflin County Comprehensive Plan 7-8 August 2001 ChaDter 7 - TransDortation Analvsis Table 7-5 Amtrak’s Pennsylvania Route Schedule and Services from Lewistown (Mifflin County), Pennsylvania
Notes. (I) Service to commence on a date to be announced. Schedules are subject to change without notice For current schedule, visit www.arntrak.com on the Internet. Source Amtrak Online. htto.//www arntrak.com/tirnetables/pennrtsum00 pdf August 22, 2000
Norfolk Southern’s services are supplemented State Game Lands, provide area residents with with the services provided through the SEDA- adequate opportunities for outdoor recreation. COG Joint Rail Authority (JRA). The JRA is a multi-county municipal authority AVIATION responsible for preserving rail freight service and jobs in central Pennsylvania. The JRA is Aviation services are provided by the Mifflin comprised of nine member counties, which in County Airport located in Brown Township addition to Mifflin County, include Centre, and the Huntingdon County Airport located in Clinton, Columbia, Montour, Shirley Township. Northumberland, Union and Lycoming Counties. Each county is represented on the Mifflin County Airport Authority by two members, with one appointee usually being a shipper. The Mifflin County Airport, which is owned and operated by the Mifflin County Airport TRAILS AND BIKEWAYS Authority, is classified as a business service airport by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Pennsylvania Rails-to-Trails Act, (P.L. 748, Aviation. The authority is scheduled to begin No. 188 of 1990). This act was established to updating the Mifflin County Airport Master facilitate the conversion of abandoned Plan during the latter part of 2000. railroads into public recreational trails. According to PA Rails-to-Trails database, no The Mifflin County Airport supports the formally developed rail-trails exist in the general aviation needs of local and visiting study area. However, there does exist a businesses, and increases their business portion of the 6.2 mile abandoned East Broad efficiency and flexibility. In addition, the Top rail line segment stretching from airport supports various recreational aviation Shirleysburg to Mt. Union Borough. activities. The airport is located approximately 2.0 miles from US. Route 322 Other trail systems, such as the numerous and approximately30 miles south of Interstate hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing trail 80. In addition, both the airport and the located within Bald Eagle State Forest and the Lewistown region are in close proximity to various scheduled aviation facilities such as
Western MifJlin County Comprehensive Plan 7-9 August 2002 Chapter 7 - Transportation Analysis Pittsburgh International, Philadelphia LIQUID FUELS TAX International, and Baltimore/Washington International. Chapter 449 of the Pennsylvania Code establishes a permanent allocation of a portion According to PADOT, the Mifflin County of the liquid fuels and oil company franchise Airport, with 18 based aircraft, experiences tax proceeds to cities, boroughs, incorporated over 10,000 annual operations. The airport’s towns and townships for their maintenance single runway-Runway 6/24--is 5,OO 1 feet and new construction of locally owned roads, long and 75 feet wide, and is coupled with a streets and bridges. The allocation amount is full-length parallel taxiway. Both runway based upon a specific formula that accounts ends have non-precision approaches. Jet A for the total number of local highway miles in and 100 octane low lead aviation gas is each municipality. available on-site, as well as rental cars and taxi service. A problem faced by many rural municipalities is the fact that transportation maintenance and The economic impact of the Mifflin County construction expenditures consistently exceed Airport has been analyzed in the PADOT, liquid fuel tax revenues. As a result of this Bureau of Aviation’s technical report entitled statewide trend, the County Commissioners The Economic Impact of Aviation in Association of Pennsylvania recently adopted Pennsylvania (1994) and is described as a resolution that supports a revision of the follows: “For 1994, the total output (including county liquid fuels tax distribution formula direct and secondary impacts) stemming from (CCAP, August 1999). Currently, Mifflin all on-airport tenants and general aviation County distributes liquid fuels tax funds to its visitors to the Mifflin County Airport was municipalities based on the typical population approximately $448,700. Total full-time and road miles formula system. Other employment related to airport tenants and counties, such as Lycoming and Clinton, split general aviation visitors, including all their allocation between the typical method secondary impacts, is estimated at nine and a competition basis. Mifflin County is persons, with a total annual payroll (direct and currently considering a similar type of system. secondary) of approximately $147,200 associated with these jobs.” Lycoming County’s competitive allocation method, for example, uses a procedure by In addition, Mifflin County is also supported which the distribution of liquid fuels tax funds by scheduled aviation services from the are based on various criteria such as traffic Harrisburg International Airport in counts, crash statistics, potential impact on Middletown (Dauphin County) and the economic development, impact on emergency University Park Airport in State College services, percent of cost the county would be (Centre County). fbnding, whether or not the project is included on PADOT’s Twelve Year Program and Huntingdon County Airport whether or not the municipality has received funding in the past. The Huntingdon County Airport is a privately- owned, public use airport that serves both business and recreational flying. The airport is classified as a general aviation facility by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Aviation.
Western Mijjlin County Comprehensive Plan 7-10 August 2001
Chapter 8 - Cultural Resources Analysis Chapter 8 - Cultural Resources Analysis
INTRODUCTION located within the study area. However, the three properties shown are listed as “eligible” Cultural resources consist of prehistoric and properties, which means they meet the criteria historic districts, sites, structures, artifacts, established by both the PHMC and the and other physical evidence of human National Park Service (Figure 6-1). activities considered important to a culture, subculture, or community for scientific, In addition to the historic properties contained traditional, religious, or other reasons. A in Table 8-1, the Mifflin County Planning wealth of cultural resources are found Commission prepared the 1978 “Historical throughout Mifflin County, including the Sites Survey-Mifflin County.” This report Western Mifflin County study area. A review provides an inventory of structures in Mifflin of these resources increases our understanding County that were built before 1875 and have, and appreciation of our local heritage and for the most part, retained their architectural improves the quality of life. Many significant or historical integrity. The report is divided cultural resources are of value to the local into three parts. Part I provides a brief history economy because they serve as tourist of Mifflin County and its inhabitants. Part 11, attractions. which is the main body of the report, contains a photograph, narrative description and HISTORIC PRESERVATION historical overview, site number, and map location of each inventoried site. Part I11 is a Federal and state historic preservation laws summary of the report that also includes the require federal and state agencies to consider guidelines used for inventorying, as well as the effects of their actions on all historic and the registration process for the National prehistoric sites, districts, buildings, and Register of Historic Places. Of the 148 sites structures eligible for inclusion in the National inventoried, 15 were identified as being Register of Historic Places. According to the located in Wayne Township, and one each in National Park Service, “The National Register Newton Hamilton and Kistler Boroughs. is part of a national program to coordinate and Table 8-2 provides a listing of these sites support public and private efforts to identify, along with their respective locations. evaluate, and protect our historic and archeological resources.” Federal legal There have been a number of historic mandates include Section 106 of the National preservation efforts in recent years to further Historic Preservation Act of 1966, Executive promote the preservation of Mifflin County’s Order 11593, and the regulations of the historic resources. For example, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Pennsylvania Canal Society has recognized Pennsylvania’s legal mandates include the this comprehensive plan as a tool to have the Environmental Right Amendment, Article 1, Juniata Division of the Pennsylvania Main Section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, Line Canal identified as a National Register and the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation “listed” property. As stated by the society, Act of 1978. “Mifflin County contains about 45 miles of the Juniata Division, but more importantly, it Information regarding Western Mifflin contains the only restored and watered section County’s historic properties was collected of the entire 127.5-mile Division and the from the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum longest restored and watered section of the Commission (PHMC) and the National Park Service, and are listed in Table 8-1. As shown, there are no “listed” historic properties
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 8- 1 August 2001 Chapter 8 - Cultural Resources Analysis
Table 8-1 National Register of Historic Places Listed and Eligible Properties in Western Mifflin County, PA Historic Name Municipality Address Listed Eligible Newton Hamilton Boro. Front, Church, Bridge St, Wayne 11/16/1993
G&H Wharton Farmstead Wayne Twp. Eastside of SR 302 I 11/16/1993
LKistler Historic District Kistler Boro. Riverside Rd, Park Rd, Beaver 12/19/1988
Table 8-2 Historic Surveyed Sites for Western Mifflin County, 1978
Site Name / hnieipality
IKenneth Covert Residence IKistler Borough
Clemens Residence Newton Hamilton Borough
Arnone Property Wayne Township [Bruce Bratton Residence (Wayne Township
(Elam Hostetler Residence (Wayne Township Grace Bratton Residence IWayne Township Henderson Log House Wayne Township
J.C. Bratton Property Wayne Township
Jeny Boyer Residence Wayne Township
Matilda Furnace Wayne Township
Paul Forgy Residence Wayne Township
Pine Tree Wayne Township
Reverend Bruce Grove Property Wayne Township
Sportmen’s Club Wayne Township
Walter Smith Residence Wayne Township
Wayne Church Wayne Township Witchell Gearhart Residence IWayne Township Source: Mifflin County Planning and Development Department, “Historic Sites Survey.’’ 1978.
Western Mijjlin County Comprehensive Plan 8-2 August 2001 Chapter 8 - Cultural Resources Analysis entire 394.5-mile Pennsylvania Main Line center. The Kishacoquillas Valley Historical System.” Society was formed approximately eight years ago in Allensville with the purpose of Several organizations, focused on the preserving the Kish Valley. The society owns promotion and preservation of the county’s and operates a museum (1 38 East Main Street) rich history, exist in the county. The most that has a significant collection of primitive prominent is the Mifflin County Historical art by local Amish and Mennonite artists, as Society. The society’s mission is to promote well as a collection of early indigenous an understanding of the history of Mifflin American Indian artifacts. The museum was County and its relationships to regional and built in 1838. national events through preservation, research, education, and restoration. The society takes an active lead in assisting with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s goals by identifying and protecting those resources having historical significance.
Mifflin County is currently involved in securing funding for the restoration of the Old Mifflin County Courthouse. The total project cost is estimated to be between $700,000 to $1 million. In June 1999, the County prepared and submitted a $100,000 application to the PHMC’s Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program. A grant of $46,100 was awarded to the County in December 1999. However, the County was notified that $785,000 was set aside in the state’s capital budget to assist in the rehabilitation effort. But, these funds are in the control of the Governor and will require a strong lobbying campaign to have the funds released. In support of these lobbying efforts, the County completed a Draft Master Plan in 1999 to provide a blueprint for reusing the courthouse.
Additional historic programs existing in Mifflin County include the Friends of the Embassy Theatre in Lewistown, Kishacoquillas Valley Historical Society, and the Pennsylvania Historical Railroad Society in Granville Township. The Friends of the Embassy Theater-an independent 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization-is actively involved in its restoration and conversion of the facility into a multiple-use theater and community arts
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 8-3 August 2001 Chapter 9 - Environmental Resources Analysis Chapter 9 - Environmental Resources Analysis
INTRODUCTION floodplain regulations which, at a minimum, meet the requirements of the National Flood The inventory and identification of Western Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is a Mifflin County’s environmental resources is federal program that allows property owners an important part of the planning process. in participating communities to purchase Delineation of these resources serves as a insurance protection against losses from guide for future planning decisions. For flooding. example, the Mifflin County’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, which The NFIP Community Rating System (CRS) governs subdivision and land development was implemented in 1990 as a program for activities in Wayne Township, and Kistler and recognizing and encouraging community Newton Hamilton Boroughs, requires the floodplain management activities that exceed consideration of environmental issues as part the minimum NFIP standards. The National of the plan review process for land Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 codified development activities. the CRS in the NFIP. Under the CRS, flood insurance premium rates are adjusted to reflect The following sections of the plan will the reduced flood risk resulting from identify and describe the study area’s community activities that meet the three goals environmental features. This information will of the CRS: (1) reduce flood losses; (2) serve to assist various constituents in their facilitate accurate insurance rating; and (3) decision making processes. promote the awareness of flood insurance.
FLOODPLAINS There are ten CRS classes-Class 1 requires the most credit points and gives the largest Floodplain areas absorb and store large premium reduction, where Class 10 receives amounts of water, which is a source of aquifer no premium reduction. The CRS recognizes recharge. Natural vegetation supported by 18 creditable activities, organized under four floodplains helps to trap sediment from categories numbered 300 through 600-Public upland surface runoff, stabilize stream banks, Information, Mapping and Regulations, Flood and reduce soil erosion. Flooplains also Damage Reduction, and Flood Preparedness. provide shelter for wildlife and proper stream conditions for aquatic life. Many scenic areas According to the Federal Emergency in Western Mifflin County are found within Management Agency’s (FEMA’s), NFIP the floodplains of the Juniata River. The Community Status Book, Wayne Township, Juniata River 100-year floodplain is delineated and Kistler and Newton Hamilton Boroughs on Figure 9-1. are participating in the NFIP program and have adopted floodplain ordinances. These Regulation of floodplains helps to reduce the ordinances regulate development within the threat to human life and property caused by floodplain. However, none of these periodic flooding. For regulatory purposes, a municipalities are participating in the CRS floodplain is defined by the 100-year or base program. flood which has a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in a given year. WETLANDS
The Pennsylvania Floodplain Management Wetlands are unique environments that Act (Act 166 of 1978) requires municipalities perform a variety of important functions. identified as being; flood-prone. to enact They moderate stormwater runoff and
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 9- 1 August 2001 Chapter 9 - Environmental Resources Analysis downstream flood crests because they are located along Jacks Mountain and Blue natural water storage areas. Wetlands provide Mountain. important habitats for many species of plant and animal life. Wetlands also help to Slopes with grades of 15 percent or greater are maintain a stream flow and groundwater considered steep. If disturbed, these areas can recharge. yield heavy sediment loads on streams. Very steep slopes, with over 25 percent grade, There are problems associated with produce heavy soil erosion and sediment developing on wetland soils. Wetlands loading. Figure 9-2 illustrates the study area’s located in floodplains are often flooded. steep slopes. Draining or filling in of upland wetlands removes natural water storage, which can add Though erosion and runoff in steep slope areas to stormwater runoff problems downstream. are natural processes, development activities Wetland soils are easily compacted. This located in these areas can alter the gradients results in uneven settling of structures. and upset the natural balance. However, by Wetland soils with low permeability and high redirecting water runoff from buildings and groundwater tables are not suitable for the impervious surfaces away from the face of installation of on-lot septic systems. steeper slopes, severe soil erosion and drainage problems can be avoided. Laws, such as the Federal Clean Water Act and similar state and local laws, have led to The four factors influencing soil erosion are the enforcement of wetland protection. In vegetation, soil type, slope size and Pennsylvania, development in wetland areas is inclination, and the frequency and intensity of strictly regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of rainfall. On most surfaces, vegetation is the Engineers and the Pennsylvania Department single most important erosion control factor. of Environmental Protection. Therefore, any The higher the cover density, the lower the development of these areas is subject to both soil loss to runoff. federal and state permitting processes. Septic systems for on-lot sewage disposal are As shown on Figure 9-1, wetlands are impractical to construct and maintain on very prevalent within the study area with the steep slopes because the downhill flow of the highest concentrations occurring along the effluent is too rapid. Improperly treated Juniata River. It is important to note that the effluent is likely to surface at the base of the wetland areas shown were derived from the slope, causing wet, contaminated seepage 1980National Wetland Inventory, which have spots. If there is a layer of impervious limited accuracy and therefore, do not hlly material such as dense clay or rock under represent the extent and locations of all shallow soils, the effluent may surface on the wetlands in the county. slope and run downhill unfiltered.
STEEP SLOPES SOILS
Western Mifflin County is located entirely The Soil Survey of Juniata and MifJlin within the tightly folded and faulted Ridge and Counties, Pennsylvania (198 1) combines soils Valley Province of the Appalachian into Soil Associations, which emphasize how Physiographic Region. Much of the study soil depth, slope, and drainage affect potential area contains sizeable areas of steep slopes land use. The associations are helpful in attaining a general idea of soil quality, in
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 9-2 August 2001 Chapter 9 - Environmental Resources Analysis
comparing different sections of the study area On-lot Septic Suitability and locating large areas suited for certain uses. The soil properties, which are of primary Prime Agricultural Soils concern in the unsewered portions of the county, are the suitability for septic tank Prime farmland, as defined by the U.S. installation. Soil properties affecting effluent Department of Agriculture (USDA), is the absorption are permeability, depth to seasonal land that is best suited to producing food, high water table, depth to bedrock, slope, and feed, forage, and fiber and oilseed crops. It susceptibility to flooding. Without proper soil has the soil quality, growing season, and water conditions, septic tanks will not operate supply needed to economically produce a properly and health hazards may result. sustained high yield of crops when it is treated and managed using acceptable farming According to the 1981 Soil Survey, methods. According to the USDA, prime approximately 87 percent of the county’s soils farmland soils are usually classified as have a severe degree of soil suitability for capability Class I or 11. Of Western Mifflin septic tank absorption fields. Therefore, County’s total land area, 296.5 acres are major soil reclamation, special technologies, classified as Class I soils and 18,663.1 acres or intensive system maintenance is required to are classified as Class I1 soils. achieve satisfactory system performance.
Farmland soils of statewide importance are Figure 9-4 identifies the soil locations which soils that are predominantly used for are potentially unsuitable for on-lot systems; agricultural purposes within a given state, but suitable for alternative systems such as trench- have some limitations that reduce their type and elevated sand mound technologies; productivity or increase the amount of energy and potentially suitable for conventional and economic resources necessary to obtain gravity fed systems. It is important to note productivity levels similar to prime farmland that analysis at this scale, based upon soils. These soils are usually classified as available data, is no substitute for site testing. capability Class I1 or 111. As shown on Figure This analysis should be used only as a general 9-3, Western Mifflin County’s prime indication of those areas that may be suitable agricultural soils are primarily concentrated in for on-lot systems. Ferguson and Juniata River Valleys. WATER QUALITY AND SUPPLY Highly Erodible Soils Surface Waters and Drainage Of the 79,400 acres of farmland in Mifflin County, approximately 45,000 acres are Surface waters include rivers, streams and considered Highly Erodible Land (HEL) as ponds, which provide aquatic habitat, carry or defined by the USDA Natural Resource hold runoff from storms, and provide Conservation Service (NRCS). Therefore, recreation and scenic opportunities. Surface agricultural activities should be conducted in water resources are a dynamic and important accordance with Mifflin County Conservation component of the natural environment, but District approved conservation plans. Fifty ever-present threats such as pollution, conservation plans have been written for construction, clear-cutting, mining, and 6,353 acres in Wayne Township. No plans overuse have required the protection of these have been developed in Kistler and Newton valuable resources. Hamilton Boroughs.
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 9-3 August 2001 Chapter 9 - Environmental Resources Analysis
The Western Mifflin County study area is a regional effort to create a comprehensive located in the Lower Juniata River Subbasin watershed plan that identifies natural resource (Subbasin Number 12) and is drained by both issues, concerns, threats, and opportunities. A the Aughwick Creek and Kishacoquillas preliminary draft of the plan has been Creek Watersheds (Subbasin Number 12) is completed. The final plan was completed and included in the Susquehanna River Basin. released to the public during the Fall of 2000.
The Pennsylvania Chapter 93 Water Quality The Department of Conservation and Natural Standards classify all surface waters according Resources (DCNR) selected the Juniata River to their water quality criteria and protected as “Pennsylvania’s Feature River of the Year” water uses. Selected water bodies that exhibit for 2001. In honor of this designation, the exceptional water quality and other JCWP will host an 8-day river sojourn in environmental features are referred to as June, which will be the focus of DCNR’s June “Special Protection Waters.” Certain Rivers Month activities. activities in those watersheds that could adversely affect surface water are more Groundwater Quality and Supply stringently regulated to prevent degradation. All land development, sewage treatment and Groundwater quality and supply is ultimately disposal, industrial and municipal waste, controlled by bedrock geology. Geologic mining and quarrying, timber harvesting, factors such as rock type, intergranular stormwater management, and confined porosity, rock strata inclination, faults, joints, feeding operations must follow guidelines folds, bedding planes, and solution channels found in the Special Protection Waters affect groundwater movement and availability. Implementation Handbook, or other Groundwater quality is dependent on the regulations relative to Special Protection interaction between the groundwater and the Waters. More than half of Mifflin County’s bedrock. The more soluble bedrock, such as land area lies within Special Protection limestone, allow more compounds to be Watersheds. dissolved in the groundwater, thus resulting in increased hardness values. Various public agencies, organizations, and concerned citizens located within the Juniata Western Mifflin County is underlain by a wide River watershed have recognized the variety of sedimentary rocks, which are folded importance of protecting and restoring the into moderately open to closed plunging folds. Juniata River and its tributaries through the Rocks underlying the county were formed creation of the Juniata Clean Water during the Devonian (365 to 405 million years Partnership (JCWP). The JCWP is a team of ago), Silurian (405 to 430 million years ago), citizens, community groups, non-profit and Ordovician (430 to 500 million years ago) conservation organizations, county planning periods. Western Mifflin County’s geologic offices, and county conservation districts who formations are shown on Figure 9-5 and spearheaded local support for the development characterized in Table 9- 1. of a Rivers Conservation Plan. In May 1998, the Southern Alleghenies Conservancy and the KARST TOPOGRAPHY Mid-State Resource Conservation and Development Council, on behalf of the JCWP, Portions of Western Mifflin County’s received a grant from the PADCNR Keystone landscape is underlain by limestone based Rivers Conservation Program to develop the geologic formations, which are identified in plan. The purpose of the plan is to implement Table 9-1. Limestone, which is a carbonate
Western Mijjlin County Comprehensive Plan 9-4 August 2001 Chapter 9 - Environmental Resources Analysis rich material, is highly soluble and susceptible to the formation of solution caverns and sinkholes. (i.e.,karst topography). Karst refers to any terrain where the topography has been formed chiefly by the dissolving of rock. Landforms associated with karst include sinkholes, caves, sinking streams, springs, and solution valleys. Because of the unique geologic and hydrologic features associated with highly developed subterranean networks, the scope of problems related to the karst environment is large. Karstic landscape is particularly sensitive to environmental degradation, with the depletion and contamination of groundwater supplies being among the most severe.
Stormwater runoff also contributes to sinkhole activity. According to Kochanov, “The stormwater drainage problem is compounded in karst areas by the fact that development reduces the surface area available for rainwater to infiltrate naturally into the ground. A typical residential development having quarter-acre lots may reduce the natural ground surface by 25 percent, whereas a shopping center and parking lot may reduce it by 100 percent. If storm water, gathered over a specific area, is collected and directed into a karst area, the concentrationofwater may unplug one of the karst drains” (p .19)’
Although karst landforms pose hazardous conditions, they are, in fact, valuable for various reasons including serving as areas for endangered species of flora and fauna, may contain cultural resources (i.e., historic and prehistoric), contain rare minerals or unique landforms, and provide scenic and challenging recreational opportunities.
I Kochanov, W. E., 1999, Sinkholes in Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Geological Survey, 4th ser., Educational Series I I,
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 9-5 August 2001 Chapter 9 - Environmental Resources Analysis
Table 9-1 Engineering Characteristics of Western Mifflin County's Geologic Formations
Bloomsburg Fm Red shale and siltstone Low to Moderate Moderate Moderately easy Good 45 gpm
Fossiliferous siltstone and shale; oolitic hematite; Hamilton Group rnn*,nmpm+p Low to Moderate Moderate Moderate Good 30 gpm
Keyser Fm Medium-gray limestone and calcareous shale Medium te High Moderate to low Difficult Good 30 gpm
Old Port Fm Includes sandstone, chert, shale, and limestone Moderate to High Moderate to High Difficult Good
Laminated limestone interbedded with shale and Tonoloway Fm Moderate Moderate to Low Difficult Good 30 gpm siltstone
Greenish-gray shale containing local limestone and Wills Creek Fm sandstone Low Low Moderate Good 32 gpm
* Note: Formations containing limestone should be investigated thoroughly for solution openings. Sources: Pennsylvania State University, Earth Resources Research Institute, 1994. Alan R. Geyer and J. Peter Wilshusen, Engineering Characteristics of the Rocks of Pennsylvania. 1992. (Pennsylvania Geological Survey, Harrisburg, PA).
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 9-6 August 2001
Part Two - Goals, Objectives, and Action Strategies Chapter 10 - Housing Plan Chapter 10 - Housing Plan
INTENT b Continue and increase housing rehabilitation efforts throughout Western Mifflin County has a good housing Western Mifflin County. stock however, significant deterioration exists and there is some concern that many of the b Work to increase the diversity of camps and seasonal units are below standard housing units in the area so that and use unsafe sewage disposal methods. persons of all income levels and lifestyles may find appropriate The intent of these Goals and Objectives is to housing. facilitate continuing improvement of the housing stock, in this region. Action Strategies:
GOAL: To provide an adequate, AS: Consider adopting and enforcing a affordable, and a well diversified stock of building code to assure that all housing units housing opportunities for the residents of including camps and seasonal units are safe Western Mifflin County. and non-polluting.
Action and Implementation Strategies have Recommendation: been developed to fulfill the goals and F Adopt the commonwealth’s Statewide objectives developed for this section. Action and Implementation Strategies serve as Building Code and consider the following enforcement options: (1) recommendations for providing for Western Mifflin County’s future growth and hire a professional engineering development. Each strategy contains an consultant on a retainer fee, (2) hiring Action Statement (AS) and a qualified part-time staff person or (3) Recommendation(s) for implementation. designate the County for enforcement Each strategy is given a priority level (Le, duties based on an established fee H=High, M=Medium, and L=Low), and schedule. identifies the entities responsible Priority Level: H implementation (Le., C=Mifflin County, Responsible Entity(ies): L L=Local Municipalities, S=State Agencies, Time Frame: 200 1-2004 P=Private; or SD=Mount Union School Funding Sources: See Chapter 17 District) Each Action Strategy also provides a time frame in which it should occur. Finally, AS: Encourage public/private partnerships to each strategy is referenced to the categorized develop more affordable housing, and list of potential funding sources contained in Chapter 17 of this Comprehensive Plan. AS: Encourage the development of new housing in the moderate to middle income Housing Objectives range to meet the needs of in-migrating families and those households seeking to b Encourage the development of upgrade from existing housing units. senior housing in under-served areas to provide an option for older homeowners.
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 10-1 August 2001 Chapter 10 - Housing Plan
~ Recommendation: AS: Monitor multi-family housing availability for seniors and households seeking rental and t Strengthen relationships with local condominium units. developers and realtors to further identify the needs and opportunities Recommendation: for developing a range of housing opportunities to meet the needs of t Work with the Mifflin County existing and future residents. Planning and Development Department and local health facilities Priority Level: M to continue to identify needs and Responsible Entity(ies): L, C, P opportunities for senior level housing. Time Frame: Ongoing Funding Sources: See Chapter 17 Priority Level: H Responsible Entity(ies): L, C, P, S AS: Support the continuation of the MifJlin Time Frame: Ongoing County’s Housing Rehabilitation Program Funding Sources: See Chapter 17 and its goal of improving the lives of low to moderate income families.
Recommendations
9
t Encourage the development of HOME applications in the future, as well as the use of CDBG and Act 137 funds where appropriate.
t Support programs, such as the PA Access Program, to assist with handicapped accessibility needs of low to moderate families.
t Prepare and maintain a list of housing rehabilitation needs for the Western Mifflin Region and submit it for inclusion in Mifflin County’s long- term housing rehabilitation strategy. This would include the possibility of the three communities jointly submitting a HOME application for housing rehabilitation.
Priority Level: H Responsible Entity(ies): C, S, L Time Frame: Ongoing Funding Sources: See Chapter 17
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 10-2 August 2001 Chapter 11 - Economic Development Plan Chapter 11 - Economic Development Plan
INTENT b Provide educational opportunities to meet the demands for a changing The purpose of this chapter is to promote workforce. economic development opportunities within the Western Mifflin County Region. Action and Implementation Strategies: Responses to Mifflin County’s Quality of Life Survey (Summer 1998) revealed that almost Action and Implementation Strategies have 40 percent of the Western Mifflin County been developed to fulfill the goals and respondents indicated that employment objectives developed for this section. Action opportunities in their community and the and Implementation Strategies serve as surrounding area were fair to poor and that recommendations for providing for Mifflin they would be willing to pay for efforts to County’s future growth and development. improve them. The action strategies presented Each strategy contains an Action Statement herein should be implemented in conjunction (AS) and Recommendation(s) for with the economic development efforts of implementation. Each strategy is given a Mifflin County. priority level (i.e, H=High, M=Medium, and L=Low), and identifies the entities responsible GOAL: To provide opportunities that for implementation (i.e., C=Mifflin County, enhance the economic base of Mifflin L=Local Municipalities, S=State Agencies, County while remaining vigilant to P=Private; or SD=School Districts). Each maintain the County’s overall quality of Action Strategy also provides a time frame in life. which it should occur. Finally, each strategy is referenced to the categorized list of Economic Development Obiectives: potential funding sources contained in Chapter 17 of this Comprehensive Plan.
b Support the efforts of Mifflin County in developing a AS: Work with MifJlin County in developing a Comprehensive Economic strategy to assure better coordination of Development strategy. economic development activities. Recommendations: b Expand the role of tourism in Mifflin County by capitalizing on 0 Support the efforts of such the region’s recreational amenities. organizations as Team Mifflin County, an outgrowth of the County’s b Strengthen existing communities through business revitalization Economic Development Strategy, to efforts. improve and sustain employment opportunities in the county.
b Promote the reuse of former industrial sites. Provide input into the process by working through the Mifflin County
b Identify opportunities to promote Planning and Development the development of new businesses Department. and industries.
Western MifJrin County Comprehensive PIan 11-1 August 2001 ChaDter 11 - Economic Development Plan
Priority Level: H AS: Continue to improve the region's Responsible Entity(ies): C, L, S, P infrastructure to accommodate future Time Frame: Ongoing commercial and land development Funding Sources: See Chapter 17 opportunities.
AS: Continue to promote the reuse of the Recommendation: former Empire Chicken Processing Plant through such programs as EPA 's Brownfields b Continue to work with the County and Pilot Assessment Program, as well as other strengthen relationships with State and Federal programs that support neighboring municipalities to identify economic development. opportunities to improve local highways and expand the provision of Recommendation: public sewer and water services in the region.
b Mifflin County should further strengthen this effort by coordinating Priority Level: H the efforts and resources of the Mifflin Responsible Entity(ies): C, S, L County Industrial Development Time Frame: Ongoing Corporation (MCIDC) and Funding Sources: See Chapter 17 Huntingdon County Business and Industry (HCB&I). AS: In cooperation with the M@in County Planning and Development Department, Priority Level: H consider working with the Tourism Promotion Responsible Entity(ies): C, L, P Agency @.e., MifJlin County Chamber of Time Frame: 2001 Commerce) to determine mechanisms for Funding Sources: See Chanter 17 strengthening the role of tourism in the Western Mifflin County region. AS: Consider revitalizing areas such as Newton Hamilton and Kistler Borough into Recommendation: functional village centers as described in the Future Land Use Plan (Chapter 12). b Encourage the County to explore the feasibility of developing a Regional Recommendation: Tourism Plan involving Mifflin, Huntingdon and Juniata Counties. b Work with the County to develop an overall marketing strategy and Priority Level: H coordinate promotion of the area. Responsible Entity(ies): C, P, L Time Frame: Ongoing Priority Level: H Funding Sources: See Chanter 17 Responsible Entity(ies): L, C, P, S Time Frame: Ongoing AS: Assist MifJlin County in evaluating its Funding Sources: See Chanter 17 training and post secondary educational needs to insure that the necessary skills are available to support a changing economy.
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 11-2 August 2001 ChaDter 11 - Economic DeveloDment Plan
Recommendations:
b Provide input into the process to improve the quality and availability of the Vocational Technical School program as well as post-secondary educational programs in Mifflin County.
b Support efforts to expand School-to- Work and apprenticeship programs to help the Western Mifflin Region’s youth find meaninghl employment.
AS: Support Mifflin County’s efforts to enhance its agricultural industry.
Recommendation:
b Participate in the proposed Mifflin County Agricultural Enhancement Committee to work with the local agricultural community to shift from dairy to other agricultural activities in order to explore other agricultural activities to support the dairy industry.
Priority Level: H Responsible Entity(ies): L, C, P, S Time Frame: Ongoing Funding Sources: See Chapter 17
Western Mijj’lin County Comprehensive Plan 11-3 August 2001 ChaDter 12 - Future Land Use Plan Chapter 12 - Future Land Use Plan
INTENT The Components of this Land Use Plan include : The municipalities included in the Western Mifflin County study area primarily serve as Future Land Use Plan Map convenient residential locations for many Goal, Objectives, Action Strategies employees of businesses and industries and Implementation Plans located within or in close proximity to the Mount Union and Lewistown Borough GENERAL LAND USE PLAN (MAP) regions. Western Mifflin County is well connected to these regions by U.S. Route The purpose of the General Land Use Plan 22/522, which provides its citizens access to Map is to create a general framework for a wide range of social and cultural development that will be implemented opportunities. through both the Mifflin County and Western Mifflin County’s Comprehensive Plans, the Significant recreational opportunities are also Mifflin County Subdivision and Land readily accessible within Western Mifflin Development Ordinances, and the Kistler County. Tuscarora State Forest, the largest Borough Zoning Ordinance. public land holding in the study area, provides ample opportunities for both passive and Although, for some time, the Pennsylvania active recreational activities. Furthermore, the Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) has Juniata River and the remnants of the required municipal comprehensive plans to be Pennsylvania Canal, not only provide generally consistent with the County opportunities for recreation, but also provide Comprehensive Plan, the recent amendment the region with incentives for economic (June 2000) to the MPC has hrther elaborated development. on this. The new amendment enhances the consistency requirement between municipal This Plan provides a vision for Western and multi-jurisdictional plans with the County Mifflin County’s future growth and Plan. County comprehensive plans must now development. This chapter explains and be updated every ten years and local plans defines each of the land use categories, shown must be reviewed every ten years. Consistency on the Future Land Use Plan Map, and with the County Plan has now been reinforced provides criteria that describe the vision, in terms of its impact on certain funding characteristics, and criteria for each land use sources from the state including providing category. priority to those municipalities which are consistent with the County Plan. This means The following sections provide specific that the Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan courses of action to be taken following the should have some overriding concept of goals adoption of this Plan. These courses of action and objectives that can be related to the were developed jointly with the Community Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan. Development Steering Committee. The actions recommended will require For consistency purposes, the General Land considerable effort and collaboration on the Use Plan for the Western Mifflin County part of local, county, and state officials, as study area was adapted from the Mifflin well as school district officials, community County General Land Use Plan. The and business leaders, and citizens. development of the County’s General Land Use Plan Map began by subdividing the
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 12-1 August 2001 Chapter 12 -Future Land Use Plan
County into six “general” land use Area serves as a transitional area between the classifications: Urban Center, High Growth Urban or Village Center and rural area where Areas, Residential and CommercialLndustrial, some development has taken place, where Village Centers, Limited Growth Areas, Rural public water or sewer may be available, may Development Areas and Natural Resource or may not have zoning, and has good Protection Areas. highway access (within 1,000 feet of an intersection involving a State Highway and a Based on the present character of Western local road). Lot sizes are at least one acre or Mifflin County, the Village Center, Limited greater in size. Growth, Rural Development and Natural Resource Area classifications have been Rural Development Area designated to shape study area’s future growth and development. These four general land use The Rural Development Area comprises the classifications are defined in the following largest portion of the Western Mifflin County sections. study area and accommodates agricultural, open space, forest lands, large lots, residential Village Center land uses (5 acres or more) as well as support services, including small scale commercial The Village Center depicts those portions of /industrial facilities. These areas can include the study area that have mixed residential, Ag Security land. commercial, industrial and public uses, and generally do not have zoning. Furthermore, The purpose of the Rural Development Area they have lots sizes equaling one acre or less, is to help preserve the existing agricultural may have access to water or sewer, and are economy, resources, and rural character, as within % mile of a state highway. The most well as protect the culture that is unique to the prevalent Village Areas include the Boroughs County’s Plain Sect population. To avoid the of Kistler and Newton Hamilton, as well as a negative impacts of sprawl, the Rural Growth portion of Atkinson Mills. Area should not be served by public sewer services. However, it is the goal of the While the Boroughs of Kistler and Newton County to ensure this area is serviced by Hamilton are currently served by public water modern telecommunication services to facilities, it is the intent of this plan to facilitate county-wide communications and promote the implementation of public sewer economic growth. services to facilitate existing development, as well as accommodate future growth within Natural Resource Protection Area and adjacent to these boroughs. The purpose of the Natural Resource Limited Growth Area Protection Area is to delineate those areas unsuitable for development and to protect the The Limited Growth Area is represents those environmentally sensitive resources located portions of Western Mifflin County that throughout Western Mifflin County. These accommodate lower density residential, sensitive resources include steep sloped areas, neighborhood oriented retail and service floodplains, wetlands, surface and centers, and small scale commercial and groundwater resources, scenic vistas, and industrial establishments located along major public lands. The natural resource parameters transportation corridors. The Limited Growth
Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 12-2 August 2001 Chapter 12 - Future Land Use Plan are steep slopes (Le., >=15 percent), 100 Year Recommendations: Flood Plan, wetlands, and public lands. b Town centers should be established GOAL: To accommodate orderly growth for Kistler and Newton Hamilton and development while preserving the rural Boroughs. A revitalized town center character that currently exists in Western produces many benefits such as the Mifflin County. best use of infrastructure, conserving local wealth, historic preservation, establishing uniqueness, fostering Action and Implementation Strategies: civic spirit and engagement, creating a thriving small business environment Action and Implementation Strategies have that provides choices and tourism been developed to fulfill the goals and attractions. Successful town center objectives developed for this section. Action and Implementation Strategies serve as revitalization requires developing recommendations for providing for Western civic capacity, stewardship of man made and natural resources and Mifflin County’s future growth and establishing a vibrant economy. development. Each strategy contains an Action Statement (AS) and b Provide for neighborhood commercial Recommendation(s) for implementation. Each strategy is given a priority level (Le, service activities around Kistler and H=High, M=Medium, and L=Low), and Newton Hamilton Boroughs, including identifies the entities responsible professional office uses and possibly a implementation (i.e. , C=Mifflin County, specialty restaurant. L=Local Municipalities, S=State Agencies, P=Private; or SD=Mount Union School b Capitalize on the Governor’s Project District) Each Action Strategy also provides a for Community Building, which time frame in which it should occur. Finally, includes the Community Economic each strategy is referenced to the categorized Development Loan Program. list of potential funding sources contained in According the PA DCED, all of Chapter 17 of this Comprehensive Plan. Wayne Township, and Newton Hamilton and Kistler Boroughs meet VillaPe Center Obiective: By encouraging the program’s poverty, income, and unemployment level criteria. For appropriate levels and types of residential, commercial, and industrial activities to more information, contact locate within or adjacent to Kistler and www.dced.state.pa.us/PA-Exec/DC Newton Hamilton Boroughs, and Atkinson ED/community/economic. htm. Mills. Priority Level: H Responsible Entity(ies): C,L,S,SD,P AS: The Village Center Areas should be Time Frame: Ongoing revitalized for the purpose of attracting Funding Sources: See Chapter 17 appropriate commercial services for the local communities.
Western Miffrin County ComprehensivePlan 12-3 August 2001 Chapter 12 - Future Land Use Plan
AS: Update the Kistler Borough Zoning County Brownfields Pilot Program Ordinance to provide consistency with this and other economic development Comprehensive Plan, as well as the Mfjin initiatives that support the County Comprehensive Plan. redevelopment of old industrial sites, such as the former Empire Chicken Recommendation: Processing Facility.
b In cooperation with the Mifflin County Priority Level: L Planning and Development Responsible Entity(ies): C,L Department, Kistler Borough officials Time Frame: 200 1-2003 should amend their zoning ordinance Funding Sources: See Chapter 17 to provide regulations compatible with “Village” development. For example, AS: Support Mijjin County’s Brown.elds the ordinance should provide for a mix initiative to revitalize the former Empire of residential and neighborhood Chicken Processing Plant. This former commercial services uses, as well as industrial site provides opportunities forjob provide for regulations for the creation and will support the nearby “Village Borough’s Historic District. Development Areas. ’’
Priority Level: M Recommendation: Responsible Entity(ies): C,L,SD
Time Frame: 200 1-2002 b Assist the Mifflin County Planning Funding Sources: See Chapter 17 and Development Department in their efforts to revitalize the former Empire AS: Coordinate with the Mfjin and Chicken Processing Facility. Such Huntingdon County Planning Commissions, assistance would include supporting a as well as with Mount Union Borough, to higher use for the facility to provide identifi land development initiatives in the more job opportunities and support for Western Mifflin County region. the local economy. In addition, a capital improvements program to Recommendations: facilitate the site’s revitalization should also be developed. b Consider the feasibility of creating a regional (i.e., joint) planning Priority Level: M commission to implement the Western Responsible Entity(ies): C,L,S, P, SD Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan. Time Frame: 200 1-2004 Funding Sources: See Chapter 17
b The Western Region municipalities should work cooperatively with both Limited Growth Area Objective: the Mifflin and Huntingdon County Planning Commissions, as well as the AS: Encourage the MifJlin County and public and private sectors-at-large Huntingdon County Planning and (including MCIDC and HCB&I) to Development Departments to work develop a community based economic cooperatively with PennDOT to prepare a revitalization strategy. This strategy transportation corridor plan for the U.S. should capitalize on the Mifflin Route 22/522 corridor.
Western Mijjlin County Comprehensive Plan 12-4 August 2001 Chapter 12 -Future Land Use Plan
Recommendation: t Educate and encourage members of the farming community to participate t A transportation corridor plan is both in the Mifflin County agricultural land a description and a vision of what the preservation program. corridor is, what it should be and what it may be in the future. Such a t Discourage the extension of public corridor analysis plan should seek to water and sewer service areas into maintain mobility, increase motorist areas used for agricultural activities. safety, explore the feasibility of widening the highway, and establish Priority Level: H priorities for preserving and enhancing Responsible Entity(ies): C,L,S, amenities of the U.S. Route 22/522 Time Frame: Ongoing corridor. Furthermore, the plan should Funding Sources: See Chapter 17 assist local officials in developing a transportation capital improvements Natural Resource Protection Area plan for the corridor. Obiectives:
Priority Level: H By utilizing stream corridors to promote Responsible Entity(ies):C,L,S the preservation of open space. Time Frame: Ongoing Funding Sources: See Chapter 17 AS: Consider establishing greenways or linear parks along the Juniata River. Rural DeveloDment Area Obiective: Promote Western Mifflin County’s Recommendation: agricultural economy and resources, and preserve the rural character presently t Work with the Mifflin County found in these areas. Planning Commission, local Municipalities, and environmental AS: Encourage agriculturalpreservation with organizations to explore the potential priority given to areas having prime of creating a greenway along the agricultural soils. Juniata River. This greenway could provide for non-motorized Recommendations: connectivity between Kistler and Newton Hamilton Boroughs, and t Designate Agricultural Security Areas possibly the community of Lucy (ASAs) for areas having prime Furnace. agricultural soils and where ASAs are desired. Priority Level: M Responsible Entity(ies): C,L,S,SD,P t Encourage property owners to Time Frame: Ongoing participate in the Pennsylvania Funding Sources: See Chapter 17 Farmland and Forest Land Assessment Act of 1974 (a.k.a., Act 156 or Clean and Green).
Western Mijjlin County Comprehensive Plan 12-5 August 2001 Chapter 12 -Future Land Use Plan
By promoting the sound use of Western P.O. Box 8552 Mifflin County’s natural resources for local Harrisburg, PA 17105-8552 Phone: 7 17-787-2853. economic prosperity. Email: [email protected]
AS: Protect and preserve both the Rothrock Priority Level: H and Tuscarora State Forests from illegal Responsible Entity(ies): C,L,S, dumping and forest fire impacts. Time Frame: Ongoing Fundine Sources: See Chaoter 17 Recommendations: AS: Protect and preserve Western MifJlin Continue to work with the PA DCNR, County ’s traditional agricultural activities Bureau of Forest Fire Protection to and water resources. ensure local fire suppression capabilities and training levels are Recommendations: sufficient to provide initial forest fire
fighting activities. b Support the Mifflin County Conservation District in their efforts to Support the implementation of the implement Best Management various state sponsored anti-littering Practices (BMPs) throughout Western campaigns and education programs, Mifflin County to enhance water such as the Pennsylvania Litter quality and provide for erosion and Summit, Adopt-A-Highway and sedimentation control. Adopt-A-Stream Programs, and
Annual Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful b Consider implementing a local, Day. citizen-based, watershed organization modeled on numerous organizations In cooperation with the County, local located throughout Pennsylvania. For officials and citizens should work with more information, contact PADEP, the PA DCNR to identify grass-roots Bureau of Watershed Protection’s opportunities to assist in implementing website at the State Forest Resource www .dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/en Management Plan 200 1-2005. ved/watershed/watershed.htm. This program should also include Support the efforts of the new Mifflin participation from the Mount Union County Chapter of PA Cleanways, School District. which is attempting to eliminate illegal dumps in the County. Priority Level: H Responsible Entity(ies): C,L,S, SD, P Encourage local participation in the Time Frame: 200 1-2003 and Ongoing Department’s various Forest Funding Sources: See Chapter 17 Conservation Education programs. More information may be obtained by contacting:
Edward Dix Education Program Coordinator PA Bureau of Forestry
Western MifJlin County Comprehensive Plan 12-6 August 2001 Chapter 12 -Future Land Use Plan
General Land Use Obiective: Adopt and and maintaining the Western Mifflin implement sound land use management County’s Comprehensive Plan. practices throughout Western Mifflin County. Priority Level: H Responsible Entity(ies): C,L AS: Providefor the enforcement of the Mijjjin Time Frame: Ongoing County Subdivision and Land Development Funding Sources: See Chapter 17 Ordinance.
Recommendations:
b Encourage the Mifflin County Planning Commission to amend the County’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance to address known deficiencies and to properly reference design standards and regulations.
b Strengthen the relationship with the Mifflin County Planning Commission in an effort to enhance communications and enforce local land use regulations.
Priority Level: H Responsible Entity(ies): C,L,SD Time Frame: Ongoing Funding Sources: See Chapter 17
AS: Encourage the Mijjjin County Planning and Development Department to continue to provide technical and non-technical planning assistance.
Recommendation:
b The Mifflin County Planning and Development Commission should assist the Western Mifflin County municipalities in considering the feasibility of establishing a Joint Municipal Planning Commission, as well as to provide ongoing support and technical assistance in implementing
Western MifJrin County Comprehensive Plan 12-7 August 2001
Chapter 13 - Community Facilities Plan Chapter 13 - Community Facilities Plan
INTENT AS: Explore alternatives that would provide increased police protection in the region. The Community Facilities Plan will facilitate the provision of adequate infrastructure Recommendations: systems, and community facilities and services in a manner consistent with the development t Develop a working relationship with patterns reflected by the General Land Use the Pennsylvania State Police in an Plan Map. This plan is intended to provide effort to support their crime recommendations commensurate with the prevention and community outreach respective responsibilities of both the private programs as well as improve response and public sectors to support the existing and times to the Western Mifflin County envisioned land use patterns of Western region. Mifflin County.
b Consider entering into a mutual aid GOAL: To provide community facilities agreement with Mount Union Borough and services which promote the health, for added police protection services. welfare, and safety of residents within Western Mifflin County. Priority Level: H Responsible Entity(ies): C,L,S Action and Implementation Strategies: Time Frame: Ongoing Funding Sources: See Chapter I7 Action and Implementation Strategies have been developed to fulfill the goals and AS: Continue to support the Newton- Wayne objectives developed for this section. Action Volunteer Fire Department in their efforts to and Implementation Strategies serve as maintain and attract new trained volunteers recommendations for enhancing Western for fire service. Mifflin County’s Community Facilities. Each strategy contains an Action Statement(AS) Recommendations: and Recommendation(s) for implementation. Each strategy is given a priority level @e, t Encourage volunteerism by use of H=High, M=Medium, and L=Low), and public service announcements, identifies the entities responsible volunteer recognition programs and implementation (i.e. , C=Mifflin County, other means. These mechanisms may L=Local Municipalities, S=State Agencies, also be supplemented by developing a P=Private; or SD=Mount Union School promotional video and/or brochure District) Each Action Strategy also provides a targeted at the area’s younger time frame in which it should occur. Finally, populations; particularly, high school each strategy is referenced to the categorized age groups. list of potential funding sources contained in
Chapter 17 of this Comprehensive Plan. t Consider performing an annual analysis of community fire service Emerpencv Services Objective: By needs, including a replacement maintaining police, fire, emergency schedule for major equipment. medical, and emergency services necessary to protect life and property throughout Western Mifflin County.
Western MifJn County Comprehensive Plan 13-1 August 2001 Chapter 13 - Community Facilities Plan
Priority Level: H administration support services to Responsible Entity(ies): C,L,SD,P local EMS providers. Time Frame: Ongoing Funding Sources: See Chapter 17 Priority Level: H Responsible Entity(ies): L,S,C AS: Provide financial support to the Newton- Time Frame: Ongoing Wayne Volunteer Fire Department. Funding Sources: See ChaDter 17
Recommendation: AS: Support the Mifflin County Digital Community Program in their efforts to b Continue to financially support the improve the county’s telecommunications Newton-Wayne Volunteer Fire network and services. The provision of both Department by ensuring local residential and business broadband municipal budgets provide for such telecommunication services is critical for the support. area’s marketability for both new business and industry, as well as future residents. Priority Level: H Responsible Entity(ies): C,L,S Recommendation: Time Frame: Ongoing Funding Sources: See Chapter I7 b Encourage the County to continue support of the Mapping and MIS .AS: Continue to identifi new locations for the department to ensure adequate expansion of Wayne Township’s dry hydrant staffing, equipment, and other system. pertinent resources for the project’s continued success. Recommendation: Priority Level: M b Utilize Mifflin County’s GIS Responsible Entity(ies): C,L,S department to identify areas within the Time Frame: Ongoing region that have access to a Funding Sources: See Chapter 17 dependable water source. Water Su~plv and Sewape Facilities Priority Level: M Obiective: By providing adequate, high- Responsible Entity(ies): C,L,S quality water supply and sewage facilities Time Frame: Ongoing to meet users needs, protect the Funding Sources: See ChaDter 17 environment and public health, and support development consistent with the Future Land Use Plan. AS: Through mutual aid agreements, continue to cooperate with other municipalities to AS: Support, and where applicable implement, provide adequate levels of emergency medical the recommendations contained in the M@in services. County Water Supply Plan. Recommendation: Recommendation:
b Continue to support the Seven b Each municipal governing body, or Mountains EMS Council in their representative of, should meet efforts to provide hture trainingv and
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 13-2 August 2001 Chapter 13 - Community Facilities Plan
regularly with the Mifflin County Planning and Development Department staff Recommendation: to identify opportunities for assisting in the Plan’s b Consider developing a regional sewer implementation. authority to oversee the collection and treatment of wastewater generated Priority Level: H from the Western Mifflin County and Responsible Entity(ies): C, L Mount Union Borough service areas. Time Frame: Ongoing Funding Sources: See Chapter 17 Priority Level: H Responsible Entity(ies): C, L ,S, P, SD AS: Encourage the Mount Union Area Water Time Frame: 200 1-2002 Authority to become a regional authority to Funding Sources: See Chapter 17 include member representation from its Western Mifflin County service area AS: Implement a regional Sewage Facilities municipalities. Planning program.
Recommendation: Recommendations:
b In accordance with the Municipality b The Mifflin County Planning and Authorities Act (53 P.S.), the Development Department should governing bodies of each Western assist the Western Mifflin County Mifflin County municipality, with the region officials in implementing their support of their citizens and the respective Act 537 Plans. Mifflin County Board of Commissioners, should explore with b The Western Mifflin County officials the Mount Union Water Authority the should develop and implement an feasibility of expanding Board effective regional sewage management representation by developing a program as discussed in the PSATs regional water authority as prescribed publication entitled, “A Municipal by Section 3.1 of the Municipalities Official’s Guide to Managing Onlot Authorities Act. Sewage Disposal Systems.” To obtain a copy of this document, visit Priority Level: H www.dep.state.pa.us/dedlocal gov/ Responsible Entities: L, Mount Union Area Water Sewage/Sewage.htm. Authority, C Time Frame: 2001 Priority Level: H Funding Sources: Mount Union Area Water Authority, Responsible Entity(ies): C, L ,S Mifflin County and local funds. Also see Chapter 17. Time Frame: 200 1-2003 Fundine Sources: See ChaDter 17 AS: Provide for connections to the future Kistler Borough sewer collection system, as well as the future extended aeration package wastewater treatment plant and collection system in Wayne Township as well as support the improvements necessary to expand the Mount Union Waste Water Treatment Plant.
Western Mijjjin County Comprehensive Plan 13-3 August 2001 Recreational Opportunities Obiective: By recreation and economic development providing and maintaining adequate opportunities along the Juniata River facilities, services, and open space areas to and canal area. meet the recreation needs of Western Mifflin County residents and visitors. b Support efforts to restore, preserve, and protect the Juniata Division of the AS: Preserve and maintain existing Natural Pennsylvania Main Line Canal. and Cultural Resources that enhance recreational opportunities. Priority Level: H Responsible Entity(ies): C,L,S,SD Recommendation: Time Frame: Ongoing Funding Sources: See Chapter 17 b Encourage Mifflin County to consider developing a non-profit organization Stormwater Management Objective: By whose goal should be to restore promoting the preservation and sound use protect, and preserve the Juniata of natural ground surface features which Division of the Pennsylvania Main facilitate the effective management of Line Canal, as well as promote the stormwater runoff. resources of the county’s watersheds through responsible land use, AS: Ensure the Kishacoquillas Creek environmental research, and public watershed stormwater management plan is education programs. completed and is consistent with the goals and objectives contained within this plan. Priority Level: H Responsible Entity(ies): C,L,S,SD,P Recommendation: Time Frame: Ongoing
Funding Sources: See ChaDter 17 b Provide the needed support to meet the schedule and assist in AS: Emphasize the development of implementing the plan’s recreational opportunities throughout the recommendations. Western Mifflin County study area; particularly in the Kistler, Newton areas. Priority Level: H Responsible Entity(ies): C, L, S, P Recommendations: Time Frame: 2000 Funding Sources: See Chapter 17
b Encourage the Mifflin County Planning and Development AS: Encourage the Huntingdon County Department to prepare a countywide Conservation District (HCCD) to include Parks, Recreation, and Open Space representatives from Western MifJlin County Plan. This plan will further identify (as well as MifJlin County) in any efforts to and prepare for recreation and open prepare an Act 167 Stormwater Management space opportunities throughout the Plan for the Aughwick Creek Watershed. Western Mifflin County area. Recommendation: b Work with the Mifflin County
Planning and Development b The Mifflin County Planning Denartment to identifv river front Commission should encourage the
Western MifjTin County Comprehensive Plan 13-4 August 2001 Chapter 13 - Community Facilities Plan
HCCD to keep the Western Mifflin County officials-as well as Mifflin County Priority Level: H officials-apprized of any plans Responsible Entity(ies): C,L,S,P to initiate an Act 167 Time Frame: 200 1-2004 Stormwater Management Plan Funding Sources: See Chapter 17 for the Aughwick Creek Watershed. b In partnership with the Juniata Clean Water Partnership (JCWP) and Huntingdon County, consider obtaining state funding to support the preparation of an Aughwick Creek Watershed Stormwater Management Plan.
Priority Level: L Responsible Entity(ies): C,L, S, P, Huntingdon County Time Frame: 2001-2003 Funding Sources: See Chapter 17
AS: Amend the county’s subdivision and land development ordinance to enhance the existing stormwater, and erosion and sedimentation control measures.
Recommendations: b Include provisions for the use of Best Management Practices to minimize impervious areas by preserving natural cover and drainageways. b Include provisions for the retention of wetlands and other groundwater recharge areas. b Include standards to disperse and direct storm water away from sinkholes, closed depressions and other karst topography. b Provide standards for minimum safe setbacks for proposed land uses from sinkholes and other karst topography.
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 13-5 August 2001 Chapter 14 - Transportation Plan Chapter 14 - Transportation Plan
INTENT public health and safety, capital programming, in both the Western Mifflin The intent of this Plan is to provide the and Mifflin County Comprehensive Plans. municipalities of Western Mifflin County with a basic framework to meet the existing and AS: Continue to work with the MifJlin County future transportation needs of its citizens, and Planning and Development Department to serve as a useful guide to Mifflin County in annually identih, prioritize, and implement their efforts to program future transportation transportation system improvements, as well improvement projects. as enhance existing conditions.
The key components of the Plan are the Recommendations: transportation improvement recommendations and Transportation Map. Together, these b Encourage the establishment of a instruments will help meet the transportation transportation committee that would needs of existing and future development. identify projects and improvements to be included in PADOTs twelve year GOAL: To provide a safe, efficient, and program. adequate transportation system throughout Western Mifflin Countv. b Encourage the Mifflin County Planning and Development Department to amend the county’s Action and Implementation Strategies: subdivision and land development ordinance to provide for improved Action and Implementation Strategies have road and street design standards to been developed to fulfill the goals and more closely resemble standards set objectives developed for this section. Action forth in A Policy on Geometric Design and Implementation Strategies serve as of Highways and Streets [AASHTO, recommendations for enhancing Western (American Association of State Mifflin County’s transportation facilities and Highway and Transportation services. Each strategy contains an Action Statement(AS) and Recommendation(s) for Officials)], or the PADOT Design Manual, Part 2. implementation. Each strategy is given a priority level (i.e, H=High, M=Medium, and b Encourage the Mifflin County L=Low), and identifies the entities responsible implementation (Le. , C=Mifflin County, Planning and Development L=Local Municipalities, S=State Agencies, Department to amend its subdivision P=Private; or SD=Mount Union School and land development ordinance to District) Each Action Strategy also provides a require all new street names conform time frame in which it should occur. Finally, with the county’s standardized street each strategy is referenced to the categorized naming and addressing system, as well list of potential funding sources contained in as to provide for enhanced driveway Chapter 17 of this Comprehensive Plan. design standards. For example, consider the following: Transportation Improvements Obiective: By assuring transportation improvements b Driveways should be designed to are planned and implemented allow for the unimpeded flow of systematically, and are consistent with stormwater runoff and should be
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 14-1 August 2001 Chapter 14 - Transportation Plan
stabilized to their full width to prevent this corridor. (Note: This effort erosion. These and other designs should also include the involvement of should be in accordance with the the Huntingdon County Planning and PADOT Guidelines for Design of Development Department.) Local Roads and Streets, Publication No. 70, as revised. Local officials are - Replace the Beaverdam Run Bridge encouraged to seek technical along Township Road 357 in Wayne assistance from the Mifflin County Township0 (Structure I.D. No. - Planning and Development 44721003570129). Department in this effort. - Undertake a study to determine the b Driveway entrances or aprons within course of action necessary to improve the street right-of-way shall be the Route 3019 railroad crossing surfaced to their full width. bridge to facilitate local emergency services. b Wayne Township officials should consider the feasibility of paving all Priority Level: H municipal roadways within their Responsible Entity(ies): C,L,S,P,SD jurisdiction to control dust and erosion Time Frame: Ongoing and provide for long-term stability. Funding Sources: See Chapter 17 This recommendation should be considered as a long-term goal (1 0- 15 Intermunicipal Cooperation Obiective: By years). As part of the implementation cooperating with surrounding process, local officials should discuss municipalities, the county, and the state to with the PADOT District 2-7 Engineer enhance the local transportation system. the benefits of participating in the Agility Program. For more AS: Establish a coordinated process with information, contact the District at PADOT to review pending highway access 7 17-248-785 1 or the PADOT website permit approvals along state highways. at www.dot.state.pa.us. Recommendation: b Ensure that the Mifflin County Planning and Development b Encourage the Mifflin County Department includes the following Planning and Development Western Mifflin area transportation Department to amend the County’s improvement projects on Subdivision and Land Development Pennsylvania’s 200 1 Transportation Ordinance to restrict direct highway Improvement Program: access on major routes. Also, to ensure that a driveway permit has been - Corridor study 0fU.S. Routes 22/522 issued prior to the approval of any south of McVeytown to Mount Union. plan or issuance of a building permit. This study would look at improving traffic capacity, recommend overall Priority Level: H improvements including road Responsible Entity(ies): C,L,S, realignment and widening where Time Frame: 200 1-2004 necessary, and review land uses along Funding Sources: See Chapter 17
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 14-2 August 2001 Chapter 14 - Transportation Plan
AS: The majority of the roads within the Recommendation: township and boroughs are in need of safety improvements. b Utilizing the County’s GIS capabilities, consider mapping Recommendations: accident data to better identify hazard areas. All roads should have roadway edge lines and center lines (with reflective Priority Level: H glass beads). These will create an Responsible Entity(ies): C,L,S,SD easily identifiable travel lane and are Time Frame: Ongoing especially useful to motorists at night Funding Sources: See Chapter 17 and at times of inclement weather. AS: Improve existing roadway conditions as Install or re-paint stop bars (with recommended in Table 14-1, Improvement reflective glass beads) at major recommendations for roadway conditions. intersections that require a stopped Also, see Figure 14-1 for corresponding condition. location.
Review the condition of roadway AS: Consider improving existing geometric signage throughout the township and deficiencies as recommended in Table 7-3, replace signs that no longer retain their Geometric Improvements Recommendations. reflectivity. Recommendation: Ensure that, where practical, roadways have a minimum of a two foot graded b Coordinate with the Mifflin County shoulder. Planning and Development Department on implementing these Replace deteriorated curbing and projects into the County’s Twelve- sidewalks (mainly in Newton Year Transportation Improvement Hamilton Borough). Program.
Priority Level: H Priority Level: H Responsible Entity(ies): C,L,S Responsible Entity(ies): C,L Time Frame: Ongoing Time Frame: Ongoing Funding Sources: See Chapter 17 Funding Sources: See Chapter 17
AS: Work with the Pennsylvania State Police Non-vehicular Facilities Obiective: By and PADOT to review accident data annually providing non-vehicular facilities, where and subsequently recommend appropriate possible, to link residential areas to scenic improvement measures to the MifJlin County and natural areas, schools, businesses, and Planning and Development Department. other community facilities; non-vehicular facilities include pedestrian walkways, trails, and bikeways.
Western MijJlin County Comprehensive Plan 14-3 August 2001 Chapter 14 - Transportation Plan
AS: Promote the concept of liveable communities through the development of pedestrian walkways and bikeways within the Village Development Area.
Recommendations:
b Assist the Mifflin County Planning and Development Department with the development of bike routes within the area.
b Explore various funding sources such as Keystone Community Grants, and CDBG monies to develop sidewalks or walking trails.
Priority Level: H Responsible Entity(ies): C,L,S, Time Frame: Ongoing Funding Sources: See Chapter 17
Environmental and Cultural Resources Obiective: By minimizing the adverse impacts of the transportation system on the Western Mifflin County’s environmental and cultural resources.
AS: Efforts should be made to improve rural transportationhransit to allow easier access to central service areas from rural residential settings.
Recommendation:
b Assist the Mifflin-Juniata Agency on Aging in monitoring the transit needs of transit dependent individuals.
Priority Level: H Responsible Entity(ies): C,L,S, Time Frame: Ongoing Funding Sources: See Chapter 17
~
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 14-4 August 2001 Chapter 14 - Transportation Plan
Table 14-1 Improvement Recommendations to Roadway Conditions and Estimated Costs
Widen roadway to provide IO foot travel lanes and 2 foot minimum graded shoulder widths. Ensure adequate signage at I Ferguson Valley Rd. intersection with US-522. Provide shoulder swales to improve 32,000 13,000 60,000 399,000 504,000 drainage. Improve approach signage at intersection with US 522. Widen roadway to ensure 9 foot travel lanes and 2 foot minimum graded shoulder widths. Ensure clear zone of IO 2 Big Greenbriar Rd. ft 29,000 13,000 32,000 237,000 311,000 on each side of the roadway where practical. Install guide rail in selected locations with steep side slopes. Reduce speed limit.
Widen roadway to ensure 9 foot travel lanes and 2 foot 3 Little Greenbriar Rd. minimum graded shoulder widths. Ensure clear zone of IO A 12,000 7,000 9,000 124,000 152,000 on each side of the roadway where practical.
Widen roadway to ensure 9 foot travel lanes and 2 foot minimum graded shoulder widths. Ensure clear zone of 10 A 4 Mt. HopeRd. 12,000 7,000 17,000 1 19,000 155.000 on each side of the roadway where practical. Replace deteriorated surface. Widen roadway to ensure 9 foot travel lanes and 2 foot minimum graded shoulder widths. Ensure clear zone of 10 5 Fairview Rd. A 10,000 5,000 13,000 99,000 127,000 on each side of the roadway where practical. Replace I I I ldeteriorated surface. IWiden roadway to ensure 9 foot travel lanes and 2 foot minimum graded shoulder widths. Ensure clear zone of IO ft 6 Lucy Furnace Rd. 8,000 4,000 9,000 80,000 101,000 on each side of the roadway where practical. Install guide rail I I in selected locations with steep side slopes.
7 Old Pike Rd. Relocate utility pole from middle of road 2,000 2,000 01°10 Widen roadway to ensure 9 foot travel lanes and 2 foot I 8 ILoooRd Iminimum -waded shoulder widths. Ensure clear zone of IO A 16,000 9,000 20,000 162,000 207,000 on each side of the roadway where practical. Widen roadway to ensure 9 foot travel lanes and 2 foot 9 I"St. minimum graded shoulder widths. Ensure clear zone of IO ft 4,000 2,000 6,000 45,000 57,000 on each side of the roadway where practical. I
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 14-5 August 2001 Chapter 14 - Transportation Plan
Total
IO Kistler Rd. llnstall guide rail in selected locations with steep side slopes. 5,000 54,000 62,000 I I 3,000 Io Install guide rail in selected locations with steep side slopes. I1 Country Club Rd. I 1,000 109,000 126,000 I IReplace deteriorated surface. I 6,000 Io Widen roadway to ensure 9 foot travel lanes and 2 foot 12 Lower Country Club Rd. minimum graded shoulder widths. Ensure clear zone of IO R I0,OOO 5,000 12,000 99,000 126.000 on each side of the roadway where practical. Widen roadway to ensure 9 foot travel lanes and 2 foot 13 Dale Rd. minimum graded shoulder widths. Ensure clear zone of IO R 3,000 I 2,000 I 3,000 34.000 42.000 on each side of the roadway where practical. Ensure road is crowned with 2% crossslopes and improve 14 Vineyard Rd. (Gravel) 600 400 0 6,500 7,500 I Idrainage swales. I I 15 ILittle Kansas Rd. (Gravel) IGrade when necessary and ensure 2% crossslopes. 0 0 0 0 0 Undertake a study to determine the course of action necessary to I6 Route 30 I9 Bridge Crossing improve the Route 301 9 railroad crossing bridge to facilitate 0 38,000 0 0 38,000 local emergency services.
Ferguson Valley Rd. Improve signage on the approach to the bridges. Improve immediately of Newton 5,000 3,000 4,000 45,000 57,000 alignment of roadway onto bridge. Hamilton Borough
Improve intersection sight distance. Provide protected centet 3,000 3,000 ~~~~~o~!;yh:,itiew turning lane. IRd.
Align Big Greenbriar Rd. at the intersection with Ferguson I9 Big Greenbriar Rd. 89,000 106.000 Valley Rd.
Remove vegetation on the inside of the 90 degree curve to 20 Little Greenbriar Rd. improve sight distance. Sign as a 90 degree curve and add 0 0 0 I .000 1,000 delineations and arrow signs to show direction around curve.
Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 14-6 August 2001 Chapter 14 - Transportation Plan
(The following sts aresfor * * .I Design Study Total Short ofclosing this road or installing a large retaining wall system there is no real easy fix to this road without affecting the houses on each side of the road. Recommend continued 0 0 0 0 0 grading and possible closings for limited durations during inclement weather. Provide protected center turning lane. Newton Rd. at intersection 22 Provide protected center turning lane. 0 0 0 0 0 with U.S. Route 522 Sugar Ridge and Sugar 23 Grading when necessary 0 0 0 0 0 Valley Roads 24 IMount Hope Road IStraighten roadway to remove 90 degree curves 4.000 2.000 4,000 4 1,000 5 1,000 Improve signage and install delineations and arrow signs to 25 Lucy Furnace Rd. 0 0 1,000 1,000 show direction around 90 degree curve. Improve roadway alignment and stabilize side slopes to prevent 26 Little Kansas Rd. 5,000 3,000 50.000 58.000 erosion by the spring. Ferguson Valley Rd. at 27 Iintersection with U.S. Route I Re-alignment ofintersection; preferably to a 90 degree angle. 3.000 2.000 3,000 27.000 35.000 I I Source: Gannett Fleming, Inc. 200 I * Does not denote level of importance, but rather references each improvements location as shown on Figure 14-1 Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 14-7 August 2001 Chapter 15 - Plan Interrelationships Chapter 15 - Plan Interrelationships INTRODUCTION future growth areas, and rural resource areas within the plan. As mandated by Section 301(4.1) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code To this extent, the Western Mifflin County (MPC), comprehensive plans shall discuss the Comprehensive Plan was prepared in interrelationships among the various plan conjunction with both the Mifflin County components. This demonstrates that the Comprehensive Plan and Brownfields Pilot components of the plan are integrated and do Program. The consistencies between these not present conflicting goals, policies, or comprehensive plans are evident throughout recommended courses of action. their respective planning elements. For example, the Future Land Use Plan for the MPC AMENDMENTS Western Mifflin County region was adapted from the Mifflin County General Land Use Although, for some time, the Pennsylvania Plan. Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) has required that municipal comprehensive plans Interrelationships of Comprehensive Plan be generally consistent with the County Elements Comprehensive Plan, the recent amendment (June 2000) to the MPC has further elaborated The planning elements contained within this on this. The new amendment enhances the Comprehensive Plan have been developed consistency requirement between municipal with consideration to each other. They are all and multi-jurisdictional plans with the County interrelated and the consequences of any one Plan. County comprehensive plans must now element are reflected in the others. For be updated every ten years and local plans example, the Future Land Use Plan and Map must be reviewed every ten years. are based on the community goals and Consistency with the County Plan has now objectives, as well on the provision of been reinforced in terms of its impact on services, environmental constraints, capacity certain funding sources from the state of the transportation system, need for including providing priority to those recreation, and obligation to provide a variety municipalities which are consistent with the of housing opportunities. County Plan. This means that the Western Mifflin County’s Comprehensive Plan’s goals Moreover, the Mifflin County Brownfields and objectives should be interrelated with the Pilot Project was conducted concurrently with goals and objectives contained in the Mifflin this comprehensive planning effort, as well as County Comprehensive Plan. with the Mifflin Comprehensive Plan development process. The results of these Furthermore, the new amendment authorizes processes will, in part, enable the County to counties and municipalities to enter into implement its countywide economic intergovernmental cooperative agreements to revitalization strategy. implement multi-municipal comprehensive plans. These agreements must establish a Regional Planning Relationships process to achieve general consistency between the comprehensive plan and the The Western Mifflin County region is individual zoning ordinances, subdivision and bordered by the Pennsylvania counties of land ordinances, and capital improvement Centre, Huntingdon, and Juniata, Snyder, and plans. Cooperative implementation Union. Historic and future development activities in these contiguous municipalities agreements may designate growth areas, Y Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 15-1 August 2001 Chapter 15 - Plan Interrelationships have a direct impact on Mifflin County’s land uses, infrastructure and economic vitality. Likewise, the future recommendations included in this plan also impact the development patterns of these neighboring counties. However, these impacts are not expected to pose harmful consequences on neighboring municipalities, but rather should provide opportunities to strengthen existing relationships or foster new ones. Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 15-2 August 2001 ChaPter 16 - Plan Review. Maintenance and Amroval Chapter 16 - Plan Review, Approval, and Maintenance OVERVIEW regarding the future growth and preservation of the western region. Sections 301.3 and 302 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), sets b Submit an annual written report to forth the procedures that are to be followed to each governing body, as well as the provide for review and adoption of the Mifflin County Planning Commission Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan. summarizing its conclusions on its evaluation of the Western Mifflin Section 301.2 specifies that a municipality County Comprehensive Plan, the past provide copies of the proposed plan to the year’s major activities, the upcoming county planning agency local school year’s major projected activities, and district(s), and contiguous municipalities prior crucial issues that will or may impact to the governing body’s public hearing on the the region. Plan. Upon receiving the plan, these agencies then have 45 days to provide review and b Carry out additional powers and duties comment on the proposed Plan. as specified in Article XI of the MPC. In the case of the Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan, the adoption of the plan begins with each municipal planning commission. Under Section 302, a municipal planning commission is required to hold at least one public meeting prior to forwarding the plan to their respective governing bodies. Each governing body should take into consideration comments on the plan and is required to hold at least one public hearing on the plan. Approval shall be by a resolution adopted by a majority. The Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan will be useful only if it is regularly used and updated. For this to occur, it is recommended that a Joint Municipal Planning Commission be organized for the Western Mifflin County Planning region as provided for and in accordance with Article XI of the MPC. This Joint Municipal Planning Commission shall have the authority to: b Annually evaluate the Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan and, if necessary, make modifications to the plan to ensure it remains useful in terms of guiding the decisions made Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 16-1 August 2001 Chapter 17 - Funding Sources Chapter 17 - Funding Sources ~ INTRODUCTION . Growing Greener Grant Program (PADEP) The development and implementation of a Capital Improvements Program will require . Transportation Enhancements Program support from a variety of funding sources. (PennDOT) These sources can help to fund a variety of projects ranging from community planning, However, hnding sources change with bills development and conservation to passed, budgets adopted, and programs transportation. A directory of potential initiated by state and federal governments. funding sources is provided in Table 17-1. For example, based on recommendations made by the 21" Century Environment In addition to the funding sources contained in Commission, Governor Tom Ridge is Table 17- 1, the PA Department of Community proposing to change the way over $1.3 billion and Economic Development's (DCED) will be spent in the next five years to put Customer Service Center (CSC) publishes an Pennsylvania on the path to growing greener annual Funding Source Directory containing in the 2 lstCentury information on DCED's programs and (www.dep.state.pa.us/growrrreen). services. This directory serves as the entry point for the DCED Single Application for Assistance. Both the Funding Source Directory and Single Application for Assistance can be obtained by pointing your Internet browser to http://www.dced.state.pa.us/PA Exec/DCE D/business/application. htm. Currently, Pennsylvania has six major programs supporting parks, greenways and trails, which are relevant to the county. They are administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT): . Keystone Planning, Implementation and Technical Assistance Program (DCNR) . Keystone Acquisition and Development Program (DCNR) . Keystone Land Trust Program (DCNR) . The Recreational Trails program (DCNR) Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 17-1 August 2001 Chapter 17 - Funding Sources Table 17-1 Directory of Potential Funding Sources Administering Agencyhternet Program Program Description Address llopment, and Conservation Funding Sources Community Development Offers grants for a wide variety of activities, provided the U.S. HUD funds, Block Grant (CDBG) applicant proves by survey or census that the project will benefit implemented by DCED 5 1% low and moderate income persons or handicapped persons www.dced.state.pa.us/ or eliminate “blighted” conditions in officially designated areas. www.hud.gov/ Funds can be used for water and sewage improvements, storm drainage, handicapped accessibility, housing rehabilitation, parks and recreation, street and sidewalk improvements, code enforcement, community planning, and historic rehabilitation. CDBG Section 108 Program offers loan guarantees to municipalities to allow Same as CDBG financing of large loans for major physical projects. Community Facilities Loan Offers low-interest loans to construct, enlarge or improve U.S. Department of Program (Federal) essential community facilities for public use in rural areas and Agriculture Rural Housing towns with population less than 50,000. Also offers guarantees Service (formerly Farmers of loans by private lenders. Home Administration) www.rurdev.usda.gov/ Historic Preservation Tax Offers Federal income tax credits for a percentage of the National Park Service Credits qualified capital costs to rehabilitate a certified historic building, www.nps.gov/ provided the exterior is restored. The program is generally limited to income-producing properties. Historic Preservation - Provides modest-sized matching grants to provide technical Federal program Certified Local Government assistance to municipalities that have official historic districts administered by PHMC Grants and meet other criteria to be “certified”. www.phmc.state.pa.us/ Historic Preservation Survey Matching grants for historic surveys, historic preservation PHMC and Planning Grants planning and National Register nominations. Available to municipalities and non-profit organizations. Cannot be used for construction. Housing Programs - mainly Provides grants, low-interest loans and loan guarantees to for- PA Housing Finance including Federal HOME profit and non-profit developers for the construction or Agency and DCED Program (Home Investment rehabilitation of housing for low andor moderate income Partnerships Program) persons. Funds are provided to local community-based housing development organizations to develop housing. Funds are also provided through private lenders to assist with down payment and closing costs for low income and disabled persons to purchase a home for their own occupancy. Keystone Acquisition and Provide funding for the purchase of land for park, recreation, or DCNR Development Grant Program conservation purposes and the rehabilitation and development of www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ - Community Grants park and recreation areas and facilities, including greenways and trails. Municipalities COGS and some authorities are the only eligible applicants. Keystone Acquisition and Provide for acquisition of abandoned railroad right-of-way and DCNR Development Grant Program adjacent land, and to develop them for recreational trail use. www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ - Rails-to-Trails Grants Open to municipalities and non-profit organizations. Western Miffrin County ComprehensivePlan 17-2 August 2001 Chapter 17 - Funding Sources Table 17-1 Directory of Potential Funding Sources Administering AgencyIInternet Program Program Description Address Keystone Acquisition and Available to both municipalities and appropriate organizations DCNR Development Grant Program for acquisition and development projects recommended in an www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ - Rivers Conservation Grants approved Rivers Conservation plan (such as those created under the PITA Program; see below). To be eligible for acquisition or development funding, the Rivers Conservation Plan must be listed in the Pennsylvania Rivers Registry. Keystone Historic Provides 50% matching grants to fund analysis, acquisition or PHMC Preservation Funds rehabilitation of historic sites. The site must be on the National www.phmcstate.pa.us/ Register of Historic Places, or officially determined to be eligible for listing. The site must be accessible to the public after funding. The grants can be made to public agencies or non- profit organizations. Keystone Land Trust Program Provides grants to non-profit land trusts, conservancies, and DCNR organizations for acquisition and planning of open space and www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ critical natural areas that face imminent loss. Although these funds are targeted to protecting critical habitat with threatened species, many of these lands also provide key open space, greenway, bikeway, trail and heritage corridor opportunities and connections in greenway systems. Lands must be open to public use and acquisition must be coordinated with the communities or counties in which the property is located. Funds require a 50-percent match. Keystone Planning, Provides 50% matching grants to municipalities to fund overall DCNR Implementation and planning for park and recreation, master plans for individual www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ Technical Assistance (PITA) parks, acquisition of parkland and nature preserves, countywide Program - Community Grants natural area inventories, and rehabilitation and improvements to public recreation areas. Grants up to $20,000, without a local match, are available for material and design costs in small municipalities. Keystone Planning, Available for feasibility studies, master site plans, acquisition DCNR Southcentral Implementation and and improvement of former railroad lines for recreation trails. Regional Office Technical Assistance (PITA) A 50% local match is required. Open to municipalities, www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ Program - Rails-to-Trails authorities and non-profits. Grants Keystone Planning, Available to municipalities and appropriate non-profit DCNR Southcentral Implementation and organizations for conducting watershed and river corridor Regional Office Technical Assistance (PITA) studies and plans, many of which include greenway and trail www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ Program - Rivers elements. A 50% local match is required. Conservation Grants PENNVEST Offers low interest loans for construction and improvement of PA Infrastructure drinking water and wastewater systems. Investment Authority and DEP Bureau of Water Supply Management www.dep.state.oa.us/ Recreational Trails Program Grants are available to federal and state agencies, municipal DCNR Southcentral (Symms National government, organizations, and even private individuals. Money Regional Office Recreational Trails Act) may be used for a variety of purposes, including work on trails www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ to mitigate or minimize the impact on the natural environment, provide urban trail linkages, and develop trail-side and trail-head facilities. A 50% local match is required. Western Mijjlin County Comprehensive Plan 17-3 August 2001 Chapter 17 - Funding Sources Table 17-1 Directory of Potential Funding Sources Administering Agencynnternet Program Program Description Address Growing Greener Grant The new Growing Greener Program signed into law by Gov. DEP Program Tom Ridge will invest nearly $650 million over the next five http://www.dep.state.pa.us/ years to preserve farmland and protect open space; eliminate the growareen/default. htm maintenance backlog in State Parks; clean up abandoned mines and restore watersheds; and provide new and upgraded water and sewer systems. Land Use Planning and Provides financial assistance (generally, a 50% match) to DCED Technical Assistance municipalities for the purpose of developing and strengthening www.dced.state.pa.us/ Program (LUPTAP) community planning and management capabilities. Stream Improvement Program Provides design and construction assistance to eliminate DEP Bureau of Waterways imminent threats to flooding and streambank erosion. Engineering. www.dep.state.pa.us/ Urban Forestry Grants Provides grants for tree planting projects. Is also a Federal DCNR “America the Beautiful” grant program for tree planting. www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ Ofice of Justice Programs Operation Weed and Seed, a Department of Justice community- US. Department of Justice, based initiative, is an innovative and comprehensive multi- Office of Justice Programs. agency approach to law enforcement, crime prevention, and http://www.oip.usdoi.gov/r community revitalization. Weed and Seed is a strategy to eports/98Guides/ruraI/ prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, drug abuse, and gang activity in targeted high-crime neighborhoods of all sizes nationwide. ~ ~ ~ ~~~~ Volunteer Fire Assistance This program authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide U.S. Department of Program( Formerly Rural technical, financial and related assistance to rural fire Agriculture, Forest Service. Community Fire Protection) departments for training and equipping firefighters. The program http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/pl is aimed at assisting rural communities with populations of annindvfd 10,000 or less to establish new fire departments and to upgrade fire suppression capabilities of existing departments. Transportation Funding Sources Impact Fees Acts 203 and 209 of 1990 provide legal justification for PennDOT the assessment of impact fees. The County and www.dot.state.Da.usl municipalities could give some consideration to implementing such a system to supplement state and other local sources; although the initial costs of establishing impact fees will likely prove too expensive for the individual municipalities. The laws authorize the use of impact fees for costs incurred for improvements designated in the municipalities’ transportation capital improvement program attributable to new development, including the acquisition of land and rights of way; engineering, legal and planning costs; and all other costs directly related to road improvements within the service area or areas, including debt service. Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 17-4 A ugust 200 I Chapter 17 - Funding Sources Table 17-1 Directory of Potential Funding Sources Administering AgencyIInternet Program Program Description Address Impact Fees (continued) Municipalities are expressly prohibited under the impact fee law from using impact fees for: (1) the construction, acquisition or expansion of municipal facilities that have not been identified in the Township’s Transportation Capital Improvement Program; (2) the repair, operation or maintenance of existing or new capital improvements; (3) the upgrade, update, expansion or replacement of existing capital improvements to serve existing developments to meet stricter safety, efficiency, environmental or regulatory standards that are not attributable to new development; and, (4) the preparation and development of land use assumptions and the Capital Improvements Plan. As a prerequisite to proceeding with plans for an impact fee ordinance, a municipality must have adopted a Township or County Comprehensive Plan, a subdivision and land development ordinance, and a zoning ordinance. In addition, municipalities must meet a number of specific requirements before adopting an impact fee ordinance, including: Appoint an impact fee advisory committee Develop future land use assumptions Conduct a roadway sufficiency analysis Develop a Capital Improvements Plan Prepare an Impact Fee Ordinance Of$cial Map - Municipalities could prepare an official Map in accordance with Article IV of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code as amended. The Official Map would be used to delineate areas for future land acquisition or easements for future roadway and infrastructure needs. Highway Transfer or Road Under this program, PennDOT will bring a road up to PennDOT Turnback Program current specifications and then dedicate it to the www.dot.state.pa.us/ participating municipality. Annual maintenance fees are also included by PennDOT. In most instances, the municipalities may get a new roadway and funding for maintenance. Local Share of Liquid This provides for a permanent allocation of part of the PennDOT Fuels Tax liquid fuels taxes collected by the state for municipalities. www.dot.state.pa.us1 Liquid fuels allocations may be used for any road-related activity including maintenance, repair, construction, or reconstruction of public roads or streets. In any given year at least a portion of the money could be used for transportation facility projects. SAMI: Safety and This program is aimed at improving highway safety and PennDOT Mobility Improvements reducing congestion. The source of the funding is the www.dot.state.pa.us/ Program - Center for Program Development and Management at PennDOT. Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 17-5 August 2001 Chapter 17 - Funding Sources Table 17-1 Directory of Potential Funding Sources Administering Agencynnternet Program Program Description Address Transportation Equity Act Provides money for highway, highway safety, transit and USDOT/FHWA funds for the 2 1 Century (TEA- other surface transportation programs through Fiscal Year administered by 21) 2003. TEA-2 1 builds on the initiatives established during PennDOT. Typically Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 199 1 prioritized through (ISTEA). Significant features of TEA-2 1 are assurance regional or county of a guaranteed level of Federal funding for surface transportation planning transportation; extension of the DBE Program; organizations strengthening of safety programs; and continuation of the program structure established under ISTEA. These elements include: scenic beautification along highways, historic preservation, restoration of historic transportation facilities (such as canals), preservation of rail corridors (particularly for bicycle/walking routes), control and removal of outdoor advertising, archeological research, and mitigation of water pollution due to highway runoff. All projects must have a direct relationship to transportation. Transportation Partner- Under Act 47 of 1985, as amended, it provided for the PennDOT ships formation of "partnerships" between municipalities and, www.dot.state.va.us/ in most cases, local developers and businesses. A formal partnership requires the designation of a transportation development district in which all improvements will take place and in which assessments may be charged. Municipalities should consider participation in this program as a means of obtaining funding for roadway improvements. Sources: Publications and Internet sites of various agencies, in addition to January 1997 issue of Pennsylvanian magazine, and the 1997 Pennsylvania Planning Association Statewide Conference. Acronyms: DCED - Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development DCNR - Pennsylvana Department of Conservation and Natural Resources DEP - Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection FHWA - Federal Highway Administration HUD - U.S. Dept. Of Housing and Urban Development NRCS - U.S. Natural Resource Conservation Service PennDOT - Pennsylvania Department of Transportation USDOT - U.S. Department of Transportation ~~~ Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 17-6 August 2001 Chapter 18 - References Chapter 18 - References Amtrak Homepage. Online. http://www.amtrak.com/trip/index.html.September 1, 1999. “Board Approves Land Purchases.” Lewistown Sentinel. 23 July 1999. Beague, John. “Rail Keeps Economy on Track.” Harrisburg Patriot-News. 16 May 1999. Borough of Lewistown, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania. “Lewistown Borough Comprehensive Plan.” November 1990. Czerniakowski, John J. Mifflin County School District. Correspondence. 22 June 1999. ----.Telephone Interview. 21 June 1999. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Department of Environmental Protection. Bureau of Water Supply Management. The State Water Plan: Subbasin 12, Upper Juniata River. June 1977. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Fish and Boat Commission Homepage. Online. “PFBC Boating Access Areas.” http://www.fish.state.pa.us/. August 4, 1999. -. Department of Education. “PA Schools and IU Directory.” Online. Internet: WWW.pde.psu.edu/. ----..Department of Health. Online. Internet: WWW.health.state.Da.us. -. Department of Environmental Protection. Online. Internet. WWW.dep.state.pa.us/. June 25, 1999. ----.----. File Review: Mifflin County Municipal Act 537 Plans. June 25, 1999. -. Department of Transportation. Online. Internet: http://www.dot.state.pa.us/. August 23, 1999. -. Bureau of Aviation. The Economic Impact of Aviation in Pennsylvania: Technical Reprot. 1994. -. Bureau of Planning and Research. Performance Monitoring Division. 1998 Pennsylvania Crash Facts and Statistics. Federal Emergency Management Agency. “National Flood Insurance Program.” Online. http://www.fema.nov/nfip/. June 25, 1999. ---- .. “Project Impact.” http://www.fema.aov/impact/irnpactO.htm.June 25, 1999. Juniata-Mifflin Counties Area Vocational-Technical School. “Program Planning Guide: 1999-2000. Glanville, Charles A. Pennsylvania Canal Society. Telephone Interview. 29 June 1999. ----.----. Letter of Correspondence. 29 June 1999. Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 18-1 August 2002 Chapter 18 - References Kochanov, W. E., 1999, Sinkholes in Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Geological Survey, 4th ser., Educational Series 11, 33 p. Marsh, William M. Landscape Planning: Environmental Applications. 2”d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 199 1. Mifflin County, Pennsylvania. “Mifflin County Government Homepage.” Online. Internet: HTTP://mifflincounty.Icworkshop.com/.April 23, 1999. ---- .. “Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan.” June 1975. Mifflin County Historical Society. Online. http://www.rootsweb.com/-pamifflikistory.htm1. 4 August 1999. Mifflin County 2000 Incorporated. Online. http://www.acsworld.net/-comm/mc2000/main.htm.4 August 1999. Mifflin and Juniata Planning Commission. “Comprehensive Studies for Mifflin and Juniata Counties.’’ 197 1. National Recreation and Park Association. Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines. 1996. Norfolk Southern Homepage. Online. http://www.nscorp.comlnscorpktml/conrail/fact_pa.html. September 1, 1999 Oswalt, James M. Mifflin County 2000. Correspondence. 15 July 1999. ----. ----. Telephone Interview. 14 July 1999. Pennsylvania Intercity High Speed Rail Passenger Commission. Feasibility Study. 1989. Runk, Gloria. South Hills School of Business and Technology. Telephone Interview. June 25,1999. SEDA-Council of Governments. “SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority Homepage.” Online. http://www.seda-cog.org/sedaJRA.htm.1 September 1999. Seven Mountains EMS Council. Telephone Interview. October 1999. Tuscarora Intermediate Unit #11. “Mifflin County School District Homepage.” Online. Internet: WWW.mcsd.tiu.kl2.pa.us/. 15 July 1999. United States Dept. of Agriculture. Natural Resource Conservation Service. Soil Survey of Juniata and Mifflin Counties, Pennsylvania. April 198 1. -. -. Prime Farmland Soils of Pennsylvania. March 198 1. Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 18-2 August 2001 Chapter 18 - References U.S. Department of Commerce. Bureau of Census. Online. www.census.gov/. September 1999. -. -. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Online. www.bea.doc.gov/bea/rels.htm. September 1999. U.S. Department of the Interior. National Park Service. National Register of Historic Places Homepage. Online. www.cr .nps.gov/nr/nrhome .html. 6 August 1999 -. -.. U.S. Geological Survey. “Land Use and Land Cover Classification System for Use with Remote Sensor Data: Geological Survey Professional Paper 964.” Washington: GPO, 1976. U.S. Department of Justice. Office of Justice Programs: National Institute of Justice. “Rural Crime and Rural Policing.” September 1994. U. S. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration. “Draft Environmental Impact Statement: SR 0322, Section BO 1, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania.” May 1994. -. -. “Final Environmental Impact StatementEection 4(f) Evaluation.” August 1996. United Way of Mifflin-Juniata. “White Paper on Public Transportation Issues: In the Juniata Valley.” Whitmer, Walt. Telephone Interview. 24 July 1999. Western MifJlin County Comprehensive Plan 18-3 August 2001 ChaDter 19 - Definitions Chapter 19 - Acronyms and Definitions AED: Automated External Defibrilator ALS: Advanced Life Support ASA: Agricultural Security Area AASHTO: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials BLS: Basic Life Support BMP: Best Management Practices BOCA: Building Officials & Code Administrators CAP: Civil Air Patrol CCAP: County Commissioners Association of PA csc: Customer Service Center CDBG: Community Development Block Grant CPI: Consumer Price Index CRS: Community Rating System CVMP: Citizen’s Volunteer Monitoring Program cws: Community Water Systems DBE: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise DCED: Department of Community and Economic Development DCNR: Department of Conservation and Natural Resources EHS: Emergency Health System EMS: Emergency Medical Service EMSOF: Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund EMT: Emergency Medical Technician EOP: Emergency Operations Plan EPA: Environmental Protection Agency FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency FHWA: Federal Highway Administration FRA: Federal Railroad Administration GIs: Geographic Information Systems HAZ-MAT : Hazardous Materials HCB&I: Huntingdon County Business and Industry HCCD: Huntingdon County Conservation District HCPC: Huntingdon County Planning Commission HEL: Highly Erodible Land HUD: Department of Housing and Urban Development ISO: Insurance Service Office IU: Intermediate Unit JCWP: Juniata Clean Water Partnership JRA: SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority LFPR: Labor Force Participation Rate LEPC: Local Emergency Planning Committee MCIDC: Mifflin County Industrial Development Corporation MIS: Mifflin County Management Information Systems Department MPC: Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247 NFIP: National Flood Insurance Program NRCS: Natural Resource Conservation Service NRPA: National Recreation and Park Association Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 19-1 August 2001 Chapter 19 - Acronyms and Definitions OLDS: On-Lot Disposal System QRS: Quick Response Service PADE: Pennsylvania Department of Education PADEP: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection PADOT: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation PEMA: Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency PHMC: Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission PITA: Planning, Implementation and Technical Assistance PNDI: Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory PPC: Public Protection Classification PSATS: Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors PSP: Pennsylvania State Police SAMI: Safety and Mobility Improvement SARA: Superfunds Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 SEDA-COG: Susquehanna Economic Development Agency Council of Governments SPAG: State Planning Assistance Grant TEA-21: Transportation Equity Act for the 2 1st Century TIP: Transportation Improvement Program USDA: United States Department of Agriculture USDOJ: United States Department of Justice USDOTEHWA: United States Department of TransportatiodFederal Highway Administration WSI: Waste Systems International WWTP: Wastewater Treatment Plant Agriculture: The production, keeping, or maintenance, for sale, lease, or personal use, of plants and animals useful to man, including but not limited to; forages and sod crops; grains and seed crops; dairy animals and dairy products, poultry and poultry products; livestock, including beef cattle, sheep, swine, horses, ponies, mules, or goats or any mutations or hybrids thereof, including the breeding and grazing of any or all of such animals; bees and apiary products; fur animals; trees and forest products; fruits of all kinds, including grapes, nuts, and berries; vegetables; nursery, floral, ornamental, and greenhouse products; or lands devoted to a soil conservation or forestry management program. Arterial Highway: A Principal Arterial provides land access while retaining a high degree of thru traffic mobility and serves major centers of urban activity and traffic generation. They provide a high speed, high volume network for travel between major destinations in both rural and urban areas. A Minor Arterial gives greater emphasis to land access with a lower level of thru traffic mobility than a principal arterial and serves larger schools, industries, hospitals and small commercial areas not incidentally served by principal arterials. Aquifer: A geologic formation that contains a usable supply of water. Ca: Symbol for the element calcium. Calculated Median Sustained Yield: The median amount of water, in gallons per minute, that can be obtained continuously from a well for 24 hours. Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 19-2 August 2001 Chapter 19 - Acronyms and Definitions Calculated Sustained Yield: The amount of water, in gallons per minute, that can be obtained continuously from a well for 24 hours. Calculations: The studied care in analyzing or planning. Collector Road: A Collector Road serves dual functions-collecting traffic between local roads and arterial streets and providing access to abutting properties. It serves minor traffic generators, such as local elementary schools, small individual industrial plants, offices, commercial facilities, and warehouses not served by principal and minor arterials. Commercial Land Use: Land uses type that generally includes those establishments engaged in retail trade or services. Community Park: Focuses on meeting community-based recreation needs, as well as preserving unique landscapes and open spaces; usually serves two or more neighborhoods and a !A to 3-mile radius; and has an optimal size of between 20 and 50 acres, but should be based on the land area needed to accommodate the desired uses. Dwelling Unit: A building or structure designed for living quarters for one (1) or more families, including manufactured homes which are supported either by a foundation or are otherwise permanently attached to the land, but not including hotels, boardinghooming houses or other accommodations used for transient occupancy. Effluent: A discharge of liquid waste, with or without treatment, into the environment. Flood, 100-year: A flood which is likely to be equaled or exceeded once every 100 years (Le., that has a one (1 %) percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year). A study by the Federal Insurance Administration, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the United States Department of Agriculture's Soil Conservation Service, the United States Geological Survey, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, the Department of Environmental Protection, or a licensed professional registered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to perform such a study is necessary to define this flood. Flood Fringe: That portion of floodplain outside the floodway. Floodplain: A flood plain may be either/or a combination of: (a) a relatively flat or low land area which is subject to partial or complete inundation from an adjoining or nearby stream, river or watercourse, during a 100-year design frequency storm; or (b) any area subject to the unusual and rapid accumulation of runoff or surface waters from any source. Floodway: The channel of a stream, river, or other body of water, and any adjacent floodplain areas, that must be kept free of encroachment in order that the 100-year flood can be carried without increasing flood heights by more than one (1) foot at any point and without creating hazardous velocities. Western Mypin County Comprehensive Plan 19-3 August 2001 Chapter 19 - Acronyms and Definitions ~ Forestry: The management of forests and timberlands when practiced in accordance with accepted silvicultural principles, through developing, cultivating, harvesting, transporting and selling trees for commercial purposes, which does not involve any land development. Freeway: Limited access roads designed for large volumes of traffic between communities of 50,000 or more to major regional traffic generators (such as central business districts, suburban shopping centers and industrial areas); freeways should be tied directly to arterial roads, with accessibility limited to specific interchanges to avoid the impediment of through traffic. Household: A family living together in a single dwelling unit, with common access to and common use of all living and eating areas and all areas and facilities for the preparation and serving of food within the dwelling unit. Housing Unit: A room or group of rooms used by one or more individuals living separately from others in the structure, with direct access to the outside or to a public hall and containing separate bathroom and kitchen facilities. Hydric Soil: A soil that is saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part. Industrial Land Use: This land use category generally includes: (1) establishments engaged in transforming raw materials into new products, usually for distribution to other regions and not on sale on-site, and (2) establishments engaged in wholesale trade, storage or distribution with little or no retail trade or service. Local Roads: Those that are local in character and serve farms, residences, businesses, neighborhoods and abutting properties. Minerals: Any aggregate of mass or mineral matter,.whether or not coherent. The term includes, but is not limited to, limestone and dolomite, sand and gravel, rock and stone, earth, fill, slag, iron ore, zinc ore, vermiculite and clay, anthracite and bituminous coal, coal rehse, peat, crude oil and natural gas. Mini Park: Addresses limited, isolated, or unique recreational needs; usually serves less than a %- mile radius; and is less than 5 acres in size. Municipal Waste: Municipal waste as defined in the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling, and Waste Reduction Act of July 28, 1988 as may be amended and supplemented. Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waster Reduction Act: The Act of July 28, 1988, P.L. 556, No. 101,53 P.S. 4000.101 etseq., as the same may be amended and supplemented. Municipalities Planning Code (MPC): The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act of July 31, 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247, as amended and reenacted, 53 P.S. -10101 et seq. Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan 19-4 August 2001 Chapter 19 - Acronyms and Definitions Mutual Aid Agreement Partners: Local government bodies or agencies engaged in a pre-arranged system for the timely use of resources of neighboring service providers when local resources prove temporarily insufficient. Natural Resource Production Uses: A lot of land or part thereof used for the purpose of, but not limited to, mineral extraction and forestry operations. (See also definitions for Minerals and Forestry.) Neighborhood Park: As the basic unit of the park system, serves as the recreational and social focus of a neighborhood with opportunities for informal active and passive recreation; serves a VI to %- mile radius uninterrupted by nonresidential roads and other physical barriers; and is at least 5 acres in size with 7 to 10 acres being optimal. On-Lot Disposal System (OLDS): An individual sewage disposal system consisting of a septic tank, seepage tile sewage disposal system, or any other approved sewage treatment device serving a single unit. Open Space: Any parcel or area of land or water essentially unimproved and set aside, dedicated, designated, or reserved for the public or private use or enjoyment or for the use and enjoyment of owners and occupants of land adjoining or neighboring such open space. Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC): See definition of Municipalities Planning Code (MPC). Prime Farmland Soils: Prime farmland, as identified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is the land that is best suited to producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops. It has the soil quality, growing season, and water supply needed to economically produce a sustained high yield of crops when it is treated and managed using acceptable farming methods. Prime farmland produces the highest yields with minimal inputs of energy and economic resources, and farming it results in the least damage to the environment. Principal Arterial Highway: Principal Arterials provide land access while retaining a high degree of thru traffic mobility and serve major centers of urban activity and traffic generation. They provide a high speed, high volume network for travel between major destinations in both rural and urban areas. Public/Institutional Use: Land use category that typically involves establishments or properties that provide educational, cultural, or social services for the community. This category includes uses such as public and private schools, municipal offices and grounds, churches, and cemeteries. Public/Quasi-Public Land Use: Areas or buildings where the public is directly or indirectly invited to visit or permitted to congregate. Pumping Station: A building or facility containing the necessary equipment to lift sanitary sewage from a lower to a higher elevation. Western Miffrin County Comprehensive Plan 19-5 August 2001 Chapter 19 - Acronyms and Definitions Recharge: The addition to, or replenishing of, water in an aquifer. Recreational Land Use: This land use category typically includes public and private parks and recreation areas. Retail: The selling of goods or merchandise to the public for personal or household consumption and rendering services incidental to the sale of such goods. [Comment: An important characteristic of a retail trade establishment is that it buys goods for resale.] Sanitary Sewers: Pipes that carry domestic or commercial sanitary sewage and into which storm, surface, and ground waters are not intentionally admitted. Single Family Residential: Consists of the following types: 1. Dwelling, Single Family, Attached (Row): A dwelling designed, occupied or used by one family, having two (2) party walls in common with other buildings and no side yards, commonly called row houses or townhouses. 2. Dwelling, Single Family, Detached: A dwelling used by one (1) family, having one (1) side yard, one (1) party wall in common with another dwelling. 3. Dwelling, Single Family, Semi-Detached: One building arranged or designed for dwelling purposes where two dwelling units exist, separate from each other by a party wall and having two (2) side yards. Slope: The deviation of a surface from the horizontal, usually expressed in percent degrees. (Comment: Slope percent is calculated by dividing the vertical distance by the horizontal distance times 100.) Wastewater: Water carrying waste from homes, businesses, and industries that is a mixture of water and dissolved or suspended solids; excess irrigation water that is runoff to adjacent land. Watershed Stormwater Management Plan: Defined in the context of Pennsylvania Act 167, it provides the framework for improved management of the storm runoff impacts associated with the development of land. The purposes of the Act are to encourage the sound planning and management of storm runoff, to coordinate the stormwater management efforts within each watershed, and to encourage the local administration and management of a coordinated stormwater program. Wetlands, Freshwater: An area that is inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances does support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Western Mgflin County Comprehensive Plan 19-6 August 2001 Borough of Kistler Resolution No. do@/-/ ADOPTION OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN t WHEREAS, the Borough of Kistler is committed to fostering proper growth and development through effective planning to maintain the quality of life enjoyed by the residents of the Borough; and WHEREAS, the Borough of Kistler in conjunction with the Borough of Newton Hamilton and Wayne Township authorized the preparation of the Western Mifi County Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act of 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247, as reenacted and amended) provides for municipalities to prepare and adopt a comprehensive plan, which is generally consistent with the adopted county comprehensive plan; and WHEREAS, the Mifflin County Commissioners authorized the Miffli County Planning Commission, and the staff of the Mifflin County Planning and Development Department, to assist the municipalities of Kistler, Newton Hamilton, and Wayne in the development of joint Comprehensive Plan in response to ongoing changes occurring in Western Mifflin County; and WHEREAS, the County Commissioners , in collaboration with Wayne Township and the Boroughs of Kistler and Newton Hamilton, appointed the Western MifElin County Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, composed of representatives fiom all three municipalities, to encourage maximum community input; and WHEREAS, the Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan, in conjunction with Mifflin County’s Comprehensive Plan, undertook a public involvement process, which included: participation in a Quality of Life Survey; key person interviews; and community forums, in conjunction with the County’s Brownfields project, to identify issues and concerns relevant to the residents of Western MiaCounty; and WHEREAS, this draft Plan addresses many critical issues facing the residents of Western Miffli County, including economic development, land use, housing, community services and facilities, transportation, historical and cultural features, and natural resources; and WHEREAS, the Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan is a tool to promote economic and community development as well as protect farms, natural resources, and other features important to sustain the vitality of the region; and WHEREAS, the Plan entitled “Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan” in its entirety has been recommended by the Western Miffli County Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee for adoption by the Kistler Borough Council; and WHEREAS, the required public meeting and public hearing have been held by the Steering Committee jointly with the municipalities of Wayne, Kistler, and Newton Hamilton. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Council of the Borough of Kistler hereby adopts the Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan, dated August 2001, as the official Comprehensive Plan for the Borough of Kistler; and t BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that: 1. The Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan, as adopted by the Borough of Kistler, supersedes any earlier Plans adopted; and 2. The Kistler Borough Council will follow the guidelines and policies presented in the Plan when dealing with planning issues requiring action by the Board Adopted this 8day of #ociaS,- ,2001. KISTLER BOROUGH COUNCIL Borough of Newton Hamilton Resolution No. 2001-01 ADOPTION OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WHEREAS, the Borough of Newton Hamilton is committed to fostering proper growth and development through effective planning to maintain the quality of life enjoyed by the residents of the Borough; and WHEREAS, the Borough of Newton Hamilton in conjunction with the Borough of Kistler and Wayne Township authorized the preparation of the Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act of 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247, as reenacted and amended) provides for municipalities to prepare and adopt a comprehensive plan, which is generally consistent with the adopted county comprehensive plan; and WHEREAS, the Mifflin County Commissioners authorized the Mifflin County Planning Commission, and the staff of the Mifflin County Planning and Development Department, to assist the municipalities of Kistler, Newton Hamilton, and Wayne in the development of joint Comprehensive Plan in response to ongoing changes occurring in Western MiMin County; and WHEREAS, the County Commissioners , in collaboration with Wayne Township and the Boroughs of Kistler and Newton Hamilton, appointed the Westem Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, composed of representatives from all three municipalities, to encourage maximum community input; and WHEREAS, the Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan, in conjunction with Mifflin County’s Comprehensive Plan, undertook a public involvement process, which included: participation in a Quality of Life Survey; key person interviews; and community forums, in conjunction with the County’s Brownfields project, to identify issues and concerns relevant to the residents of Western Mifflin County; and WHEREAS, this draft Plan addresses many critical issues facing the residents of Western Mifflin County, including economic development, land use, housing, community services and facilities, transportation, historical and cultural features, and natural resources; and WHEREAS, the Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan is a tool to promote economic and community development as well as protect farms, natural resources, and other features important to sustain the vitality of the region; and WHEREAS, the Plan entitled “Western Mifflin County comprehensive Plan” in its entirety has been recommended by the Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee for adoption by the Newton Hamilton Borough Council; and WHEREAS, the required public meeting and public hearing have been held by the Steering Committee jointly with the municipalities of Wayne, Kistler, and Newton Hamilton. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,the Council of the Borough of Newton Hamilton hereby adopts the Western Mifnin County Comprehensive Plan, dated August 200 1, as the official Comprehensive Plan for the Borough of Newton Hamilton; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,that: 1. The Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan, as adopted by’the Borough of Newton Hamilton, supersedes any earlier Plans adopted; and 2. The Newton Hamilton Borough Council will follow the guidelines and policies presented in the Plan when dealing with planning issues requiring action by the Board Adopted thk@ay of - NEWTON HAMILTON BOROUGH COUNCIL Township of Wayne Resolution No. 2001-6 ADOPTION OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WHEREAS, the Township of Wayne, Mifflin County, is committed to fostering proper growth and development through effective planning to maintain the quality of life enjoyed by the residents of the Township; and WHEREAS, the Township of Wayne in conjunction with the Boroughs of Newton Hamilton and Kistler authorized the preparation of the Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act of 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247, as reenacted and amended) provides for municipalities to prepare and adopt a comprehensive plan, which is generally consistent with the adopted county comprehensive plan; and WHEREAS, the Mifflin County Commissioners authorized the Mifflin County Planning Commission, and the staff of the Mifflin County Planning and Development Department, to assist the municipalities of Kistler, Newton Hamilton, and Wayne in the development of joint Comprehensive Plan in response to ongoing changes occumng in Western Mifflin County; and WHEREAS, the County Commissioners, in collaboration with Wayne Township and the Boroughs of Kistler and Newton Hamilton, appointed the Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, composed of representatives from all three municipalities, to encourage maximum community input; and WHEREAS, the Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan, in conjunction with Mifflin County’s Comprehensive Plan, undertook a public involvement process, which included: participation in a Quality of Life Survey; key person interviews; and community forums, in conjunction with the County’s Brownfields project, to identify issues and concerns relevant to the residents of Western Mifflin County; and WHEREAS, this draft Plan addresses many critical issues facing the residents of Western Mifflin County, including economic development, land use, housing, community services and facilities, transportation, historical and cultural features, and natural resources; and WHEREAS, the Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan is a tool to promote economic and community development as well as protect farms, natural resources, and other features important to sustain the vitality of the region; and WHEREAS, the Plan entitled “Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan” in its entirety has been recommended by the Western MiMin County Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee for adoption by the Wayne Township Board; and WHEREAS, the required public meeting and public hearing have been held by the Steering Committee jointly with the municipalities of Wayne, Kistler, and Newton Hamilton. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Wayne Township hereby adopts the Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan, dated August 200 1, as the official Comprehensive Plan for the Township of Wayne; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,that: 1. The Western Mifflin County Comprehensive Plan, as adopted by the Township of Wayne, supersedes any earlier Plans adopted; and 2. The Wayne Township Board will follow the guidelines and policies presented in the Plan when dealing with planning issues requiring action by the Board Adoptedthissdayof September, 2001. TOWNSHIP OF WAYNE