Girard Township City Zoning Code
ARTICLE II
Community Development Objectives
§ 200-8 Purpose.
In addition to the general purposes listing in § 200-3, the following specific community development objectives, created as a direct result of a community wide visioning process in 1997, have been considered as a basis upon which the regulations and controls of this chapter are derived.
§ 200-9 Community development goals and objectives.
Pursuant to Section 303(d) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC),[1] this chapter is intended to implement the Girard Township Comprehensive Plan and the community development goals and objectives stated below. Interpretation of the extent of these areas shall be based upon maps within the Comprehensive Plan and this chapter.
A.
Growth and development statement. Girard Township should remain predominantly rural by concentrating intensive growth and development where infrastructure (especially public water and sewer) can support it in a high-quality setting. These areas are listed below by location:
(1)
Concentrate revitalization efforts in the downtown areas of Girard and Lake City Boroughs. This could occur as either infill or redevelopment and would serve community needs for retail, service commercial, and high-density residential uses.
(2)
Where there are no environmental limitations, encourage development of vacant lands within the jurisdiction of Girard Borough and Lake City Borough but previously undeveloped. Opportunity exists here for provision of housing with full utilities. The presence of such utilities means that higher densities can be supported without presenting a threat to public health and safety.
(3)
Intensive, dense growth and development within the jurisdiction of Girard Township should occur within the area to the east of the two Boroughs between Ridge Road (Route 20) and Middle Road. This development can, and should be, carefully planned to avoid conflicts with agriculture.
(4)
The area in the immediate vicinity of the Meadville Road interchange with I-90 has potential for some targeted growth and development if combined with on-site utilities (if needed) and buffering to protect preexisting lower-intensity uses.
(5)
Parts of the area north of West Lake Road and west of Elk Creek have potential for a variety of specialized, very high-intensity uses. However, environmental protection shall be a high priority of any development, due to the proximity to key recognized natural resources.
B.
Character of future growth. Future growth should be of a character that either enhances the rural nature of the Township or does not detract from it. Such uses would include low-density housing, agriculture, and small businesses that do not require infrastructure. Such development should be compatible and planned with respect to local values, especially:
(1)
The valuable resource of the Elk Creek, its high-water quality, and its floodplains, which serves the community as green infrastructure.
(2)
The limited resource of groundwater in sufficient quantity to support community needs.
(3)
The prime farm land concentrated in fruit and vegetable production unique in Pennsylvania.
(4)
The integrity of existing single-family development, with some of the highest quality, yet affordable, housing stock in Erie County.
(5)
The relationship between the Township and neighboring small towns, which provide many important regional services.
(6)
The limited resource of Lake Erie frontage, which cannot be replicated.
(7)
The scenic resources, such as the Gudgeonville Valley, which contribute to the quality of the community.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10303(d).