Representatives of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission met with Upper Milford supervisors March 3 to discuss plans for updating the Southwestern Lehigh County Comprehensive Plan.

The plan, which was last updated in 2004, provides a guide for the municipalities of Upper and Lower Milford and Lower Macungie townships, as well as the boroughs of Emmaus, Macungie and Alburtis, for planning the direction of their communities.

The LVPC is now working with those communities on updating the plan.

Becky Bradley, LVPC executive director, said the plan is a definitive public policy document. The next steps toward updating it will be taken at three public meetings, March 29, April 26 and May 24, all in the Upper Milford Township building.

At those meetings, the results of surveys done in January about the issues that are most important to local citizens will be discussed.

Bradley and her staff, after reviewing some of the demographics of the area, went through the results of the survey in reference to each of the topics to be included in the plan. Following are some of the topics and what residents were most concerned about:

Transportation: George Kinney said the issue of most concern to residents was freight traffic on both local and arterial roads, probably not a surprise to supervisors, who have been complaining about heavy truck traffic for some time.

Historical resources: Architecture as community identity was deemed most important. Survey respondents also cared residents are educated about local history.

Natural resources: The most crucial issue was the quality and availability of clean water.

Housing: Residents wanted an adequate variety and supply of housing. Also of concern was the lack of affordable housing.

On the topic of housing, Bradley commented on the rapid increase in the number of 55 and over communities in the Lehigh Valley. Her staff has been reviewing the demographics of the population, and are concerned that because the generation following the Baby Boomers is so much smaller, there may not be enough demand for that housing in 15 or 20 years.

Land use and development: The economics of farming and its challenges, and the power of land use regulations were of concern.

Economic development: Residents see the outdoor economy, i.e., recreation and similar activities, as a significant opportunity.

Resident Phil Casey asked what Lower Macungie Township officials’ reaction to the new plan has been. “They didn’t follow the last plan,” he charged.

Supervisor Robert Sentner said there has been a change in philosophy in recent years with the election of new supervisors in Lower Macungie and they are “definitely on board” with the importance of the comprehensive plan.