Susan Alloway

This document, part of the Westtown Township Comprehensive Plan, outlines implementation recommendations focusing on various policy and action considerations. Key areas include addressing demographic challenges, protecting natural and historic resources, conserving scenic landscapes, and enhancing open space and recreational opportunities. The plan also prioritizes improving community facilities, pedestrian/bicycle interconnections, public transit, road maintenance and safety, and traffic capacity. Furthermore, it details regulatory provisions for energy conservation and revisions to local zoning and development regulations.

This chapter of the Westtown Township Comprehensive Plan outlines strategies for open space, parks, recreation, and trails. It prioritizes the preservation of the Township's remaining open space, including agricultural lands and natural features, to counteract ongoing development. The plan also focuses on enhancing the connectivity of open spaces and improving access through networks like greenways and trails. Furthermore, it aims to enhance recreational value by strengthening existing park systems, developing master plans for key sites, and expanding recreational programming for all ages and abilities. The overarching goal is to maintain the Township's character, improve quality of life, and ensure long-term preservation of natural resources.

This chapter of the Westtown Township Comprehensive Plan outlines the future land use and housing strategy, aiming to reflect the Township's goals and objectives in response to existing land use conditions. Key priorities include the specific regulation of institutional uses, promoting housing diversity for all demographics, enhancing access to open spaces and walkable areas, and fostering new mixed-use development in aging commercial zones. The plan also proposes policy actions such as establishing new zoning districts, improving pedestrian connectivity, supporting aging-in-place initiatives, and preserving open spaces and natural resources within designated land use categories like Neighborhood Conservation, Mixed Use Areas, Open Spaces, and Greenway Corridors.

The budget reflects no increase in real estate taxes in 2026, but includes a trash and recycling fee increase to $130 per quarter. The General Fund budget is balanced with a $903,581 transfer from the cash account balance to cover deferred road maintenance and increased service costs due to inflation. The Sewer Fund reflects the close out of a project and continues to transfer funds to replenish reserves for future projects. Capital expenses include upgrades to administrative offices, stream restoration projects, park improvements, and public works equipment. Sanitary sewer capital expenses include the close out of a project, pump station construction, and repairs to the sanitary sewer system. Open Space Fund capital expenses include items associated with Crebilly Preserve maintenance and the development of a Master Plan.

The budget reflects no increase in real estate taxes for 2026, but the Refuse Fund refuse and recycling fee will increase to $130 per quarter. The General Fund budget is balanced with a $910,693 transfer from the fund balance to cover deferred road programs and increased service costs due to inflation. The Sewer Fund focuses on closing out the Pleasant Grove Force Main project and replenishing reserves for future sanitary sewer projects. Capital Fund expenses include upgrades to administrative offices and public works facilities, stream restoration projects, park improvements, and equipment purchases. Sanitary sewer capital expenses involve the Pleasant Grove Pump Station project and repairs to the sanitary sewer system. Open Space Fund capital expenses cover Crebilly Preserve maintenance and the development of a Master Plan.