Comprehensive Plan Update
Final Plan & Public Comment
The final version of the Springfield Township Comprehensive Plan and supplemental documents, such as the Community Survey Report and Focus Area Workbooks used throughout the process, can be accessed below:
What is a Comprehensive Plan?
A comprehensive plan enables a community to establish its vision, goals, and aspirations for the future. The Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Code (MPC) authorizes local jurisdictions to identify areas where growth and various types of private development (residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural) will occur so that a full range of public infrastructure services, including sewer, water, highways, police and fire protection, public schools, parks, open space, and other services can be adequately planned and provided as needed to accommodate growth.
A Comprehensive Plan is a document updated every ten years that establishes community goals and aspirations for land use, community development, and growth management.
Focus Area Work Sessions
From spring through fall 2023, the Steering Committee met to discuss approaches and recommendations in six Focus Areas:
- Resilient Systems
- Rural & Historic Preservation
- Safety & Mobility
- Community Connectedness
- Livable Centers
- Land Use
The recommendations that emerged from the Focus Area discussions are included in the Comprehensive Plan.
A workbook was developed as a companion to the Focus Area meetings. The workbook was intended to be a reference before and during the focus area meetings. It is divided into three parts:
- Overview: An overview of how we arrived at the focus areas, the purpose and outcomes of this stage in the planning process, the focus area lenses and topics, and the meeting timeline.
- Resources: This section includes resources and a general framework for the focus areas, including past plans, community feedback, and other contextual studies/initiatives. Before each set of resources, there are prompts to consider when reviewing the resources.
- Meeting Guides: This section includes agendas for the first and second meetings, as well as discussion questions that will guide the conversation.
Community Profile
A community profile was developed as part of the comprehensive planning process to provide a snapshot of the community and its various components, including housing, transportation, natural and historic resources, land use, and more. Read the community profile here.
Public Engagement
As part of the process, the Township held various public engagement activities to gather input from the community.
Final Draft Plan Public Meeting
A public meeting was held in person on February 28, 2024. The purpose of the meeting was to present the final draft plan, collect community feedback, and share information about the final plan adoption process.
Community Collaboration Meeting
A Community Collaboration meeting was held in person on November 15, 2022, and an online version of the meeting was live from November 15-30, 2022, and February 5-28, 2023. The purpose of the meeting was to encourage community engagement in the planning process and to get feedback on community priorities to integrate into the Comprehensive Plan. Read the Community Collaboration Meeting report.
Community Survey Report
From July 18 to September 4, 2022, a community survey was open to get feedback from community members in Springfield Township. The survey asked community members to share their thoughts on Township communications, services, facilities, and more, and identify priorities for the future of the Township. The survey received over 600 responses! Thank you for participating and sharing your voice!
Click here to read the Community Survey Report which syntheses all that we earned from your input. This feedback will be considered during the drafting of the comprehensive plan.
Comprehensive Plan Focus Groups
As part of this effort, the Township held a series of topic-based Focus Groups held in person at the Township Building and via Zoom on Wednesday, May 18, and Thursday, May 19, 2022. The Springfield Comprehensive Plan Focus Groups were open to all interested residents, community members, and other Springfield stakeholders such as businesses, community organizations, and public sector partners. These Focus Groups were the first of many opportunities to participate in the Comprehensive Plan development process, which began in April 2022 and is expected to wrap up by August 2023. The Focus Groups and results from the discussions are below:
Public Services: Public groups (e.g., Palisades School District, Township Water Authority, Township Police and emergency services, neighboring municipalities) provide services in the township. Discussion may consider education, digital infrastructure, road maintenance, zoning regulation, or other topics germane to public services.
Economic Development: Existing and prospective businesses (including commercial, industrial, service sector, construction, agricultural/farming, home-based businesses, etc.) to elucidate the Township’s current economic environment, and opportunities for improvement.
Springfield Folks: Springfield Residents, from youth to seniors, shall consider needs and opportunities regarding the quality of life of Springfield in general. The discussion might touch on public transportation, recreation, parks, open space and conservation, or mitigation of climate change effects.
Community Organizations: Nonprofits, volunteer organizations, community/neighborhood groups, faith-based organizations, and their role in enhancing quality of life, the environment, and community engagement.
Villages & Route 309 Corridor Study
Planning for Our Future: The Villages & Route 309 Corridor Study
As recommended in the Township's Comprehensive Plan, we are launching an important new study focused on our villages and the Route 309 corridor. This initiative aims to preserve the character of our community while planning for a financially sustainable future.
The study recognizes two key factors: the desire to sustain the quality of life our residents currently enjoy, and the long-term understanding that the Route 309 corridor is the most suitable area for future growth.
Purpose of the Study
The Township is facing new financial challenges. As our community ages and more residents enter retirement, revenue from Earned Income Tax has begun to decline. Simultaneously, a slowdown in property sales has reduced the income we receive from real estate transfer taxes.
To maintain current Township services and address rising costs, we must explore new, viable revenue sources. This study will provide critical insights and a strategic plan for managing growth, ensuring the Township remains fiscally healthy for years to come.
Our Process and How to Get Involved
To fund this critical planning work, the Township has successfully secured a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (PADCED) Municipal Assistance Program.
In June, we held a kick-off meeting with the consulting firm Gilmore & Associates, which was selected through a formal proposal process. To ensure the study reflects a wide range of community perspectives, a volunteer steering committee has been formed to work with the consultants.
Resident input is crucial to this process. The opportunity to volunteer or provide feedback remains open to all residents by contacting the Township office.
A series of public meetings will be held to gather community feedback. The first meeting is scheduled for:
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Event: Township Community Meeting
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Date: October 21
- Time: 7:00PM
- Location: Springfield Elementary School
More information regarding the agenda for this meeting will be posted shortly. We encourage all residents to attend and help shape the future of our Township.
Note from Gilmore & Associates:
Springfield Township and Gilmore & Associates are hosting a public workshop to discuss the future of Springfield Township's villages and the Route 309 corridor. Your feedback is essential in shaping the community's revitalization plan.
Background and Purpose
Springfield Township recently adopted its 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update, which highlighted the development potential of the village areas and Route 309. Historically, these areas were centers of economic activity and revitalizing them offers opportunities to expand the Township's tax base.
To explore these opportunities, the Township is conducting a detailed planning study. The goal is to create an actionable implementation plan complete with identified partners, funding strategies, and clear performance goals.
Your Voice Matters
A key component of this process is gathering input directly from the community. We need your help to determine and prioritize the community's needs and objectives for this important initiative. We encourage all residents to attend and share their opinions on how to best revitalize these key areas.