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Vision & Guiding Principles
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Collaboration
Since first announcing the proposed Crossings at Conestoga
Creek during Spring of 2006, our team at High Real Estate Group has participated
in more than 125 public meetings. We continue to invite opportunities for
ongoing dialogue with residents, community and business leaders, and others
interested in the project. After months of discussion and collaboration,
we believe that The Crossings at Conestoga Creek will be a valuable asset
among the many exciting attributes Lancaster offers its residents, visitors,
and businesses.
Smart-growth location and sustainability
The Crossings at Conestoga Creek, a lifestyle retail center,
is planned for a site located within Lancaster’s urban growth boundary
that already is zoned for development – two important characteristics of
a smart-growth location.
At this location, The Crossings at Conestoga Creek will be one more
hometown experience that helps attract and retain people (and in turn employers)
and encourages our future generations to settle here rather than relocate.
It will offer some of the same stores many of us currently drive to in
the Philadelphia region, while creating approximately 1,800 new jobs and
significant annual tax revenues here at home.
Farmland preservation
As a local developer within an organization that has been part
of the fabric of this community since 1931, we have a deep respect for
Lancaster County’s agrarian roots and farming heritage. By virtue of the
development of this industrially zoned site, and as required by Manheim
Township’s Ordinance, we will be preserving farmland through the purchase
of 56 transferable development rights, equating to 40.88 acres of preserved
farmland.
Stewardship and sense of place
The overall project includes restoration and improvement of
two waterways in the vicinity of the site, the Little Conestoga Creek and
an additional unnamed tributary, in collaboration with our local watershed
alliance (Little Conestoga Watershed Alliance) and other environmental
experts. The project also includes the preservation of a historically significant
farmhouse. The project’s design integrates with the serene and beautiful
landmark across the street that we all appreciate – Long’s Park. The Crossings
experience will include intimate pocket-park settings, an outdoor fireplace
gathering area, and pedestrian-friendly features including a nature trail.
Traffic improvements
Like many residents and business owners in the area, we too
are concerned about the current and future levels of traffic in the vicinity
of this site, near the U.S. Route 30 and Harrisburg Pike Interchange. That
is one of the reasons we are committed to playing a leadership role in
helping tackle the traffic problems that already exist. Our proposed improvements
would alleviate current levels of traffic congestion as well as avoid additional
congestion related to the project. This corridor is the second most congested
corridor in the County, as recognized by the Lancaster County Planning
Commission.
Transportation improvements and regional economic development
The transportation improvements that accompany this project will help
to support nearly $300 million in regional economic development activity
along the Harrisburg Pike corridor, from the expansions at Franklin &
Marshall College and Lancaster General Hospital to the continued expansion
at Woodcrest Villa Retirement Community. Many community groups and businesses,
including those listed below, have expressed their support
for the roadway infrastructure improvements and feel they will bring considerable
benefits:
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Economic Development Company of Lancaster
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Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry
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Lancaster County Housing & Redevelopment Authorities
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Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority
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Franklin & Marshall College
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Lancaster General Hospital
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Manheim Township School District
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Urban League of Lancaster County
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Mennonite Home Communities
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Northwest Business Park Unit Owners Association
Funding for traffic improvements
In addressing the financial investment for these traffic improvements,
we have developed a strategy involving several sources of funding. High
Real Estate Group has committed to pay for all design/engineering work,
upwards of $5 million in private funding that will bolster public funds
– an innovative practice and vital new solution in private/public partnership
that strengthens local and state government’s ability to upgrade regional
infrastructure.
Since Route 30 is a federal highway and Harrisburg Pike is a state roadway,
and needed upgrades will benefit the entire region, we also have requested
federal and state funding. Two million dollars in federal funds has been
proposed by Senator Arlen Specter, a leader who recognizes the economic
benefits and life, health, and safety importance of ongoing regional transportation
upgrades in our communities. In addition, we are seeking a grant through
the state’s Infrastructure and Facilities Improvement Program, a program
that allows current improvements to be covered by future sales tax revenue
while being guaranteed by the developer, in this case High Real Estate
Group.
Your opinion is valued
We believe that The Crossings will be an asset to the region
and an important part of the overall experience many citizens want here,
as Lancaster continues to evolve as a unique and vibrant American community.
It is our sincerest hope that all points of view are voiced, including
those welcoming the local amenities and benefits of the project. We invite
you to write to us through our feedback form,
submit a “letter to the editor” to Lancaster Newspapers, or attend a public
Manheim Township meeting to voice your opinion (see www.manheimtownship.org
for the most current dates and times).
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