Gil Smart’s LNP column “Growing into what? Is development in Lancaster County worth the hassle and expense?” represents commonly expressed pieves. Our publisher’s views are representative of his half century experience as a real estate developer.
Smart had asked of township officials “If you’re bringing all sorts of new traffic right by an elementary school, how will parents — not to mention buses — get in and out? Isn’t this inviting trouble? …. Fast forward to one morning last week when, after dropping off my daughter, I noticed a new sign as you exit the parking lot: No left turn. All traffic must now turn right and head west.”
Smart is correct. The problem should have been identified as part of a Traffic Survey during the Planning Board review period. The developer should have been required to bear the cost of a traffic signal to be used before and after school.
“You pay to maintain the streets, but every time we build anew and dump more vehicles onto the roads, your level of service drops; traffic worsens and the roads deteriorate, requiring more money to fix.”
Unlike in the 1960’s, 70’s and into the ’80, today’s home prices contain a large infrastructure fee from $8,000 to $10,000 towards public improvements already in place. In addition, developers are required to pay for road improvements and utility extensions and upgrades. So there is no longer any ‘free lunch’.
Of course, the new owners also have to pay school, local and county taxes.
Smart continues: “But Centerville Road is the way it is because large industrial parks, with all the attendant truck traffic, were built adjacent to it — even though the road can’t physically be widened over Route 30.”
Most municipalities would give their right arm for such distribution centers that contributes heavily to the tax rolls without generating a single child to be educated.
Also, there are four escape routes along Centerville Road from Marietta Avenue to Columbia Avenue for speedy transit downtown. Even for those who need to drive the entire stretch, the traffic isn’t worse than is typically found in commercial districts elsewhere.
High approval costs imposed on new development actually increases the value of Smart’s residence, since they discourage new construction.
This means that when Smart or someday Smart his kids decide to buy a brand new house, the cost will likely be 15% to 20% more than need be. That is a big obstacle to home ownership.
Gil could solve his personal frustrations by simply buying an affordable home in beautiful and safe downtown Lancaster, and simply walk to work. What’s stopping him????
EDITOR: Probably a house full of children.