Comprehensive Plan
Springfield Township

 

Springfield Township Comprehensive Planning Committee

Rodney C. Wiedner, Chairman
Charles M. Halderman, Jr.
James Brownlow
Nancy Young
Walter French
Tim Fulmer, C. Robert Wynn Associates

Springfield Township Board of Supervisors

Rodney C. Wiedner, Chairman
Peter A. Lamana, Vice Chairman
Charles M. Halderman, Jr.
James P. Hopkins
Robert Zisko

Solicitor
James M. McNamara

Code Enforcement Officer/Building Inspector
Jeffrey C. Mease

Township Manager
Barbara A. Smith

 

 

Technical Assistance Provided by
Bucks County Planning Commission

 

 

 

 

December 2002

 

 

Introduction


The Springfield Township Comprehensive Plan is designed to guide future land use policy and decision-making. A comprehensive plan can help a community shape its future by guiding zoning decisions, open space acquisition, transportation improvements, water supply planning, stormwater management, and sewage facilities planning.

During the past ten years, Springfield Township has experienced only a minimum amount of growth and development, usually a few single-family homes on a couple acres of land. This situation will not last for very long. Area communities, such as Richland, Milford, and Upper and Lower Saucon townships, are beginning to experience increased development pressures and Springfield Township may be next in line. Due to its proximity to major highways, its wealth of natural and historical resources, and large amount of open land, Springfield Township has the potential for a substantial increase in new development. If unplanned, such development could have a series of negative consequences for the township, including an overburdened road network, strained municipal services, increased water and air pollution, species habitat destruction, loss of open space and scenic resources, and a reduced quality of life.

The Springfield Township Comprehensive Plan presents a vision for maintaining a high quality of life for its residents and meeting the challenge of uncontrolled growth. It identifies the characteristics and resources of the township, examines trends in development, and recommends policies and actions for realizing its vision for the future. The plan addresses each of the comprehensive planning elements required by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC). Finally, to ensure community participation in the preparation of the plan, public meetings were held to discuss plan elements and the results of a community survey were used to shape the plan's direction.

The Springfield Township Comprehensive Plan is organized into the following sections: Community Goals and Objectives; Regional Location; History; Demographics and Socioeconomic Trends; Land Use Characteristics and Development Trends; Natural Resources; Open Space and Farmland Preservation; Historic, Recreational, and Scenic Resources; Residential Development; Nonresidential Development; Community Facilities; Transportation and Circulation; Wastewater and Water Issues; Stormwater Management; Solid Waste Management; Future Land Use and Growth Management; Township Finances and Budgeting; and Implementation.

Through the goals, objectives, and recommendations of the Springfield Township Comprehensive Plan, the township hopes to appropriately guide future development, effectively protect and manage the township's resources, and maintain a high quality of life for its residents.

Community Vision Statement


Springfield Township seeks to protect the township's various natural, historic, cultural, and scenic resources from negative impacts posed by future development, incompatible land uses, or other nuisances. The comprehensive plan seeks to accommodate an appropriate mix of residential and nonresidential uses to accommodate future growth, while providing community services that are necessary to satisfy resident's demands. The township intends to nurture sound land use planning and growth management principles that seek to manage natural, economic, and social systems and resources in a fashion that enhances the resident's quality of life.

Community Goals and Objectives

The following are the community goals and objectives by topic for each section of the comprehensive plan. A goal is an ideal or desired future condition and is usually not quantifiable or time dependent. An objective defines the purpose and commitment to achieve a desired goal or condition. A proposed recommendation is a specific measure, program, or technique that will accomplish a stated objective or attain a defined goal. A summary of all plan recommendations is provided in the Implementation section at the end of the plan.

Natural Resources


Goal: Protect significant natural features and natural resources such as floodplains, woodlands, steep slopes, wetlands, sensitive geological formations, sensitive wildlife habitat, and bodies of water.
Objectives:
· Use natural features as a guide to determine the type and intensity of land uses to be permitted in the township.
· Minimize negative environmental impacts related to development and growth.
· Prioritize the Cook's Creek Watershed for preservation and protection.
· Protect surface and groundwater resources from point and nonpoint source pollutants through methods such as wellhead protection and source water protection measures.
· Promote regulations that will provide additional protection measures for the Cooks Creek watershed by prohibiting uses that will negatively impact the overall water quality and resource value.
· Maintain the natural biodiversity within the township that provides a healthy living environment for plants and animals.
· Preserve natural corridors throughout the township to allow for the movement of wildlife and link habitat areas.

Open Space & Farmland Preservation

Goal: Promote open space and farmland preservation that contributes to the overall rural character of the Springfield Township.
Objectives:
· Preserve open space and farmland in strategic locations throughout the township.
· Support and strengthen the economic viability of the township's agricultural base.
· Promote the preservation of agricultural land through sound land use policies and regulations.
· Encourage farmland preservation through conservation easement purchase or donation.
· Provide flexibility in the agricultural zoning regulations to promote alternative sources of income to farmers.
· Promote private initiatives (in conjunction with public funding sources) to protect the strategic open space lands.

Historic Resources


Goal: Preserve significant historic and cultural resources throughout the township.
Objectives:
· Plan for future development that safeguards historic and scenic resources.
· Encourage maintenance and restoration of historic properties.
· Promote land use methods (such as adaptive reuse of a structure) that help to retain and enhance the character of historic buildings and village areas.
· Guide the management of historic resources to protect significant sites from demolition and neglect.
· Promote continued education and outreach to municipal officials, developers, and residents concerning the importance of providing sensitive treatment and protection of historic resources.
· Endorse historic preservation activities by the Springfield Township Historical Society and the Springfield Township Historic Commission.

Recreational Resources


Goal: Enhance the health and quality of life of residents through the provision of adequate parkland and recreational facilities.
Objectives:
· Satisfy the recreational needs of and provide convenient recreational opportunities for township residents.
· Provide comprehensive planning strategies for the park and recreational needs of township residents.
· Require passive recreational facilities (such as walking trails and benches) or fees-in-lieu of recreational facilities for major residential development proposals.
· Satisfy active and passive recreational needs of residents (as suggested in the resident survey) within township parks.
· Provide walking and biking trails that connect various points of the township.
· Consider the requirements of persons with special needs for using and accessing recreational facilities.

Scenic Resources

Goal: Maintain scenic views and scenic vistas that add to the pastoral character of the township.

Objectives:
· Protect scenic landscapes from the impact of future development through appropriate regulatory measures.
· Promote land use, landscape buffering, or other appropriate methods that help to retain and enhance the character of scenic areas.

Residential Development


Goal: Provide for safe and adequate housing for present and future residents of the township.
Objectives:
· Provide for a variety of housing types and arrangements to accommodate the projected population growth, provide a fair share of housing needs, and promote housing affordability.
· Provide for continued residential development as necessary.
· Explore innovative residential zoning techniques that will enhance the preservation of the rural landscape and scenic views.
· Consider expanding senior citizen housing opportunities in appropriate areas of the township.
· Encourage the rehabilitation of the existing housing stock.
· Maintain compliance with existing building codes.

Nonresidential Development


Goal: Encourage nonresidential development that is well integrated and compatible with the predominately rural residential character of the township.
Objectives:
· Establish sufficient opportunities for nonresidential development that provides employment opportunities and a range of commercial services for residents.
· Develop commercial and industrial use regulations that protect the health, safety, and welfare of the township residents.
· Minimize potential land use conflicts of nonresidential uses upon adjacent residential uses through appropriate land use and zoning measures.
· Concentrate nonresidential development in areas zoned for such uses and which contain adequate infrastructure to support this development.
· Promote planned business/commercial development in place of strip commercial development.

Community Facilities


Goal: Promote the adequate provision and accessibility of community facilities in cooperation with the public, government agencies, and providers of community services.
Objectives:
· Maintain and/or enhance facilities serving the existing and anticipated service requirements of residents, allowing for expansion as needed.
· Provide adequate public safety and protection and preserve Springfield Township as a safe and desirable community.

Wastewater and Water Issues

Goal: Ensure that wastewater and water facilities will satisfy the needs of township residents.
Objectives:
· Maintain and/or enhance wastewater and water facilities in order to provide adequate service to existing and future residents.
· Plan for public water and sewer service within the designated Development Area to promote concentrated growth in the township.
· Plan for water supply and sewage disposal system that will protect surface and groundwater quality and quantity.
· Plan for the reliable supply of water, considering current and future water resources availability, uses and limitations, and provisions to protect water supply sources.
· Provide the balance of aquifer withdrawals and recharge so that the long-term safe-yield of the aquifer is not exceeded.
· Where beneficial, develop intermunicipal cooperation for water service and wellhead protection.
· Develop cooperative efforts among municipalities in water supply and fire protection.

Stormwater Management

Goal: Promote sound stormwater management for existing and future development in the township.
Objectives:

· Manage stormwater runoff created by new development activities taking into account the cumulative watershed-wide stormwater impacts from peak runoff rates and runoff volume.

· Preserve existing natural drainageways and watercourses and provide for proper maintenance of all stormwater management facilities.

· Maintain and/or improve existing water quality, especially in those areas, which drain to existing lakes and reservoirs, by preventing additional loading of various stormwater runoff pollutants into the stream system.
· Maximize groundwater recharge where appropriate and attainable throughout the watershed where feasible and attainable throughout the watershed to maintain the existing hydrologic regime.

Transportation and Circulation


Goal: Protect, maintain, and improve the capacity of the township's highway network to reduce travel times, minimize congestion, and eliminate hazardous conditions.
Objectives:
· Link transportation planning efforts with the future land use planning.
· Provide appropriate road improvements and implement traffic impact requirements that will promote safe road conditions.
· Regulate land use along the major roadways in the township to avoid hazardous situations and to maintain the road's primary function of serving through traffic.
· Classify the roads in the township according to their present and potential future use.
· Provide limited cartway paving along rural collector roads and construct only those improvements necessary to maintain the safety of road and lanes for turning, acceleration, and deceleration.
· Promote access management techniques that will protect the function of arterial streets. Reverse-frontage access roads, marginal access roads, or shared access driveways should be provided for properties fronting on arterial roads.
· Plan for improvements to the pedestrian and bicycle network to serve the needs of other users of the transportation network.
· Support the possible reactivation of the Quakertown-Stony Creek Rail.
· Consider multimunicipal planning to address what essentially is a regional issue.

Solid Waste Management


Goal: Ensure the proper storage, collection, and transportation of municipal waste.

Objectives:
· Reduce municipal solid waste streams to ensure future landfill space and reduce environmental impacts.
· Periodically monitor licensed waste haulers to ensure municipal waste haulers are properly collecting, transporting, and disposing of solid waste and recyclables.
· Consider reopening the township's recycling drop-off facility to enable residents to help reduce solid waste streams.

Future Land Use/Growth Management


Goal: Guide the form, location, and timing of future development within Springfield Township while protecting the natural environment, maintaining visual quality, and providing services and facilities necessary for its residents.
Objectives:
· Foster a community with a well-balanced mix of agricultural, residential, commercial, and industrial land uses.
· Provide for future growth in areas best suited for development and provide appropriate land uses that will promote the protection the township's overall character.
· Encourage growth in a coordinated and timely manner through the implementation of the Development District concept.
· Locate the Development Area where more intensive future growth can be concentrated and supported by infrastructure (e.g., public water and sewer) and basic services.
· Use growth management techniques to preserve open space, protect environmental resources, and minimize site development costs.
· Maintain the integrity of agricultural and rural areas by limiting development and the extension of public infrastructure and services into these areas.


Township Finances and Budgeting


Goal: Maintain a balanced budget and responsibly plan for future capital expenses.
Objectives:
· Examine future growth trends to gauge the effect of development on the township budget and the residential tax burden.
· Link the financial planning of the township with the policies set forth in the Comprehensive Plan.
· Purchase agricultural conservation easements, open space, historic property, and recreational land (as identified by the Springfield Township Open Space and Farmland Preservation Plan) using revenue generated from the open space tax.

Historical Overview
The first permanent settlers of Springfield Township were English and Scotch-Irish who moved up the Cooks Creek valley from the Delaware River. German colonists joined this settlement by moving up from Philadelphia to Quakertown and finally to Springfield. Most of the English were land speculators, while most of the Germans were settlers. Thus, it was the Germans who would have the largest influence on the development of the township.

Colonists first settled in Springfield Township along streams or near the many springs found throughout the hillsides. There they built their homes and cleared the land for farming. This could be exhausting work because the land was heavily forested and, in some areas, very rocky. It was many years before farms became productive and reliable sources of income.

Springfield Township was, of course, originally a part of lands belonging to the Lenape Indians. William Penn, although already holding title to all land in the province under a grant from Charles II of England, still negotiated land purchases from the Lenape. The areas composing Springfield Township were not acquired from the Lenape until the Walking Purchase of 1737, when John and Thomas Penn secured the remainder of Bucks County, as well as lands composing present-day Lehigh and Northampton counties.

In 1743 Springfield's residents petitioned the court to incorporate their settlements into a township. The petition was granted and the township was surveyed and laid out in that same year. The township was named for its abundance of hill and meadow springs. As the agricultural economy of Springfield Township developed, schools, mills, churches, and general stores were built to serve the growing population. Roads were improved to the point where travel to the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia was possible. Profits rose as these markets were opened to local farmers, craftsmen, and mill operators.

During the remainder of the 1700s, villages developed at crossroads where waterpower was available to operate the grist and saw mills. Springtown became the largest of these villages. Springtown was located along a major road and surrounded by some of the best farmland in the area. In 1737 the town contained six to eight houses, a tavern, and a store. By 1896, the village contained two churches, a tavern, a store, mills, and 40 houses.

Springfield Township remained a largely agricultural-based community throughout its entire history, supplying meat, crops, and dairy products to the region. With the development of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Philadelphia as centers for manufacturing in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the population of Springfield declined. With food prices falling, farming became less profitable and the prospect of better wages lured many to the big cities. Local industries were unable to compete and went out of business. Lacking the necessary support of the community, civic institutions, such as the literary and music society and the newspaper, also gradually disappeared.

Between 1980 and 1990, Springfield's population grew slightly, followed by a slight decrease between 1990 and 2000. Despite the construction of I-78 and development pressures moving northward through the county, the anticipated growth in the past decade has not occurred. However, given the township's wealth of natural and historical resources and proximity to major transportation routes make future growth in Springfield Township a distinct possibility. New development may result in a loss of the qualities that make Springfield unique and livable unless sound growth management policies and regulations are successfully implemented.

Demographics and Socioeconomic Trends
Regional Perspective

Springfield Township is located on the southeastern edge of eastern Pennsylvania's mountain system along the northern border of Bucks County. In Bucks County, the municipalities of Durham, Nockamixon, Haycock, Richland, and Milford townships surround Springfield Township. To its north, it is bordered by Lower Saucon and Williams townships in Northampton County and by Upper Saucon Township in Lehigh County. Springfield Township is also part of the Palisades Planning Area consisting of Bridgeton, Durham, Nockamixon, Springfield, and Tinicum townships and Riegelsville Borough. Springfield Township is roughly 5 miles southeast of the Allentown/Bethlehem metropolitan area and 40 miles north of the City of Philadelphia.

Springfield and its surrounding municipalities have grown by about 3,181 housing units and 7,002 people as shown in Table 1. Municipalities in this region undergoing the most growth are Upper Saucon Township, Lower Saucon Township, Milford Township, and Richland Township, as the major highways of I-78, the Northeast extension of the PA turnpike, and Route 309 run through these communities. As these areas become more built out, Springfield, Williams, Durham, Haycock, and Nockamixon townships will become more likely candidates for development. Springfield Township can expect to experience increased growth pressures, because of the amount of vacant land it has and its proximity to the major highways mentioned above.

Table 1. Housing and Population, Springfield Township Region, 1990-2000

                                  HOUSING                                              POPULATION
 Municipality  1990 2000 1990-2000 1990 2000 1990-2000
 Springfield 1,938 1,972 34 5,177 4,963 -214
 Durham 485 525 40 1,209 1,313 104
 Nockamixon 1,260 1,411 151  3,329 3,517 188
 Haycock 791 841 50 2,165 2,191 26
 Richland  3,344 3,877 533 8,560 9,920 1,360
 Milford 2,525 3,161 636 7,360 8,810 1,450
 Lower Saucon  3,169 3,195 746 8,448 9,884 1,436
 Upper Saucon  3,360 4,117 757 9,775 11,939 2,164
 Williams 1,504 1,738 234 3,982 4,470 488
 Total 18,376 21,557 3,181  50,005  57,007  7,002


Township Perspective
Springfield Township has an estimated population of 4,963 people (2000 Census). This estimate is down slightly from the 1990 Census, when Springfield reached an all-time high of 5,177 people. Housing units increased from 1,938 units in 1990 to 1,972 units in 2000. (For more discussion on housing and future housing needs, see the Residential Development section.) Springfield's average household size fell from 2.70 persons per household in 1990 to 2.61 persons per household in 2000. (See Table 2.) This trend, which is occurring throughout the county, is due to an increase in the number of smaller families and singles living alone. It may also reflect an increased number of people whose children have grown up and left home.

Table 2. Demographic Characteristics, 1990-2000

 Characterestic 1990 2000
Median Age 38.1 41.8
Households* 1,856 1,900
Family household** 1,485 1,471
Married Couple Families 1,310 1,279
 Nonfamily Households*** 371 429
Householders Living Alone 301 338
Average Household Size 2.70 2.61
 Average Family Size 3.04 2.96

*A household is an occupied housing unit.
**A family household is a household with two or more individuals related by marriage, birth, or adoption.
***A nonfamily household is a household with a group of unrelated individuals or a person living alone.

Springfield Township contains 1,900 households. Of these households 1,471 of them are considered family households. Of the family households, 1,279 are married-couple families. This is down slightly from 1990, when there were 1,310 married-couple families. The average family size in Springfield Township is 2.96 persons. Nonfamily households rose from 371 in 1990 to 429 in 2000. Of these nonfamily households, 338 consist of a householder living alone.

Age Composition
Almost 13 percent of Springfield residents is age 65 years or older and about 12.4 percent of Bucks County residents is age 65 years or older. Since 1990 the number of people in Bucks County age 65 years or older has increased by 25 percent. By comparison, Springfield has actually experienced a loss of people in this age group since 1990 (about a 17 percent decline). However, because the baby boom generation is beginning to hit retirement age, the percentage of people over the age of 65 will certainly increase within the next 10 to 20 years. Even in a relatively sparsely populated municipality such as Springfield Township, much of its current population is between the ages 45 and 64. In 1980 this generation comprised people age 15 to 34, in 1990 it comprised people age 25 to 44, and in 2000 it comprised people age 35 to 54. We can expect the spike to show up in people age 45 to 64 in the 2010 Census. Table 3 provides an overview of this population trend.

Table 3. Population by Age, Springfield Township, 1980-2000
  1980 1990 2000
 Age Population/Percentage Population/Percentage Population/Percentage
 Under 5 322        6.7%  322       6.2% 219        4.4%
5 to 9 370        7.7% 336       6.5% 297        6.0%
10 to 14 425        8.8% 339       6.5% 378        7.6%
15 to 19 376        7.8% 317       6.1% 319        6.4%
20 to 24 302        6.3% 247       4.8% 182        3.7%
25 to 34 811       16.8% 770      14.9% 477        9.6%
35 to 44 667       13.8% 916      17.7% 931       18.8%
45 to 54  469         9.7% 680      13.1% 878       17.7%
55 to 64  455         9.4% 479        9.3% 641       12.9%
65 to 74 326         6.8% 402        7.8% 367         7.4%
75 and over  294         6.1%  369        7.1% 274         5.5%
Total 4,817     100% 5,177      100% 4,963     100% 

 Under 18 1,364       28.3%  1,194       23.1% 1,110      22.4%
18-64 2,833       58.8% 3,212       62.0% 3,212      64.7%
65 and over 620          12.9% 771           14.9% 641         12.9%
Total 4,817       100% 5,177         100% 4,963       100%

Although Springfield Township shows a loss of people age 65 years or older within the last 10 years, population pressures from within Springfield and from surrounding townships and the demand for senior housing could have a dramatic effect on the future composition of the township. Like many parts of Bucks County, the township will likely be composed of older residents. With this projected rise in elderly residents, Springfield Township should consider adjusting its ordinances to accommodate age-specific housing such as retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.

Finally, the township should also take into account the loss of younger residents. Since 1980, the township (and the county) shows a decline in the number of people age 20 to 34 (as shown in Table 3). Part of this loss is due to the baby boom generation getting older and moving out of these age categories. But another part of this loss is due to these age groups moving out of the township. Possible reasons for moving out include a lack of employment opportunities, a lack of affordable housing, and lack of sufficient goods and services in the region. One of the decisions the township will have to make is whether efforts should be made toward maintaining and attracting this segment of the population. Such efforts may consist of zoning for higher density uses and attracting a greater diversity of commercial uses.

Population Projections
Population projections are useful in helping a municipality plan for future needs, such as park and recreation facilities, emergency services, and senior services. The following population projections shown in Table 4 were developed using an age cohort survival model. The age cohort survival model simulates the process by which population actually changes by applying birth (fertility), death, and migration rates to a starting population (2000 Census). Under the process, the starting population was broken down into five-year increments (called cohorts) according to the age structure and sex of the population. Fertility, death, and migration rates based on past trends were applied to the cohorts of the starting population to produce a 2010 projected population. Holding past death and fertility rates the same, three possible migration rates were used to produce three different population projections.

Table 4. Springfield Township Population Projections, 2010
                            2000 Census                                                2010 Projections
                                                                   Low                               Medium                       High
 Age Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female
0-4 101 118 111 125 118 132 130 143
5-9 163 134 148 121 154 126 162 134
10-14 178 200 139 171 145 177 154 186
15-19 171 148 193 137 198 142 206 150
20-24 96 86 142 129 149 369 161 148
25-29 101 97 164 140 175 151 193 169
30-34 133 146 151 147 161 157 177 173
35-39 206 228 144 176 149 181 157 189
40-44 254 243 166 184 170 188 177 195
45-49 201 216 197 235 199 237 202 240
50-54 240 221 272 232 274 234 278 238
55-59 190 171 208 213 210 215 213 218
60-64 151 129 222 206 223 207 225 209
65-69 97 95 170 142 171 144 173 147
70-74 88 87 114 96 115  97 116 99
75-79 63 78 66 63 67 64 68 66
80-84 33 50 40 45 40 46 40 47
85+ 19  31 18 35 18 36 18 37
Total Male/Female 2,485 2,478 2,665 2,597  2,736 2,670 2,850 2,788
 Total              4,963              5,262              5,406            5,638
Migration Rate*           -1.37%          -2.74%             0%            4.33%

*Migration is determined by subtracting the change in population due to births and deaths from the change in population. Migration rates are calculated by dividing migration by the total population. The low projection uses a migration rate twice that seen in the 1990's, the medium projection assumes no migration in or out of the township, and the high projection uses a migration rate seen during the 1980s.

The low-growth scenario projects an additional 300 people in 2010, the medium-growth scenario projects an additional 440 people, and the high-growth scenario projects an additional 670 people. It should be noted that these numbers are not definitive and that any forecast of future growth is tentative and subject to a given set of assumptions holding true for a defined period of time and constraints of the projection model employed. However, these projections should provide a fairly good picture of population growth to the year 2010.

Land Use Characteristic and Development Trends
Regional Perspective

Springfield Township is part of the Palisades Planning Area consisting of Bridgeton, Durham, Nockamixon, Springfield, and Tinicum townships and Riegelsville Borough. Historically, the Palisades Area has been relatively undisturbed by the wheels of change. To this day, the character of the area is still reminiscent of earlier times, with numerous pristine farms, historic villages, bridges, and inns. While growth (primarily in the form of single-family detached lots) has been minor, growth is expected to continue throughout the area. Given the relatively easy access to Interstate 78 via Routes 611 and 412, this area may see increased development pressures from commuters to and from the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton corridor and New York City metropolitan area. Over the past decade, growth and development was not as significant as anticipated in the Palisades Area, but lower interest rates and the recent approval/construction of several large-lot residential subdivisions in Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County may be a signal of increased development across the region.

Township Perspective
Springfield Township is the second largest Bucks County municipality in land area (30.78 square miles) and is predominately rural in character. Table 5 provides a snapshot of the land use characteristics within Springfield Township in 1990 and 2001 and Figure 1 highlights existing 2001 land use.

Nearly 83 percent of the township land area consists of three primary land use categories-rural residential (6,627 acres or 33.6 percent of the total land area), agricultural (6,057 acres or 30.7 percent of the total land area) and vacant (3,659 acres or 18.6 percent). A majority of the agricultural land is concentrated within the central portion of the township, which generally corresponds to the township's Agricultural Zoning District.

View Existing Land Use Map

Table 5. 1990 and 2001 Land Use Characteristics

Land Use Category

 1990

Acreage

1990

%

 2001

Acreage

2001

%

1999-2001

Amt. Chg.

1999-2001

% Chg.

Single Family Residential   1,930 9.8 2,271 11.5 341 15
Multi Family Residential 62 0.3 19 0.1 -43 -226
Rural Residential 6,013 30.5 6,627 33.6 614 9
Agricultural 6,625 33.6 6,057 30.7 -568 -9
Minig & Manufacturing 28 0.2 51 0.3 23 45
Commercial 220 1.1 252 1.3 32 13
Transportation & Utilities 581 3.0 593 3.0 12 2
Governmental & Institutional 117 0.6 148 0.8 31 21
Park & Recreation 22 0.1 22 0.1 0 0
Vacant 4,101 20.8 3,659 18.6 -442 -12
Total 19,699 100 % 19,699 100 %    
Note: 1990 and 2001 % represents the percentage of the respective land use category based upon the total land area of the township.

Single-Family Residential category contains single-family detached dwellings on lots less than 5 acres. Rural Residential land use contains a single-family detached dwelling but is located on lots that are 5 acres or greater. (For a detailed description of land use classification definitions, see Appendix 1.) The purpose of Rural Residential land use category is to identify large residential lots that may have future development potential for future subdivision or development. This category will be useful for identifying potential areas for future development in the township as discussed in the Future Land Use and Growth Management section.

Multifamily Residential land uses are generally limited to the Route 309 corridor and within or adjacent to the villages Zion Hill, Pleasant Valley, and Springtown corresponding to the Highway Commercial, Village Commercial, or Village Residential Zoning District where this is a permitted use. Multifamily Residential consist of 19 acres or 0.1 percent of the total land area. The current Development District is intended to accommodate a variety of residential and nonresidential uses, including higher density housing types. The provision of public infrastructure may provide incentives for the provision of multifamily residential uses within this area (as discussed in the Future Land Use and Growth Management section).

Mining & Manufacturing land uses (51 acres or 0.3 percent of the total land area) are limited to the Route 309 corridor which corresponds to the Planned Industrial zoning district. Other nonresidential land uses (i.e., Commercial and Government & Institutional) consisting of approximately 400 acres or 2 percent of the total land area, are scattered around the township.

The only Park and Recreational land use in the township is a portion of Locust Valley Golf Course (22 acres or 0.1 percent of the total land area) which is predominately located in Upper Saucon Township, Lehigh County. Private recreational facilities (fraternal organizations/clubs) are considered Government & Institutional for the purposes of identifying land use characteristics.

Existing Nonconformities
A nonconformity is defined as an existing condition (e.g., use, building, or lot) that does not comply with the zoning ordinance for the jurisdiction as it predated the zoning regulations in the municipality. Based upon a cursory review of the existing land uses in Figure 5 and the township's zoning map, there appears to be only a few existing nonconformities based solely on use. Additional analysis will be performed in the Future Land Use and Growth management section to determine if the future land uses categories from the previous comprehensive plan are still appropriate or require changes. Certain zoning district boundaries may need to be altered (e.g., increased, decreased, or eliminated) to reflect the current land use policies while eliminating specific nonconformities that are determined to be appropriate.

Development Trends
Historically, there have been subtle shifts in land use characteristics in Springfield Township. An examination of the land use and development trends between 1990 and 2001 are provided in Table 5, above. Every attempt was made to provide consistency between the methodology between the 1990 and 2001 land use statistics and mapping; however, there are several discrepancies. The comparison of land use acreage change and percentage change are only intended to be a general planning tool, reflecting overall development trends that have occurred within the township in the past decade.

Most of the development in the past decade was in the form of single-family detached dwellings as reflected in the increase of single-family residential land use by 341 acres (or 15 percent). Significant acreage will be added to Single-Family or Rural Residential land use categories in the future as the recently approved development proposals (shown in Table 6, below) received building permits. Reflecting land available for subdivision and land development, the vacant and agricultural land use categories decreased by approximately 442 acres (6 percent) and 568 acres (9 percent), respectively between 1990 and 2001. The reduction of agricultural acreage may also be due to a trend of loss or discontinuation of agricultural activities since 1990.

Rural Residential acreage increased by approximately 614 acres (9 percent) as the result of the subdivision and subsequent construction of a single-family dwelling on previously agricultural and vacant land.

The decrease in Multi-Family Residential by 43 acres (226 percent decrease) is not a result of a loss or conversion of multi-family apartments or units but rather changes in the classification. In 1990, the Multi-Family Residential category included uses such as nursing home and parsonages. However, in the 2001 land use update, the reclassification of these uses to Government & Institutional was deemed appropriate.

Development trends over the decade suggest only modest increases to Commercial (32 acres or 13 percent), Mining & Manufacturing (23 acres or 45 percent), and Government & Institutional (31 acres or 21 percent) land use categories.

Since there has not been additional park and recreational land provided over this time period, park and recreational acreage has remained the same.

Approved Development Proposals
As of September 2002, various development proposals have received approval or preliminary plan approval status from the township, but have not received a building permit as shown in Table 6. The inclusion of the following subdivision and land development proposals into the 2001 land use statistics and mapping was deemed inappropriate at this time, since there is no guarantee of their implementation. However, there is potential that one or more of the proposals will be completed in the future.

Table 6. Recently Approved Development Proposals

 Proposal Name  Location Total Acres Review Type
 Cummings Moyer Road & Route 412 39.9 2 Single-Family Lots
Cross Creek Drifting Drive 44.79 4 Single-Family Lots
Mager Tract Harrow Road 87.7 24 Single-Family Lots
Marsh Route 412 & New Hill Way 1.86 2 Single-Family Lots
Hidden Ponds (Mager) Old Bethlehem Road 20.60 4 Single-Family Lots
Schnell Winding Road 61.00 2 Single-Family; 1 Commercial
G&H  Hickory Lane 58.70 4 Single-Family Lots
Springhill Drifting Drive 21.36 16 Single-Family Lots
Thompson 1550 Maple Road 11.42 2 Single-Family Lots
Quay School and Maple 41.21 3 Single-Family Lots
Station House Farm Bursonville Road 71.00 7 Single-Family Lots
High Meadow Peppermint Road 63.85 10 Single-Family Lots
Martin's Estates Route 412 & Lehnenberg Road 39.00 9 Single-Family Lots
Rick Route 412 & School Road 43.57 2 Single-Family Lots
Brink Carlton Road 38.46 2 Single-Family Lots
Oppecker Ebert & Nemeth Roads 9.56 2 Single-Family Lots
Saddle Ridge Phase 2A Highpoint Road 13.20 3 Single-Family Lots
Pfeiffer Farm Highpoint Road 45.06 4 Single-Family Lots

 

Natural Resources
Geology

Springfield Township lies within the physiographic provinces of the Triassic lowlands of the Piedmont province and the Reading prong of the New England province. The township is characterized by large rocky hills cut by stream valleys. The rock types in the township consist of gneiss, Lockatong lithofacies, red shales and sandstones, diabase, limestone, and quartzite. (See Figure 2: Natural Resources.)

Rock types determine groundwater supplies. By identifying rock types, the township can plan for the water supply needs for future residents. Quartzite and gneiss, located in the north corner of the township, provide small to moderate supplies of groundwater. Red shales and sandstones, which are rocks of the Brunswick formation, represent significant supplies of water to the township. These rocks are located in the township's south-central region and also extend in a band from this area toward the township's eastern portion. The Lockatong lithofacies, which are generally a poor source of water, are located in a small area at the eastern corner of the township. Diabase, which makes up most of the western portion as well as areas in the eastern portion of the township, has among the poorest water supply yields in the county.

The limestone areas of the township are part of the Durham Carbonate Valley, which is an area that stretches from Riegelsville, across the northern half of Durham Township, to the northern corner of Springfield Township. Limestone varies greatly in its supply of water and is susceptible to groundwater contamination, sinkholes, and solution channels. Groundwater contamination is a particular problem because contaminated water can move rapidly through solution channels, threatening an extensive area in a short period of time. Other carbonate valley phenomena include disappearing and influent streams, ghost lakes, land surface mottling, and cave formation.

For areas underlain by carbonate geology, the Springfield Township Zoning Ordinance requires subdivision and land development applicants to identify all carbonate geologic features. The mapping and identification of these features must be based on a field survey and published data and the qualifications of the individual performing the survey must be listed. Stormwater management facilities are required to meet specific design standards. Proposed buildings, sewage disposal facilities, and utilities must meet setback requirements from susceptible areas. Uses such as landfills, junkyards, fuel storage and distribution, and truck terminals are prohibited in these areas.

Consideration should be given to requiring applicants for land development or subdivision to use geologists and/or hydrogeologic professionals specified by the township to identify carbonate features. This could provide a more independent analysis of the geology of the site.

View Natural Resources Map

 

Groundwater Resources
About 90 percent of the township gets it drinking water from private wells, located throughout the township. Groundwater supplies largely depend upon geology, surface characteristics, water use, and seasonal precipitation. There are two public wells operating in the township. One public well is operated by Scenic View Apartment (located in Lower Saucon and Springfield townships). The other public well is operated by the Springfield Township Authority (STA) located in Springtown. As mentioned in the geology section above, however, much of this area is underlain by carbonate geology. Compounding this situation is the fact that Springtown has been identified as an area of failing septic systems. Clearly, this is in area that is very susceptible to groundwater contamination.

To protect groundwater resources in this and other vulnerable areas, the township should seriously consider the development of a wellhead protection ordinance. Such an ordinance would offer protection for aquifer recharge areas from land uses that could potentially threaten Springfield's future groundwater supply. (See Future Land Use and Growth Management section for further details on wellhead protection programs.) Careful consideration should be given to the recommendations of both the Springfield Township Sewage Facilities Plan (1994), which recommends a public disposal system that accommodates only areas within the existing village area, and the Springtown Village Study (2000), which recommends that the township also consider a system most appropriate for the types and intensities of future land uses in this area. Water supply and methods of protecting water supply will be discussed more thoroughly in the Wastewater and Water Issues section.

Woodlands
Springfield Township remains heavily wooded. Over 44 percent of the township consists of woodlands as shown in Figure 2. A woodland is an area 1/4 acre or more in size, where trees form a canopy with ten or more of the trees measuring at least 10 inches in diameter at breast height or 4 1/2 feet from the ground. Woodlands are an integral part of many land ecosystems. Their benefits to the environment include water and air purification, regional and local climate control, open space, erosion control, and habitat for wildlife. In addition to their aesthetic value, woodlands also filter out upland pollutants in stormwater runoff and are prime areas of aquifer recharge.

The Springfield Township Zoning Ordinance provides for the protection of woodlands. The percentage of protection ranges from 30 percent in the HC Highway Commercial district to 80 percent in the RP Resource Protection district. Mature trees with a circumference of 60 inches or greater, measured 14 inches above ground must be preserved. In addition, the ordinance requires a tree protection area around protected woodlands so that they do not suffer damage from site development.

Steep Slopes
Due to its hilly topography, the township contains many areas of steep slopes. Almost 27 percent of the township is covered by slopes of 15 percent or greater. (See Figure 2.) Development on steep slopes, if not regulated and designed properly, can lead to accelerated erosion, instability of structures, limited access, and screening of scenic views.

The Springfield Township Zoning Ordinance restricts the development of areas with slopes of 15 percent or greater. For areas with slopes of 15 to 24 percent, 70 percent of the area shall be protected; for areas with slopes of 25 to 30 percent, 85 percent of the area shall be protected; and for areas with slopes of greater than 30 percent, 100 percent of the area shall be protected. These standards apply to all zoning districts except the AD Agriculture district, where the steep slope protection standards are 20, 30, and 50 percent respectively. The reduced standards are intended to allow more agricultural development on steep slopes and greater protection of agricultural soils on sites located in the AD district with both natural resources.

Surface Water Resources View Hydrological Resources Map
Almost all of the significant aboveground water resources in the township are creeks and streams as shown in Figure 3. In the western portion of the township are the headwaters of the Hickon, Tohickon and Saucon, and Unami creeks. A few miles south in Richland Township, the Hickon Creek empties into the Tohickon Creek. In the east, a small area of the township contains the headwaters of Haycock Creek and Gallows Run. At Lake Nockamixon, Haycock Creek also empties into the Tohickon. The Tohickon then meanders eastward, where it eventually empties into the Delaware River. Gallows Run moves in a northeasterly direction until reaching the Delaware.

The primary aboveground water resource in the township is Cooks Creek. The Cooks Creek watershed is about 30 square miles in size and covers the eastern two-thirds of Springfield Township and the western half of Durham Township. From its headwaters the creek runs eastward into Durham Township where it eventually empties into the Delaware River. Cooks Creek has been designated an Exceptional Value stream by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and is the only stream in the county that supports a natural population of brown and brook trout.

In 2000, the Durham Township Environmental Advisory Council (DTEAC) sponsored a study of the Cooks Creek watershed. The goal of the project was to provide information to the DTEAC on wetlands and watershed conservation to be integrated with a total water resources management plan of the watershed. Phase I is the Wetlands Management Plan and Phase II is the Watershed Conservation Plan. The goal of Phase I was to provide information to the DTEAC for a wetlands conservation plan to be integrated with a total water resources management plan of the watershed. The plan delineates wetlands, identifies area soils, delineates karst features and other hydrogeologic features, determines important hydrologic characteristics, and develops a GIS base for the inclusion of future information.
Some unique features of the Cooks Creek Watershed identified in the plan include:

· Cooks Creek has been designated as 1-A priority for consideration as a state scenic river, although a state moratorium exists on the designation of new state scenic rivers;
· The watershed supports federally and state-listed endangered and threatened species;
· The watershed contains unusual geologic conditions, such as karst-prone areas and a Triassic basin. The local geology, particularly karst areas, makes the stream and area groundwater particularly vulnerable to contamination.

To protect and manage this critical resource, the plan recommends several actions, all of which can be incorporated into the recommendations of the Springfield Comprehensive Plan:

· Watershed Management-Use a holistic approach that recognizes the connections between different elements.
· Comprehensive Planning-Discuss the social and environmental value of the watershed in future comprehensive plans. The environmental section of the comprehensive plan should include an inventory of sensitive resources and goals, objectives and strategies for protecting these resources.
· Overlay District-Adopt overlay zoning districts that would require new development projects to identify sensitive resources and use best management practices to protect these resources.
· Growth Management-Incorporate growth management tools such as cluster development, open space preservation, riparian corridor protection, wellhead protection, and transfer-of-development rights.
· Education and Public Outreach-Conduct seminars and distribute newsletters to educate the community about the importance of protecting the watershed.
· Water Monitoring Program-Develop a water-quality monitoring program of the stream and primary water supply aquifer.
· Funding-Seek additional funds to develop a watershed approach for management and preservation of the Cooks Creek natural resources and water supply.
· Protection of Sensitive Areas and Vulnerable Wetlands-Promote the protection of sensitive segments of the watershed and wetlands through acquisition and the establishment of vegetated buffers. The plan identifies particular resources and areas to be protected including riparian zones, endangered or threatened species habitat, wetlands, recharge areas, springs and seeps, and headwater areas of the Cooks Creek tributaries.

The Watershed Conservation Plan (Phase II), adopted by the Board of Supervisors in March, 2002, is a compilation of numerous studies that have been conducted within the Cooks Creek watershed. These studies include: geologic and wetland surveys, well water level monitoring, stream gauge data collection, water quality chemistry, bioassessment surveys, stream corridor evaluations, and GIS database development. This WCP references all these studies and the appendices to this report include the results of many of the studies performed. The notable exception being the results of studies performed in support of the Wetlands Management Plan that was prepared for the USEPA (published under separate cover).

The overall goal of the Cooks Creek Watershed Conservation Plan is two fold: 1) to formulate a management program that truly sustains water resources through utilization of Best Management Practices (BMPs) and 2) to highlight those characteristics or critical issues in the watershed that require further study. This can be achieved through projects conducted in cooperation with watershed associations, agricultural organizations, various governmental agencies and others. Management options will include maintenance, enhancement and restoration activities. The following management options and recommendations should be considered for protecting, enhancing, and preserving the Cooks Creek Watershed resources:

1. Develop a Water Management Plan
2. Monitoring Cooks Creek Flow
3. Monitoring Aquifer Levels
4. Generate an Upgraded Water Table Map
5. Expand the GIS Database
6. Continue to Develop the Hydrologic Database managed using the computer interface WAMOS
7. Develop a Nutrient Management Plan
8. Develop a Township Level Storm water Management Plan
9. Develop a Comprehensive Biological Inventory
10. Expand and Maintain a Water Quality Monitoring Program
11. Educational Activities
12. Riparian Buffer Improvements
13. Ordinances and Planning Documents
The following critical areas should be considered for zoning ordinance and Comprehensive Plan preparation:
¨ Storm water management and erosion control;
¨ Wetlands protection;
¨ Baseflow protection;
¨ Conservation easements and open space;
¨ Endangered and/or threatened species habitat protection;
¨ Karst and sinkhole land development standards;
¨ Overlay districts of critical areas (first order sub-basins, wetland buffers, riparian floodplain, and lakes and ponds);
¨ Septic systems types based upon soil districts;
¨ Steep slopes;
¨ Stream or riparian buffers; and,

¨ Wellhead protection.

Richland Township is proposing a similar watershed conservation plan for Tohickon Creek, and has requested the participation of Springfield Township. Regional cooperation by those municipalities affected is important to the overall success of watershed planning programs and activities. The Cooks Creek Watershed Association intends to conduct a biological assessment of wildlife present in the Cooks Creek Watershed; however, are awaiting the approval of a grant to proceed with this activity.

The Springfield Township Zoning Ordinance requires streams and watercourses to remain 100 percent open space. The ordinance also requires a 75-foot margin adjacent to the stream or watercourse in which no development or site alterations may take place. This stream margin, also known as a riparian buffer zone, serves to maintain stream temperature, stabilize stream banks, control erosion, and absorb nutrients and sediments from stormwater runoff. Additional requirements, such as larger margins and maintenance requirements, should be considered for riparian corridors. In general, the larger the corridor is, the greater the habitat and stream protection provided.

Floodplains
While Springfield Township is not a municipality usually given to flooding problems, there are many floodplain areas throughout the township as shown in Figure 3. These areas are adjacent to the township's streams and watercourses. The 100-year floodplain is defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as the area adjoining a stream or river that accommodates floodwater produced by the 100-year storm (or base flood event), which has a 1 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in a given year.

The township zoning ordinance contains provisions for the protection of floodplain areas that comply with the National Flood Insurance Program and the Pennsylvania Floodplain Management Act. The ordinance contains provisions that limit the expansion and enlargement of existing structures that would cause an increase in the elevation of the 100-year flood heights, provisions that deny the granting of any variance for any construction, development, use, or activity that would cause an increase in the elevation of the 100-year flood heights, and provisions that set out elevation and floodproofing requirements for residential and nonresidential structures built in the floodplain.

Wetlands
Wetlands are dynamic ecosystems that encompass areas inundated with water for all or part of the year. They provide many beneficial functions to the environment, including habitat for wildlife, water quality protection and improvement, and flood and stormwater management.

A little over 2 percent of the township consists of wetlands as shown in Figure 3. They are located throughout the township, mostly along stream corridors and in isolated, low-lying areas. The township zoning ordinance requires 100 percent protection of all wetlands and wetland margins. The wetland margin consists of a 25-foot area extending from the outer limit of the wetland. No development, alteration, regarding, filling, or piping may take place within the margin.

Agricultural Soils View Agricultural Soils Maps
Springfield Township contains significant agricultural soils. The quality of these soils is determined by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. NRCS has recently recertified soils in Bucks County and Figure 4 highlights Prime Agricultural Soils and Soils of Statewide Importance.

Most important agricultural soils in the township are located in the north and northwestern portion of the township. Areas to the south, east, and west of Springtown contain mostly Prime Agricultural Soils with some Soils of Statewide Importance. Areas surrounding Passer and Pleasant Valley contain mostly Farmland Soils of Statewide Importance with some Prime Agricultural Soils. The southwest and eastern portions of the township contain lesser amounts agriculturally important soils, except for the Bursonville and Zion Hill areas, which contain both Prime Agricultural Soils and Soils of Statewide Importance.

The township currently designates the area south of Springtown and north and east of Pleasant Valley as its AD Agriculture zoning district. The Springfield Township Zoning Ordinance restricts development on both Prime Agricultural Soils and Soils of Statewide Importance in its AD Agriculture district. Prime Agricultural Soils must be 70 percent protected from development and Soils of Statewide Importance must be 60 percent protected.

The existing agricultural zoning district is based largely on the soils maps provided by NRCS. Since the soils locations on the new maps may vary from the previous maps, the township should consider adjusting the boundaries of its agricultural zoning district to reflect the new locations of Prime Agricultural Soils and Soils of Statewide Importance. However, if the new soils maps are not significantly different, no adjustments may be necessary.

Open Space and Farmland Preservation View Protected Farmland & Open Space Map
Springfield Township's open space resources include areas containing rural residential, vacant, agricultural, and park and recreational land uses. It may not seem important to preserve open space and agricultural resources in Springfield Township, since approximately 83 percent of the total land area falls within these four land use categories. However, a significant portion of this area may not be protected from future development. This chapter examines the type, nature, and extent of the township's existing open space and farmland resources and identifies potential preservation strategies and techniques that may be appropriate for implementation in Springfield Township.

Open space resources can be classified into three categories: permanently protected, temporarily protected, and unprotected. Permanently protected lands include areas that are more likely to be preserved due to its ownership, such as publicly-owned lands (e.g., parks or vacant lands), lands owned by nonprofit conservation organizations or homeowner's associations. In February 2002, the township acquired land for future public park use and there are a few private recreational facilities (to be discussed in the next section). Nockamixon, Ralph Stover, and the Delaware Canal State parks and Tohickon Valley, Tinicum, Weisel, Lake Towhee, and Ringing Rocks County parks are located within a 10-mile radius of the township.

Temporarily protected lands are areas that are in open space or partial open space use. However, these property owners reserve the right to develop the land in the future (under the parameters of the underlying zoning). The most common lands comprising temporary open space are properties enrolled in preferential tax assessment, agricultural security areas, and school facilities.

Unprotected lands include any vulnerable resources that do not have an inherent mechanism in place that would discourage or prevent land from being developed or being impacted from the development in the future. This includes a significant portion of the township's existing natural, historical, and scenic resource lands.

Permanently Protected Lands
The following provides a brief description of all permanently protected open space lands. The permanently protected lands comprised approximately 262 acres or slightly over 1 percent of the total area in the township. The location and extent of these lands are illustrated in Figure 5.

County-Owned Lands
Since the 1970s, the county has been actively acquiring land between Lehnenberg and Buckwampum roads (along Buckwampum Mountain), near the Durham and Springfield Township border. Initially, the County intended to construct a ski slope but these plans were later dashed. Currently, the land is being used for access to the county-owned radio tower located on one of these parcels (TMP #42-22-57). Collectively, the 20 county-owned parcels total approximately 130 acres and contain a restrictive covenant limiting the use of the land to passive recreation (i.e., park, wildlife preservation, and open space).

Township-Owned Lands
The township owns three parcels totaling approximately 69 acres. Two of these parcels contain the municipal building and recycling/maintenance building. In February of 2002, the township acquired the Kurtesan Farm, which is a 45.3-acre tract located on Peppermint Road. The property was purchased through the Bucks County Open Space Program and is intended for future park use. The township also has an option to purchase an additional 25 acres of land on the opposite side of Peppermint Road.

Heritage Conservancy-Owned Lands
There is one property that is owned in fee-simple by the Heritage Conservancy totaling about 63 acres and at this time, is being held for open space conservation purposes.

Lands with Conservation Easements/Deed Restrictions
There are 13 properties in the township totaling approximately 477 acres that contain conservation easements or deed restrictions. It is important to note that a conservation easement or deed restriction does not necessarily prohibit development from occurring over the entire tract. Often, only a portion of a property may be protected from future development depending upon the legal descriptions or conditions established as part of the individual conservation easement and deed restriction.

There are six properties totaling approximately 166 acres that contain conservation easements that is held by the Heritage Conservancy. The Heritage Conservancy notes that only a portion of these properties (and not necessarily the entire property) contains a conservation easement restricting future development.
Two properties in the township are enrolled in the Bucks County Agricultural Preservation Program-the Fleishman farm (96.8 acres located northwest side of Slifer Valley Road) and a portion of the Berger farm, predominately located in Nockamixon Township (12.9 acres located in Springfield Township on the northwest side of Berger Road). These properties contain an agricultural conservation easement restricting its use substantially to agricultural and directly associated uses. Several properties may be eligible for future designation. (See the description under Agricultural Land Preservation Program section below.)

The Matcak property totaling 100.68 acres is enrolled in the Bucks County Natural Areas Program. This property has been placed under a conservation easement that restricts specified future uses and activities on the site. (See the description under the Natural Areas Program section below.)

Lastly, there area various parcels in the township that contain deed restrictions. Based upon a review of subdivision and land development plans since 1989, there are four properties totaling about 101 acres containing deed restrictions that prohibit further subdivision, but not necessarily further development. This is a partial listing, since plan notations and deed records were not researched for this publication prior to this date.

Temporarily Protected Lands
The following provides a brief description of all temporarily protected open space lands that comprise approximately 10,385 acres or about 53 percent of the total area in the township. The location and extent of these lands are illustrated in Figure 5.

School Facilities
There is one public school located within the township totaling approximately 12 acres. The Springfield Elementary School property is located on the northeast side of Bethlehem Road (Route 212) and contains a playground.

Lands with Preferential Assessment
Numerous residents within the township have registered their properties with the county under the preferential assessment programs. Bucks County has entered into voluntary covenants with owners who have valuable open space resources (e.g., farmland, forested areas, water resources) in order to preserve open space. Consequently, the property is assessed by the county at the fair market value (or at less than its highest and best use). As a result, the property owner is afforded a significant savings through preferential property tax assessment as an incentive to maintain the land as open space. Two acts are applicable to preferential assessments:
Act 319 Lands (Pennsylvania Farmland & Forest Land Assessment Act of 1974)-This legislation, also known as the "Clean and Green Act," is available to landowners for the following uses: agricultural use, agricultural preserve, and forest preserve. Under this program, soil classification and yield per acre determine a property's individual assessment. Enrollment in this program is continuous unless dissolved by the landowner or eligibility requirements are not met. There are 147 parcels enrolled in this program totaling approximately 5,126 acres.
Act 515 Lands (Pennsylvania Open Space Covenant Act of 1966)-This act enables a property owner to enter into a covenant with the county to preserve farm, forest, water supply, and open space land. However, in 1993 the county commissioners gave a 10-year termination notice of the Act 515 program. Consequently, properties under this the program will continue to be honored until the end of 2003. At this time, participants are allowed to convert their properties into the sister program known as Act 319. However, applicants must satisfy Act 319 requirements, which are more stringent. There are 114 parcels totaling approximately 3,362 acres protected under Act 515.

Lands covenanted under Acts 319 or 515 are considered only temporarily protected because the property owners have the right to terminate the agreement at any time. However, as a result, the property owner must pay a penalty in the form of rollback taxes (i.e., the difference between the preferential assessment value and the fair market or development value) and accumulated interest (i.e., 7 years for Act 319 and 5 years for Act 515). Although covenanted lands are only temporarily protected, it shows a willingness of landowners to maintain their properties in open space. Commitment into Act 319 and 515 programs is an example of a local grassroots action that should be considered in the overall comprehensive planning process. In total, there are 8,488 acres of land covenanted under Act 319 and 515 within the township.

Agricultural Security Areas
Similar to lands covenanted under the preferential assessment programs, enrollment into an Agricultural Security Area (ASA) suggests a significant commitment by property owners for ongoing farmland preservation. The ASA program was created by the Agricultural Security Area Law (Act 43 of 1981) to protect the agricultural industry from increasing development pressure. ASAs are intended to promote more permanent and viable farming operations by strengthening the farmer's sense of security in their right to farm.
For properties to be eligible for enrollment into an ASA, the aggregate total of the properties must be a minimum of 250 acres in viable farmland, and the zoning district in which these properties are located must permit agricultural uses. Individual parcels comprising a designated ASA must be at least 10 acres in area and at least 50 percent of which contains Class I-IV soils. Respective property owners must petition the township supervisors in order to gain approval into the program. Consequently, once enrolled into an ASA, farmers gain the following benefits:
o Protection from municipal nuisance ordinances which restricts odors and noise in a community;
o Protection from governmental acquisitions of land through condemnation or eminent domain; lands proposed for such action within a ASA must first be approved by Agricultural Lands Condemnation Approval Board;
o Enrollment into the county's easement purchase program requires previous establishment of properties in ASA.

Three are 61 properties in Springfield Township enrolled into an ASA totaling approximately 1,760 acres.

Springfield Township Open Space Plan
In 1999, the township prepared an open space plan to qualify for county open space preservation funding. Springfield Township was eligible for up to $531,000 for the preservation of open space and farmland in the township. Among the plan's major findings:

· Cook's Creek is important because it is an Exceptional Water Quality Stream (the only one in southeastern Pennsylvania), it is only one of two streams in the state that are natural spawning grounds for trout, and the watershed contains significant wetland, floodplain, and woodland areas.
· The township has good agricultural soils, a strong farming heritage, and a viable farming community.
· Less than 1 percent of the township has been permanently preserved. No public recreation areas exist in the township. Most open spaces are vulnerable to development.
· A number of farms and open areas, however, have been temporarily preserved as Act 319 and 515 land.

The vision for the township is to preserve as much open space and farmland as possible. The plan recommends nine priorities for its preservation program: farmland preservation, resource protection, the Cooks Creek watershed, water supply, recreational areas, linkages and greenways, a workable and affordable implementation program, regional cooperation, and public participation. The plan lists action steps for carrying out each of these nine priorities and identifies alternative funding sources to acquire properties. A system of ranking potential properties is included in the plan, but it does not identify specific properties for acquisition. In February of 2002, the township purchased the Kurtesan Farm (56.7-acres) located on Peppermint Road through the County's Open Space Program. The township also has an option to purchase an additional 25 acres of land on the opposite side of Peppermint Road.

Agricultural Land Preservation Program
In May 1989, the Bucks County Commissioners appointed a nine-member board to develop and oversee a county farmland preservation program. The Bucks County Agricultural Land Preservation Program (BCALPP) seeks to acquire agricultural conservation easements on viable farmland within the county.

An agricultural conservation easement secured through acquisition is a legally binding document that is filed in the land records with the deed of a farm property, restricting its use substantially to agricultural and directly associated uses. As an easement in gross, restrictions are binding upon the owners and future owners, carrying with the land. A conservation easement allows a landowner to protect his farmland for agricultural uses while retaining private ownership of the farm.
The BCALPP compensates farmers for the difference between the fair market value (development value) and the agricultural value of their land. To be eligible for this program, the following criteria must be satisfied for eligibility:

o Size restriction: 50 acres (minimum)
o Location: within agricultural security area
o Soil criteria: at least 50 percent Class I-IV soils
o Harvest criteria: at least 50 percent harvested cropland/pastureland
o Plan approval: approved U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Plan in effect

Once a farm is accepted into the program, the property owner may sell or convey a conservation easement and receive cash for the respective development rights. The easement is placed in perpetuity. As of December 2001, approximately 5,500 acres of agricultural land in Bucks County (consisting of 60 farms) have been preserved through the BCALPP.

Natural Areas Program
The Bucks County Natural Areas Program is intended to protect significant natural habitat areas identified by the Natural Areas Inventory of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This document ranks sites throughout the county by assigning sites one of four priority levels.
· Priority 1 sites-areas that have statewide or countywide significance based on uniqueness or exceptionally high quality of natural features.

· Priority 2 sites-areas that have countywide or statewide significance based on the overall quality and the diversity and importance of the resources.

· Priority 3 sites-areas that have local or countywide significance that may contain small or degraded resources.

· Priority 4 sites-areas that have biological or ecological resources that are important at the local level.

Springfield Township contains several of these identified areas. These areas consist of land in the entire Cooks Creek watershed (identified as a priority 1 site), Cressman Hill (a priority 1 site), the Lookout (a priority 2 site), and Buckwampum Mountain (a priority 3 site). (See Figure 6: Natural Areas Inventory, Bucks County.)

The Natural Areas Program is a competitive grant program. Sites with higher priority levels are given greater consideration when competing for grant funding. This program should be a primary source of future open space funding for Springfield Township.

Agricultural Preservation Zoning
Because of the widespread distribution of active, productive farms in the township, a primary goal of this comprehensive plan is to promote the preservation of prime agricultural land. Agricultural preservation zoning, also known as effective agricultural zoning, is one approach that municipalities can use to limit the conversion of farmland into nonagricultural uses. It focuses on permitting landowners to subdivide a limited number of residential lots from their property based on a minimum acreage necessary for a viable farm unit.

One Approach to Agricultural Preservation Zoning
In 1995, Bedminster Township officials initiated the preparation an update to township's comprehensive plan. The plan set the stage for agricultural preservation and the need for implementation techniques such as zoning revisions. Natural resource protection and preservation was considered important since more development was expected to occur in the township. Over 80 percent of the soil in the township was determined to be farmland. Additional action was deemed appropriate to preserve these agricultural areas, particularly the local Agricultural Security Area properties. The existing ordinance did not assist in this preservation effort.

Several approaches to agricultural preservation were examined from a land use regulatory standpoint. Input was provided from the local farming community, agricultural extension service, the County agricultural preservation board, and the conservation district on how certain approaches would affect the farming industry, the development rights of landowners, and the natural resources in the township. As a result of this work, the township officials, in August 1996, adopted revisions to the zoning ordinance that included a set of agricultural protection standards as a backbone for regulating development in a new Agricultural Preservation (AP) zoning district.

The AP zoning limits the subdivision and development of a tract of land consisting of 10 acres or more. A site analysis must be performed to identify the "nonbuildable site area, the area composed of portions of the site protected from development in accordance with environmental performance standards. This includes protection of 60 percent of prime
farmland and 50 percent of farmland of both statewide importance and local importance. After determining the protected, nonbuildable portions of the site, the landowner subtracts the nonbuildable site area from the "base site area" to arrive at the net buildable site area. A landowner may subdivide and develop the net buildable site area into lots containing a contiguous area of at least 1 acre. The proposed lots must have a contiguous "building envelope" of at least 10,000 square feet to provide sufficient area and flexibility for the location of the building, driveway, parking, and other improvements and site alteration while meeting the natural resource protection and minimum setback requirements.

Four possible options are available for addressing the nonbuildable area: (1) fee simple dedication the township; (2) transfer to a private conservation organization that will continue to make the land available for agricultural activities; (3) transfer to private ownership with the agreement that the land is intended for agricultural activities and/or protecting natural resources and shall not be subdivided or developed; and (4) ownership by a homeowners association, which is encouraged to make the area available for an agricultural enterprise.

Upheld in Court
Recently, the courts have shown their support for agricultural preservation. In April 2001, the Commonwealth Court affirmed a lower court's ruling that upheld Bedminster Township Zoning Hearing Board's decision to deny C&M Developers validity challenge to the AP zoning district. Subsequently, C&M Developers have appealed the decision to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and a decision is expected in the near future.

Since 1996, 11 developments have been proposed under the AP zoning requirements in Bedminster Township, which could result in the preservation of approximately 280 of agricultural land. In addition, five municipalities have considered adopting similar agricultural preservation requirements: East Rockhill, Hilltown, Warwick, and Plumstead townships. Several others have begun analyzing the technique and its potential benefits. With the recent judicial support, many more may become interested in using the approach to preserve their agricultural heritage.

Agricultural Preservation in Springfield Township

View Map of Historic, Recreational, & Scenic Resources
While Springfield Township provides significant protection of farmland with Prime Agricultural Soils and Farmland Soils of Statewide Significance, the AD district may need additional provisions. For example, in Bedminster Township the agricultural protection standards only apply to sites containing 10 acres or more. Sites containing less than 10 acres as of the effective date of the ordinance do not have to comply with the agricultural protection standard. In addition, farmland that has been set aside as required
by the protection standard must meet certain minimum standards so that the land is suitable for farming. The ordinance also allows the farmer to maintain the existing farmhouse and accessory buildings as well as build a new house and accessory buildings on the protected land as long as the lot size is 20 acres or more.

Historic, Recreational, and Scenic Resources
Historic Resources

Established in 1743, Springfield Township has an abundance of historic resources, and their recognition is important in maintaining the township's cultural heritage and identity. Residential and nonresidential development proposals often pose a potential threat to historic and archeological sites. The Springfield Township Historic Commission and Springfield Township Historic Society have been instrumental in the identification and prompting the protection of historic properties. The Township Historic Commission has identified and documented various historic sites and has compiled the Township Historic Registry. The Historic Registry contains a listing of properties that possess architectural integrity and local significance and participation is entirely voluntary. The Historic Commission and Historic Society have also identified other significant historic properties, including sites that have received a 250th Springfield Township Anniversary commemorative plate due to their historic value (see Appendix 2 for a brief description of the township's historic resource sites).

The township's historic resource sites are listed in Table 7 below. The table also identifies sites that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Heritage Conservancy Register of Historic Places.

Figure 7 identifies the location of these historic sites within the context of the township.

Table 7. Summary of Springfield Township Historic Resource Sites
(Refer to Figure 7 for Map Number locations)
Map Number/Historic Resource Sites
1. Knight Property*
2. Gunster Residence*
3. Buckwampum Farm*
4. Opp's Tavern*
5. Passer Schoolhouse*
6. Knecht's Covered Bridge* t
7. Smith-Leith House
8. Nusbickle House
9. Pleasant Valley Schoolhouse
10. Passer Creamery
11. Ritter House
12. Boyer House
13. Church School
14. Funk's Mill
15. Kockert's Tavern
16. Slifer's Log House
17. Springfield Meeting House
18. Post Office and Henry Mill's General Store
19. Springfield High School
20. Blacksmith Shop
21. Zion Hill Lutheran Church
22. Walking Purchase Monument
23. Meyer-Moyer/Kirkland/Meyer
24. White Horse Inn/Hess/Strock
25. Times Building-Funk
26. Johannes Cyphert/George Seifert/Homer Strock
27. Springtown Hotel
28. Frankenfield Homestead
29. Pleasant Valley Three Stone Arch Bridge
30. Milestone 1793 "43 m to P"
31. Weierbach's Store
32. Pleasant Valley Inn
33. Pleasant Valley Feed Mill-Yost Mill
34. Schuckenhausen Evangelical and Reformed Church
35. Passer Hotel

Notes:
t Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
* Listed on the Heritage Conservancy Registry of Historic Places

Figure 7 also identifies four historic villages in the township-Springtown, Pleasant Valley, Passer, and Zion Hill. Other villages or hamlets that do not contain an existing village zoning district are not shown.

While a comprehensive township-wide historic survey has not yet been prepared, the Heritage Conservancy is currently seeking support from the township officials to conduct such a survey in the near future.

Methods of Preservation
Register of Historic Places

The National Historic Register is the official list of the nation's cultural resources, providing recognition that buildings or districts have historic, architectural, or archeological significance. A building or district that is listed will be protected from alterations to the extent that any Federal or federally funded, assisted, or licensed project will be reviewed if the project might have a negative impact on the specific resource. The National Register does not place restrictions on the actions of private property owners, but has the effect of alerting landowners to its historic significance. Listing on the National Register does not in any way limit what a private property owner may do to a property. Buildings of historic significance that are listed on the National Register may still be altered beyond recognition or demolished.

Designated in 1980, the Knecht's Covered Bridge in Springfield Township is the only site in the township listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Well-preserved, this covered bridge was one of two in the township; however, Haupt's Mill Covered Bridge was destroyed in a fire in January of 1983. Kockert's Tavern (built 1738) is the oldest tavern and store in the township and was declared eligible to the national register by the Pennsylvania Historic Museum Commission in 1994; however, its designation was never pursued.

The Heritage Conservancy maintains a separate historic registry for sites throughout the region. In Springfield Township, six properties have been listed on the Heritage Conservancy Registry of Historic Places (formerly the Bucks County Registry of Historic Places) as shown in Table 7. The purpose of this listing is to identify and promote public awareness of architectural and historic significance.

Historic Districts
A common used planning strategy for historic preservation is the adoption of ordinances that establish historic districts. The Springfield Township Historic Commission is in the process of preparing detailed site surveys of historic properties within the villages of Springtown and Pleasant Valley for the purpose of obtaining a local historic district designation.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission must approve historic districts before local regulations can be enforced. This planning strategy is most appropriate in those municipalities that have concentrations of historic structures or sites (such as villages). A local historic district ordinance designates an area containing historic structures and protects it by (1) limiting the type of alterations that may be made to existing buildings, (2) reviewing proposed demolitions, and (3) ensuring compatible design of new construction. Act 167 of 1961, the Historic District Act, provides authorization for Pennsylvania municipalities to designate historic districts and regulate the alteration of buildings within them based on the historic context. Historic districts created under the authority of Act 167 are not zoning districts but a review process separate from zoning concerns. The preservation of historic districts has many benefits. Historic buildings give a community a unique character and heritage, providing a source of pride to residents. The character of historic neighborhoods is valued as an attractive environment and some communities have capitalized on their historic character to promote economical development and tourism.

Communities creating historic districts must follow procedures outlined in Act 167 for regulating alterations to structures within the districts. A local historical architectural review board (HARB) must be appointed and must consist of an architect, a real estate broker, a municipal inspector, and at least two citizens with an interest in or knowledge of historic preservation. The HARB reviews and advises the governing body regarding any proposed erection, reconstruction, alteration, restoration, demolition or razing of a structures in the Act 167 historic district. The governing body then makes the decision to approve or deny the proposal. In determining if a change is appropriate, the HARB and governing body may consider its visibility from the public right-of-way, and general design, arrangement, texture, material, and color of the building or structure and its relation to the historic character of the district.

Local historic districts provide the "teeth" that are lacking in the nomination of a district to the National Register of Historic Places. A local historic district ordinance provides a means for limiting the amount of change that can occur to historic structures. The National Register program is a credible way to identify a community's historic resources while the local district designation can further protect and enhance them. Thus, what the National Register helps identify, the local district helps to protect.

Landmark Designation
Often, a municipality's historic structures are not located within an easily defined district. A historic preservation ordinance can contain provisions to encourage property owners of historically significant properties to use and maintain significant historic structures in order to protect a township's individual landmarks throughout the township. The preservation of individual structures or landmarks is often more difficult than establishing historic districts, but their preservation has been used successfully by various communities. Section 605(2) (vi) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) allows municipalities to pass ordinances for the "regulation, restriction, or prohibition of uses and structures at, along or near places having unique historical, architectural, or patriotic interest or value." This approach may allow for additional uses within historic buildings in order to encourage the continued use rather than demolition. Additional uses are often permitted by special exception only and standards for use would have to be met to protect surrounding areas.

The township's zoning ordinance provides additional use opportunities for historic structures. The purpose is to encourage the continued use (and reuse) of historic resources and facilities, and to regulate the use of places having unique historical value. Eligible properties are only those that are listed on the township's official list of Historic Resources; however, the township has not adopted an official list. Therefore, the provisions of this zoning provision are not applicable. The township's historic registry and other sites of historic significance that have been identified may be appropriate for inclusion on the official list.

Village Planning Studies
There are still over one hundred identifiable villages remaining in Bucks County, however, many have been lost or overshadowed by growth and development. Historic villages are a unique resource and once they are lost are irreplaceable. While municipalities cannot prevent growth, they can alleviate the effects that development can have on villages through appropriate land use policies and regulations (more on village planning in the Future Land Use and Growth Management section). Additionally, residents can work together to maintain or improve the positive aspects of their village.

As a general rule, villages are classified into three basic categories: hamlets, residential villages, and commercial villages. The village of Springtown is a sizeable commercial village. The villages of Pleasant Valley, Passer, and Zion Hill can be classified as residential villages while Amity, Bursonville, and Gallows Hill are hamlets since they contain a limited number of buildings or structures. (For a brief description of the villages and hamlets in Springfield Township, see Appendix 3.)

Lands within a village can be used for a wide variety of uses. How the land will be used or developed is partially dependent on the actions of local officials. Controlling where land uses will occur is governed by the land use policies and land use regulations. Inappropriate land use policies and regulations have resulted in various problems for communities such as the loss of valuable natural resources and the degradation or loss of many of Bucks County villages.

Currently, the villages of Springtown, Pleasant Valley, Passer, and Zion Hill are recognized as villages though the establishment of village zoning district designations, but Amity, Bursonville, and Gallows Hill lack this distinction. There may be a need to explore the appropriateness of village protection strategies and techniques not only in those villages with village zoning districts, but also those that lack the village zoning protection. The preparation of a village planning study can establish a community vision and a set of standards for public improvements and guidelines for future action.

The Springtown Village Study (2000) prepared by the BCPC, analyzes various components of village enhancement, protection, and revitalization. The study examines the current zoning regulations and district boundaries for Springtown to determine their appropriateness based upon the existing conditions. Study recommendations include: amending the zoning ordinance to revise the village zoning district's area and dimensional requirements and use summary table, redistricting the village district boundaries to be more responsive to the existing land uses and conditions, implementation of public improvements (e.g., sidewalks, parking facilities, and streetscape amenities), and examination of implementing adjacent village protection alternatives (e.g., village protection overlay district, transfer of development rights program, and placement of easements, and outright purchase of strategic land).

Each of the villages and hamlets in Springfield Township are unique, and township officials should determine if separate village planning studies or specific preservation techniques should be implemented in order to preserve and enhance the historic character of these valuable historic resources.

Recreational Resources
Springfield Township has several private recreational facilities, but until recently, lacked a township land to provide public park and recreational facilities. In February of 2002, the township acquired the Kurtesan Farm which is a 45.3-acre tract located on Peppermint Road. The property was purchased through the County's Open Space Program and is intended for future park use. The township also has an option to purchase an additional 25 acres of land on the opposite side of Peppermint Road. The property is suitable to satisfy a wide-range of active and passive recreational opportunities. Responses from the township survey mailed out at the beginning of the comprehensive planning process will allow township officials to identify the specific park and recreational activities requested by residents.

In 1991 Springfield Township developed a park and recreation plan to enable the township to acquire or develop (via fees in lieu of dedication) park and recreation facilities through the subdivision and land development process as permitted by Section 503 (11) of the municipalities planning code. The plan was also intended to provide guidelines to the Supervisors as to the size, location, design, and types of park and recreation facilities that are appropriate to the township. The plan was completed but never adopted. The plan analyzed five different park types: tot lots and miniparks, neighborhood parks, community parks, regional parks, and linear park and provided an inventory of available facilities. Private park and recreational facilities are as shown in Figure 7 and in Table 8, below.

Missing among these facilities in the township are tot-lots, public community parks, linear parks, and a regional park. The linear park, while desirable, may be difficult to develop because land along township linkages is mostly in private hands. Tot-lots are generally not recommended by the park and recreation plan, unless a high-density development comes to the township. The park and recreation plan recommends that neighborhood parks be placed in or near the villages of Zion Hill, Springtown, and Pleasant Valley or future high-density areas. The plan suggests a need to further study whether a community park is appropriate for the township and where such a park should be located. Although the township has no regional facilities, the plan identifies 12 regional parks in Bucks, Lehigh, and Northampton counties that are within one hour's drive. As with community parks, the plan suggests the need to further study whether a regional park is needed within the township.

Table 8. Springfield Township Recreational Facilities

 Name Park Type Facilities Acreage Ownership
Springfield Elementarty School Neighborhood Baseball Field, Basketball Courts, Playground Equipment  0.43 Public
 Passer Community Center Neighborhood Basketball Court, Swing 3.75 Private
Zion Church Neighborhood Baseball Field, Basketball Courts, Playground Equipment  3.74 Private
Locust Valley Golf Club (Springfield Township Portion) Golf Course 18-hole Public Course  22.0 Private
Ridge and Valley Rod and Gun Club Community Archery Shooting Range 11.38 Private
Springtown Rod and Gun Club Community Picnic Area, Shooting Range 30.7 Private
Silver Creek Athletic Association Community Baseball Fields , Basketball & Tennis Courts, Picnic & Playground Facilities 31.82 Private

The Springfield Township Park and Recreation Plan provides a good analysis of the park and recreation needs of the township. The plan uses the population ratio method to determine the amount of acreage needed for each park type. This method assumes that acreage needed can be directly related to the local population. The types of parks, their sizes, and the standards used to determine the recommended amount of space are based on guidelines available from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

While the population ratio method was an accepted way of determining park needs when this plan was written, the NRPA now prefers to determine park needs by means of user surveys and observation. One of the difficulties Springfield Township has encountered with the population ratio method is the unexpected loss of population from 1990 to 2000. The Park and Recreation Plan assumed a 2000 population of 6,400 people. Springfield's 2000 population stands at 4,973 people, significantly less than the projected figure.

Thus, to help determine park and recreation needs, the township has decided to survey its population on whether new park and recreation facilities are needed (as part of a general survey) and if so, the types of facilities residents would like to see. The survey asked residents five questions on parks and recreation in the township:

1. What type of activity does your family currently participate in? (Among a list of responses, respondents were asked to check all that applied).
2. What type of activity would your family like the township to plan for or provide facilities for? (Among a list of responses, respondents were asked to check all that applied).
3. What three activities did the adults participate in most?
4. What three activities did the children participate in most?
5. What type of park and recreation facility would you like to see the township develop? (Among five responses, respondents were asked to check all that applied).

The responses were as follows:

1. Hiking/walking, fishing, exercise/fitness, camping, and bicycling (top five responses)
2. Senior citizen programs, teen activities, bicycling, playgrounds, and community groups (top five responses)
3. Walking, hiking, biking, and fishing (top four responses)
4. Baseball, biking, soccer, and swimming (top four responses)
5. 27 percent felt a limited number of larger, well equipped parks should be provided in central locations, 18 percent felt numerous smaller parks with fewer facilities that are dispersed throughout the township should be provided, 60 percent felt a walking or biking trail which connects various points of interest in the township should be provided, 14 percent felt the township should look to neighboring townships for relief in this area, and 31 percent felt the township should not provide parks.

It appears from the results of the survey that hiking and walking are popular adult activities and that residents would like to see the township plan for these activities. Bicycling appears to be another popular activity, making the list of activities in the first four questions. Outdoor activities, such as camping and fishing, were also popular. The responses to the second question points to the need to provide facilities for underserved groups, including seniors, teens, a