Vision for "New" Limeport, Plan Takes Roots

The Limeport Visionary Plan to rejuvenate the town is finally beginning to take shape after years of dedication and preparation by Limeport residents and members of Lower Milford’s Planning Commision, local residents say. 

At the start of the project, residents were encouraged to bring their ideas to visionary workshops held throughout the area. Lois Gadek, chairwoman of the Planning Commission, felt this was key, as it gave residents the opportunity to take ownership over their town. “The people who came out during the visioning workshops had some neat ideas about ways they could work together as a community to make things happen in town,” Gadek said.

As it stands, the Brandywine Conservancy, which was given grants for this project by the William Penn Foundation and Lehigh County, is putting together a more concrete version of the ideas.

“They are developing a written plan along with a map showing enhancements for the village that can still support economic development,” said Ellen Koplin, another member of the Planning Commission. Some enhancements are likely to include new sidewalks, walking trails and other improvements that will bring in economic development and make the town generally more pleasing to the residents.

In the meantime, the Planning Commission has worked to revise the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO), which provides important rules and regulations that must be implemented in the development process. Members of the Planning Commission look forward to finalizing the SALDO revisions after their next meeting on Sept. 10.

With the approval of the Limeport Visionary Plan and SALDO updates, the development phase of the process will be given the green light. From there, it will be up to property owners to work together toward Limeport’s rejuvenation.

“The residents of Limeport were intimately involved in the creation of the plan because these are their homes and properties being considered,” Gadek said. “With the [Limeport] Visionary Plan, we are opening up their community to opportunities for flexibility and advancement within the village."