Upper Saucon Open Space Survey Shows Surprising Results

A survey on open space in Upper Saucon produced results that land preservation officials called "surprising" -- that residents are more concerned with controlling township spending and  protecting clean water than saving open space.

The survey, discussed April 25 at a meeting of the township's Open Space Study Commission, was conducted by Barry Zeplowitz and Associates. Three-hundred registered voters participated during the week of April 4. The company was commissioned by The Trust for Public Land (TPL), “a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving land to enjoy as parks, gardens and natural areas.” 

When asked to name the most important issue is facing the township, respondents said the following:

• 39 percent said controlling spending, taxes and debt is the most important issue
• 18 percent responded with improving schools and education
• 14 percent said preserving farmland and open space
• 13 percent said the weak economy/high unemployment

Respondents were, however, very supportive about what would happen if township funds were used to purchase and possibly improve land:

• 86 percent approved protecting drinking water sources
• 78 percent approved the protection of water quality in rivers and lakes
• 76  percent approved the preservation of farmland
• 72 percent approved the preservation of open space
• 67 percent approved the protection of wildlife habitats
• 55 percent approved the development of parks and recreation

Thomas Gilbert, Regional Conservation Services Director for TPL, said in his presentation, “There appears to be a lot of support for doing things, just not for paying for them.” 

Open Space Commission member Mike Eddinger, said, “Maybe we should wait until building [within the township] starts again and people get antsy about open space to make a proposal [to save open space] again.”

Commission member Erin Frederick suggested starting an outreach program. She said people may need to be educated about the advantages of preserving land and the economic importance of purchasing the land as soon as possible.  This could be done before another possible survey takes place.

Gilbert recommended an open space ballot measure may be feasible on the November 2012 ballot, with an additional survey sometime in the spring to gauge the ballot measure.

 Commission members agreed this may be the best option at this time, but decided to continue their discussion at the May 23 meeting.  Gilbert said he will have the ballot language ready for them to preview at that meeting.

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