Increased Housing Options, Walkability Among Goals for Peters

The Plan Peters Steering Committee, which is working on the township's next comprehensive plan, has identified its goals, including increased housing choices and walkable neighborhoods.

The following are the top goals of the plan identified through many months of meetings and focus group discussions. The committee will meet again on May 29 and 30 to continue the goals discussion and to begin formulating action steps.

Activity Centers 

• Redevelop the McMurray Town Center as a vibrant focal point of community civic, social and business activity. 
• Create mixed use nodes that are walkable and integrate residential and non-residential uses at moderate densities in defined locations. 
• Develop a multi-purpose recreational and entertainment center that provides activities for all age groups. 
• Create an entertainment district along Route 19.

Housing Choice & Diversity 

• Expand housing choices to make Peters Township a desirable place of residence for a wider range of age groups. 
• Allow higher densities in select locations. 
• Accommodate senior residents desiring to transition from conventional single family homes to aging in place or other housing opportunities.

Stay Forever Green

• Preserve 20 percent of the township’s land area as permanent open space.
• Ensure that preserved open space serves a public purpose. For example, active recreation, preserving rural and scenic views, farmland conservation, environmental protection, protecting wildlife habitats, providing community gardens and similar functions.

Maintain the Municipal Advantage 

• Attract high wage employment opportunities for current and future residents of the township. 
• Promote the township’s reputation within the region for its schools, quality of life, progressive government and other attributes. 
• Continue the township’s proactive efforts to maintain roads, enhance parks and upgrade facilities.

Build Township Character and Identity 

• Establish a “brand” theme for the township. 
• Enhance the major gateways at the north and south ends of Route 19.
• Retain a balance between rural and suburban life styles in the township.

Excel in Education and Services 

• Maintain continued high standards and qualifications for township employees. 
• Establish a strong working partnership with the school district to coordinate facility needs and infrastructure improvements.

Increase Transportation Choice and Walkability 

• Connect schools, parks and other public facilities with a system of pathways and trails. 
• Improve traffic efficiency and safety along Route 19 and at major intersections throughout the township. 
• Expanded transit service to key locations in the township. 
• Promote a complete streets policy in conjunction with new and expanded roadways.

lan identified through many months of meetings and focus group discussions. The committee will meet again on May 29 and 30 to continue the goals discussion and to begin formulating action steps.

Share your thoughts and ideas for the township's comprehensive plan in the comments below.