In a recent government meeting, officials from Lancaster City and Manheim Township presented the Lancaster Station Small Area Plan, a collaborative initiative aimed at enhancing the area surrounding the Lancaster train station. The project, which was completed in May 2023, received significant support from Lancaster County and funding from PennDOT.

Michael Doman, a principal planner with the Lancaster County Planning Department, emphasized the importance of this plan in addressing the fragmented municipal boundaries that complicate effective planning in the region. The focus area encompasses a quarter-mile radius around the train station, which is seen as a potential hub for high-density, mixed-use development.

Doman highlighted the need for consistent regulations between the city and township to facilitate efficient development and accommodate anticipated population growth. He noted that while 85% of new development in Lancaster County occurs within designated urban growth boundaries, the average density falls short of the target, underscoring the necessity for innovative planning solutions.

The Lancaster Station plan aims to serve as a model for future developments within urban growth boundaries, promoting walkable communities and sustainable land use. The meeting concluded with a call for recommendations to city council regarding the approval of the plan, with officials open to collecting feedback from attendees to present to the council.