Lehigh Township considers open‑space fund, schedules community outreach before possible referendum

Lehigh Township supervisors heard a detailed presentation Feb. 25 on starting an open‑space and farmland preservation program funded by a possible 0.25% earned‑income tax and agreed to bring the matter to the March 25 meeting for public outreach and next steps.

The presentation, delivered by residents Zach Szoke and Mike Hock, outlined preservation options — fee‑simple acquisition, agricultural easements and conservation easements — and described the ways easements can limit development while leaving ownership with the landowner. Mike Hock said the policy would be a long‑term local tool to protect farmland and natural resources and urged prompt action, saying, “Protect the best, zone the rest.”

Why it matters: Presenters argued that preserving farmland and open space can reduce long‑term municipal service costs compared with residential development, protect water and flood infrastructure, and support outdoor recreation economies. The presentation cited regional estimates attributed to the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission indicating substantial annual avoided costs from land‑preservation activity; the slide deck included a large numeric figure transcribed as "$110,000 million," which attendees acknowledged the board did not verify and which the township has not confirmed.

During questions, Attorney David Backenstoe described the legal and procedural steps for a referendum: the Board would adopt an ordinance authorizing the question, submit it to the county elections office by the statute‑mandated deadline (the transcript lists the rule as 13 Tuesdays before the election), and — if voters approve — adopt a second ordinance authorizing the tax and its permitted uses. Backenstoe also noted a state statute amendment allowing the township to use up to 25% of collected open‑space funds for maintenance of parks and preserved land, subject to ordinance constraints.

Residents and neighboring Moore Township Supervisor Dave Shaffer, who has experience with a local preservation program, answered practical questions about minimum acreage and program administration. Shaffer said Moore Township receives roughly $830,000 annually through its program and described using volunteers and outside conservancies for preservation work.

Tax and taxpayer examples in the presentation included an illustration cited by a presenter: "someone who is earning $100,000 would be paying $250 in additional earned income tax," a 0.25% levy the presenters said is the statutory maximum; Attorney Backenstoe confirmed the Board could adopt a lower rate should it choose.

Opponents and some supervisors urged more community outreach before committing. Resident Ryan Weiner said, “Right now, the only ones making money are the developers,” calling for voter education; others recommended workshops, newsletter notices and multiple public meetings to ensure broad understanding before a referendum.

What’s next: The Board put the preservation discussion on the March 25, 2025 agenda for further review and community engagement planning. No ordinance or referendum was adopted at the Feb. 25 meeting, and supervisors made no final commitment to a tax rate at that time.