Londonderry supervisors set Oct. 7 public hearing to remove residential uses from C‑1 and C‑2 zoning

The Londonderry Township Board of Supervisors voted Sept. 3 to set a public hearing for Oct. 7 on Ordinance 2024‑06, a plan to remove residential uses from the township’s C‑1 and C‑2 zoning districts.

Township Manager David Blechertas told the board the change grew out of the Comprehensive Plan review and concerns that the current zoning rules allow uses permitted in R1 to cascade into R2, C1 and C2, effectively enabling residential development on scarce commercially zoned land. "The Township needs a balance of uses, a balance of services that are commercial in nature and a diverse tax base to help support Township operations," Blechertas said.

The ordinance, which the Planning Commission recommended at its August meeting and has been sent to the Dauphin County Planning Commission for review, would revise permitted uses and supplemental requirements for C‑1 and C‑2. Blechertas said preserving the limited commercial corridors is important to maintain local services and the township’s revenue mix.

Supervisor Mel Hershey said the proposed change would help retain the township’s rural character outside the commercial corridors and stressed the financial importance of keeping C‑1 and C‑2 land commercial. The board voted unanimously to set the public hearing.

At the Oct. 7 hearing, residents and property owners will be able to comment before the board considers any final action. The ordinance text and accompanying analysis were not included in the meeting minutes; they are under review by township staff and the county planning commission.