Planning commission: protect open space, test targeted growth in phase‑3 recommendations

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) told Lower Saucon council members that phase‑2 of its community impact assessment combines resident engagement and data analysis to guide land‑use recommendations in phase‑3. Becky Bradley, LVPC’s executive director, framed the work as a balance: "The broader question is how Lower Saucon can build a more resilient revenue base while protecting those community values that have been clearly identified in your comprehensive plan," she said.

LVPC staff presented findings about demographics, housing, zoning, natural resources and transportation. Jacob Weinberg reported a median household income near $125,000 and estimated current population near 11,100, growing to about 12,800 by 2040; the median age is 47. The presentation noted a housing mix dominated by single‑family detached homes (about 80%), a current rental inventory very small relative to demand, and an estimated 118‑unit shortfall now, rising to about 465 additional units needed by 2050 if demographic trends continue.

The report flags tradeoffs: compact residential and commercial development yield much higher tax revenue per acre compared with low‑density parcels, but development decisions must respect water/sewer availability, transportation capacity on corridors such as I‑78 and Route 378, and natural resource priorities. LVPC recommended phase‑3 start by identifying areas to protect (environmental, agricultural, scenic), then test locations where utilities and road capacity make growth feasible, and finally propose land‑use fits that align with community priorities. LVPC said it will bring draft phase‑3 recommendations back to council and the public after Monday’s community meeting at Saucon Valley High School.