Jeff- We have that going on down here in  a rural area called Loxahatchee. They ended up forming their own town to keep developers out of their town. Katerina

Thanks for stopping by, Katerina!

Good post, Jeff.  I think the resistance to TNDs is somewhat based on a fear of low-cost new homes and traffic congestion.  In fact, builders like Charter would probably be building upscale townhomes that would complement the neighborhoods.

This particular location, between busy highways, would not have impinged on a quiet rural area in any case.  And the argument could be made that TNDs actually reduce total traffic, by reducing the need for short drives to retailers.

Thanks for reporting this. I've done some research into TNDs and forcing them into rural / ag areas is usually a lose - lose situation. The only benefit is to the developer who walks away when the damage is done, usually struggling to carry the sacks of money they've made.

It looks like another part of Lancaster Pennsylvania is having issues with over burdened schools (Donegal ?). The higher density housing is affecting the ability to provide adequate schools. It looks like Hempfield already has a massive school system. Is the developer being held accountable for anything or was this a free-for-all / anything goes TND ordinance.

Kudos to the folks for saving their neighborhood! Often times developer money and advertising dollars drowns out the average homeowner voices.  I've heard the builder is also the chief McMansion builder in the Hempfield area (Verandas - Big homes in the $375K to $500K price range). I can image that anything upscale being built would be out of the price range for locals in Lancaster.

Jay

Jay, thanks for your comment.  The jury is still out on the impact of TNDs, and the tension between saving farmland (that wants to be saved) and accomodating new construction will remain.