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Planning |
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Design |
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Surveying |
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Smart Growth Outreach Project/ Community VIZ Analysis
Susquehanna Water Gaps Landscapes Initiative - Perry County, PA
Concern over the impact of land development on the natural resources and heritage of the Susquehanna Water Gaps region led to an outreach project in 2008 aimed at helping communities promote community-enhancing development. Land Logics Group was hired by Audubon PA to work with state and federal partners in developing an educational program aimed at engaging four municipalities in Perry County -- two historic river towns (Marysville and Duncannon Boroughs) and two rural townships (Rye and Penn Townships) that are rich in forest and agricultural lands. LLG led the effort to: 1) conduct a smart growth audit of existing codes and policies, 2) examine current patterns of development and explore alternative patterns using tools such as Community VIZ analysis and other GIS land use planning tools, 3) conduct a series of interactive educational workshops designed to promote a collaborative approach to land use planning and development, and 4) promote a regional approach to land use planning through joint green space planning exercises.
Smart Growth Ordinance Audit
Hopewell Township, York County, PA
As part of an effort to update their comprehensive plan, Hopewell Township hired Land Logics Group to audit their existing ordinances and review a draft comprehensive planning document to evaluate its ability to foster Growing Greener principles and sustainable growth. LLG used two smart growth models as the basis for completing the sustainability audit including the Pennsylvania State Growing Greener Model and the Center for Watershed Protection’s code and ordinance audit. A detailed audit report was prepared consisting of specific recommendations for their comprehensive plan, zoning and subdivision and land development ordinances. Recommendations addressed enhancement to their existing TDR program associated with effective agricultural zoning to support conservation subdivision design and mixed use traditional neighborhood development in their primary growth areas. LLG also provided recommendations addressing sustainable patterns of development.
Effective Agricultural and Conservation Zoning
Middlesex Township, Cumberland County, PA
Land Logics Group was retained to update Middlesex Township's land development regulations including both its zoning and subdivision land development ordinances to support recent updates to its comprehensive plan. LLG provided coding services to implement conservation subdivision design (CSD) in the existing residential districts and to implement effective agricultural zoning in the agricultural districts. The first step of this work involved a specific code audit to provide a detailed description of the specific changes needed to support CSD and effective agricultural zoning plus recommendations for the best approach to modify the existing code. The township developed a small advisory committee for this project including Township staff, the Township's Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission.
Conservation Zoning
Carroll Township, York County, PA
Land Logics Group worked with a five member municipal appointed Growing Greener committee to update their existing zoning and subdivision regulations. The central purpose of the Growing Greener initiative in the township is to incorporate recreation and conservation lands into the design of residential developments. Carroll Township is committed to the protection of its green infrastructure and supports the implementation of conservation subdivision design (i.e. Green space design) as a tool to achieve sustainable growth. Land Logics Group re-worked major sections of the township's existing zoning and subdivision regulations to support by right conservation subdivision design regulations in most residential districts.
Mixed Use Zoning
Carroll Township, York County, PA
Land Logics Group worked closely with Carroll Township staff to provide technical assistance to create the Township's first draft development code for a new mixed use district. LLG provided assistance to support the development of code language for design standards, mix of uses, parking standards, riparian buffer standards, street design and street types and open space development. During work to draft code language, LLG was master planning the first mixed use project in the township while the codes were going through adoption. The unique collaborative process between Presbyterian Homes Inc. (PHI), the developer, and the township has resulted in one of the first successful implementations of the codes on the ground. (See Carroll Village Project Profile for a more detailed description).
Traditional Neighborhood Development Ordinance
Borough of Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, PA
LLG Principal Sally Holbert was a member of a consultant team to develop a draft Traditional Neighborhood Development code for the Borough of Mechanicsburg. The last remaining tract of undeveloped open space in the Borough annexed in the 1960's from Upper Allen Township was slated for low density, single family residential development. Borough leadership was dedicated to creating a more sustainable, pedestrian-oriented form of development for the property. LLG provided support to evaluate the existing context of traditional neighborhood patterns, measuring in detail street sections, building frontages and setbacks, evaluating existing neighborhood density and the character of transition zones.
Code Audits & Better Site Design Training
Meadville Area Water Authority
As part of a Source Water Protection Plan for the Meadville area, LLG was hired to conduct an audit of zoning and subdivision & land development ordinances for the City of Meadville, Vernon Township, and West Meade Township. The focus of the audit was to evaluate land use regulations that impact local water quality and drinking water. LLG presented an educational workshop on Better Site Design principles which guide land development in ways that are protective of water resources. A second workshop presented recommendations for improving ordinances within the Authority's wellhead protection areas.
Northern York Region Source Water Protection Plan
York County, PA
Land Logics Group was the lead consultant of a multi-municipal team to develop the Northern York Region Source Water Protection (SWP) Plan. Land Logics Group integrated public involvement in all planning phases to produce a broad based team effort. SWP Plans address the protection of all water resources -- public and private, groundwater and surface water resources. LLG's strategic planning process focused on the specific assets, issues and concerns of the region, including: identification and establishment of wellhead protection zones; land use considerations with respect to transportation improvements on the Route 15 corridor and to targeted growth areas; development within the watershed protection areas; better site design to reduce impervious surfaces and hold impervious thresholds within sub-watersheds. As part of this project, Land Logics Groups facilitated a Site Planning Roundtable Process to develop policy recommendations and strategies to reduce overall impervious cover within the watershed for greater water supply protection. As a result of the planning process, Carroll Township amended its codes to include riparian buffer requirements and provisions for conservation subdivision design as well as updates to its stormwater management ordinance to require best management practices and runoff infiltration.
Blain Source Water Protection Plan
Blain Borough and Jackson Township, Perry County, PA
Blain Borough developed a Source Water Protection Plan as a result of a manure contamination event in 2003, which ended reliance on a small spring that served as Blain's primary source of public water for over 100 years. Land Logics Group led a strategic planning process to work with Blain and neighboring Jackson Township to evaluate existing land uses in the watershed, identify potential contaminant sources, and develop a community-based action plan to protect the communities' local water resources. It was important to address the community's desire to focus on educational approaches over regulatory tools as this area has not yet adopted any type of zoning. Educational strategies for farm and forest land owners within wellhead protection zones was an important element of the final SWP plan; however, LLG was also able to introduce zoning techniques for consideration that would provide for water resource protection without being burdensome to these rural municipalities.
Lake Meade Source Water Protection Plan
Latimore and Reading Townships, Adams County, PA
Concern over the quality of Lake Meade's drinking and lake water led to a partnership between the Lake Meade Municipal Authority and local residents to develop a Source Water Protection Plan. Land Logics Group facilitated the public involvement process, creating maps for a steering committee's use in identifying potential sources of contamination, working with a hydrogeologist in delineating wellhead zones for two active wells, and developing creative strategies to protect water sources from residential and agricultural land activities. An audit of Latimore and Reading township's zoning and subdivision & land development ordinances was also conducted to encourage land use regulations that are protective of water supplies and watershed health.
Endangered Species Compliance
Forest Stewardship Plan
Blair County, PA
For landowners with large property holdings, it can be difficult to understand the multitude of local, state and federal environmental regulations that apply to various land uses. In Blair County, a landowner with over 1,500 acres of largely forested land encountered land management issues upon learning that a federally endangered species, the Indiana bat, uses his property as foraging habitat. Plans to harvest timber and subdivide a small portion of his property involved a number of state and federal permit requirements and conditions that the landowner found both confusing and unacceptable. Land Logics Group was hired to facilitate a solution to acquiring the necessary permits which involved a) clearly identifying the issues at hand, b) promoting collaboration among the involved agencies, and c) developing a Forest Stewardship Plan which enhanced the habitat for the Indiana Bat and provided for sustainable forest management practices. LLG is currently advising the landowner in this case.
State Water Atlas
Harrisburg, PA
Land Logics Group served as a sub-contractor for the development of a map atlas for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to meet the legislative requirements of Act 220 as part of the update to the PA State Water Plan. Land Logics Group was responsible for the collection, evaluation and management of GIS data from a variety of sources for the production of individual map atlas topics. Maps were developed for Pennsylvania's six water regions as well as a statewide overview. LLG created map templates for each region for efficiency of production and to ensure quality control for map graphics visual presentation. As a team partner, LLG also assisted with the facilitation of six public regional meetings designed to collect feedback on the initial draft atlas reports.
Northern York Region, Parks and Open Space Plan
York County, PA
Land Logics Group led a community-based planning process to develop a regional recreation, parks and open space plan for four northern York County municipalities and the Northern York School District. Working in conjunction with a 15-member citizens advisory committee, Land Logics Group conducted a comprehensive analysis of community form and design, existing land use patterns and natural and cultural resources to develop recreation policy and recommendations for the region. Workshops were held with the community to develop design concepts for new parks, a conceptual greenway plan, and to address improvements to existing park facilities.
Safe Routes to School Planning - Carlisle Area
Carlisle, Cumberland County, PA
Land Logics Group worked in partnership with the Carlisle Area Health & Wellness Foundation to promote, develop and implement Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs in three area schools and communities. LLG provided professional services to engage stakeholders in a planning process that included walkability assessments, recommendations and design concepts for traffic calming measures and the development of action plans aimed at education, encouragement and enforcement strategies to make walking and bicycling to school a safe and routine transportation option once again.
Safe Routes to School Planning - Mechanicsburg
Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, PA
Sally Holbert of Land Logics Group guided a Safe Routes Task Force to facilitate the development of Safe Routes to School in the Mechanicsburg area. She secured funding and organized public involvement with key participants including school administrators, residents, children, law enforcement staff, elected officials, public works, and neighborhood advocacy groups.
ADA Compliant Curb Ramp Design
LLG is working with PennDOT and partner contractors to implement ADA compliant curb ramps and sidewalks in existing urban settings. To date, LLG has surveyed and/or designed 588 ramps in six counties in southcentral Pennsylvania. LLG's team of surveyors and design professionals carefully analyze existing conditions before design begins. Every site is different, presenting a variety of constraints and opportunities for consideration. Physical constraints - utilities, traffic signals, large trees, narrow sidewalks, elevation differences - all pose challenges to designing accessible travel. LLG designers work with PennDOT and construction contractors to creatively address site constraints.
Carroll Village – Traditional Neighborhood Development
Carroll Township, York County
Land Logics Group (LLG) provided planning, design and land development services to Presbyterian Homes, Inc (PHI) for the development of a mixed used project based on the principles of Traditional Neighborhood Development and low impact design. The project is located on a 65-acre tract of land in Carroll Township, York County, Pennsylvania. LLG led a multi-disciplinary team in a two and ½ day design charrette. The charrette process created consensus among the various stakeholders and facilitated an opportunity to implement low-impact stormwater management techniques resulting in the use of multiple rain gardens and a large wet pond in place of the typical stormwater detention pond.
Village at Heritage Hills
York Township, York County, PA
Land Logics Group is providing planning and design services to Heritage Hills Golf Resort and Conference Center for a residential neighborhood land development project that will incorporate an existing nine hole golf course within the design concept.
York Springs United Methodist Church
Huntington Township, Adams County, PA
Land Logics Group provided site planning and design services to York Springs United Methodist Church, incorporating a building expansion, the addition of active recreation facilities, walking trails, a picnic pavilion and overall stormwater management, landscape, lighting and erosion and sediment control plans, culminating in the development and submittal of drawings for land development approval.
Coover Park Riparian Restoration Design & Management Plan
Dillsburg, York County, PA
Local governments and community organizations united to develop and implement a riparian restoration plan and stormwater management practices at Coover Park in Dillsburg, PA. Land As project manager, Land Logics Group oversaw a natural resources inventory and assessment of the site, design and construction of riparian buffers along Dogwood Run, and installation of best management practices to reduce stormwater runoff and pollutant loads to the stream. In partnership with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, LLG also conducted public workshops and volunteer training courses to educate members of the community about the importance of sustainable design and implementing the proper restoration measures at Coover Park. The end result was four days of work from local organizations and volunteers in the park to restore the riparian buffer along the stream banks. In addition, a new master park plan was designed by Land Logics Group to improve the overall quality of Coover Park.
East Pennsboro Township, PA
LLG provided landscape architecture services for Kinsley Construction at the Holy Sprit Mediplex property located along Popular Church Road in East Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County. Services included the design and construction administration for the overall landscape of the site.
Client: Hempt Brothers
Project: Type A Construction Survey for State Route 465 (Exit 44 Improvements) - stake out construction easements, drainage structures, roadways, sign structures, bridge work points and utilities
Location: Cumberland County
Client: Charter Homes
Project: Building stake-out, foundation survey, lot corner stake-out and site grading plans.
Location: The Preserve, Versant, and Fair Hill developments, Cumberland County
Client: Rogele, Inc.
Project: Survey & design of ADA compliant curb ramps, State Route 0
Location: Lancaster County
Client: Deblin
Project: Construction surveying services for roadway, approaches and structures for SR 4051, T-814 and Access Drive.
Location: York County, PA
Client: Heim Construction
Project: Field survey of curb ramps for ADA compliance
Location: State Route 10, Berks County
Client: Kinsley Construction
Project: Construction survey
Location: Stump Park, York Township, York County
Client: Pennsy Supply
Project: Project: ADA Compliant Curb Ramps
In downtown Harrisburg, LLG designed and constructed 10 curb ramps that are now compliant with the American with Disabilities Act. Located at N. 6th and Boas streets, these ramps now afford accessible travel to people with disabilities. Ramps located on two median islands presented LLG designers an opportunity to add a landscaped area for added site aesthetics and a safe haven for pedestrians crossing the very wide N. 6th Street. Work included survey of existing conditions and design of ADA compliant curb ramps meeting Penn Dot specifications; demolition and removal of existing concrete ramps and sidewalk sections and construction of new sidewalks and ramps.
Location: North 6th, Boas St. and Commonwealth Avenue, Harrisburg
Client: Private Resident
Project: Sidewalk and Driveway Replacement
LLG removed and replaced nearly 100 linear feet of sidewalk and a parking area for three cars for a private residence along PA Route 11-15 in Wormleysburg, Cumberland County.
Location: Wormleysburg, PA
Client: Pennsy Supply
Project: Replacement of Concrete Median Strip
LLG services included demolition and removal of existing center median, survey layout, forming and placement of concrete forms, and pouring and finishing concrete.
Location: 7th & Boas Streets, Harrisburg, PA
Client: Pennsylvania Army National Guard
Project: Type M Inlets #1 & #2 and Endwall #3; provide and install non - shrink grout; install flow lines
Location: Harrisburg Armory New MEP Area, Harrisburg, PA