East Hempfield, Pennsylvania Development News
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East Hempfield Township Renews Lifeline EMS Agreement with No Cost to Municipality
The East Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors renewed their agreement with Lifeline Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for five years. The current agreement was set to expire on July 31st. Lifeline EMS took over services from Susquehanna Valley EMS about five years ago. The township is required to provide EMS services, and this renewed agreement, which has been reviewed by the township solicitor and Lifeline EMS's legal counsel, has no cost to the municipality. Board members expressed satisfaction with the service and clarified that Lifeline EMS is a separate LLC from the Lancaster Medical Center hospital system. The board also noted that future changes to how EMS units are dispatched by county 911 will be presented to public safety and potentially the board.
Lancaster Farmland Trust Discusses Farmland Preservation Efforts and Impacts with East Hempfield Supervisors
Jeff Swinhart, President and CEO of Lancaster Farmland Trust, presented to the East Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors about the organization's mission and work in preserving farmland. He detailed their efforts in protecting agricultural land through permanent deed restrictions, providing technical and financial assistance for conservation practices to minimize nutrient and sediment loss, and community outreach. Swinhart highlighted the exceptional productivity of Lancaster County's farmland and the significant acreage already preserved, while also noting the ongoing loss of farmland and the waiting list for preservation projects. He discussed the voluntary nature of preservation, the financial benefits to landowners (including compensation and tax deductions), and the evolving language in conservation easements to support long-term farm viability. Discussions also touched upon the interaction between the trust and municipalities regarding zoning, the impact of easements on road right-of-ways and potential condemnations, and the allowance of uses like bed and breakfasts on preserved farms. The presentation also briefly touched on successful Transferable Development Rights (TDR) programs, with Warwick Township cited as a prime example.
McFarland Drive Reclassified to Collector Road to Facilitate Development in Older Industrial Area
The East Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors approved Ordinance 2026-01, reclassifying McFarland Drive from a 'local' to a 'collector' road designation. This change was made to address issues arising from a 2014 ordinance that required enterprise properties to be on collector or arterial roads, which negatively impacted older industrial areas like McFarland Drive. The reclassification is intended to clean up these issues and facilitate development, specifically mentioning a vacant lot intended for a warehouse that has had sketch plans reviewed previously. Similar changes have been made for other older enterprise areas like Richardson and Old Tree.
Resident Opposes Removal of Farmingdale Road 'J Turn', Citing Safety and Contractual Agreements
During the public comment section, resident Kathy Ashworth voiced strong opposition to the removal of a 'J turn' (a restricted crossing U-turn) on Farmingdale Road, citing a 2007/2008 legal agreement with High Industries that required a double cul-de-sac to close the road at railroad tracks and prevent neighborhood streets from becoming thoroughfares for development traffic. She argued that removing the J turn violates this contract and compromises neighborhood safety. Ashworth also stated the agreement required a traffic light at Good Drive and Orville Road, which she believes is dependent on the J turn diverting traffic. She further accused Supervisor Johnson of impropriety for requesting traffic data related to the issue before a resident made a public comment, urging him to recuse himself. She emphasized that the J turn issue has been settled per Robert's Rules of Order and appealed for safety to remain the priority over convenience. Keith Wright corroborated Ashworth's concerns about safety and neighborhood unity, urging supervisors not to be influenced by a vocal minority.
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The East Hempfield News archive
2026.07.22 East Hempfield Township Recreation Authority meeting
General & Education / Policy & Legal Committees 2026-7-14
07/01/26 - video
General & Finance / Buildings & Grounds Committees 2026-6-23
06/17/26 - video
2026.06.15 East Hempfield Township Zoning Hearing Board meeting
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