"Envision Lehigh Valley" Looks to Valley's Future

The Lower Milford Board of Supervisors met briefly Thursday to discuss "Envision Lehigh Valley" and the project's potential impact on the township.

"Envision Lehigh Valley" is a public outreach effort designed to engage the citizens of Northampton and Lehigh counties to create a sustainable Lehigh Valley, according to the project's website.

"The effort is in its beginning stages," said supervisors chairwoman Donna Wright. "The committee holds meetings frequently and I would encourage you to attend to give your input."

The U.S. Census estimates that the Valley's population will increase by 145,000 people from 2010 to 2030, which is just about 35,000 more than the population increase it experienced 1990-2010. "Envision Lehigh Valley" will hold 25 meetings at various Lehigh Valley locations to listen to suggestions regarding traffic, land use and growing school systems among other challenges that arise with population increase.

Wright explained that the board meeting's brevity was related to the 2013 budget that was discussed at the board's previous meeting, and will be discussed at its next meeting.

Although the budget was not talked about in detail, Wright said, "There will not be proposed tax increases for the first time in about 20 years."