Candidate Supports Comprehensive Plan

October 2, 2007
LETTER TO THE EDITOR (Main Line Life)

To the Editor:
I am glad Lower Merion Township is starting the process of updating its decades-old comprehensive plan. A comprehensive plan is an overall guide to meeting the needs and desires of a community with respect to the use of land. New policies, programs and projects, including potential zoning changes, will ultimately flow from the updated comprehensive plan, so it is crucially important that we get it right.

For already developed municipalities such as ours, an up-to-date comprehensive plan is an effective tool for preserve existing residential neighborhoods and communities, especially in the face of both infill development and redevelopment. The comprehensive plan will state objectives for future development including the location, character and timing of future development. Additionally, the plan will address other important issues such as historic preservation, open space, transportation, affordable housing and even energy conservation.

As a candidate for Lower Merion commissioner (Ward 1), I am pleased that the township has recognized the importance of actively seeking public input as it updates our comprehensive plan. Broad-based public input is essential to completing a comprehensive plan that is responsive to the community's needs and desires. Workshops to solicit public input have been scheduled and I hope residents will take advantage of this opportunity to participate in determining the vision for our future.

If elected, I will make sure neighborhood protection and improved traffic safety are identified as priorities in the updated comprehensive plan. I will ensure that the update of our comprehensive plan remains a priority and that the process to update it stays on track and embraces public input.

Greg Cirillo
Candidate for Commissioner
Lower Merion – Ward 1