Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties include land uses that range from rural agriculture, forestry and open space, to suburban areas, boroughs of varying sizes and central cities. This diverse landscape is an asset to residents and visitors, and requires a focused effort to manage its natural, cultural and economic resources.
In order to do this, both Counties are embarking on a collaborative effort to prepare Plans that will optimize land use, transportation and hazard mitigation planning in the two-county region. Inventories of demographics and land use will be the basis for physical and policy plans regarding transportation, housing, infrastructure, recreation, institutions, natural resources and hazard mitigation.
The planning effort will be divided into four phases:
- Phase A forms the foundation for the Plans. This phase includes data collection and analysis to examine existing conditions, needs, trends, and anticipated future conditions.
- Phase B will focus on the development of alternative futures for the area. This phase provides the opportunity to look at the impact transportation may have on the future, and outlines suggestions to consider for a system that supports the goals of Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties.
- Phase C includes the preparation of the draft Plans, and offers the public and agencies an opportunity to review the Plans and strategies to put the Plans into action.
- Phase D will include plan revisions and the preparation of final documents.
Each phase will include opportunities for community and stakeholder involvement. Once the Plans have been approved, the Counties will work with local municipalities to implement the strategies outlined in the Plans to manage growth and change in the region.
Click on the image above to view a larger version of the schedule.
Three distinct plans will be prepared: a Comprehensive Plan; a Long-Range Transportation Plan; and a Hazard Mitigation Plan. Each plan will be developed concurrently, and follow specific milestones shown on the Work Program Schedule.
Comprehensive Plan
Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties have recently initiated a comprehensive planning process that will let them work together to accomplish common goals while also meeting individual needs.
Taken together, the counties encompass land uses ranging from rural agriculture and forestry, to boroughs and suburbs, to city. The planning area faces many issues, including a shifting population, development pressure on rural lands, highway and transportation needs, and demands for community facilities and services.
As a result, the counties and municipalities must work together to manage growth and change in order to provide for a future that maintains and improves the quality of life for all.
When completed, the Comprehensive Plan will include the following information:
- Population Trends and Projections
- Inventories of Existing Land Use and Physical Conditions
- Analysis and Planning in the following areas:
- Land Use
- Housing
- Transportation
- Community Facilities
- Community Utilities
- Natural Resources
- Historic / Cultural Resources
- Mineral Resources
- Agricultural Land
- Water Supply
- Implementation Strategies to Make the Plan a Reality
Long-Range Transportation Plan
The goal of the Long-Range Transportation Plan is to develop, maintain, and manage an adequate, safe, accessible, and environmentally-sound transportation system to provide for the efficient movement of people and goods within and through Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties.
The planning process and development of this document is a chance for a region to invest in its identity and future. Given the scale and longevity of investment and the impact it has on a region’s economy and quality of life, the transportation system demands thoughtful planning. A long-range transportation plan is critical in helping a region realize its vision for the future.
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Hazard Mitigation Planning is a process for states and communities to identify policies, activities and tools to implement hazard mitigation actions. Mitigation is any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to life and property from a hazard event. This process has four steps:
- organizing resources;
- assessing risks;
- developing a mitigation plan; and
- implementing the plan and monitoring progress.
Actions, as outlined by the Hazard Mitigation Plan, can be structural or nonstructural in nature and can include construction of levees, storm drainage improvements, property acquisition, flood-proofing, natural resource protection, zoning ordinance amendments, land use planning, public awareness and improved emergency service measures, among others. Local governments are required to have approved natural hazard mitigation plans to be eligible for federal hazard mitigation funding.
Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties have a history of planning together. We have been planning for transportation needs as a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and we completed a joint Open Space, Greenways & Outdoor Recreation Master Plan in 2005. The spirit of collaboration continues with the three Plans that are currently underway.
- Comprehensive Plan - The Comprehensive Plan will serve as an overall planning guide for the counties and their municipalities. It will establish a framework for future growth, conservation and preservation that strengthens our existing communities and responsibly stewards our natural, agricultural and cultural resources. As part of this overall plan, the counties will also develop independent plans for future transportation needs and hazard mitigation matters.
- Long Range Transportation Plan – The purpose of this plan is to develop, maintain, and manage an adequate, safe, accessible, and environmentally-sound transportation system. This transportation system will support our communities and provide for the reasonably efficient movement of people and goods within and through Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties.
- Hazard Mitigation Plan – This plan will evaluate the potential for natural or technological hazards that could affect Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties and determine an approach to manage those hazards.
While our counties have been planning together for years, we are leaders in Pennsylvania. By developing these three Plans together, we are breaking new ground in a way that makes sense. As we plan for where we will live, work and play, we should also plan for a transportation system that supports our communities. And, as part of that planning, we should let an understanding of potential hazards guide those decisions. Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties will use these Plans to address important initiatives from a regional perspective and work toward a positive future for both counties.