Straight answers about how an open space program would work in Lehigh Township, what it costs, and what it means for everyone.
- What is the proposed open space land preservation program?
- The Board of Supervisors has been asked to consider a Township-level program that would allow residents to voluntarily preserve their property from future major development by selling their development rights, while still keeping ownership of their land.
- What does it mean to sell development rights?
- The property owner gives up the right to allow large-scale development on the property in the future, but keeps ownership. In exchange for voluntarily surrendering those large-scale development rights, the owner receives monetary compensation through the program.
- How would the program be established?
- First, the Board of Supervisors must place a land preservation Referendum (question) on an upcoming election ballot. Then township residents vote. If a majority votes yes, the Township creates an Open Space Land Preservation Board to manage the program. If voters do not approve it, no program is created.
- Has Lehigh Township voted on this yet?
- No. The Board of Supervisors decided not to place the question on the public ballot, even though they decided to do so in July 2025. So, township residents have not voted yes or no. Residents are asking the Board to let the community decide.
- How is the program funded?
- The proposed funding method is a 0.25% earned income tax on W2, etc. working income only, which equates to $25 for every $10,000 earned. That works out to roughly $63 a year on $25,000 of income, $125 on $50,000, and $250 on $100,000, and so on. It does not apply to social security or retirement savings incomes. The money accrues annually in a dedicated account that can only be used for land protection or certain park maintenance within the Township.
- Does preservation save taxpayers money?
- Yes. For every $1.00 a municipality receives in taxes from residential properties, it spends about $1.16 providing services like road maintenance, police, fire, and schools. Open space properties only cost roughly $0.37 per every $1.00 received. Preserved land, open spaces, and trails can also raise nearby property values by up to $14,600.
- Are property owners required to participate?
- No. The program is completely voluntary. Non-participating owners are free to use their property as they see fit, including developing it or selling to anyone they choose.
- How long does the development restriction last?
- In perpetuity. The restriction cannot be lifted by any current or future owner.
- Can the government use eminent domain on preserved properties?
- Properties permanently protected by easements are generally safe from eminent domain. Pennsylvania Act 45 of 2018 says condemnation cannot begin on a property protected by an easement unless a court first determines there is no reasonable or prudent alternative. This makes eminent domain very unlikely on preserved properties, especially on an individual property chosen at random. Limited exceptions may involve portions of protected properties along established rights-of-way.
- Would this replace Northampton County's preservation programs?
- No. It would work alongside them. County programs generally focus on larger properties of 25 acres or more with stricter qualifications. A Township program could preserve smaller properties and ones that don't meet county requirements, and the Township can partner with the county to protect more land.
- How much land could be preserved?
- Industry professionals estimate that roughly 7,400 acres, about 37% of all land in Lehigh Township, would be eligible for the anticipated land preservation program.
- Why does this matter in 2026?
- Growth from the Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton areas is moving toward Lehigh Township. Some development can be good, but too much can permanently change our area's rural way of life. Lehigh Township is one of only four townships in Northampton County without its own open space program, while 98 municipalities across Pennsylvania have created local programs to protect land and manage growth.
- Who do I contact if I have a question?
- Email any of us directly. We read every message and do our best to answer plainly.