Lehigh Township resident Michael Hock gave a PowerPoint presentation last week on the economic and community benefits of land preservation.

The program allows landowners to voluntarily sell their development rights, restricting future land use to agriculture or open space.

In exchange, landowners receive financial compensation from the government or a land trust while ensuring the land remains undeveloped.

Key points of the presentation included:

• Conservation easements: A legal mechanism that restricts land development.

• Landowner benefits: Financial compensation for development rights.

• Community benefits: Maintains agricultural land, protects natural habitats, prevents urban sprawl and improves air and water quality.

It also reduces stormwater runoff, flooding, noise and traffic, while protecting waterways and wildlife.

• Economic impact: Open space attracts higher-income taxpayers. For every $1 in taxes paid, residential development costs the community $1.16 in services, while open space costs only 37 cents.

Supervisors said they want community input on whether to place the issue on a referendum, as it would involve an additional tax.

The board tabled the discussion.

Parks and recreation

The board discussed hiring a parks and recreation consultant.

Supervisor Cindy Miller said, “We have that money in the budget for one.”

Supervisor David Hess responded, “We need that money to fix what we already have.”

Chairman Michael Jones emphasized the need for repairs.

“We need to fix the tennis courts and the wall at Berlinsville Park, along with replacing the fence and padding for baseball games. It’s not safe,” he said.

Supervisor Gerald Pritchard, who serves on the recreation board, said three bids had been received for the project.

He also mentioned that the Lehigh Lions Club has pledged $14,000 to help cover costs.

Miller requested an itemized list of all costs for park repairs and replacements, and said, “I want a breakdown of all expenses from start to finish for parks and recreation.”

The board decided to revisit the discussion about hiring a consultant in six months.

Township manager

Township Manager Alice Rehrig reported that 24-inch thermometers were ordered for the water tanks at the maintenance building.

She also said she has begun gathering bids for a new phone system.