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COMPREHENSIVE PIAN UPDATE BOROUGHOFEASTSTROUDSBURG

1990 - George J. Stettler, Council President

William T. Reese, Council Vice-president 'Bud Lesoine

Michael T. Paszkowski 'Richard H. Bush, Jr.

Roger L. Delarco

l!fl!wR David L. Miller

'Richard Cortellini 'Patrick Forney

'Robert Brill 'Jack Swineford, Jr. (Alternate Member)

'Gerald w. Baxter (Alternate Member)

Dr. William OBrien Hla Shwe

Steven Drake Eileen Featherman

70NING HFARING ROAW 'Gabriel Kolcun

Carl Smith Harvey J. Miller Joseph Johnson Frank Summa -

Kenneth R. Brown

Robert G. Williamson - RKR Hess AsSOC., Inc.

co"T Mullin & Lonergan Associates, InC.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

' Members of the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee

'Charles A. Garris (Former Council Member)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTION

0 Regional Location Map #1

I I EXISTING LAND USE

A. 6. 0

C. D. E F. G 0

General Land Use Changes Land Use Comparison Chart 1 Land Use Comparison Graph 1 Residential Land Use Commercial Land Use Industrial Land Use Institutional Land Use Other Land Uses Generalized Existing Land Use Map #2

I I I PROPOSED LAND USE

A. B. C. D.

Introduction Land Use Categories Proposed Land Use Map Changes Housing Holding Capacity Housing Holding Capacity Chart Proposed Land Use Plan Map #3 Neighborhood Location Map #4 Existing Zoning Map with Recommended Zoning Changes Map #5 Vacant Land Use Map #6

I V TRAFFIC, TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING

A. Introduction 6. Street Classification C. Improvement Proposals D. Parking 0 Transportation Map #7

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V

V I

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

A. Education 4

B. Manufacturing C. Central Business District D. Community Development Projects

C OM MU N 1 TY FAC 1 L I TI E S

A. B. C. D. E F. G H I. J. K. L. e

e

Introduction Schools Recreation Public Safety Water System Sanitary Sewer System Curb Sidewalks and Streets Storm Water System Public Works Elderly Housing East S tro uds bu rg University Pocono Medical Center Capital improvement Program Community Facilities Map #8 Capital Improvement Map #9

V I I IMPLEMENTATION

A. Property Taxes B. Municipal Bonds C. Intergovernmental Aid D. Local Codes and Ordinances

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CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

The Borough of East Stroudsburg was incorporated in 1870. This new community began to grow rapidly; it was helped not only by the influx of thousands of summer visitors, but also by manufacturers seeking a healthy environment for their factories. Industries that produced boilers, hosiery, knit, silk and leather goods, hardware and brass products, to name a few, found a home in East Stroudsburg. By 1900 the Borough had grown to a population of 2,648. A steady growth rate ensued and by 1960 the population was 6,972. By this time approximately 55% of all the land located in the Borough of East Stroudsburg had been developed. The growth pattern that resulted created incompatible land uses, areas of deterioration, congested streets, and overburdened community facilities. At that point Borough officials realized that governmental participation was necessary to regulate future development. Subsequently, a Comprehensive Plan was initiated, and by June of 1963 the 20 year plan was completed.

Today approximately 85% of the Borough's land is developed. It is apparent that East Stroudsburg along with Monroe County has undergone dramatic physical and economic change since 1963. Most of that change occurred during the past 8 years.

The recent growth of Monroe County has been a result of the pressure caused by the influx of New York and New Jersey workers seeking affordable housing. (Refer to Regional Transportation Map #1 for proximity to New York & New Jersey). In 1988, Monroe County had the second highest percentage increase in population of any County in Pennsylvania. The County's population increased by 28,037 persons from 1980 to 1988 (according to the Monroe County Growth Profile). Estimates indicate that the population increase will continue, and by 1990, the total population of Monroe County is expected to be over 100,000, an increase of over 100% in just 8 years.

Developers that recognized the opportunities in East Stroudsburg began to capitalize on its potential in the early eighties. This action caused an accelerated growth rate which led to escalated property values. Consequently, East Stroudsburg has been developed to a point where large tracts of raw land, which at one time were abundant, are now few.

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The growth experienced in East Stroudsburg has created both positive and negative impacts. Positive impacts include increased tax revenues and commerce. However, growth has also caused the need for increased public services such as police protection, fire protection, and infrastructure improvements. In fact, the Borough expects to spend up to 9.5 million dollars on sewer and water improvements by 1992.

The Borough is not opposed to growth, however, throughout its history residents have been provided with excellent community services, a healthy economic environment, and a small town atmosphere. These are attributes that many places lose as they grow to a point where costs to maintain infrastructure systems and other amenities exceed economic capabilities. However, these are attributes that East Stroudsburg has committed itself to maintain through a sensible approach to growth and development.

This Comprehensive Plan, through surveys of existing conditions, recent development and the distribution of growth, provides the framework for local government planning policy. In effect, it will serve as a guide to help assure the continued quality of life for all the residents of the Borough of East Stroudsburg.

The major elements of this Comprehensive Plan include the following:

1. Existina Land Use - This section focuses on the existing land uses in comparison to the growth that has taken place in the past 25 years. It also identifies the existing uses and make-up of the Community.

2. Proposed k d l l s e - This section identifies the highest and It also identifies best use for the land located in the Borough.

vacant areas and their potential for development.

3. fic & Transporwion - This section identifies the existing transportation system of the Borough while attempting to identify ways to improve the circulation patterns.

4. Economic Deve loDment - This section identifies possible development projects that will have an economic impact on the Borough and its residents.

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5. Com m u n i tv Faci l i t ies - This section .reviews schools, recreation facilities, public safety, ground water protection, sewer systems and other community facilities. It attempts to identify necessary improvements required to meet the future needs of the Community.

6. Plan Implementation. - This section identifies possible sources of funding for projects that are suggested in this document.

I The primary functions of this Plan are as follows:

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1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

To provide for orderly and planned residential growth in the remaining vacant areas of the Borough.

To provide a safe convenient source of water to B o r o u g h residents (aquifer protection).

To protect and preserve residential neighborhoods from the encroachment of commercial and institutional uses.

To provide institutional and commercial uses alternative methods of growth, i.e., relaxation of height and density requirements.

To expand the tax base and create jobs by encouraging the growth of commerce and industry in designated areas of the Borough.

To preserve open space and protect natural resources by directing development away from environmentally sensitive areas.

To plan all future development in a way that maintains the character of the Borough and preserves the quality of life.

To encourage the conversion of incompatible uses, in order to preserve the quality of residential neighborhoods.

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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

SCRANTON

TO NEW 7 0 R H

MAP NO. 1

REGIONAL LOCATION MAP

PHILADELPHIA 0

- M I L E S

BOROUGH OF EAST STROUDSBURG MONROE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

PREPARED BY MULLIN & LONERGAN ASSOCIATES, INC.

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CHAPTER I! EXISTING LAND US E

A. General Information

The information contained on the generalized existing land use map was derived from existing base maps, field surveys, and Borough officials. (Refer to Existing Land Use Map #2 at the end of this Chapter).

East Stroudsburg Borough is approximately 2.5 square miles in size or 1,561 acres. The Borough's Land Use can be broken down into the following categories:

0 Residential 0 Commercial 0 Inst i tut ional 0 Industr ial 0 Recreational/Cultu ral 0 Street R.O.W. 0 Vacant

The Borough's land use is somewhat unique in that it contains two institutional uses that are not commonly found in communities of a comparable size. These uses are East Stroudsburg University and the Pocono Medical Center. It is important to acknowledge these entities because they make Land Use Control a more complex and sen si tive issue.

This chapter focuses on existing land uses in the Borough as they relate to 'the changes that have taken place over the past twenty- five years and how they effect future growth.

6. Land Use Changes

During the past twenty-five years East Stroudsburg has evolved to a point where only a few large areas remain undeveloped. In 1960 approximately 47% of the land located within the Borough limits was undeveloped. Today, only 14% remains untouched. Of this amount, some land may have marginal development potential because of topography or other environmental concerns.

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For the purposes of this Comprehensive Plan vacant land is defined as follows:

Any parcel of land listed as a vacant parcel on the Monroe County tax assessment records. This includes small parcels that may never be developed but are used as yards for adjacent properties. This is relevant because actual developable land is estimated to be approximately 10%. (Refer to Chart 2, Holding Capacity).

On chart number 1 and graph number 1 it is important to acknowledge that the 1960 figures were taken from the 1963 Comprehensive Plan which indicated that the Borough of East Stroudsburg consisted of 1981.5 acres. According to the most recent data available from County tax assessment records the Borough actually consists of 1561 acres. This is a difference of 420.5 acres. The difference is believed to be the result of inaccurate boundaries and measuring techniques used in 1960. The County assessment records are based on plan-0-metric measurements which provide a more accurate delineation of the existing situation. As a result, the base map used in this Comprehensive Plan has been completely redrawn to reflect the information from the County tax assessment records.

In order to portray the most reasonably accurate comparison between the 1960 and 1987 land use data, the 1960 data has been adjusted to reflect a total land use acreage of 1561. However, each land use category retains the percent of the total area as reported in 1960. The acres per land use category have been adjusted accordingly, e.g. residential land use in 1960 was reported to be approximately 24% (.24 x 1561 acres = 375 acres).

In order to fully understand the chart and graph land use categories are defined below:

Residential - any land used for residential purposes which include (single family, multifamily, high rises, townhouses) and other types of residential uses.

C o m m e rc i a I / P u b I i c / S e m i - P u b I i c - includes commercial structures, public buildings, parks, playgrounds, schools, hospitals, cemeteries.

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Industrial - includes any existing industrial use.

Streets, Transportation - includes streets and railroad right-of- ways.

Vacant - any parcel of land assessed as vacant on the Monroe County tax assessment records.

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CHART 1

1 9 6 0 * July, 1987

% of Yo of Total Acres Total

Adjusted Land Uses Acres

* * 24 765 4 9

YO Change

+ l o 4 Residential

Commercial Public/Serni- Public

47 I Industrial

375

203

203 I Street s/Tr anspor t a t io n Util i ty

Vacant 733

I Totals 1561 100 1561 100

NOTE: Numbers and percentages have been rounded to the nearest whole number. Information contained in this chart has been taken from the 1963 Comprehensive Plan prepared by Condeub Cabot and Associates and the 1989 Monroe County Growth Profile.

* Original 1960 figures have been adjusted to reflect a total of 1561 total acres.

* This number was adjusted to reflect any new residential subdivision approved between July, 1987 and September, 1989.

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5 0 -

4 0

30 - I

Percent of Total

20 - I

10 -

O +

East Stroudsburg Comparison Graph

196011987 Land Use

+ +

L E G E N D

1960 Land Use 1987 Land Use

*This graph represents data on the Land Use Comparison Chart

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C. Residential Land Use

New Residential land uses account for the largest percentage of growth that has taken place in East Stroudsburg. In 1963 24% of the total land area was considered residential in use. Today, 49% of the land use in East Stroudsburg would be considered residential. Over the past three years, 375 new residential units were constructed. The Residential growth is expected to continue as the demand for h o us i ng increases .

A variety of residential uses exist in East Stroudsburg today, each serving a particular segment of the population. These can be broken down as follows:

Single family residential e Converted single family residential to multi-family

e Multi-family residential e Elderly housing (high-rise) e Condominiums e Townhouses

( p ri mari I y for students)

D. Commercial Land Use

Pure commercial land uses, which do not include public or semi- public uses, are estimated to have increased slightly from 4% in 1960 to 6% in 1989. This accounts for only a small increase in actual acres of commercial development. The apparent lack of commercial growth may be misleading, because of the following factors:

1. Many commercial developments such as office spaces do not require large parcels of property because of multi- level facilities.

2. Many of the areas zoned commercial were already developed prior to 1960 such as the Central Business Distr ict.

3. Many Pre-1960 commercial buildings and/or residential buildings have been converted to new commercial uses.

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The two shopping center areas account for the major commercial development that has taken place in the Borough over the past twenty-five years. Smaller commercial development has taken place along North Courtland Street. Much of this development consists of conversions and expansions. Commercial expansions and nonconforming commercial uses and structures continue to be a concern of the East Stroudsburg Government Officials and residents. The encroachment of the commercial uses into the residential areas, especially along N. Courtland Street, is a circumstance that needs to be controlled because the expansion of businesses along North Courtland Street has the potential to:

1. Create heavier traffic flows and more stop and go traffic on a street that is not capable of handling a larger volume.

2. Increase the possibility of pedestrian and motorist hazards.

3. Create an undesirable environment for the surrounding residential neighbors.

The expansion of existing commercial uses in sensitive areas such as North Courtland Street should be carefully examined for potential impacts on the surrounding residential neighborhoods. The expansion of existing structures should be carefully regulated so as to provide the least amount of negative impact.

E. Industrial Land Use

Industrial land uses have not increased over the past twenty-five years. Industrial land use accounts for slightly over 2% of the total land use in the Borough. Over the years, the vacant land that at one time was zoned industrial has been rezoned to other districts. This was done primarily to allow residential development. Nevertheless, industrial zones have been depleted. Any further rezoning of the limited remaining industrial land should be carefully researched prior to consideration for change.

F. Institutional Land Uses

The Borough of East Stroudsburg has two major institutional uses. They are:

East Stro udsbu rg University

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0 The Poconr, Medical Center

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G.

Although institutional uses provide major economic benefits, they often create the following concerns:

0 Encroachment into residential neighborhoods Housing concerns

0 Congregation of students 0 Increased needs for fire and police protection

The growth of institutional uses can be very controversial. Many residences surrounding the institutional uses are converted to some type of accessory or supporting use to the institutions, such as medical offices or student housing. Many times this causes concern from the residents and local governing body who attempt to maintain a separation of uses.

Institutional uses require special attention from planners because their impacts can be both positive and negative. Therefore, it is important that the local government and institutions have a close working relationship. Each should be sensitive to the needs of the community while attempting to capitalize on the attributes of the institutions.

Other Land Uses

Other land uses include public and semi-public uses, such as schools, churches, municipal buildings, recreation areas, street right of ways and vacant land. Even though these uses are scattered throughout the community they have a major impact on the overall ability of the Borough to provide a high quality life for its residents.

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BOROUGH OF EAST STROUDSBURG ~ MONROECOUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

PREPAREDBY MULLIN 8z LONERGAN ASSOCIATES, INC.

0 400 800 - ' F E E T

L E G E N D

RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

INDUSTRIAL

PUBLIC / SEMI-PUBLIC

RECREATION w d

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CHAPTER lll PROPOSED LAND USE

A. Introduction

The proposed land use plan was developed in recognition of existing and proposed land uses and current zoning within East Stroudsburg and surrounding municipalities.

A proposed land use plan shows, in a generalized fashion, how future development is envisioned. The purpose of the plan is to carry out the community's development objectives and to provide a basis for zoning classification throughout the Borough. Several factors contribute to the development of a comprehensive plan.

The first of these factors is the existing pattern of development in the Borough and surrounding municipalities. How the area has developed to date clearly will influence how it will grow in the future. The surrounding municipalities are Stroud T o w n s h i p , Smithfield Township and Stroudsburg Borough.

Stroud Township is considered to be a suburban municipality. Therefore, much of its growth is expected to be residential in nature. The Township is currently in the process of rezoning the property adjacent to East Stroudsburg which is proposed as an R-3 District. This is a compatible transition from the East Stroudsburg commercial and residential districts that Stroud Township abut.

Smithfield Township, much like Stroud Township, is a suburban municipality. This suburban municipality is made up primarily o f residential developments. At this time, there are no plans to rezone any of the Township's land, therefore, no negative impacts are expected.

Stroudsburg is the Borough's neighboring urban municipality. The boundary (Broadhead Creek) between the two serves as a natural buffer. Both communities are sensitive to the environmental concerns of the Broadhead Creek which is vital to the water supply of East Stroudsburg, Strouds Township, and Stroudsburg. Therefore, floodplain development is limited in both communities and consistent with Federal floodplain regulations.

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The second faclor is the vitality of the current real estate market. In addition, an important factor is the local community's d ev e I o p m e n t objectives .

Another factor influencing the proposed land use plan is the physical carrying capacity of currently undeveloped property. Steep slopes, the water table, soils and the suitability of certain areas all limit the development potential of the land. Density levels envisioned by the proposed land use plan must be based on these site character is t ics.

Related to the carrying capacity of land is the service capacity of local roads, recreation facilities and utilities. In any development situation only a limited number of cars can be accommodated in a safe fashion, and its recreation facilities can only handle so much use. Because the Borough has a limited growth potential these factors become even more important. This is why it is so important for the governing body to carefully control and regulate the future growth of the Borough.

B. Land Use Categories

For the purpose of the proposed land use map the Borough has been divided into eight land use categories. The major categories are explained below in terms of delineation and rationale. Reference can be made to the Proposed Land Use Map contained herein. (Map #3).

1. Residential (Low Density) i# Refer to Neighborhood Map #4 for General land use locations.

Within the Borough low density residential neighborhoods are generally located in the following areas:

Northeast Section of the Borough known as part of Eagle Valley

0 The area East of Prospect Street running to the Borough limits, and North of the University running to Burson Street.

0 The area West of North Courtland Street and North of the This is the area known as Berwick Senior High School.

Heights.

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2.

a The area West of North Courtland Street and North of the This is the area known as Berwick Senior High School.

Heights.

These areas predominantly consist of single family dwellings on lots averaging in size approximately 14,000 sq. ft. The low density residential areas are zoned R-1 on the Official Zoning Map. Permitted uses in the R-1 zone include single family residential and accessory uses only. The primary purpose of the R-1 District is to preserve the existing character of the neighborhoods, and also to provide for the orderly expansion of suburban type residential development, which in turn prevents the overcrowding of land.

Residential (Medium Density)

Within the Borough the following areas are considered medium density residential:

The area East of Oak Street between East Sixth Street and Burson Street; known as the Bricktown Area.

The area West of Williams Street between Perry Street and Brookside; known as part of the King Street Area.

The area West of Henry Street between West Vine Street and Day Street; known as Maple Hurst Flats.

a The area West of Prospect Street running to the Railroad to Normal Street between Smith Street and the Borough limits; known as part of College Heights.

These areas are zoned R-2 on the Official Zoning Map. Permitted uses in the R-2 zone include:

Single Family Two Family

Special exception uses include:

Conversions a Mobile Home Parks a Rooming or Boarding Houses

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3.

Conditional uses include:

a Planned Residential Development's (P.R.D.)

These areas consist primarily of single family and two family homes on medium sized lots. However, non-conforming uses can be found on a spot basis. Most of these areas were developed prior to the adoption of the Zoning Ordinance. In order to maintain land use consistency, these areas should remain medium density in character.

Residential (Single and two-family homes on smaller lot sizes)

Within the Borough the following areas consist of a higher concentration of single family and two family homes:

a The North West section of the Borough; known as the King Street Area.

a The area generally West of the Railroad tracks running to Grove Street between West Broad Street and Vine Street.

a The area running East of North Kristler Street t o Prospect Street between Elm Street and East Broad Street.

a The area South of the Central Business District located in the Brown Street, South Courtland Street and Washington Street Triangle.

These areas are zoned R-3 on the Official Zoning M a p . Permitted uses in the R-3 Zoning District include all uses permitted in the R-2 District.

In addition, multi-family residential and public and semi- public uses are permitted under a special exception. Th is allows for development flexibility under a controlled ci rcu ms tance.

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4. Institutional/Educational

The InstitutionaVEducational Zoning Disk:ict is iden ified on the proposed land use map as educational. The factors considered when delineating these boundaries were as follows:

1. The existing room for expansion within the Education Boundaries.

2. Future plans for expansion.

3. Potential impacts on the surrounding neighborhoods.

4. Economic impacts.

5. Highest and best use of surrounding vacant land.

It was determined that property surrounding the educational boundaries on the future land use map are well suited for residential uses. This determination is in no way intended to belittle the importance of the institutional uses. However, proper zoning techniques need to be instituted that will be equitable to all parties involved.

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5. I nsti tu t io nal/Medical

The institutionaVmedica1 uses are located along the corner area of Prospect Street and Brown Street.

The proposed land use map designates the areas that are suitable for institutional medical uses. This is a sensitive area because the conversions of single family homes into medical uses have occurred. It is important to maintain a buffer between the medical offices and the residential uses. Medical offices should be permitted to Front Prospect Street only under the following conditions:

0 Adequate parking is provided

0 Landing and screening is provided.

0 Conversions remain as special exception uses

0 Height limitations are instituted.

6. Commercial

The commercial district can be broken down into four (4) areas.

The Central Business (CBD).

0 The Shopping Center South of the (CBD).

0 The commercial uses along North Courtland Street.

0 The Northern commercial area along Milford Road.

As discussed in the existing land use section, commercial development has been slow over the past 10 years. Areas zoned for future commercial development appear to be adequate at this time. Therefore, the proposed land use plan has remained the same in terms of areas dedicated to commercial land uses.

Many times commercial growth takes form by the expansion of existing businesses. Special consideration needs to be given

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to sensitive areas such as the commercial area along North Courtland Street. Strip Zoning should be avoided despite the pressure from commercial users. Instead North Courtland Street should retain its existing character.

7. Industrial

An industrial land use designation is given to 3 specific areas in the Borough. They are:

The Northwest section of the Borough starting at the intersection of Birch Street and Oak Street running North along the Railroad tracks to the Borough limits.

The East side of Birch Street North of Burson Street.

0 The South Western portion of the Borough.

As mentioned previously much of the industrial land has been rezoned to residential. This was done for the following reasons:

The demand for Housing was high.

Available land was limited.

0 The suitability of the land for residential development was good.

0 Lack of demand for industrial development.

Availability and accessibility of public water and sewer connections.

It has become important however to carefully examine further requests to rezone any of the remaining industrial lands in the Borough of East Stroudsburg.

The Borough needs to be careful not to squeeze out potential industrial development activities.

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C. Proposed Land Use Map Changes

Based on the information available three areas were identified as needing land redesignation in order to be compatible with the existing conditions.

The three specific areas are:

Area 1: The Northeast section of the Borough; North of E. Sixth Street and East of N. Courtland Street. (Grandview Street Area)

Area 2: The Pocono Medical Center/East Stroudsburg University Area.

Area 3: The Central Business District Area.

* Please refer to the proposed land use and existing zoning map at the end of this chapter. (Map #3 & #5).

t section of Fast Stroudaura Borough

The existing make up of this section of the Borough is primarily low density residential containing single family homes on fairly large lots. The existing land use map however, identifies the area as medium density residential. Also, the specific zoning classification is R-2. Principal permitted uses in this district are one and two family dwellings. This gives developers an opportunity to build two family housing on the small amount of vacant land available in the area. This is possible considering the increased demand and decreased supply of housing in East Stroudsburg. The development of medium density units such as duplexes would change the character of a neighborhood that should be retained.

In conclusion, the existing zoning classification and land use map does not correlate to the existing conditions of this section of East Stroudsburg. In order to protect the integrity of this neighborhood the land use map and zoning classifications should be revised to low density residential (Zoning R-1).

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Areas 3: Pocono Mdica l Center/Fmt Stroudsbura Universitv Area

The institutional uses in this area of the Borough continue to expand, therefore it is important to regulate future growth. In order to do so, proper land use techniques have to be adopted. New Zoning Districts and corresponding regulations should separate the University and hospital uses. This is necessary because each use has unique needs. The grouping of 2 distinct institutional uses into one category does not allow the proper'regulation of those uses. The Zoning regulations should reflect the separation of these uses.

The expansion of the University and Medical Center into the residential areas continues to be a major concern. It is important to protect the residential uses and currently zoned residential areas. However, it is also important to allow the institutional uses to grow. Therefore Zoning techniques may be used that allow the institutional uses to expand by increasing density allowance and height requirements. By doing so, institutional uses can expand and the residential land areas can be retained.

Central R u m s s District Area . . Area 3:

East Stroudsburg Central Business District (C.B.D.) is currently designated as a C-1 Zone. This puts the C.B.D. in the same category as the other business areas. It is important to distinguish the difference between the C.B.D. and the other commercial areas by creating a separate Zoning District.

It is recommended that the Central Business District area is rezoned to a Central Business District Zone. New Zoning Regulations should address the following issues:

1. Signage 2. Parking 3. Height Limitations 4. Density

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D. Housing Holding Capacity

The purpose of this section is to identify the undeveloped areas of the Borough. Each undevelopeG area has a particular density capacity based on Zoning and Environmental Restrictions. These considerations are accounted for in Chart 11.

As mentioned previously in this report much of East Stroudsburg has already been developed. Of the 1,561 total acres located in the Borough, approximately 21 8 acres remain vacant.

The majority of the vacant tracts of land, larger than 2 acres a re located in the following Zoning Districts: (Refer to Existing Zoning Map #5 and Vacant Land Use Map #6).

R-1 Zone - 56 acres R-2 Zone - 45 acres R-3 Zone - 10 acres S-1 Zone - 5QAG.m

Total 161 acres

The balance of vacant land located in the Borough consists of small parcels of properties scattered throughout the Borough.

The information contained on the following chart is based on Zoning District Boundary's and Zoning Requirements as of September, 1989. Any future changes to the Zoning Ordinance could have an effect on the total Housing Holding Capacity.

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m m m m m m m

c c c

East Stroudsburg Borough Land Use Holding Capacity

u) i .- C

2 -0 5

t E n 3 2 .E a x >

90"

0 U

R-1 m

500 sq.ft per unit

400 sq.ft per unit

406 sq.ft per unit

1.8 ac.

56 ac. 8.40 ac. 44.8 ac.

36.0 ac.

36.0 ac.

34.2 ac.

- - 270

R-2 m 45 ac. 6.75 ac. 2.5 ac.

300 sq.ft. per unit

per unit

.7 ac.

.4 ac.

300 sq.ft.

8.0 ac.

8.0 ac.

7.3 ac.

............................. .................

....................... .......................

.............................................

-

_I

- 120

12 Family I 7l5Oo

1 Family I ' , ................................................... I

.5 ac. ............................................................................... ......................... Multi-

......................................................

R-3 m

10 ac. 1.50 ac.

6 0

Single Family 16,000 40.0 ac.

40.0 ac.

37.5 ac.

Not Required

Not Required

2.8 ac.

2.1 ac.

I

I i s- 1 ins

50 ac. 7.50 ac. 2.5 ac.

300

TOTALS 477 I 632 TOTALS 720 630 161 ac. 24.15 ac.

(Refer to pg. 23)

This category includes parcels larger than two acres. They are not necessarily contiguous parcels.

* The undevelopable land category has been calculated at 5%. This category included intense sloping topography, flood hazard and wetland areas and other environmentally sensitive areas.

* Open space calculations are based on minimum requirements.

* Multi-family calculations are based on twelve units per acre maximum allowable under Section 5.600 of the Zoning Ordinance.

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The data included on the chart reveals a total Housing Holding Capacity in each Zoning District as follows:

R-1 District - 156 Single Family Units R-2 District - 322 Two Family Units R-3 District - 120 Multi-Family Units S-1 District - 60Q Multi-Family Units

Total 1,198

Based on the maximum Housing Development Scenario, the Borough of East Stroudsburg has Land Use Regulations that would permit the construction of an additional 1,198 Residential Units, adding up to 3,881 residents to its population. This is based on an average household size of 3.24 persons per family. If the Borough continues to grow at an average rate of 125 units per year, as it has for the past three, the vacant land would be depleted in 10 years. This does not include infill development, redevelopment, and or expansions that could account for an additional 100-200 units.

During the next 10 years, the Borough needs to direct its growth management efforts towards achieving its objectives as summarized below:

1. To provide orderly growth. 2. To provide safe source of water. 3. To protect residential neighborhoods. 4. To preserve open space. 5. To preserve the quality of life. 6. To provide adequate public safety. 7. To maintain a small town atmosphere.

In order to maintain the quality of life committment, Borough Officials need to protect against negative social, economic, and environmental impacts. This can be done by regulating the future expansion of the Borough.

Regulating techniques include:

Revisions to the Zoning Ordinance (Le., lower density zoning, increased open space requirements).

e Revisions to the Subdivision Ordinance.

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0 Requiring impact studies for applicants for residential developments of more than 20 units, or land developments that generate a traffic volume of 100 or more cars per day.

The market study could include:

Market Study - Evidence of a sufficient market for the size type and character of housing.

Traffic impact - Provide a study dealing with vehicular impacts upon public roads used as access to the development.

Service Impact - Analysis of the impacts on:

1. Public Safety ' 2. Schools 3. Roads 4. Recreation 1

5. Storm Water Drainage

Compatibility with Municipal Ordinances.

1. Zoning 2. Subdivision 3. Others as applicable.

In summary, the continued updating of land use legislation to implement the comprehensive plan, storm water management plan, groundwater protection plan, and others, are vital to the overall success of the Borough at providing the residents with excellent community services, a healthy economic environment, and a small town atmosphere.

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I EXISTING ZONING DISTRICT BOUNDARIES

R 1 SINGLE FAMILY

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C1 COMMUNITY

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S 1 SPECIAL PURPOSE

INST INSTITUTIONAL

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CBD CENTRAL BUSINESS

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CHAPTER I V TRAFFIC, TRANS PORTA T I0 N, AND PAR KING

A. Introduction

A community is shaped in part by its network of streets and highways. A transportation system in a larger context, can be thought of as a community service ranking in importance with health and safety institutions, utilities, schools, and recreation areas. Transportation service is provided to the public in two distinct but equally important forms:

0 Access to property 0 Movement of people and goods through the community

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Street right-of-ways not only handle motor vehicles but also accommodate the location of public and private utilities, such as, water, sewer, gas, electric power, and telephone lines. Additionally, streets provide parking adjacent to curb lines or shoulders for motor vehicles even though many streets were not designed to provide on- street parking.

B. Street Classification

East Stroudsburg has already developed its basic transportation system. State Highways, arterial and collector streets have generally been established. Future additions to the road system, will be primarily local in nature providing access to new developments, except for the proposed 1-80 interchange at Lincoln Avenue.

The Borough's network of streets can be divided into the following classifications. (Refer to Transportation Map #7).

0 Limited Access St reets

The term "limited access" means an access-free, grade- separated interchange, high speed road. The freeway has only one function - to carry high speed traffic. Because it is specialized with no access, no parking, and no grade intersections, it is an efficient carrier. Right-of-way

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widths vary from 250' to 300', depending on the area through which they traverse.

Interstate Route 80 at the Southeastern end of the Borough serves in this capacity. With the interchange located in the Borough it places the Borough in an enviable position. Access to the Interstate is important to the University, the Hospital, and local industry.

Arterial St reeb

In the East Stroudsburg subdivision of land ordinance a major traffic street is defined as follows:

MAJOR TRAFFIC STREETS - Those serving large volumes of comparatively high-speed and long-distance traffic and include facilities classified as main and secondary highways by the Pennsylvania State Highway Department and include streets classified as arterial thoroughfares or primary streets in the Traffic Plan adopted by the Borough Planning Commission.

According to the design standards major traffic streets require a right of way of 80' with a 40' pavement width.

Prospect Street from the Route 80 interchange to Ridgeway Street and Ridgeway Street to the bridge connecting the Borough to Stroudsburg serve as arterial streets. Also acting in this capacity are Washington Street and Courtland Street.

0 Residential Access St reet (Minor Street1

This is the lowest order of residential streets. It provides for access to lots and carries traffic having destination or origin on the street itself. It is designed to carry the least amount of traffic at the lowest speed. All, or the maximum number of housing units, should front on this class of street. An east to west orientation is considered desirable to allow for maximum solar lot configuration.

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According to the design standards in the subdivision regulation minor streets are required to have a 55' right of way width with a 34' pavement width when providing access to lots less than 75' wide. For lots larger than 75' wide, right of way width shall be 50' with a 28' pavement width.

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This is the highest order of residential street that conducts and distributes traffic between lower-order residential streets and higher-order streets defined as follows:

Those which, in addition to giving access to abutting properties, intercept minor streets and provide routes, carrying considerable volumes of traffic, to community facilities and to major traffic, streets and include streets classified as secondary streets in the traffic plan adopted by the Borough Planning Commission.

0 Allev

An alley is a service road that provides secondary means of access to lots. In East Stroudsburg, alleys are privately owned and maintained. They function primarily as private drives to garages.

0 C u I-de- Sac

A street with a single means of ingress and egress and having a turnaround. The design of a turnaround may vary.

e Marainal Access St reet

Minor streets, parallel and adjacent to major traffic streets, providing access to abutting properties and control of intersections with the major traffic streets.

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According to the East Stroudsburg Subdiv is ion Regulations marginal access streets are required to have 45' right of ways with 28' pavement widths when providing access to lots less than 75' wide. For lots larger than 75' wide, right of ways shall be 40' with 21' pavement widths.

b Stub Street

A portion of a street which has been approved in its entirety which is usually permitted as part of a phased development.

In summary, right-of-way standards as mentioned in this section are intended as guides and not as mandates. There are many factors which serve to make up a traffic system and that system's ability to move pedestrians and traffic efficiently and safely. These should be taken into consideration as plans for land use materialize. They should also be used as a guide when updating the Subdivision Ordinance.

C. Improvement Proposals

In the 1983 Comprehensive Plan update, references were made to possible traffic c i rcu I ati o n imp rove m e n t s . Many of those suggestions were important. However, implementation was not enacted because of funding constraints.

The following list of projects provides a long range plan that will have significant impact on the Borough's Circulation Patterns. (Refer to Transportation Map #7).

East Broad Street extension to Highland Road.

The site distances and turning movements at Eagle Valley Corner and the E. Sixth Street/Courtland Street intersections need improvements. Traffic lights would be advisable at intersections in order to better control traffic in excess of 20,000 vehicles per day..

Intersection improvements, in terms of sight distances, channelization and turning radii could be made at Brown and Prospect Streets, Analomink and Courtland Streets, Burson and Courtland Streets and at the railroad tracks at Lackawanna Avenue and Courtland Street.

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Traffic safety remains to be a concern for vehicles coming from the Borough of Stroudsburg on Brown Street approaching the " Y : intersection with Bridge Street and S. Courtland Street. Traffic is moving relatively fast at this point and vehicles headed for Route 80 via Ridgeway Street must maneuver to the right. This has not proven to be too difficult. However, traffic turning left onto Courtland Street are faced with several problems. First, vehicular speed is usually too fast for the curve from a wide street into a more narrow cartway. Secondly, the sight distance into the turn is poor and finally, a shopping center entrance is located too close to the intersection, Traffic waiting to make the turn into the shopping center entrance is located too close to the intersection. Traffic waiting to make the turn into the shopping center is threatened by through traffic and vice versa. Ideally, the driveway should be relocated. At the very least, the turning radius into the shopping center should be enlarged.

Courtland Street as it goes through the Borough must be monitored for increased traffic volumes. Continued pressure for non- residential uses along this right-of-way will reduce the street's effectiveness as a traffic carrier. Zoning Ordinance revisions must consider this factor.

The proposed Interstate 80 Interchange at Lincoln Avenue.

This project is important to the Borough of East Stroudsburg for the following reasons:

To serve the Lincoln Avenue Commercial Center.

To serve the proposed waste energy facility, sewage sludge pelletization plant and the recycling plant.

To relieve overloading of Prospect Street and reduce heavy traffic through residential neighborhoods.

To eliminate overloading of Ridgeway Street and the existing narrow bridge over the Conrail Railroad.

Emergency exit for 1-80.

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0 To provide improved access to areas of the Borough located on the south side of 1-80

The proposed route location would be as follows:

0 (South of 1-80) - The route begins on the south side of I- 80 and the west side of Prospect Street, opposite the intersection of the east bound exit ramp and the east bound entrance ramp to 1-80. This route will use existing rights-of-way along Forge Road for a good portion of its length.

The route does not adversely affect existing land uses and opens up the area to uses which will complement changes in the character and land use of the Lincoln Avenue and the C.B.D. areas. The estimated travel time from the 1-80 Interchange to Brown Street is approximately 65 seconds.

This information taken from the Highway Feasibility Study

0. Parking

Parking in downtown East Stroudsburg has become a major concern to the C.B.D. merchants. The Borough should consider future public parking projects. Two downtown properties that could be considered are:

1. The old Lackawanna Railroad property on the east side of the Railroad tracks across from the Central Business Distr ict.

2. The property adjacent to the Horlacher property known as the Christine property.

The Borough should also consider zoning regulations that require additional off-street parking spaces in the downtown for residential uses only. Parking required for commercial uses may discourage potential development. One would also contend that a prospective developer would investigate the needs for parking and provide that additional parking if proven necessary to the operation of a business. In other areas of the Borough parking and loading and ingress and egress routes for businesses need to be better defined in the zoning

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ordinance. Stricter and more clarified design standards could be adopted that would regulate the landscaping and design criteria of parking areas.

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CHAPTER V ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

A. Education

Clearly one of the primary economic strengths of East Stroudsburg Borough is East Stroudsburg University. The University provides community benefits including such things as: student expenditures (food, clothing, housing), faculty and employee salaries, bank deposits and more. Intangible benefits include the value of the institution in relation to prospective industry, research and technological innovation, stable employment base, continuing educational opportunities and a wide range of cultural programs and devices. The future expansion of the University needs to be carefully planned in order to maximize economic benefit and limit neighborhood conflict.

B. Manufacturing

Manufacturing in East Stroudsburg Borough has remained fairly consistent for the past ten years with the exception of the International Boiler Works (I.B.W.) plant shutdown. The plant is currently being used by several small manufacturing uses. It does not appear that the entire facility will be utilized as one unit; probably because the cost of a conversion would be uneconomical. More likely, the plant could be used as a multi-unit manufacturing facility. A tax abatement program such as LERTA may help activate interest in the use of the I.B.W. plant.

C. Central Business District

The Central Business District, for the most part is service oriented which is typical of most central business districts of today. East Stroudsburg is unique however, in that it has only one vacant building in downtown. The recently completed Dansbury Depot appears to have helped bring people back into the downtown area.

The vacant lot at the corner of Crystal Street and Analomink Street is a prime piece of property in the center of town. Several developers have discussed possible projects. However, these projects never came to fruition. It is believed that the intention of

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D.

the Borough to .create additional parking in the downtown area will make this vacant corner more attractive for development.

Co m m u n it y Development Projects

A proposed solid waste disposal incinerator is expected to be constructed in the Borough. Also, the University has been working with East Stroudsburg and Stroudsburg to research the feasibility of a joint recycling program. A sewage sludge peletization plant is also being proposed in the East Stroudsburg area. This facility would handle all of the sewage plant sludge and septic tank sludge in Monroe County.

These three multi-million dollar facilities will definitely have a instant economic impact in terms of construction purposes alone. They would also generate taxes and create employment opportunities. These proposals may prove to be very positive economically for the Borough but should be handled in a very sensitive manner.

The National Park Service has been studying the feasibility o f restoring the railroad tracks running through the center of Downtown East Stroudsburg. The project is called Steamtown. The "Steamtown" Project would provide a passenger rail service from Scranton to the nearby Delaware Water Gap National Park. It is possible that Steamtown would create a economic benefit for East Stroudsburg.

A recently completed Study by Gannett Flemming Engineers recommended the use of 28.5 miles of New Jersey Rail Bed, running through Sussex, Warren, and Morris Counties for a commuter rail service compatible with the New Jersey Transit. The report indicated rail stations in Andover Borough, Blairstown, and the Water Gap. The rail would operate as an extension of existing NJ rail lines making a commute to Newark or New York possible. The Study suggested however, that only by 1995, would ridership warrant reopening the cutoff.

The opening of the cutoff in New Jersey would provide the opportunity for a future rail connection between New Jersey and Pennsylvania at the Delaware Water Gap. If such a connection were warranted, East Stroudsburg would possibly serve as a rail station. Because the rail bed runs parallel and adjacent to the Central

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Business District, parking and traffic would be major concerns. The Borough would have to carefully plan and consult with Monroe County & State Agencies to determine how best to avoid potential negative impacts, and capitalize on positive ones.

All in all, the Borough is economically sound. Businesses and industries appear to be stable as the community continues to grow.

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CHAPTER VI COMMUNITY FACILITIES

A. Introduction

The quality of a community's facilities helps establish the perception of a particular place in terms of health safety and welfare of the residents. In many cases the quality of community facilities has a direct effect over the growth of that community. Among the most important facilities are education, infrastructure (water, sewer, streets), recreation, plus fire and police protection.

Below is a list of existing facilities and projections, and or future needs of the community. (Refer to Community Facilities Map #8).

B. Schools

The Borough of East Stroudsburg is part of the East Stroudsburg area school district which encompasses 21 4 square miles. The Township's that are located in the school district include: Smithfield, Middle Smithfield, Price, Porter, and Lehman Townships.

The East Stroudsburg School system breaks down as follows:

One Public High School One Public Junior High School (7-8) One Public intermediate school (6) One Public Elementary School (Kindergarten to 5)

The School Board has experienced an increased enrollment over the past six years. This growth is expected to continue. School District enrollment projections for the next 9 years are as follows:

3,236 - 1989 3,417 - 1990 3,629 - 1991 3,821 - 1992

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4,055 - 1993 4,298 - 1994 5,442 - 1995 4,811 - 1996 5,048 - 1997

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Even though these projections cover a school district of 214 square miles, it gives us an indication of the growth East Stroudsburg and surrounding communities are experiencing.

Because of this expected growth the School Board is attempting to accommodate the future needs of the School District by proposing changes to existing facilities. The Senior High School will soon be completing a four million dollar renovation/expansion project. The intermediate school is expected to be turned into an elementary school for grades kindergarten to fifth grade. The seventh and eighth grade school is expected to be demolished for parking for the high school; and a new sixth, seventh, and eighth grade school is expected to be constructed outside of the Borough limits.

The following two private schools are located in the Borough:

One Combined Catholic High School and Junior High School One Catholic Elementary School (Kindergarten to 6)

The Catholic Elementary School has also experienced an increased enrollment. Because of this increase the school has recently undergone a $250,000 expansion. The Catholic Junior High/Senior High School on the other hand has not experienced an increase enrollment. However, the increasing number of elementary school students will eventually effect the enrollment of the JH-SH School. Projected increases should be carefully calculated and accommodations for such increases need to be addressed.

C. Recreation

The Borough of East Stroudsburg has three local parks that provide a majority of the recreational activities in the Borough. Naturally, these parks are the most commonly used in the Borough, The parks are Dansbury Park, Zacharias Park and Gregory's Pond. Activities are both active and passive in nature. Some of the activities include: baseball, swimming, picnicing, walking, and jogging.

Because of the continued growth of the community, the Borough must plan for the upgrading and expansion of the park systems. Also possibilities of smaller parks in the Fairview Street and Spangenberg Avenue areas should be investigated. In the meantime, several park projects need to be addressed. They are:

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Dansbury .Park Swimming Pool and Bath House Rehabilitation which includes:

The General work will consist of:

0 Handicap ramps to pool and locker rooms Installation of hollow metal doors

0 Installation of windows 0 Instal I at ion of skylights 0 New single ply roof 0 New electrical service and hot water tank

Zacharias Park needs include:

0 Baseball field improvements 0 Bath room faci I it ies 0 Additional hiking trail 0 Possible multi-purpose field (soccer - minor league

foot ba I I)

Gregory's Pond Improvement needs include:

0 passive recreational upgrading (picnicing, walking).

The school system provides the typical range of Recreational activities for the students.

The East Stroudsburg University campus also provides a source of recreation. It has a park type setting. This area can be used for walking or just sitting. Active facilities include tennis courts, swimming, ball fields, and the like. Even though the facilities are student and faculty dominated, they provide spectator interest and are occasionally used by the general public.

Several regional recreational activities are very close to the Borough. Natural attractions in the area and private recreational facilities include the Delaware Water Gap and the Pocono Mountain region. These sites provide a wide range of active and passive recreational facilities available to East Stroudsburg Borough residents.

In conclusion, the Borough of East Stroudsburg is in a good location. Many recreational activities are available for both children, young

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adults and adults. These activities include both passive and active recreation. As the region continues to grow the needs of the community will need redefined.

For now, modifications to the existing recreational facilities will be adequate to service the needs of the Community..

D. Public Safety

Public safety is a major concern in any municipality. The Borough of East Stroudsburg has a very good police and fire protection record. This is a result of the commitment of the Governing Body to have a safe community. In order to maintain this effectiveness the Borough must continually re-evaluate its needs; especially because of the population increase over the past 6 years.

In order to maintain the current level of police service, the Borough is expected to make the following adjustments:

e Expand the existing police headquarters. e Hire additional police officers.

Fire protection in East Stroudsburg is also commendable. However, an increase in the number of structures over the past several years has had a direct effect on the amount of equipment needed to provide the necessary protection to the residents. In fact, a new truck is expected to replace an outdated pumper truck and an old ladder tru'ck. The new truck will be a combination pumper/ladder truck. Much like police protection fire protection is essential. The need for new equipment is continual. Future planning for equipment upgrades need to be monitored annually.

E. Ground Water

The protection of the ground water supply is a critical issue in the Borough of East Stroudsburg. The purchase of additional land in the reservoir water shed area has been initiated in order to ensure the long term quality and quantity of water in the Borough. Also, a new well and water tank are being proposed. All these efforts are attempts by the Borough to provide a safe convenient source of water for the residents. The aquifer protection plan written for the Borough is the source document for the Borough's water protection

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policy. Zoning policy should be implemented as a tool to regulate any activities that take place within the Aquifer Protection Area.

F. Sanitary Sewer System

Many of the Borough's sewer lines are approaching 30 years of age. The Borough has several problems relating to the sewer system, these are:

0 Antiquated and undersized lines 0 Infiltration and inflow 0 Potential industrial waste hazards

In an attempt to correct the problems noted above the Borough has continually replaced lines as funding was available. The Borough has also initiated a pre-treatment study for local industry waste. The results of the study will determine the actions taken by the governing body.

G. Curbs, Streets, and Sidewalks

For the most part curbs, streets, and sidewalks in the Borough are in fair condition. However, scattered sections of deterioration exist. Eventually these conditions will have to be addressed. Federal funds can be utilized for streets, curbs and sidewalk repairs; however, Federal funds must benefit low/moderate income persons. Therefore, the community is somewhat limited in the street, curb and sidewalk selection. Specific streets that need to be addressed will be listed in the Capital improvements section of the Comprehensive Plan.

H. Storm Sewer System

A comprehensive storm water plan has been prepared for the Borough and a strategy set forth for the repair of the storm water system. Unfortunately money constraints have led to the abandonment of the storm water replacement program. In the future, consideration needs to be given to the storm water problems. The comprehensive storm water plan is a good resource available for governmental policy implementation.

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1 . Public Works

The public works department of the Borough of East Stroudsburg will continue to inherit additional responsibilities caused by the growth experienced by East Stroudsburg. Such as, additional snow removal and street repairs.

It is expected that more storage space will be needed for the equipment of the Public Works Department. it is also probable that newer equipment will have to be purchased in the next five years.

J. Elderly Housing

Over the past 10 years affordable housing has become increasingly difficult to find in East Stroudsburg Borough. This is especially true for elderly citizens.

Currently the Monroe County Housing Authority manages 140 units of Public Housing in East Stroudsburg. One hundred of those are occupied by families, and 40 are occupied by elderly persons. An additional 20 units are subsidized under the Section 8 Existing Housing Program. Also, an elderly high rise is located in the Borough along Courtland Street. It is a privately owned complex that houses 100 Section 8 assisted residents.

Added together, the Housing Authority assists approximately 140 elderly residents of East Stroudsburg. However, this does not provide enough housing for the low and moderate income elderly people. This is evident because over 110 senior citizens are on the Housing Authority waiting list. There is obviously a need for additional elderly housing in East Stroudsburg Borough.

K. East Stroudsburg University

East Stroudsburg University is important economically to the Borough. The university employs 370 faculty and 250 support staff. I t has a student population of 5,257, of which 4,618 are undergraduates and 639 are Graduate students. The university provides 2100 students with on-campus housing and another 200 students with university leased off-campus housing in Smithfield Township. The other students are either commuting or living in privately owned off-campus housing.

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The university has reported a slight admission increase in the past two years, adding about 200 students to its enrollment. Projections reveal that the university intends on maintaining ex i s t i n g undergraduate enrollment with no plans for future expansion. Graduate admissions, however, are expected to increase by approximately one hundred and fifty students over the next three years.

At this time the university has no plans for future housing development. However, they have expressed interest in developing the old Red Fox Farm. The Farm consists of approximately 9 acres. It is located North of and adjacent to the University grounds. The University has also indicated using the site for a possible administrative office with parking. However, the current Zoning is R-1. This would prohibit such development. No alternate development proposals exist at this time.

L. Pocono Medical Center

The Pocono Medical Center employs approximately 1000 persons and provides 220 beds. Last year over 9,000 admissions were recorded with over 50,000 emergency room visits.

The Medical Center has plans to add three floors to the existing building creating an additional 99 beds. Also, within the next five years the medical center expressed interest in an out-patient care facility. This proposal is still in the preliminary stages. Therefore, the exact location, size and type of facility is unknown.

Capital Improvement Program

A Capital improvement programming should be scheduled for at least a six year time period. The logical scheduling of expenditures is usually based on urgent need and anticipation of financial resources.

A capital improvements program must be logical and feasible. However, it is important to identify all necessary improvement projects. It is then up to the local governing body to prioritize need. (Refer to Capital Improvements Map #9).

Possible funding sources will be discussed in the implementation chapter of this plan.

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-ita1 lmorovement Projects

1. Recreation

a. Continued upgrading of Dansbury Park

b. Installation of Restroom facilities at Zacharias Park

c. Development of regulation size baseball field at Zacharias Park in conjunction with a multi-use all purpose field.

d. Additional hiking trail at Zacharias Park.

e. Possible site parks constructed at the end of Spangenberg Avenue and Fairview Street area.

2. Public Safety

a. Purchase a new fire truck: One ladder truck with pumper capability.

b. Remodel and expand police station to facilitate officers add i t i o na

C. Purchase new police cars as necessary

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3. Infrastructure Improvements

a. New water tank construction with 1.5 million gallon capacity.

b. Adoption of aquifer protection plan (Dansbury Park area)

c. New well in the Dansbury Park area

d. Improve water distribution system through replacement of existing deficient supply lines and elimination of dead end suppliers

e. Improve fire protection capability. Milford Road Area

f . Complete water loop - Greentree Drive area.

g. Purchase additional watershed lands in order to protect the existing reservoirs.

4. Sanitary Sewage

a. investigate sewage collection system for infiltration and inflow - correct as necessary

b. Continue to upgrade sewage disposal plant to meet federal and state requirements which is expected to be complete in 1990.

5. Storm Sewer improvements as recommended by the 1974 Comprehensive Plan

a. Eliminate storm water problems in Kiwanis-Broad Street area

b. Construct storm drainage facilities in the College Heights area

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c. Construct storm drainage facilities to handle runoff on Milford Road north of Eagle Valley

d. Upgrade storm drainage in the Elizabeth Street area

e. Construct storm drainage facilities on State Street north of East Broad Street

6. Curbs, Streets and Sidewalks

a. Lincoln Avenue exit. 1-80 bypass to Lincoln Street

b. Reconstruction of following curbs, sidewalks and streets as necessary:

East Broad Street area Lackawanna Avenue area S. Green Street area Analomink Street area Stemple Street area Drake Street area W. Broad Street area Hoffman Street area

c. Replace sidewalks in residential areas with particular emphasis given to areas of high pedestrian traffic.

7. Public Works

a. Increase storage space for equipment at existing shed.

b. Intersection improvements at 209 and 447 at Eagle Valley, and Prospect and E. Brown Street

Cooperate with PennDOT on State Roads

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8. Parking

a. Create additional parking in downtown possible sites:

Horchalcer Property Railroad Property

e Christine Property

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1 SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT

2 PROSPECT CEMETARY

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CHAPTER VI / /MPLEMENTATION

A. Property Taxes

The purpose of this chapter of the Comprehensive Plan is to describe ways of organizing and financing future physical improvements in the Borough. East Stroudsburg funds can come from three main sources: tax revenues, intergovernmental grants and loans, and borrowing through municipal bonds. To date, the Borough has funded a majority of its activities mainly through tax revenues with some help from intergovernmental grants.

The Borough, through the Manager's office, continues to monitor its capital closely to make sure projected contributions are in line with anticipated expenditures. An updated prioritized list of des i red capital improvements beyond reoccurring expenses should be maintained. This notion of capital programming allows the Borough to look ahead and help avoid "crisis financing". Capital improvement programming is reviewed annually and updated as projects are completed and other needs arise.

B. Municipal Bonds

This funding alternative is reviewed here in case it is considered in the future. Under the Pennsylvania Local Government Unit Debt Act (Act 52 of 1978), a municipality can insure nonelectoral debt equal to 2 4 2 times the average of its last three year's total revenues (minus Revenue Sharing and Community Development Funds, etc.) In the case of these general revenue bonds, the loan is then repaid without interest over a period of years from revenues earmarked for this purpose and deposited in a special sinking fund account.

Among the projects that these borrowed funds could help finance are:

1. Road improvements 2. Sewer and water improvements 3. Curb and sidewalk repairs 4. Acquisition and demolition of deteriorated properties

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5. 6. Improvements to municipal buildings

Purchase of police and fire equipment

It should be noted that the Borough of East Stroudsburg has recently floated a bond issue and received a Triple A Bond Rating.

C. Intergovernmental Aid

The last of the three major categories of funding sources mentioned at the outset of this chapter is intergovernmental aid. This refers to a broad array of grants and loans available from various State and Federal sources. The major ones applicable to the Borough of East Stroudsburg are described briefly below:

Communitv De velopment Proaram

East Stroudsburg receives direct entitlement funds under this program on an annual basis. These are federal funds which are administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community Affairs. The Borough has received approximately $1 08,000 per year since Fiscal Year 1984 through this program. The Borough enjoys entitlement status through Act 179. The amount of funding varies each year. A wide variety of physical improvement activities are eligible for funding under this program provided these are not considered general maintenance. Among these are road improvements, recreation improvements, uti l i t ies, housing re habilitation, acquisition of property, demolition , emergency equipment, handicapped improvements and many others.

The major stipulation on the use of these funds, however, is that they must conform to one of the three objectives of the Community Development Act. The improvements must:

1. 2. 3.

Directly benefit low or moderate income persons; or Be undertaken in an area certified as "blighted"; or Meet an urgent community need

Since the inception of the program in 1974, East Stroudsburg has used its Community Development funds mainly for street improvement projects.

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Communi tv Facilities Proa ram

The Pennsylvania Department of Commerce provides funds that may be used for water facilities (including pumping stations and distribution facilities) and sanitary sewage disposal facilities (including all facilities related to collection lines but excluding sewage treatment or storm sewers).

Monies under this program are made available on a matching grant basis with a maximum grant amount of $50,000. The applicant for CFA funds could be a municipal or County authority. $6,500,000 is budgeted for this program for FY 1989.

Site Development Proaram

As an adjunct to the Community Facilities Program, the Pennsylvania Department of Commerce accepts applications for site development assistance from municipalities, municipal authorities and industrial development agencies.

Site development funds must relate directly to an industrial development site. This program will fund 50% of the cost of eligible activities up to $100,000 . The applicant must demonstrate that the project is necessary to strengthen the income producing capability of the community and that the project could not be financed without site development funds. Eligible activities include the construction of access roads, water facilities and sewage collection lines. $1,000,000 is budgeted Statewide for this program in FY 1989.

Business lnfrastructu re Development Proaram

Assistance under the BID Program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Commerce, can only be sought when a private investor commits to undertake a project involving new construction or expansion. As the amount of BID assistance being sought increases, the private investment and employment creation requirements of the Program increase proportionately.

BID funds may be made available in the form of grants, no interest loans or low interest loans, depending on whether the improvements to be undertaken will be located on public or private property. BID

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funds can be used for drainage systems, energy facilities, sewer systems, transportation facilities, waste disposal facilities and water supply systems. Local applicants may include local government development corporations or industrial development authorities.

BID is similar to Community Facilities and Site Development in that all three attempt to help finance the infrastructure costs of new industrial development. It is different from the above two programs in that it finances much larger projects. A BID granVloan may equal as much as $1,500,000. The BID Program, however, can be difficult due to its job requirements and the fact that a developer must be committed to a project before funds can be awarded.

Penn-Vest

This is a relatively new infrastructure assistance program offered by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investments Authority. 1988 was the first year the program was in operation. Eligible activities include a variety of public water and sewer improvement projects. The emphasis of the program is on activities that will result in new jobs and an improved local economy. Both grants and loans are offered under this program depending upon the type of project and severity of the funding need.

Pennsvlvania Cap ita1 Loan Fund

The Pennsylvania Capital Loan Fund (PCLF) program was established by the Pennsylvania Department of Commerce for the purpose of making low interest loans to businesses for capital development projects which will result in long term net new employment opportunities. The program was originally capitalized at the, federal level but was subsequently funded by the State government to make available low interest loans to business without the restrictions required by the federal funding agencies.

SBA 503 Proaram

Under its 503 Program, the Federal Small Business Administration (SBA) lends from $10,000 to $500,000 to private businesses which cannot obtain a commercial loan for the acquisition of fixed assets at an affordable rate. These loans are available to businesses through authorized local development corporations.

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The local development corporation will lend up to 50 percent of the total project cost by selling a debenture or note to the Federal Financing Bank at long term T-bill rates. The balance of the loan comes from a private lender or commercial bank. The term of the loan may be for as long as 25 years.

Financing part of the loan through the local development corporation makes the package more attractive to the lender, since the lender is entitled to a first position on the asset being financed. Because the bank loan in a 503 project is extremely safe, many banks are willing to offer attractive interest rates.

SBA 503 loans cannot exceed $15,000 for each full time employee and $7,500 for each part time employee who will be retained or added as a result of the loan.

SBA Loan Guarantees

The Federal Small Business Administration also offers loan guarantees to local lending institutions which finance construction, expansion or conversion for most any business exclusive of gambling, agriculture or speculative investing. The business gets a loan directly from a private local lender; then SBA issues a guarantee for up to 90% of the loan to a limit of $500,000. The loan recipient then adheres to all conditions and repayment schedules set by the lender. The SBA's guarantee extends for up to 7 year loans. Working capital can also be financed under this program. The idea of a federally guaranteed loan can make important capital available to businesses unable to quality for non-guaranteed financing.

Leaislative Initiative Grants

Another possible source of funding is by State Legislative Initiative Grants. Elected representatives have access to limited funds for undertaking Community Development type projects. These include Store Front Improvement Projects, Demolition or other public improvements. These funds do not have near as many restrictions as do DCA or HUD Programs and should be pursued whenever feasible to undertake projects which will not only have impact, but can be completed at a fraction of the costs as other State or Federal Projects. (Prevailing wage rates, etc. do not apply)

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Urban Development Action Grants

Another source of Federal funds for commercial and industrial development is the HUD Urban Development Action Grant Program (UDAG). The Borough qualifies for this program in that it meets certain distress criteria involving age of housing, percentage of low income households, population outmigration and unemployment.

The UDAG program is designed to stimulate private investment in distressed areas that would normally be incapable of attracting new development or rehabilitation. The program provides "gap financing" for projects that are economically infeasible, but only to the extent that individual projects involve a minimum of $2.50 of private financial commitment for every one dollar of UDAG funds. The program also tries to encourage creation of one job per $10,000 of UDAG funds granted. Recent cutbacks by Congress have threatened to eliminate this program. However, HUD has accepted proposals in 1989. It is hopeful that this program will continue.

Tax Abatement Proaram

Another program which may have applicability to the efforts of East Stroudsburg is Tax Abatement. In Pennsylvania, this program is made possible through the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act or "LERTA". The Borough has in the past enacted legislation to grant a tax moratorium on any new improvements that are made in certain areas of the Borough.

Qther Proarams

Many other programs are available to help municipalities and private developers implement projects that will create jobs and address physical needs. These are specialized programs focusing on areas such as recreation, transportation and economic development. The private sector, in particular, can benefit from the wide range of programs directed towards helping small business expand, relocate or modernize. State and County agencies mentioned earlier have the full details on most of these loan programs.

A final cautionary note is applicable regarding the programs described above. Sources of state and federal funds are subject to continued change. The programs noted above may be substantially altered or eliminated altogether as time passes.

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D. Local Codes and Ordinances

The various programs discussed funding resources and long range Borough must rely on codes and

in the previous sections deal with planning. On a day to day basis the ordinances which are at the root of

implementing the Comprehensive Plan itself. The primary implementation tools available to the Borough are the zoning ordinance, the subdivision and land development ordinance, a PRD ordinance in conjunction with the zoning ordinance, national building and housing codes. These codes and ordinances must be reviewed and evaluated on a periodic basis. Recent amendments to the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 170 of 1988 must be incorporated into applicable local codes, ordinances and reports. The Act became effective February 21, 1989.

While communities are historically attuned to zoning and subdivision ordinances and building codes, not enough is understood concerning the value of the official map. Basically it is a document in a map form, adopted by the legislative body, which identifies existing and proposed streets, establishing right of way widths, and frequently such other public facilities as existing and proposed drainage systems, playgrounds, parks, school sites and so on.

In its earliest use, the officiaJ map fixed building lines in order to save the community the cost of acquiring and demolishing structures in the beds of planned streets. In its more recent and extended use, however, the official map offers any community a practical means for guiding its future growth relative to a host of public improvements. It provides the benefits of coordinated, intergovernmental action without coercion.

Inherent in all the above is the recognition that the elected officials must from time to time adopt and amend regulations and ordinances, and make funding decisions, that not only help to implement the Comprehensive Plan but continue to serve the general health and welfare of the community.

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