Award-Winning Form-Based Code for Lititz Borough

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On February 10, 2011 Thomas Comitta Associates, Inc. (TCA) received an ‘Envision’ Leadership Award from The Lancaster County Planning Commission.  Working closely with key community stakeholders throughout much of 2009 and early 2010, TCA evaluated Lititz Borough’s Ordinances to eliminate inconsistencies and to expand upon existing ordinance criteria.  TCA then identified opportunities to integrate the latest advances in urban planning and design including required ‘Street Walls’, ‘Build-to Lines’, mixed land uses, adaptive re-use strategies, pedestrian and vehicular connectivity, sustainable ‘green’ infrastructure, heritage resource protection, meaningful public spaces, and other development goals consistent with the Downtown Lititz Master Plan. 

TCA authored the necessary Ordinance amendments, and integrated essential Form-Based Code components which exemplify Lancaster County’s overall strategies for ‘Smart Growth’.  This 11-month process produced Form-Based Codes that are ‘place-based’ and tailored to fit the unique characteristics of Lititz Borough.  The adopted Form-Based Code provides an effective template for strengthening and directing development and redevelopment towards existing neighborhoods and downtown areas while respecting historic context and incorporating sustainable, ‘green’ infrastructure for healthier, more vibrant communities. 

Archives section coming soon

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Binns Park Clean-up

Five years after the construction of Lancaster's Binns Park, TCA's John Hershey noticed that some plantings within this popular downtown destination required substantial maintenance in order to sustain his original vision for this Open Space-- which John had designed while with Derck & Edson Associates. After gaining financial support from a local philanthropist, and maintenance equipment from the City's Public Works Department, John organized a group of 30 gardeners and downtown enthusiansts, and on April 11th, the crew enjoyed a fun day of pruning, weeding, planting, and mulching.

Thanks to this generous community support, Lancaster's "outdoor living room" is once again ready for a busy season of summer events, including the Thursday evening movies as part of the "Dinner & Movie" celebration running from June 3rd through August 26th. Go to Lancaster City Events for the movie schedule and restaurant coupons.

A second park clean-up and bulb planting effort will likely occur in early November. Check back for details!

Urban Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan for Lancaster City

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TCA and the City of Lancaster received an Honor Award from the PA/DE ASLA for work on the Urban Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan.
Read more here

TCA received recognition from Envision Lancaster County for work on the West Lampeter Village Renewal Project.

In the News

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Pine Hall Traditional Town Development is featured in New Urban News March 2010 edition.

TCA Branch Office Manager John Hershey is featured in Fig Magazine's Spring 2010 edition.