Joint plan approved

MILFORD - Milford Township and Milford Borough have adopted a joint comprehensive plan. The new plan was prompted by the forthcoming expansion of the borough’s water system along U.S. Routes 6/209 to Westfall Township‘s border. Planning costs were partially funded by the borough’s water authority. Water authority spokesman Tom Hoff pressed for the new plan to offset concerns that the new water supply would spur even greater development along the already busy “three-lane” highway. The plan, which has no weight of law in itself, is a required guideline for the municipalities in future changes to land use ordinances. The conclusion of the two-year planning effort by consultants Tom Shepstone and Carson Helfrich came Monday evening after the township supervisors and borough council held separate public hearings. Speaking before a township public hearing attended only by officials and the press, Shepstone said the new plan provides for a wide variety of residential uses and housing styles as well as planned economic development. Mentioning the Santos Farm property, Shepstone said the plan directs new development away from environmentally sensitive areas, would protect scenic ridge lines, and provides for joint recreational development. Joint purchases and capital improvement efforts are included, along with central sewage.