A Comprehensive Plan for Marianna Borough and West Bethlehem Township
Washington County, PA Project Completed: 2014
Located in southern Washington County, Marianna is a small, historic mining town that is surrounded by West Bethlehem Township, a large agricultural community. With a combined population just under 5,000 residents, the project area has limited resources to address priority concerns. The borough and township recognized that their futures are somewhat entwined; what is good for one community is good for the region. The key to building successful partnerships is to identify common issues facing both Marianna and West Beth. With this in mind, they embarked on a multi-municipal planning effort that resulted in a Comprehensive Plan for both communities.
The Comprehensive Plan for Marianna and West Bethlehem was developed with input received from planning board members as well as the public at large. A series of seven community development objectives were developed to address priority issues and concerns. Each objective has corresponding goals and actions, that not only provide policy tools, but specific projects that once implemented, will assist the communities in achieving the goals they set forth. Through open communication and dialogue, the communities can reach their desired vision for the future.
As a result of the comprehensive planning process, a joint planning commission was developed through the adoption of an Intergovernmental Cooperative Implementation Agreement. The commission then worked with Mackin to develop separate but consistent Zoning Ordinances and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances to assist with plan implementation.
