Our Process

Key Message:    The Cultural Heritage Element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan is designed to assist Lancastrians discover conserve, preserve, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage resources of the County.  The Heritage element provides the overall direction, specific strategies, and an action plan for the public, private and non-profit sectors to work together to protect the county’s unique sense of place.

The Planning Commission authorized the formation of a Task Force to guide the planning process.  The first step was to survey individuals, local governments as well as agencies and organizations to obtain their input.  Next staff attended six public meetings at which the survey results were presented and feedback was requested.   With this input, staff was able to determine priorities and, working with consultants, develop Goals, Objectives, and Strategies.  Periodic review and comment by the Task Force as the process progressed helped to sharpen our focus and refine the content.  Finally, a draft of the Goals, Objectives and Strategies was ready for presentation at a public meeting.  Again, input was sought, further refinements were subsequently made and the accompanying explanatory text was prepared with ongoing guidance from the Task Force.  The result is the draft plan available for public comment from February 8 to April 10, 2006.   At the conclusion of the public comment period final changes will be made before the cultural heritage plan is adopted by the Board of County Commissioners as a new element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan.

Goals and Objectives of the Cultural Heritage Element

Goal 1:             Identify, conserve, and preserve the county's diverse tangible and intangible cultural heritage resources as a basis for retaining and enhancing strong community character.

·         Create and maintain a comprehensive, GIS-based inventory of the county's tangible cultural heritage resources:  buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts.  This includes but is not limited to archeological sites, historic and cultural landscapes, historic cemeteries, and historic roads.

·         Create and maintain a comprehensive database of the county's existing intangible cultural heritage resources including significant archives, crafts, music, storytelling, dance, foods, and other traditional activities along with the locations where they take place.

·         Develop new – and enhance existing – tools and strategies for the conservation and preservation of the county's most significant tangible and intangible cultural heritage resources.

     Goal 2:        Integrate the conservation and preservation of historic and cultural resources in the economic development and revitalization of the county's towns, villages, and rural working landscapes.

·         Promote historic and cultural resource conservation and preservation as an economic tool in the revitalization of Lancaster City and its neighborhoods, and also in towns and villages throughout the county.

·         Identify and implement conservation models and actions that will sustain the economic vitality of Lancaster County's important rural, agricultural, and cultural "working" landscapes.

·         Develop additional heritage tourism opportunities as a sustainable and asset-based form of economic development.

·         Develop new and expanded educational opportunities for learning traditional building trades and practices in Lancaster County.

     Goal 3:        Ensure that new development respects and complements the patterns, character, and scale of the county's traditional communities and rural landscapes.

·         Promote context-sensitive design for transportation projects, infill development, and rural development in towns, villages, and rural landscapes.

     Goal 4:        Promote strong leadership, collaboration, awareness, and responsibility in the conservation of the county's cultural heritage resources among the county, local residents, and institutions.

·         Encourage county and local governments to serve as role models in promoting the preservation of the county's cultural heritage resources.

·         Improve the facilitation and coordination of all appropriate public, private, and non-profit groups involved in heritage preservation-related activities.

·         Strengthen the involvement of local governments in cultural heritage conservation, and ensure that it is an integral part of municipal planning.

·         Encourage local residents to volunteer in interpretive programs at publicly- and privately-operated historic and cultural venues.

·         Build the public's awareness of cultural heritage resources and the value of conserving and preserving them.

     Goal 5:        Celebrate and promote the county's diverse historic, cultural, and archeological heritage assets.

·         Recognize existing and implement new county and local recognition programs for significant cultural heritage resources and activities.

     Goal 6:        Ensure that adequate financial resources and incentives are available to carry out the implementation of the county's stated cultural heritage preservation goals.

·         Advocate for new legislation to provide incentives for the conservation and preservation of cultural heritage resources.

·         Develop new financial support and incentives for the conservation and preservation of cultural heritage resources.

Conclusion

The Heritage Element of the Lancaster county comprehensive Plan is intended to provide a blueprint for the creation of a well-organized, smoothly functioning preservation system in Lancaster County.   Roles and responsibilities have been defined, strategies have been developed, and a timeline established.  The adoption of this plan by the Board of County Commissioners marks the beginning of implementation which will be ongoing.