Click here to download a PDF of the Future Development Map

Future Development

To help further prioritize where to concentrate limited funds and efforts across the watershed, a development potential model was compiled by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC).  Maps representing areas of future development were compiled from three sources:  DVRPC’s UPLAN model, the Berks County Comprehensive Plan, and the Schuylkill County Comprehensive Plan.  The compilation shows about 65,600 acres identified as future growth areas over the next 10 to 20 years.

DVRPC REGION GROWTH MODEL

1. UPLAN Model from California was enhanced and calibrated for application to DVRPC region to approximate market development decisions based on existing and proposed transportation systems and policies
2. Population and job growth are converted to acres needed for future employment and housing based on factors
3. Attractions for Development:  proximity to existing developed areas, transportation facilities such as freeway interchanges, other roadways, rail stations and bus lines, sewer service areas
4. Discouragements to Development:  congested corridors, floodplains, steep slopes
5. Development Exclusions:  protected lands, wetlands, water bodies, existing development
6. Allocation Areas: year 2000 vacant, wooded and agricultural lands 

BERKS COUNTY GROWTH MODEL
Uses Berks Vision 2020 – A Comprehensive Plan for the County of Berks Future Land Use Plan, prepared by the Berks County Planning Commission 2003. The categories Designated Growth Area, Future Growth, and Business and Industrial Sites (200 acre areas surrounding the icons shown on the map) were combined to show areas forecast for growth in Berks County.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY GROWTH MODEL
The Schuylkill County Comprehensive Plan Pending and Proposed Development Map and the Schuylkill County Open Space and Greenway Plan Trend Scenario, 2003-2025 map were used to identify areas likely to experience future growth.

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