By: BRITTANY SMITH Special to the Record Express, Staff Writer

Last month’s presentation of the Sustainable Communities Assessments (SCA) by Brandywine Conservancy sparked a lively conversation among committee members. From discussing the effects of global warming and climate change to community health and safety, the committee brainstormed on ideas and solutions for our ever-changing environment.

Finding unique ways to provide public education on sustainable practices was a major concept that was discussed. A gradual shift toward healthier practices for our environment could include business or home incentives to get us on the right track. Perhaps a solution is finding a way to increase economic development initiatives and improve sustainability, such as creating a "green" job sector. The SCA made several recommendations for municipalities to review sections of their ordinances and policies. While it may be hard to predict the future, having a good plan for the region will be key in adjusting to new trends or a varying economy. Many of those recommendations are being considered and will be incorporated into a new comprehensive plan for the region, set to be adopted by early 2013.

By: BRITTANY SMITH Special to the Record Express, Staff Writer

Last month’s presentation of the Sustainable Communities Assessments (SCA) by Brandywine Conservancy sparked a lively conversation among committee members. From discussing the effects of global warming and climate change to community health and safety, the committee brainstormed on ideas and solutions for our ever-changing environment.

Finding unique ways to provide public education on sustainable practices was a major concept that was discussed. A gradual shift toward healthier practices for our environment could include business or home incentives to get us on the right track. Perhaps a solution is finding a way to increase economic development initiatives and improve sustainability, such as creating a "green" job sector. The SCA made several recommendations for municipalities to review sections of their ordinances and policies. While it may be hard to predict the future, having a good plan for the region will be key in adjusting to new trends or a varying economy. Many of those recommendations are being considered and will be incorporated into a new comprehensive plan for the region, set to be adopted by early 2013.

A "Hometown Hero" event is being held in conjunction with Warwick High School’s home football game on Oct. 5.

Local volunteers from fire companies and ambulance crews will be on hand to promote their services and recruit new members. The hometown hero theme will be a fun family event featuring fire trucks and ambulances on display, raffles and a visit by Smokey Bear. There will be a halftime recognition of local volunteers. So, support our hometown heroes and help them strengthen their services while enjoying the Friday night tradition of high school football.

Look for more details about this community event in next week’s Record Express.

A "Hometown Hero" event is being held in conjunction with Warwick High School’s home football game on Oct. 5.

Local volunteers from fire companies and ambulance crews will be on hand to promote their services and recruit new members. The hometown hero theme will be a fun family event featuring fire trucks and ambulances on display, raffles and a visit by Smokey Bear. There will be a halftime recognition of local volunteers. So, support our hometown heroes and help them strengthen their services while enjoying the Friday night tradition of high school football.

Look for more details about this community event in next week’s Record Express.

Inside After falling behind winless Elizabethtown 14-0, Manheim Central’s football team found its focus and went on to win 54-27. Full coverage on page B1, and additional photos on our sports photo page on B2.

Also in this week’s sports section, find out who our Athletes of the Week are on page B3, and who Thursday Evening QB guest Bob Bruhn likes in the upcoming Eagles-Giants game? A Denver man who was working on a roof in downtown Lititz fell three stories and came in contact with a live power line Monday. Details of this incident, and a recent robbery in Brickerville, are in this week’s police section, A2 and A3. The Lititz Moravian Church will host a cemetery lantern tour next week. Details on page A12.

Also, Marian Shatto’s "Musings" returns this week. Our first installment of the monthly Warwick High School student page, highlighted by a column from Switzerland exchange student Larissa Miller, appears on page A15. The sweetest show in Lititz is set for Oct. 6. A map of the tour appears on pages A16-17.

Inside After falling behind winless Elizabethtown 14-0, Manheim Central’s football team found its focus and went on to win 54-27. Full coverage on page B1, and additional photos on our sports photo page on B2.

Also in this week’s sports section, find out who our Athletes of the Week are on page B3, and who Thursday Evening QB guest Bob Bruhn likes in the upcoming Eagles-Giants game? A Denver man who was working on a roof in downtown Lititz fell three stories and came in contact with a live power line Monday. Details of this incident, and a recent robbery in Brickerville, are in this week’s police section, A2 and A3. The Lititz Moravian Church will host a cemetery lantern tour next week. Details on page A12.

Also, Marian Shatto’s "Musings" returns this week. Our first installment of the monthly Warwick High School student page, highlighted by a column from Switzerland exchange student Larissa Miller, appears on page A15. The sweetest show in Lititz is set for Oct. 6. A map of the tour appears on pages A16-17.

By: GARY P. KLINGER Record Express Correspondent, Staff Writer

Big changes could be around the corner from the Heart of Lancaster … literally. That could be the case if an amendment to the Warwick Township zoning ordinance is passed which could bring a sizable development of homes marketed for people over age 55 to portions of the Buckwalter Farm.

Nathan Jameson of Traditions of America led township officials through the reasoning for the proposed zoning changes along with detailed plans for the development concept during a Sept. 19 public hearing at the Warwick Township municipal building.

The amendment would rezone a 60 acre tract of land located on the north side of West Millport Road and west of Hess Lane from (A) Agricultural to (R-2) Residential; and the adjacent tract containing 23.018 acres from (A) Agricultural to (R-1) Residential. The changes would also authorize moderate density age-restricted development as a conditional use approval in the R-2 district.

A report issued by the Lancaster County Planning Commission recommends the proposed amendment not be passed by township officials, stating that such a development did not fit with county growth zone objectives. However, Jameson provided reasons why his organization feels it does.

By: GARY P. KLINGER Record Express Correspondent, Staff Writer

Big changes could be around the corner from the Heart of Lancaster … literally. That could be the case if an amendment to the Warwick Township zoning ordinance is passed which could bring a sizable development of homes marketed for people over age 55 to portions of the Buckwalter Farm.

Nathan Jameson of Traditions of America led township officials through the reasoning for the proposed zoning changes along with detailed plans for the development concept during a Sept. 19 public hearing at the Warwick Township municipal building.

The amendment would rezone a 60 acre tract of land located on the north side of West Millport Road and west of Hess Lane from (A) Agricultural to (R-2) Residential; and the adjacent tract containing 23.018 acres from (A) Agricultural to (R-1) Residential. The changes would also authorize moderate density age-restricted development as a conditional use approval in the R-2 district.

A report issued by the Lancaster County Planning Commission recommends the proposed amendment not be passed by township officials, stating that such a development did not fit with county growth zone objectives. However, Jameson provided reasons why his organization feels it does.