Impact Fees for Developers

Municipalities (especially school districts) charging impact fees to developers is an idea gaining much support across Pennsylvania. The concept is that a developer who proposes building 100-800 new homes is subject to an impact fee on each new home they build. This money is used to lessen the tax impact on current residents from new schools, water and sewage treatment, and roads.

Too many long time residents, especially seniors and others on fixed incomes (and almost all incomes have been stagnant under Bush) are put in serious financial risk when large new developments are built in their communities. Often new schools must be built along with more teachers, books, supplies, etc. Making developers shoulder most of this financial burden instead is a great idea.

I first heard it propsed by David Kessler, candidate for the 130th Legislative District (where I live). Dave has been an Oley Township Supervisor for many years and is a true innovative thinker when it comes to planning and development issues. Now the Chambersburg newspaper is chiming in with its support for the idea.