South Whitehall Township voters overwhelmingly endorsed the 2025 open space referendum on Election Day, approving a 0.1% earned income tax increase dedicated to preserving farmland, natural areas and other critical landscapes. The measure passed with 73.88% of voters saying “yes,” marking one of the strongest showings of support for an open space initiative in the region.

Authorized by Ordinance No. 1101, the referendum appeared on the Nov. 4 municipal ballot and asked residents to consider a tax increase solely earmarked for acquiring, conserving and improving undeveloped open space throughout the township.

“This referendum represents a historic investment in the future of South Whitehall Township,” Board President Diane Kelly said. “Residents made it clear that protecting farmland, natural areas, scenic landscapes and water quality remains a top community priority.”

Commissioner Jacob Roth noted South Whitehall’s vote stands out even within the Lehigh Valley’s long history of conservation efforts. “With over 20 years of open space referendums throughout the region, we have yet to see this level of support. This goes to show how important the community values investment in our open spaces.”

According to the township’s 2024 South Whitehall Landscapes Plan, about 4,900 acres of the township remain undeveloped – roughly 44.2% of its total land area. Of that undeveloped land, only 730 acres have been formally preserved through conservation means, leaving around 4,170 acres still unprotected.

The same planning documents also break down the types of undeveloped land: approximately 2,300 acres are active farmland, 1,500 acres are woodland, 1,100 acres are steep slopes and 800 acres are riparian (waterside) areas.

According to the plan, about 6.5% of the township’s total land area is currently preserved as undeveloped open space.

The referendum builds on several major township planning efforts, including the 2023 Comprehensive Plan, the 2023 Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan and the 2024 Landscapes Plan. These documents identified agricultural lands, natural habitats, historic resources and scenic views as high-priority areas for long-term protection.

The proposal was further informed by a Conservation Finance Feasibility Study from the Trust for Public Land and extensive public engagement.

“We’ve come a long way from simple exercises during the Comprehensive Plan to now taking the steps to fund the preservation of those important landscapes,” Commissioner Monica Hodges said. “This is an extraordinary accomplishment.”

Revenue generated by the additional tax – estimated between $900,000 and $1 million annually – may be used only for purposes permitted under the Pennsylvania Open Space Lands Acquisition and Preservation Act. Eligible uses include:

•Purchasing land or conservation easements to protect water quality, farmland, natural habitats, historic sites and scenic vistas

•Paying down debt from previous conservation-related land purchases

•Funding improvements and maintenance for preserved open space, with up to 25% of the annual funds available for planning, design, engineering and upkeep

All expenditures will be publicly disclosed.

“The township is committed to achieving the goals expressed by our residents, while still being good stewards of Township funds,” Commissioner Tommy Johns said.

The board of commissioners was expected to adopt Ordinance 1106 Dec. 3, formally enacting the tax beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Once approved, township staff will begin establishing the open space program framework, updating accounting procedures and aligning priorities with state law and local planning documents.

Future work will include identifying priority properties for preservation, developing long-term conservation strategies and continuing public engagement as projects move forward.

“By supporting this referendum, residents have ensured South Whitehall Township will continue to preserve its natural character, protect critical historic and cultural resources and enhance recreation opportunities for generations,” Commissioner Chris Peischl said.