Hempfield residents will have chances this month to voice their opinions on the township’s future and on possible projects slated for Hempfield Park.

Three public input meetings are scheduled in October where township officials will collect comments on the comprehensive plan, which has not been updated in 15 years. The plan, being crafted with the help of Cranberry-based Herbert, Rowland & Grubic Inc., will provide framework for the township’s future.

Residents may also comment on the Hempfield Park master plan, which will become a map for park improvements and operations over the next 10 to 15 years.

“These meetings are a great opportunity to reach out into the community and allow the residents of Hempfield to voice their opinions,” said Patrick Karnash, director of planning and zoning. “We have used surveys and other virtual outreach in the past, but this is the chance for the residents to talk to us and our consultant, HRG, face to face.”

The meetings all run from 6 to 8 p.m. They are scheduled for Thursday at Harrold Middle School, Oct. 26 at Wendover Middle School and Oct. 27 at West Hempfield Elementary School.

The comprehensive plan, which was first discussed last July, “will be a living document that allows the township to grow in an efficient and, more importantly, responsible way,” Karnash said. He noted updating a comprehensive plan typically takes between 12 and 18 months.

In all, the plan will include topics such as community development, revitalization of the commercial districts, parks and recreation, infrastructure and emergency services.

It also will focus on the Route 30 corridor, which runs through the center of the township.

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Supervisors in August created the Central Westmoreland Economic District Corridor Committee, or the HT30 Committee, which will create a report looking at various factors throughout the corridor, stretching from the intersection with Georges Station Road near Unity and ending near the North Huntingdon line.

The final report, as well as the Hempfield Park master plan, will be presented with the comprehensive plan, but will also be able to stand on their own.

“We encourage the participation of all township residents and business owners to help shape the future of Hempfield,” Karnash said. “This plan is perfectly timed with Hempfield’s 250th anniversary and will help to continue the success of the township into the next 250 years.”

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