Hampton envisions 'even better community' over the next decade

Trails, land use and the appearance of the Route 8 corridor are among key priorities in Hampton’s newly approved comprehensive plan.

Council approved the 10-year package during its meeting July 28, after two years working to collect input from residents.

“The goal of the implementable comprehensive plan is how to make a really good community even better,” said Elaine Kramer, director of planning for Pashek + MTR, consultants who compiled the plan.

By listening to the community, key issues were developed to steer a vision for the township’s future, said Amanda Gold-Lukas, Hampton’s director of community development.

Most residents who submitted surveys or spoke at public meetings said they favor the school district, parks, proximity to downtown Pittsburgh and the abundant green space.

“People also seem to appreciate that the housing market is very stable and homeowners have traditionally seen their property values increase while living in Hampton, outside of market trends,” Gold-Lukas said.

Items to target for improvement include lack of connections for walking or biking, the appearance of the township’s main commercial corridor on Route 8 and communication between the township and residents.

“Hampton set a high bar at the beginning of this project, hoping to engage as many community members as possible in this planning process,” Kramer said.

Despite the challenges of the covid-19 pandemic, there were a lot of opportunities for residents to speak their mind, she said.

A large steering committee was formed, and there were public meetings, a “coffee conservation with the manager” and information booths set up at the Community Day event and at the farmers market.

Kramer said more than 900 people responded to an online questionnaire regarding the quality of life in the township.

Gold-Lukas said there were hundreds of ideas to pore over before diverse strategies were developed. Four key issues emerged that include connectivity and trails, Route 8 vibrancy, conservation of natural resources and township/community relationships.

Visions for improvement include providing a connected network of routes to link people to natural and commercial assets, and boosting interactions between local government and residents, businesses and developers in a timely and fair manner.

Initial steps include implementing a pedestrian pilot project that will require grants for construction of trails and other connectors.

Kramer said Hampton’s wooded hillsides and valleys, along with extensive parkland, make it an inviting place for walking and biking but the community’s transportation network is based on routes for cars.

To meet residents’ need for places to bike, walk and hike, and to improve quality of life, the township plans to develop a network of trails, sidewalks and cycling routes.

These will increase access to North Park in the west, Hartwood Acres in the southeast and Hampton Community Park in the center, along with woodland trails in all areas of the township.

Sidewalks will improve access to shops, schools, services and other destinations.

Township officials also will begin addressing the problem that many lots on Route 8 are too small to attract development, and they will look for ways to improve community relations.

Council is expected to adopt a resolution to enact strategies during its meeting Aug. 25.

Gold-Lukas said that during fall budget planning, council and township staff will determine priorities from the plan for 2022.

In December, she plans to post the first annual report documenting the township’s progress regarding the comprehensive plan. Updates related to public involvement will be posted on the township’s website and Facebook page.

For more, visit hampton-pa.org/195/Comprehensive-Plan.