9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – “Recent Land Use Court Decisions and Pending Legislation”

This session presented annually will focus on recent court decisions and enactments regarding planning, zoning, and other land use issues, and issues of interest to local officials and municipal solicitors.  The session will examine the relevant background information on cases and recent legislation and their potential impact on local land use decisions and ordinances.

Speakers:  Joan E. London, Kozloff Stoudt & Chris Hartman, Hartman Valeriano, Magovern & Lutz, P.C.

11:15 AM – 11:30 AM – Break

11:30 PM – 1:45 PM – “County Economic Development and Housing Initiative”

Two part presentation – The first part providing insight to the current conditions regarding economic development in Berks County and examining the opportunities and impediments to a successful economic development effort. 

Topics include the current status of Economic Development projects, existing and planned housing stock, Water and sewer capacity, and keys to school district capacity.

 (There will be a break between presentations.)

The second part of the presentation will focus opportunities for success through zoning and land development.  This session will focus on the. municipal development of a toolbox of opportunities such as municipal consolidation, joint comprehensive plans, purchase of and or the transfer of development rights, and land banking.  In addition, this part will discuss the critical aspects of protecting your municipality from zoning code validity challenges.

Speakers:  David Hunter, Aaron Gantz, Joan E. London, Chris Hartman, Pamela Shupp-Menet, Chip Bilger, Brian Harris, Chris Spohn, Rob Deisemann.

1:45 pm – Adjournment

Presenters/Organizations:
Joan London, Kozloff Stoudt, Legal Panel and Planning Panel
Chris Hartman, Hartman Valeriano, Magovern, & Lutz, Legal Panel and Planning Panel
David Hunter, Executive Director, Berks County Planning Commission
Aaron Gantz, Senior Director, Economic Development, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance
Pamela Shupp, Menet, Deputy CAO/Director of Economic Development, Berks County
Chip Bilger, Executive Director of the Western Berks Water Auth. and Chairman of the Berks County Water & 
     Sewer Association   
Brian Harris, Township Manager, Muhlenberg Township
Chris Spohn, Director of Operations and Project Development, Hamburg School District,
Rob Deisemann, Supervisor, Upper Tulpehocken Township.