Leacock supervisors face public concern over proposed urban growth boundary affecting 868 acres of farmland

Leacock Township Chair Mike Sensenig and other supervisors met Jan. 19 with residents who objected to proposed County Planning Commission changes to urban growth boundaries that could affect 868 acres of farmland.

Chair Mike Sensenig said he and Manager Chris Slaymaker attended county planning meetings and described the board's recommendation to update growth boundaries to set aside some areas for future growth, saying it would be a "disservice to the community" not to consider options for future generations. Manager Chris Slaymaker noted that Resolution #2025-6, passed Nov. 17, 2025, supported growth-area boundary changes and small-area planning investment areas.

Several commenters pushed back. One resident who said he walked every farm described the land as "very rural" and said about 90% of the Amish had not been informed. A nonresident speaker warned that expanding growth areas and potential large warehouses could harm tourism that relies on scenic farm views. Residents questioned whether sewer and water were already planned for the area; supervisors denied that and said no rezoning was proposed.

Supervisor Carl Smucker told the gathering the board "wants the same thing that the residents do" and emphasized preserving the township's look and feel, citing the Community Care Center as an example of a large building used for a particular local purpose. Supervisor Donald Gentzler said the township is not "taking this land" and that any preservation would depend on individual owners being willing to sell. Gentzler said the measure is intended "not to handicap anyone, but instead to help future generations."

Chair Sensenig acknowledged the board had "probably dropped the ball" on outreach and said supervisors would reach out to property owners and hold a special meeting if owners request one. The board clarified that changes to a growth boundary do not automatically change property tax treatment; Supervisor Frank Howe said taxes are affected only if a property's use changes.

Why it matters: the proposal touches large tracts of farmland and a significant Amish population and could change how land is considered in future planning, prompting residents to press for clearer communication and protections.

Next steps: board members said they will contact affected owners and consider additional public meetings; no rezoning or formal land use change was adopted at the Jan. 19 meeting.