Lower Frederick Township seeks volunteers to serve on local committees

Lower Frederick Township is encouraging residents to get involved and give back by volunteering to serve on local advisory boards and committees. Several positions are currently open, offering residents a chance to play an active role in shaping the future of their community.

At present, there are two openings on the Parks and Recreation Board and one vacancy on the Environmental Advisory Council. These boards help guide decisions on local parks, green space, and environmental initiatives —making them ideal opportunities for individuals passionate about the outdoors, sustainability, and community development.

In addition to the current openings, the township accepts applications year-round for all advisory bodies in case vacancies arise. These include:

• Planning Commission
• Environmental Advisory Committee
• Zoning Hearing Board
• Agricultural Security Area Advisory Committee
• Parks & Recreation Board
• Open Space Committee

Interested residents are encouraged to send their applications to rstrawbridge@lowerfrederick.org or by mail to 53 Spring Mount Road, Schwenksville, PA 19473 

Supporting Local Agriculture

Lower Frederick also reminds residents of its commitment to preserving local farmland through the Agricultural Security Area (ASA) program. Established in 2018 by Resolution No. 2018-21, the ASA now protects more than 720 acres of farmland.

Key benefits of ASA designation include:

• Eligibility for agricultural conservation easement programs
• Protection from nuisance complaints under the Right to Farm Act
• Limitations on the use of eminent domain to condemn farmland
• Safeguards against restrictive ordinances that hinder normal farming practices

About the Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board plays a critical, quasi-judicial role in land use decisions. It hears appeals and reviews applications involving variances, special exceptions, and challenges to local zoning ordinances. 

The ZHB functions similarly to a court but operates under the guidelines of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) rather than formal court procedures.

Hearings may be held for reasons including:

• Requests for variances or special exceptions
• Challenges to land use ordinances or procedures
• Appeals of zoning officer or municipal engineer determinations

Residents interested in these positions are not just volunteering their time — they are helping shape policies and protect the quality of life in Lower Frederick.