Toes in the Sand

Have you found yourself at work in the middle of winter (or really, any

season), wishing you could be surrounded by sand? To your left, to your right, wouldn’t it be nice if it was all sand? Do you wish, when you’re walking your dog that you actually had your toes in the sand? Holding your phone, typing on your laptop- do you wish it could be sand running through your fingertips?

You’re in luck- because all of these things you’re imagining- they’re reality! The concrete that forms the building around you, the asphalt we walk and drive on, and the computer chips that run your screens and devices- there’s one big (or tiny) thing that helps to create them all. You guessed it….. Sand!

Vince Beiser, author of The World in a Grain says, “sand is actually the most important solid substance on Earth. It’s the literal foundation of modern civilization”. This, right here, is why we’re celebrating sand as one of Earth’s treasures!

Sand, specifically sand that has been eroded by water, serves as one of the most common aggregates to mix with water and cement to make concrete. Concrete builds foundations, buildings, and so many things around you.

Asphalt uses a similar combination of ingredients. Asphalt is made by a mixture of aggregates and a binder to keep it all together. A common aggregate used? Sand.

Even glass comes from sand! It is melted at incredibly high temperatures to become a liquid. Then, it is cooled at very specific rates, completely transforming it into glass. (You may have even seen this before in the popular movie Sweet Home Alabama!)

Here’s the really fascinating one- computer chips! Specific sand called silica sand is made of silicon dioxide. By filtering and altering through multiple processes, this sand gets broken down to form pure electronic-grade silicon. Further processes cut this silicon down into what we see as small, powerful, computer chips.

To continue to protect and cherish this great treasure of the Earth, we have to commit to staying informed and knowledgeable about where our resources are coming from. Sand, just like air and water is one of our most used natural resources. So, just like we pause to reconsider our oil burning practices and take time to question deforestation- we should also commit to protecting and defending another important treasure- sand.

Protecting our Resource

We know the value of sand, and all that it helps us to enjoy in this world. But what about protecting this treasure? Sand is pretty much endless, right? Yes and no. While we’re not concerned about
completely running out of sand altogether- what is concerning is the processes by which sand is being extracted. 

Sand mining is the process of pulling or extracting sand whether through an open pit or through beaches and inland dunes. Due to the high demand of sand in construction and other materials, the sand mining industry is huge...multi-billion dollars huge... But unfortunately, as the industry continues to grow and the demand continues to rise- malpractice also creates its path. 

Around the world, sand extraction and illegal mining practices are causing both environmental and social problems. Pursuits for useable sand can cause great damage to rivers, lakes, and other wetlands. Similarly, accelerating rates of use of sand is not proportionate to the extensive amount of time that the natural resource takes to form.

Who to Talk to about Water Protection

Water- it’s one of Earth’s great treasures. There are two main sources of drinking water- surface water (streams, rivers, and lakes) and ground water (aquifers).

Protecting these sources of water not only protect the public from health risks, but it also protects from higher treatment costs from utility systems. You probably already know this value of protecting water sources. (If you don’t- check out our August 2019 Spottlight.

So- you want to advocate- who do you talk to? Do you know who the major players are in source water protection? And what will you say when you talk to them?

State Governments: Individuals, organizations, and committees within state governments are well positioned to support source water protection through development of initiatives and implementation of strategies. For example, Pa DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) frequently coordinates programs and regulations that support source water protection. Similarly, state governments may provide funding resources to water protection programs implemented state-wide. Talk to representatives of your state government- find out what they’re doing now and where there is to grow.

Local Governments: Find out what your local government is doing to ensure water sources are staying free of contaminants. Find out what zoning practices are in place in your municipality. Local governments without proper zoning laws run the risk of businesses that deal with hazardous materials locating themselves near your precious water sources. If your municipality needs a hand- have them reach out to our Senior Community Planner, Randy Heilman. He helps local planning teams get these types of things in place!

Water Utilities: Water authorities in your community are the ones responsible for making sure that water safely and cleanly gets from the source to your faucet. Ask your authorities how they maintain their databases of potential contaminants. This is a database that helps authorities know exactly where they run risks of water sources being contaminated. (We might have helped them create it!) You might also ask them about challenges they face and how else you can help!

Businesses and Organizations: What are the businesses around you doing to protect water sources? Start with little steps- take a look at the business you work at and see if you can work with someone to make a few changes.

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA is a federal agency that works to protect human health and the environment. Along with the DEP, they are a great resource for all things water protection! Check out their websites for up to date information on initiatives, things you can do, and resources!

Local Environmental Groups: You’re not in this alone! Talk to your local environmental agencies or nonprofits. Find out what they’re doing and see how you can get involved with them!

Yourself: Don’t forget to take a look at the decisions you are making. The fight to protect water sources is not left to the large corporations and government leaders. The choices we make as individuals have a great impact on the water around us. Relook at the things you are doing at home- are you unknowingly making a path for stormwater to take contaminants to rivers and streams? Are you neglecting to clean up your pet waste, or ineffectively disposing of hazardous products? Take little steps, doing something new each day that could benefit source water protection!

Return on Environment

There are plenty of reasons to invest in Earth’s treasures and environmental sustainability. At all levels, leaders are increasingly recognizing a Return on Environment- indicating their time, energies, and funds put into Earth’s treasures and environmental sustainability are well worth the investment.

For business owners and leaders, research suggests that an organization’s commitment to best environmental practices increases recruitment and retention as well as sales and growth. The 2017 Forbes article ROE (Return on Environment) is the new ROI cites that “millennials are three times more likely to seek out employment with a sustainably minded company”. Similarly, large companies such as Walmart have established their commitment to environmental sustainability, eliminating products with harmful chemicals and revamping its supply chain- all while increasing their sales growth and attracting new, younger demographics.

It’s not just about for-profit businesses though. Chester County is experiencing similar connections to the Return on Environment. Specifically, Chester County’s planning commission put out a 2019 report disclosing the economic value of protected open space. Preservation of open spaces such as landscapes, trails, fields, and nature preserves have opened greater benefits in the forms of health, property values, recreation, economic activities, and community cost savings. Through this report, Chester County articulates that investing in protecting environmental open space offers incredible value- certainly offering a return on their environment.

Investment in environmental sustainability offers a number of valuable returns at a variety of measurable levels. The trick to it all? Don’t just commit- get it done. What all of these organizations, communities, and businesses have in common is that they didn’t stop with a pronouncement of a commitment to the environment. Instead, they followed through- implemented new practices, revamped existing and longstanding systems, and put their commitment into action. Start today and see your return begin to come in.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Want to know more about Chester County’s report on open spaces?

Visit: www.chescoplanning.org/openspace/roe.cfm

Your needs don’t stop, so neither will we.

Amid ongoing COVID-19 protocols, we want to take a chance to update you on our firm’s current working status.

We are here. We are working. We are ready.

Our field teams are still serving clients with surveying and data collection. Our engineers are still creating plans, designs, and visiting sites. Our client mangers, project designers, planners, geologists, specialists- whoever it is that you need. We are here. We are working. And, we are ready.

As a firm, we have revamped what working “looks like” for the time being. But we have not, and will not, revamp our attitudes about meeting the needs of our communities and our clients.

We are proud to be able to show up for you. Our digital infrastructure is robust and excelling at a time when we need it to. We’re grateful for the practices we’ve previously had in place and proud of those we’ve been able to expand- all of these have made this transition smooth and effective.

Because we don’t believe quality care is just getting the job done.

What are we working on? One of our employees said the better question is, “What are we not working on?”

Many organizations we talk to are taking this time to reset- and address needs or projects before “normalcy” returns. For those, we are actively

taking on new projects. For others, we are continuing to complete projects that don’t stop even when it feels like the rest of the world does. For our clients providing life-sustaining services, we’re more active than ever- making sure they can continue to provide their services. And in other cases, we’re preparing ourselves to take on new roles, offering services that our clients didn’t know they would need, and filling gaps that this situation has opened.

We are proud to be able to continue to offer our communities and our clients the same great service, the same great solutions, and the same great care that we always have and always will. Please reach out to us if there’s a way that we can be here, working, and ready for you during this time.

#SSMworksremote

Spottlight on Earth's Treasures

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In This Issue:

Celebrate What’s Around You

This week, we celebrate the Earth. April 22nd, 2020 is not only Earth Day, but Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary. That makes 50 years of the world coming together to defend our environment, to mobilize volunteers, to advocate, to educate, and to appreciate the treasure that is our planet Earth.

We wish we had the words to make our world feel normal right now. We wish we had the answers, or the keys, or the secret solutions to unravel all of the things that have knotted in our stomachs, in our heads, and in our hearts. Concerns, worries, the unknown, and just plain feelings of overwhelmed exhaustion- we know that all of these are consuming.

At a time that often feels more disappointing than exciting; through events that look more different now than they did before; at places that dispel different experiences than they ever have; through relationships that have changed in ways unimaginable; and through grit that works just when we all need it to.

Through all of these things- we think that finding a way to celebrate the world around us is just what we all need right now.

We are proud to be a firm that believes in promoting best environmental practices, contributing to the sustainability of our planet, and celebrating Earth’s great treasures. Because one day a year is just not enough. Our work touches everyday life; from the water you drink, to the air you breathe, to the buildings and communities where you live, work, and play.

Today, and everyday, we’re celebrating Earth’s great treasures. From the large bodies of water that go as far as the eye can see- reminding us of the grandness of Earth’s power and presence. To each tiny granular of sand- reminding us of the impact and significance of every small decision in building the world around us.

We encourage you to join us today, this week, this month, and all of those to come, in seeing, enjoying, and celebrating these treasures.

Spotts Stevens and McCoy Names Eileen Kaley as Chief Strategy Officer

Spotts, Stevens and McCoy (SSM) a family-owned regional engineering, environmental, and surveying firm headquartered in Reading PA and serving local and global clients announced today that Eileen Kaley has been named Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of the firm.

In this newly created leadership role, Kaley reports to President & CEO Brian Kelly and will oversee execution of the firm’s strategic initiatives. She will play a key role in developing SSM’s business and growth strategies, identifying market transitions and driving the business strategy to meet the evolving expectations and business needs of the firm’s client base. As the CSO, she will utilize her deep understanding of SSM’s vision for 2020 and beyond as the foundation for prioritizing key decisions that will shape the firm’s future and sustainable competitive advantage.

“I’m confident in Eileen’s ability to drive the overall strategic direction for SSM as we position ourselves for the future.” Kelly commented, “She has a proven track record of strong leadership and achievement. She is strategic in her thinking and has been a major catalyst behind SSM’s success.”

Previously the firm’s Director of Marketing and Organizational Development, Kaley brings more than 25 years of experience in developing and implementing initiatives to the role. Her background includes operational roles in marketing and human resources. She is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with a BA in Communications.

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Spotts, Stevens and McCoy, Inc. is a family-owned regional engineering, environmental and surveying firm headquartered in Wyomissing PA with satellite offices in Lancaster, West Chester and Lehigh Valley. SSM provides services to various types of local, regional and national businesses that include commercial, industrial, manufacturing and telecommunications as well as healthcare and higher education institutions. For more information about the firm go to: www.ssmgroup.com.

Heavy Rain Can Contribute to Sinkhole Formation

Explore the Interactive Sinkhole Risk Map

What is a Sinkhole?

A sinkhole is a depression formed as the underlying bedrock is dissolved by groundwater (usually limestone). Sometimes, surface water entering a crevice in the bedrock may be the cause. Thus, sinkholes may form in low-lying areas where water is ponding. A hole will form, at the top of the underground cavern that is dissolved, and the earth above the hole will collapse into the hole.

What’s the Risk?

Sinkholes can be dangerous to the foundations of the building. Sinkholes are conduits for surficial contaminants to reach groundwater. They may cause damages to buried services (water lines and electrical conduits).

How are sinkholes repaired?

A sinkhole is best repaired by excavating to rock then building an aggregate filter in the hole.

We can help. In many instances, SSM can limit our client’s risk by documenting pre-failure site conditions.

Spottlight on Surveying

In This Issue . . .

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Crisis Preparedness

During any crisis, but particularly during our current crisis, we all need to be prepared for the worst case scenario. While many businesses are facing mandatory and recommended closures, those in the municipal industry must remain functional. One area of health and environmental concern is water and wastewater treatment operations. Please reach out to us if you are in need.

Communications and Business Continuity During Coronavirus Pandemic

At Spotts, Stevens and McCoy it is a priority for us to maintain the health, safety, and overall wellness of our clients, client communities, as well as our staff and teams. It is also a priority of ours to maintain and ensure the continuity of our business operations and client commitments.

Our corporate team continues to monitor the progress and recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local authorities. As a firm, we have taken and continue to take appropriate steps that will allow our employees to continue to provide great service amid this growing concern.

We are dedicated to upholding our project commitments, while also fostering the health and safety of the many communities that we are proud and honored to work with. Please continue to be in touch with us regarding any restrictions, safety procedures, or specifics that we should be made aware of as we continue our working relationship. We are proud of our abilities and opportunities to be flexible through virtual meetings, digital file sharing, and any other forms of collaborating together that you may find most comfortable.

We care deeply about providing a space for our employees to do what they do best and allowing them to feel safe doing it. We have encouraged all of our employees to follow the recommendations by WHO and CDC regarding ways to reduce the transmission of communicable diseases in the workplace. Additionally, our firm is and has been established with a cloud-based infrastructure that will further allow our teams to make producing results simple and effective. Employees continue to be reminded of what we can do together to help keep our teams safe and healthy.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We appreciate your partnership as we continue to navigate this health crisis together.

Expertise Matters.

Accuracy, Expertise, and Care

We understand the need to work within means. We know that being a leader in your organization means taking an invested interest in the bottom line. But, we want you to know that being financially focused does not mean sacrificing the quality and precision that your projects deserve. We want you to know that having quality survey teams and superior service is worth it.

Good surveyors take measurements and collect data. But you don’t want just measurements and data. You want accurate measurements. You want precise data. Because when it comes to your floors and walls, your property and your ownership, your bodies of water, when it comes to your projects- a few inches means a world of difference. Great surveyors work to be accurate. Great surveyors work to be precise. Great surveyors know when to use the right equipment for the right job- because a peanut prism versus a rod in the air changes everything. An accurate surveyor is a valuable surveyor. Because your projects shouldn’t just get done, they should get done correctly.

Expertise means having the skills, having the knowledge, having the experience. Expert surveyors use two benchmarks- so you don’t have to worry about unnecessary mistakes. Expert surveyors check themselves- so you don’t have to. Expert surveyors know what it takes to do the job well. Expert surveyors know that projects aren’t just jobs. They are problems- and problems need solutions. Expert surveyors solve problems. Expertise is over 85 years of refining practices, over 85 years of pioneering technology, and over 85 years of mastering new skills and solving new problems. Expertise matters.

Above everything else.

We are using drone technology to measure things that couldn’t be measured before. By capturing coordinates in the air, we are able to establish images of existing conditions, create reference points for future projects, see areas of concern that were hard to reach, and make decisions that we couldn’t before.

Drones are a powerful solution for monitoring construction, capturing hard-to-reach details, and documenting infrastructure on expansive sites. From roof inspections, to property lines, to identifying features on a project site- we believe in using the best technology for the job.

Refined Practices

Since 1932, SSM has prided itself on being at the forefront of surveying expertise. We’ve consistently refined our practices and pioneered into the newest technology, ensuring our surveying data is always collected proficiently and accurately.

Paper and pencil- that’s the way it used to be. Capturing data and measurements in the field and then drawing out plans and designs by hand.  Wally Spotts and his team of surveyors conducted field surveys with tools like the compass, theodolite, steel tape, levels, and rods. Back at the office, they would hand-draft everything according to the measurements they just collected.

With each new advancement in technology, we are able to decrease the potential for human error and increase precision. That’s why we find it so important. As we implement new technology, we can do things faster and more efficiently- allowing us to gather more data, at more places, in less time.

Every Point Counts.

Advancements in surveying technology don’t stop with collecting the points. We are now able to do more with the data we collect than ever before.

3D Laser scanners collect thousands of tiny points in every single second. Our surveyors then take these scans, and digitally create 3D renditions of buildings, structures, and more. 3D virtual models allow architects, designers, and engineers to more efficiently create designs and modifications.

What was once done at large drafting tables with pencil and paper, can now be done with just a few clicks.

Now, through digital technology such as point clouds- engineers are able to take out walls, insert HVAC systems, relocate pipes, redesign structural systems, all on their screen. We can see exactly how design decisions will impact overall structures- through the power of a million points.

A Different Way of Looking at Things

The world is changing around us. Each and every day, organizations expand, challenges evolve, people grow, ideas, passions, knowledge- it all moves. Our clients depend on us to ensure that, despite what may be going on, their buildings stand straight. Their storm water doesn’t flood. Their fire systems have the water pressure they need. Their building systems function properly. Their world, continues to work.

This week, we celebrate National Surveyors Week. Our surveyors provide the pieces, the data, the knowledge, the information that allows us to develop the best designs, offer the most comprehensive alternatives, and deliver the most effective, efficient results.

Through the vision of making the world a better place, through the lens of many types of technology, and through the eyes of precise measurements and data- surveyors see the world.

Surveyors are there, at local parks, helping to establish property boundary lines. They are there, at lakes, establishing where public water drains can go. They’re at community organizations and hospitals, beginning a path for expansion. At landfills, they’re there making sure waste levels are safe and limits are followed. At shopping centers, they’re collecting the data to make parking lots function. They’re at schools and churches providing peace of mind to existing conditions. They’re at commercial businesses, industrial manufacturers, municipal properties- all making sure that as the world continues to move, they will continue to stand.

Surveyors collect: gathering existing data. And surveyors lay out: answering where something should go.

From expansion to preservation- surveyors make the details happen. From land, to buildings, to water bodies- surveyors manage data. From residential properties to multi-faceted commercial spaces- surveyors collect data. And from relocation all the way to revitalization- surveyors are the ones we count on.

We thank our surveyors, for the skill in which they look at things, for the eyes through which they see the world, and for the points of view with which they bring to the table. Happy National Surveyors Week.

What do Engineers Do?

To celebrate Engineers Week, we’ve set out to answer a question that more people ask than you might expect- What exactly do engineers do?

Some of us have memories of engineering experiments in grade school (building structures with marshmallows and spaghetti, making built cars move with straws and balloons, dropping eggs from the roof of the school). Some of us just know engineering as the field that we could literally never survive in (Math? No thank you!). Some of us still wonder if the people on trains are actually engineers, or what on earth the difference is between all those different fields of engineering.

Are engineers the ones designing things? Or are they the ones on the computer? Do they make decisions? Or do they just support other’s needs and ideas? Are they really responsible for buildings standing and parking lots being set up safely? What about electrical stuff- how does that work?

From making clients’ visions happen, to bringing new possibilities and opportunities to existing structures, roads, waterways, and more. Engineers create designs, they make decisions, and they create solutions.

We’ve asked our engineers to tell us- What do you do?

“I help keep the environment clean by designing sewage collection systems and wastewater treatment plants.” –Bill Orlowsky, PE

“I help water and wastewater systems comply with environmental regulations in order to ensure our drinking water and water resources are safe and clean.” –Josh James, EIT

“I ensure our clients’ structures are safe, stable, economical, and meet codes. I also provide advice to clients to meet those ends.” –Jon Meyer, PE

“I design the bones of a building so that people feel safe.” –Jeffrey Thoms, PE

“Whether renovating or constructing, I’ll design the plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, and more for your building.” –Justin Folk

“I assist municipalities maintain infrastructure through design, and review development plans for engineering compliance.” –Nick Szeredai, PE

“I design electrical systems to make sure equipment is properly powered and controlled.” –Chris Colvin, EIT

Spottlight on Engineers

Evaluation | Collaboration | Innovation

February 16 – 22 is Engineers Week. During this week, we highlight the important work that engineers all around the world do- the decisions they make, the education they pursue, the designs they create, and the problems they solve. From the engineers that create something out of nothing, to the ones that bring new life to the existing- we acknowledge you.

But in addition to engineers around the world, this week we’re especially proud to celebrate and honor the incredible engineers that make our teams thrive and make our clients’ projects succeed.

We are proud to have engineers that do more than just create solutions. Because good engineers get the job done, but great engineers make the world a better place. At SSM, we believe in improving the quality of life for our clients and for all of the people touched by the work that we do. We are proud to have engineers that live that mission every single day and share it through every single decision they make.

Our engineers evaluate. They collaborate. And, they innovate.

Good engineers complete tasks. Great engineers- our engineers- believe in quality work with lasting value. Great engineers take pride in clients’ success. Great engineers believe our people, are your people.

This week, we’re celebrating our engineers. Not only for the skills they use every single day, the knowledge and expertise they bring to every project, or every single solution they provide day after day- but we celebrate our engineers for the passion, the commitment, and the care that they have always and continue to put in to the work that they do.

SSM engineers- we celebrate you.

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SSM Opens West Chester Office

Spotts, Stevens and McCoy (SSM) is excited to announce their expansion to Chester County, Pennsylvania. The new regional office opened January 1, 2020 and is located at 101 East Evans Street in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The firm will be sharing space in the offices of Practical Energy Solutions. The office will house dedicated and mobile staff to serve a growing base of Chester County clients.

“We’ve teamed with Practical Energy on several projects as our services complement one another,” said Executive Vice President, Patrick McCoy, a long-time resident of West Chester. “We’re anticipating the shared space will lead to expanded collaborative opportunities for the team, and allow us to develop long term client and employee relationships in southeastern Pennsylvania.”

Based in Reading, PA, the firm has additional offices in Lehigh Valley and Lancaster and offers engineering, surveying and environmental services expertise to industry and numerous local, regional and county government entities.

“We are elated to expand our presence in the Chester County area to better serve our clients in the region,” said Brian Kelly, President and CEO. “We are looking forward to becoming an integral part of the community, and developing mutually beneficial relationships with the local municipalities and businesses.”

Spotts, Stevens and McCoy is a family-owned regional engineering, environmental, and surveying firm serving local and global clients. We engineer solutions for a better world. Our work touches everyday life; from the water you drink, to the air you breathe, to the buildings and communities where you live, work and play. SSM provides services to various types of local, regional and national businesses which include commercial, industrial, manufacturing, telecommunications, as well as healthcare and higher education facilities.

Spottlight on the Future

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New Year, Same Us

Every year at this time, we are faced with thoughts about the future. The New Year pushes us to leave our last year behind- the good, the bad, the difficult, and the triumphant. In exchange, you may be thinking about where you will be moving forward. It is time to look at new goals, new changes, and preparing yourself for new challenges. Now is the time to think about where you want to go and who you want to be

Inside the Issue

New Year, Same Us

Every year at this time, we are faced with thoughts about the future. The New Year pushes us to leave our last year behind- the good, the bad, the difficult, and the triumphant. In exchange, you may be thinking about where you will be moving forward. It is time to look at new goals, new changes, and preparing yourself for new challenges. Now is the time to think about where you want to go and who you want to be.

What does the future look like for you? Maybe this year you aim to create a more sustainable environment within and surrounding your business. Maybe you hope to expand- structurally and strategically. Or maybe, you just hope this year to continue to keep the people around you safe and happy.

The ultimate truth is, the future isn’t about changing what you know. It’s not about forgetting the past or letting go of who you are. It’s not about fear and it’s not about stress.

It’s about forward-thinking solutions for your everyday problems. It’s about being ready- because today, all around you, the future is here.

We have been serving changing communities and organizations since 1932.

From creating and implementing wastewater systems for municipalities when the Clean Water Act was passed in 1972- to connecting solar energy to electrical output systems in 2020- we have always been and always will be ready for the future.

New Year, same us. Sometimes it’s good to know what to expect.

While we reliably grow our education and expertise, we also reliably maintain our values and stand by our principles. We consistently expand our client opportunities while consistently making sure to get the job done.

It’s about you- what your challenges are and what your needs are. The future belongs in the hands of the ones you can count on.

The future is here, and so are we. This year, be ready.

Preparing your Municipality for the Future

Cities and municipalities across the country are working carefully to address not only growing populations but affordable housing crises. Looking to the future- a potential shift away from single-family zoning may aim to address both of these challenges.

Single-family zoning laws, common throughout the United States, prohibit construction or redesign of homes that are not strictly one unit. This includes prohibition of apartment buildings, senior housing, student housing, and duplex or multiplex properties in areas in which these zoning laws are in effect. From local municipalities to large scale cities- land zoned strictly for single-family homes is widespread.

Cities and municipality planning commissions are beginning to consider eliminating or decreasing single-family zoning- opening the door for economic growth, population density, and more affordable housing options. Advocates also argue environmental benefits of this change. Many state that vehicle emissions increase in single-family zoning areas as less-dense spaces require individuals to drive vehicles more often to get around. Similarly, attached homes or multi-units are suggested to be more energy efficient than detached.

This potential shift away from single-family zoning across the country is not an aim to eliminate or destruct the value of existing single-family homes and communities. Instead, planning commissions see the shift as an opportunity to expand their cities and towns and grow to meet the needs of the future.

The truth is, people are the heart of every community. But, a little advanced thinking helps keep that heart in the right place. Being prepared for this potential shift not only means revitalizing zoning laws within your community, but also undergoing comprehensive planning.

SSM’s certified planners work hand-in-hand with municipalities to do it all. They help manage growth, protect resources, and enhance communities. Whether it’s coordinating zoning laws, providing resource planning, consulting on ordinances and regulations, or land mapping and ensuring environmental protection- we care about the future of your municipality.

Think about what you need- we’re here to help.

Funding Opportunities

Driving PA Forward

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has a program that makes rebates available to businesses, governments, and other entities that install electric vehicle charging stations on their properties. The Driving PA Forward Initiative opened in September 2018 and is designed to improve air quality in Pennsylvania by making the option to drive clean vehicles more accessible. Through this program, Pennsylvania’s goal is to permanently reduce NOx emissions by as much as 27,000 tons.

Details on the program and grant application forms can be found at: www.depgis.state.pa.us/DrivingPAForward.

Energy Efficiency Projects

The Sustainable Energy Fund Program provides financial assistance for energy efficiency projects through grants and loans. The Program supports commercial, industrial, municipal, agricultural, and nonprofit entities implementing energy efficiency or renewable energy projects. Eligible projects include such improvements as solar photovoltaic and wind energy systems, lighting retrofits, HVAC upgrades, and building envelope enhancements. The Program offers three financing options, each with distinct benefits. Details on the program and FAQs can be found at: https://www.thesef.org/get-financing/.

Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is authorized to provide financial, technical, and other assistance to state officials in cooperative efforts to organize, train, and equip local forces in rural areas or communities under 10,000 in population to prevent, control, and suppress fires which threaten Human life, Livestock, Wildlife, Crops, Pastures, Orchards, Woodlands, Farmsteads, and other improvements in rural areas. The key objectives of this program are to save lives and protect property in unprotected or inadequately protected rural areas. Therefore, the selection of the participating agencies must be based on vulnerability and the adequacy of existing fire protection. This is a cost-share program. Financial assistance on any project during any fiscal year cannot exceed 50 percent of the actual expenditures, including expenditures of local, public, and private nonprofit organizations participating in the agreement. The maximum grant for 2020 is $10,000. The 2020 grant round will open in February of 2020. Successful recipients will be notified in late July of 2020.

Pennsylvania fire company officers can apply for Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants using DCNR’s Grant Portal: https://www.grants.dcnr.state.pa.us/.

Natural Gas Distribution Lines

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)’s Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE) provides grants to construct the last few miles of natural gas distribution lines to business parks, existing manufacturing and industrial enterprises, which will result in the creation of new economic base jobs in the commonwealth while providing access to natural gas for residents. Funds may be used for acquisition, construction, and site preparation costs associated with extending natural gas pipelines to serve eligible applicants. Funds may be used for acquisition, construction, and site preparation costs associated with extending natural gas pipelines to serve eligible applicants (Economic Development Organizations, Businesses, Municipalities, Hospitals, or School Districts).

For more information visit https://dced.pa.gov/programs/pipeline-investment-program/.