Two weeks ago, our front page featured three headlines all related to local school districts.

        First was "Quakertown School District Announces $1.75 Million Land Purchase," amid a study of the existing schools to evaluate the physical structure of each building and operation of equipment and help officials decide whether a new building will be necessary.

        Second was "New Hanover Town Center Could Lead to New Elementary School," reporting that officials are eyeing the impact that 760 residential units of a proposed development in New Hanover Township could have on the student population of Boyertown Area School District.

        Third was "Population Study Says Growth Expected; UP Schools Squished," reporting that Upper Perkiomen School District schools are already on the crowded side and are projected to see more growth.  This, according to a population study recently completed for the district.

        The end result of all three items will assuredly mean an increase in property taxes.  The school districts must react and plan around the actions of the municipalities within their borders. New housing developments are proposed in all three of the aforementioned school districts, some quite large.  Municipal leaders operate under zoning, building and other codes that regulate development for a reason.  That reason isn't to halt development, but rather to control the effect on the municipality, including its ability to provide services and safety for all residents.

        Waivers to those codes are requested by developers whenever they feel the law may not apply to specifics they are proposing.  Perhaps the rules are outdated and don't apply anymore or maybe the rules are flawed.  Maybe the developer is just trying to increase the profitability of the development through changes in lot size, layout, or the size and type of housing.

        Sometimes incentives are offered to municipalities by a developer to help pay for projects or needs that the municipality could not afford otherwise, in exchange for consideration of a waiver request.  When waiver requests are made, local government officials need to ensure that they understand the request and apply their best judgement in their decision.  After all, every waiver granted could become a precedent for the next waiver request.

        Every municipality has professional engineers and lawyers that officials turn to for advice and counsel.  While taking that advice into consideration, it should not necessarily be the final decision.  It is advice and counsel only; the elected official makes the ultimate decision and will be held responsible for that action.

        Local municipalities who agreed to belong to a Region Planning Commission have a responsibility, whether they agree or not, to share information with their neighbors about development that could have an effect on them.  Be it water runoff, traffic, environmental impacts, health and safety, or population, a wrong decision will make you a bad neighbor

        Frankly, if they don't agree to share information they shouldn't be a member of a regional planning commission.  Take planning seriously.  Know your municipalities planning, zoning and building codes and make your decisions within the law.  If you don't agree with your paid professional, tell them why and ask questions. Remember: your decisions affect your community.  Your community is where you live.