A school-community planning group aiming to bring economic development to the Octorara region has officially changed its name to the Octorara Regional Planning Commission.
The group, made up of volunteers from the Octorara School District, municipal officials, state officials and staff, industry and development experts and community volunteers, is currently coordinated by Doug Brown, a legislative assistant to state Rep. Tom Houghton. It was formerly known as the Octorara Regional Council.
The group will next meet on March 16 at Houghton’s office on Route 10 in Cochranville.
“There are a lot of exciting things in the works for us,” said Brown. “It’s all about bringing good jobs, revitalizing distressed areas in the district, and relieving the property tax burden.”
Brown and Octorara Superintendent Tom Newcome, both of whom have spoken at recent community meetings on behalf of the ORPC, have said the group anticipates that bringing business and industry into the school district will offset high property taxes.
Recently the ORPC hosted a tour of properties available in the school district, brought in a developer, and created a network of developers, government officials and real estate agents who can help promote properties.
“I would note that our main priority is redeveloping brownfield properties, and revitalizing economically distressed areas, as opposed to new development,” Brown said.
This is a goal suggested by the 10-year-old Octorara Area Development Plan, sponsored by the Chester County Economic Development Council. The group is also encouraging development in Sadsbury and Township and Christiana Borough, the two Lancaster County municipalities within the school district.
“The goal is to bring in good, quality industrial and/or commercial development to broaden the tax base, thus relieve the pressure to raise property taxes,” Brown said.
The ORPC also compiled a map of available properties, and is working on a marketing campaign which will include a virtual video. The group plans to later this year host a property showcase for investors and developers.