What can you do to help Lewisburg continue to be a great small town to live in?  (Aside from what we have listed under our volunteer opportunities webpage?)  Consider signing up to advance the cause of municipal order and to promote the things most important to you.

Paul Mauger, long time member of the Zoning Hearing Board, presented the following statement to Borough Council last week in an effort "to publicize the need for candidates to serve on the Lewisburg Zoning Hearing Board."

The zoning hearing board is a judicial body appointed by borough council to interpret the borough zoning regulations. At the moment the three member board has been reduced to two members and there will be a need to fill an additionalvacancy by the end of the year.

The board hears appeals from applicants and makes decisions based upon the board’s interpretation of the current zoning code.

Requirements for membership on the board include:

• Borough residency
• Zoning board candidates cannot hold membership on other borough committees, boards or commissions
• A judicial temperament and common sense
• Candidates must be independent enough to be able to say “no” to neighbors’ and or friends’ pet projects if they do not meet the zoning code guidelines
• The board meets the third Monday of each month from 7 PM till 9:30 PM if there are applications to be heard. During the past ten years the board has averaged four meetings a year. Members serve three year terms which may be renewed

 Interested parties should send a letter to Patricia Garrison at the borough office. The council Planning Committee will review applicants and recommend candidates to the borough council for approval.

This is just one of many ways you can engage with your community's civic life.  There are several commissions and advisory boards run by the borough.  The LNC, while allied with the Borough, is an independent organization which also provides an outlet for resident engagement.  The LNC board welcomes people who are interested in pursuing the goals of fortifying the residential neighborhoods of our historic, walkable town.  No particular expertise is needed as the talents of a given individual can be brought to bear on a variety of projects.

In addition, we would recommend that everyone maintain communication with their respective Borough Council representatives (find out who they are and how to reach them here).  One advantage of living in a small town is the direct connection you can have with the municipal structure.  Introduce yourself to your rep.   They might even be your neighbor.  Let them know what your concerns are for the town, what you appreciate, and what you think needs work.  Check this map to see which Ward you're in.

It's great to voice your opinion at public events and meetings, whether on flood insurance or neighborhood planning or traffic issues, but it's also important to use all avenues to communicate your concerns.  So, while the North Ward Neighborhood has collectively expressed interest in the topics of street trees, public safety, connecting to the river, and bike/ped accommodations within and beyond the neighborhood, individual residents are also encouraged to get engaged, even if just in the form of a conversation with a Borough official.  It helps to put a face to those issues and speak to your representatives about the topics you find most pressing.