There are two kinds of open space issues that face our county. First, we must protect undeveloped land in the western part of the County from the overdevelopment that has plagued other areas of the County. The County must come up with a mechanism for assisting the communities in purchasing much larger tracts of open space. Consideration must be given to a referendum to issue bonds for this purpose, as Montgomery County has done.
Second, open space issues equally affect our inner ring suburbs. We must refurbish parks and recreation areas and create green ways. Open space plans have been developed, but the communities are stalled in the implementation of open space plans largely because of a lack of resources. County Council must take a leadership role in implementing these open space plans. This goes hand-in-hand with economic development and job creation because we must have a vision of a complete community.
With respect to the environment, Delaware County should establish a commission to study the extent of greenhouse gas emissions. Montgomery County has such a commission. Only in this way can we determine what the county role should be in the reduction of greenhouse gases.
The County must also take a look at public transportation issues. The commuting patterns in Delaware County have changed with far less people commuting into the city and more and more commuting into the suburbs. Delaware County must work more actively with SEPTA to develop a better public transportation system throughout Delaware County that accommodates the needs of commuters, thereby reducing the reliance on automobiles in the County.