I-81 through farm land (Lebanon, Chambersburg: homes, suburbs, areas)

[LaMadden]

We just drove through Pennsylvania this week and every time we do I love your state and the beautiful farms that still exist and how well maintained they are. Growing up on a farm in Iowa I always admire when a farmer takes pride in their land and buildings. What a tribute to your state.

[CHIP72]

It would be an even greater tribute if 40 years ago they had built I-81 on the edge of that farmland rather than right down the middle of that farmland.

[Marodi]

Originally Posted by CHIP72

It would be an even greater tribute if 40 years ago they had built I-81 on the edge of that farmland rather than right down the middle of that farmland.

Yeah.. considering it's all being converted into sprawl from maryland and jersey.

[bluecountry]

I-81 is TOO far from the NJ and MD suburbs...it's past the applachias..to have sprawl.

[CHIP72]

Originally Posted by bluecountry

I-81 is TOO far from the NJ and MD suburbs...it's past the applachias..to have sprawl.

Uh, that's not true (the sprawl part that is). Sprawl is all over Pennsylvania, especially in the generally more built-up areas that are south and east of the Blue Mountain (first ridge of the Appalachians). Now not every part of the I-81 corridor between the Mason-Dixon Line and the I-78 interchange has sprawl, especially in much of Franklin County, the western half of Cumberland County, and the western half of Lebanon County, but it's still out there at least in pockets.

A very good, recent example of sprawl is the commercial big box development that came flooding into the Chambersburg area after Exit 17 on I-81 was built a few years ago. Chambersburg is a decent-sized town (probably about 15,000 in the town itself and maybe 40,000 in the urban cluster area), but it's not that big.

[tcesni]

Unfortunately, PA has a poor record when it comes to land development and farm land has no protection - farming is considered a "non-use". I recently relocated from SE PA (land of McMansions) to the Danville area and the way homes are built willy-nilly in the surrounding country side is disappointing.

[rubydi]

I was just visiting Franklin county in 2004 and was very surprised to find out that the area my ancestors settled was still undeveloped. It was nice to stand in the middle of the road and see nature still ruling the countryside. I am sure, though, that when my ancestors settled around Doylesburg, there were probably many more trees. I am anxious to come back for another visit in one month to see if any changes have occurred.