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Heritage Plan

Borough of Marietta, PA, Heritage Plan (download the entire plan as a PDF of the plan here)

A Heritage Plan is a plan to promote and protect a town’s historical, recreational, environmental and arts and cultural resources; to make it a destination location; and to spur economic development. With the completion of the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail bike and hiking path that runs from Columbia to Falmouth and the new Marietta Zoning ordinance, tA Heritage Plan is a plan to promote and protect a town’s historical, recreational, environmental and arts and cultural resources; to make it a destination location; and to spur economic development. With the completion of the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail bike and hiking path that runs from Columbia to Falmouth and the new Marietta Zoning ordinance, the information gathering being undertaken of both residents and visitors under the auspices of the “placemaking”grant from the Lancaster County Conservancy’s Susquehanna Riverlands program, and Marietta beginning work on dealing with storm water runoff with its recent National Fish and Wildlife Federation grant, it is an opportune moment to envision the development of Marietta in a manner that preserves its historical, cultural and natural resources.

Friendly Available Help If You Are Planning a Building Project in a Historical Area

When residents and others planning to undertake building projects that have an impact upon historical properties or upon the character of historically designated neighborhoods, apply for a building permit, they will be required to consult with the Planning Commission, which also acts as a historical heritage advisory committee, to get advice and suggestions about ways to undertake their projects in ways that will safeguard the historical nature of the property or neighborhood area that are also cost effective. There are no binding requirements that can be forced upon builders, but the Borough hopes it can engage in a helpful and collegial dialogue that can assist with projects. Some of the helpful suggestions will be about local merchants and contractors who may have money-saving ideas about historical resources and materials available in the surrounding community.

In addition, those undertaking such projects are encouraged and welcomed to consult with the Borough staff, Planning Commission, zoning officer, or the Planning, Zoning, and Environmental committee for further helpful suggestions about local merchants and contractors to work with to access historical resources and materials available in the community. There are local “architectural salvage warehouses” or “artifact banks” where property owners can find a wide range of historic architectural items. There are also existing tax credits available for the restoration of historic properties for commercial use and a new Federal bill pending Congressional approval.

If you have any questions about this plan, please feel free to call the Marietta Borough Municipal office at 717-426-4143. They will answer questions or put you in contact with other members of the Marietta Borough government and community who can assist you.