Lower Salford Township residents will vote on a referendum May 19 to increase the Earned Income Tax (EIT) by 0.25% to fund the purchase of approximately 61.5 acres of land from the Allebach family for preservation as open space.
For those unfamiliar, the Allebach Farm is a tract located at the intersection of Main Street and Quarry Road, extending toward Stover Road.
Let me be clear: I am not opposed to preserving open space. I am not opposed to this land being protected. Like many residents, I value the character of our community and the importance of thoughtful, responsible development.
My focus is on making sure voters have a clear and complete understanding of what is being proposed before they head to the polls.
The signage promoting the referendum—created by a group identifying itself as “Citizens of Lower Salford”—was what first prompted me to take a closer look. While it emphasizes preserving open space, it does not clearly state that this vote involves an increase to the Earned Income Tax.
That lack of clarity matters.
It also raises a reasonable question: who exactly is behind the messaging? I am a citizen of Lower Salford, and I certainly was not part of or asked to support this campaign. While residents are entitled to advocate for issues they support, labeling materials in a way that suggests broad community backing—without clearly identifying who is responsible—can be misleading.
For many voters, those signs are the first—and sometimes only—information they see before stepping into the voting booth.
BALLOTPEDIA: Lower Salford Township, Pennsylvania, Income Tax for Allebach Property and Open Space Lands Measure
The proposal represents an estimated $21 million acquisition cost, expected to be funded over time through the Earned Income Tax. Currently, Lower Salford’s EIT is 1%, with 0.5% going to the Township and 0.5% to the Souderton Area School District. This referendum would increase the Township’s portion by 0.25%.
To better understand the impact, consider a resident earning $75,000 annually:
- $375 currently goes to the Township (0.5%)
- $375 currently goes to the School District (0.5%)
- An additional $187.50 would go to the Township (0.25%)
That brings the total EIT to $937.50 annually, with the Township’s share increasing to $562.50.
For two-income households, that added cost could effectively double to approximately $375 per year.
It is also important to understand who is impacted. The Earned Income Tax is primarily paid by Lower Salford residents who earn income, regardless of where they work.
For those who do pay EIT, this increase does not exist in isolation.
The Souderton Area School District is expected to raise property taxes again this year—by approximately 5%—bringing the cumulative increase to nearly 20% over the past four years. For residents who both pay EIT and own property, the combined financial impact is something worth considering.
Through discussions with Township Manager Joe Czajkowski, several key details about the proposal have become clearer. The Township has an agreement of sale with the Allebach family. If the referendum does not pass and funding cannot be secured, the Township may terminate that agreement, and the property could be sold to a developer.
Regardless of where individuals land on this issue, the goal should be the same: ensuring residents are making informed decisions based on complete and accurate information.
Approximately 2.5 acres along Main Street are expected to be sold to Hennings.
While no formal land development applications have been submitted, concept-level drawings do exist. These illustrate potential uses for that portion of the property, including a restaurant with a drive-thru, parking layouts, stormwater management systems, and possible building additions, along with variations in acreage and a potential medical facility expansion.
These are not finalized plans and would still require full public approval, but they provide context for how the commercially zoned portion could be developed.
At the same time, there are currently no defined plans for how the preserved open space itself would be used. Township officials have indicated that a public planning process would occur after acquisition.
Regarding funding, the Township is pursuing grant opportunities to offset costs. However, any grants—if awarded—would come after the primary election and would reduce the overall purchase cost, not be refunded to taxpayers. If the referendum does not pass, the Board of Supervisors may consider a property tax increase.
READ: PA Election 2026: What to Know About Horsham and Lower Salford Ballot Questions Ahead of the Primary
Another important detail: no comparative analysis was completed between an EIT increase and a potential property tax increase, leaving residents without a side-by-side understanding of the options.
I will also acknowledge that I came into this conversation late. It took time—asking questions and reviewing documents—to fully understand what is being proposed.
Going forward, I will be attending Township meetings so these questions can be asked—and answered—before decisions reach the ballot.
Regardless of where individuals land on this issue, the goal should be the same: ensuring residents are making informed decisions based on complete and accurate information.
Transparency matters.
Clarity matters.
And community engagement matters.
