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About 40 residents voiced opinions during the township's Traditional Village Plans Public Kick-off Meeting, held June 16.
Tim Staub of Rettew Associates, who is working with township officials and residents in completing village renewal plans, said similar events in other communities drew no more than 10 residents.
No other municipality he has worked with has approached the project with higher attendance and more enthusiasm than West Lampeter, he said. Staub also noted that people of diverse ages and backgrounds took part.
Staub said he would work with township officials and residents in completing a plan and will take suggestions back to Rettew to create village renewal plans for the communities. In September, he will return with draft plans and ask for more input from the community.
By the end of the year, he said, Rettew will have a final plan, including "a close, detailed look at the two villages." The plan then would go before the township for approval.
During the June 16 meeting, attendees divided into groups representing the villages of Lampeter and Willow Street.
Residents in the Lampeter group gave suggestions on the area surrounding Lampeter and Village roads.
George Chapman, 75, said he would like to see small businesses such as coffee shops and art galleries in the heart of Lampeter. Chapman said he misses Simmons Bakery, which went out of business east of the intersection.
Lampeter resident and Manheim borough manager Matthew Parido said he would like to see more sidewalks and walkways connecting the neighborhoods.
"I do not like to drive for 45 seconds to get to the Y" at 800 Village Road, said Parido, who lives along Katie Lane.
Other suggestions for Lampeter included: more small businesses, specialty shops exclusive to Lampeter, bookstores, more places to gather, the survival of historic properties, park benches and a place to take grandchildren to see flowers.
Eight residents specifically said they did not want a Wal-Mart, while some added that bars should be kept out of the village.
Meanwhile, Willow Street residents said they wanted to return their community to the small-town atmosphere it once had.
Residents said when Kendig Square shopping center went in, many small businesses disappeared. They said they want to support the small- and medium-sized businesses that still exist and have more businesses join them.
Bob Moore said Willow Street Pike has turned into a typical 1950s-style strip with many signs.
"It needs to be cleaned up," he said.
Improved traffic signs, one woman said, would prevent motorists from driving down the one-way Willow Street Pike in the wrong direction.
Several residents agreed that too many speeding motorists detract from the community.
Resident Andy Stinson felt there were too many properties with absentee landlords throughout the community.
"We need to restore the pride in our town," renewal committee chairwoman Audrey Stinson said.
Staub said the village renewal committee will welcome residents' ideas now and in September, rather than during the final adoption stages.
Residents may call the township with their ideas at 464-8019 or contact one of the committee members: Audrey Stinson, LeVon Burgess, Anne Dunnenberger, Betty Hurdle, Tom Murphy, Mike Schirmer, Steve Shane and Dennis Williamson.
Township director of community development Joellyn Warren said she thought that no one has seemed to be against the village renewal project.
"People are really ready for change," Warren said.
