A packed crowd filled the borough office meeting room on Monday evening as Gettysburg Borough Council held a public hearing on a proposed rewrite of the borough’s zoning ordinance — the first major overhaul in decades.
The hearing, which drew about 20 speakers, focused largely on the proposal to increase maximum building heights in the new Revitalization District from 48 to 72 feet. Council President Matt Moon reminded attendees that the hearing was intended only to collect public comment and that the plan does not affect the Gettysburg Station project.
The borough’s Planning Commission, which drafted an earlier version of the ordinance, had recommended keeping the 48-foot height limit in the Revitalization District, consistent with the rest of the borough. The commission’s draft did not include any bonus height provisions. Those were added later in the staff version now before council, allowing buildings up to 72 feet if certain development incentives are met.
Planning and Zoning Director John Whitmore summarized feedback from the Adams County Office of Planning and Development, including recommendations on height incentives, home-based businesses, and the definition of “family.” The county did not oppose taller buildings; it asked for clearer incentive structures around them. Whitmore noted that the council could remove a clause restricting households of college students and would likely make adjustments to comply with state planning law.
Public comment revealed deep concern about how the ordinance might affect the borough’s small-town character and historic appearance.
Planning Commission chair Charles Strauss warned that 72-foot buildings would “overpower the pedestrian” and transform the look and feel of downtown. Resident Richard Barvainis argued that any added tax revenue from taller buildings would be minimal compared to the loss of historic charm.
Representing the National Park Service, Jackie Spainhour presented a visual analysis showing that taller buildings near the square would intrude on the view of the David Wills House, a key historic site. The Park Service recommended a tiered approach that would limit building heights to 48 feet near the center of town and gradually increase them farther north.
Several others, including Bernie Mazer of Historic Gettysburg–Adams County and borough residents Shelley Knouse and Nancie Gudmestad, urged the council to retain the current 48-foot limit. Gudmestad submitted petitions with more than 5,000 signatures opposing seven-story buildings in the borough.
While most speakers opposed taller construction, a few called for flexibility and more housing options. Daniel Rice supported increasing density to reduce suburban sprawl, and Planning Commission member Nick Redman encouraged the borough to expand opportunities for mixed-use and institutional staff housing.
The question of how to define “family” in zoning law also drew debate. Some residents, including Mary Malewicki and Mary Wootton, asked the council to restore the long-standing cap of four unrelated people per household, saying it helped control disruptive student housing near the college. But Darren Glass of the Zoning Hearing Board opposed reinstating the limit, arguing that it would violate the borough’s nondiscrimination ordinance by treating unmarried households differently from married ones.
Attorney Jennifer Zerfing filed formal objections on behalf of two property owners who said the rezoning could harm their investments.
Sue Cipperly, a former municipal planner speaking as a member of the public, submitted detailed written comments urging review of the height incentives, stormwater “green” credits, and the treatment of residential uses in industrial zones.
The hearing closed without council discussion or votes. Moon thanked participants and said the comments would be considered as the borough finalizes the draft ordinance for advertisement and possible adoption later this year.