Local residents are encouraging the Gettysburg Borough Council to delay its vote on the proposed comprehensive zoning ordinance update until after the first of the year when new councilmembers are seated, and to limit building heights to 48 feet in the revitalization district West of Carlisle St, as proposed by the Planning Committee.
Gettysburg Connection has recently published four letters against the rezoning, including one from publisher Charles Stangor.
- Revitalization without ruin by Richard Barvainis
- Gettysburg belongs to the nation, by Sue Cipperly
- The questionable financial justification for extended heights in Gettysburg, by Save Historic Gettysburg
- Don’t rush proposed 72 foot buildings in Gettysburg by Charles Stangor
A Gettysburg Connection Poll conducted this week has found that opinions on the proposal run about seven to one against. In the poll, readers of the Gettysburg Connection newsletter were asked the following question:
The Gettysburg Borough Council is considering zoning to encourage more six-story buildings downtown. How do you feel about this decision?
| Poll Results | |||
| N = 179 | |||
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Residents are encouraged to contact their borough representatives with their opinions prior to Monday evening’s scheduled vote.
| Name | Position | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Rita C. Frealing | Mayor | (717) 334-1160 ext. 230 |
| Charles R. Gable, MPA | Borough Manager / Treasurer | (717) 334-1160 ext. 222 |
| Sara L. Stull | Borough Secretary / RTK Officer | (717) 334-1160 ext. 240 |
| Peter Bales | Borough Council – First Ward | (240) 457-9011 |
| Patricia A. Lawson | Borough Council – First Ward | (717) 578-3298 |
| Chris Berger | Borough Council – Second Ward | (717) 339-7151 |
| Matthew “Matt” Moon | Borough Council – Second Ward (President of Council) | (415) 505-4092 |
| Alisha Wansel Sanders | Borough Council – Third Ward (Vice-President of Council) | (717) 360-8725 |
| William Mooney III | Borough Council – Third Ward | phone number unknown |
| Chad‑Alan Carr | Borough Council – At Large Member | (717) 334-1160 ext. 222 |
Table Source: https://www.gettysburgpa.gov/office-mayor
Featured image: Map showing proposed location of tall buildings (the revitalization district) in magenta.
Most people would respond in the negative to this question, as drafted. What would the benefit of the bargain be for Borough residents? I’d support raising the building height for example if it meant that the Borough, not homeowners, became responsible for fixing public sidewalks…
Excellent coverage of this not-so-controversial topic, as your poll makes very clear. Now if only council members would listen.