View the full meeting here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-WWIt4ehAA
The Gettysburg Planning Commission met Monday at Council Chambers to review ongoing projects, hear public comments, and discuss a zoning exception request for 412 York Street. The meeting opened with approval of the agenda and March 16, 2026, meeting minutes.
Stratton Street / Gettysburg Station Project discussion
Public comment focused primarily on the Gettysburg Station Project, including the relocation of the existing Transit Center at 108 North Stratton Street. Resident Sue Cipperly raised concerns about the potential use of Hazel Alley as a commercial bus route, noting that 14 nearby properties could be affected by noise, air quality, and safety issues. She also highlighted potential traffic increases on North Stratton Street and suggested improvements to the station’s fence to enhance safety near the railroad tracks.
In response to Cipperly’s comments Commission members confirmed that the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code does not permit commercial buses in alleys, and the matter will be addressed with the developer and traffic engineers.
“There are site issues that are still being fleshed out,” said Planning Director John Whitmore. “There’s plenty of approvals, not including the planning commission, that need to happen before the planning commission can give its approval.”
Commissioner Charles Strauss questioned whether the PennDOT traffic study adequately reflects real-world traffic patterns, including tourism fluctuations and potential cut-through traffic in nearby neighborhoods. Strauss wondered “whether that traffic study is going to provide that amount of information for us and if someone with the right background is gonna help us through that.” Strauss asked whether the traffic study would demonstrate that there will not be undue impact through traffic on North Stratton’s neighborhood.
Borough Manager Chad Clabaugh explained that the borough has access to a traffic officer helping with the issue. “PennDOT’s review is tied to the Highway Occupancy Permit for access onto Carlisle Street and does not control when traffic counts are conducted, instead focusing on peak-hour conditions, while the borough retains authority over local streets and can impose conditions if needed,” he said.
Clabaugh said that traffic studies are complicated and that even questions like determining what time of year a study should be conducted is important. He added that the developer paid for all aspects of the traffic study conducted by the borough.
“You have the authority to provide input to PenDOT’s traffic review process and vice versa. They can provide input into your traffic review process,” said Clabaugh.
Clabaugh said preliminary findings from the borough’s traffic engineer suggest projected traffic increases are relatively small and below thresholds requiring mitigation, but the commission emphasized it will continue to scrutinize the data, may bring in both borough and developer engineers for further review, and is not close to making a final decision.
Clabaugh said that a new traffic study had been completed and would be shared at the next planning commission meeting.
Whitmore said developer Tim Harrison and his team are coordinating with the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) to ensure design compliance and address issues with brickwork, signage, and other site details. Whitmore said roughly half of the development comments have been addressed, with stormwater management and transit center construction remaining key review items.
The developer has been given an extension until June 15 to allow additional time to evaluate traffic impacts and site development.
Other business
A zoning hearing board recommendation for a special exception at 412 York Street, proposing an outdoor dining addition without a drive-thru, was discussed. Staff outlined site history, current use, and applicable zoning requirements. The proposal was unanimously approved.
The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers.
