At this Tuesday’s Cumberland Township Board of Supervisors’ meeting, Township Manager David Blocher reported that staff had recently attended the easement settlement for the Beatrice F. Waybright Farm #2. “This now places the farm into the Adams County Agricultural Land Preservation program, which was funded by PA state, Adams County and Cumberland Township,” he said.
In August 2023, Pennsylvania State had announced the investment of $8.6 million to preserve 2,645 acres on 35 farms in 18 counties, thus protecting them from future commercial or residential development. Under the state’s Farmland Preservation Program, created in 1988, the state partners with counties, local governments, and nonprofit organizations to purchase development rights to ensure the farms cannot be sold to developers. The total investment of $251,606.85 was carried by the state (78%), Adams County (10%) and Cumberland Township (12%).
Land Development Matters
FLI-Davis Hauser, developers of the proposed Crossings housing project between Old Mill Road and Gettysburg Airport, submitted a request for another 90-day extension to submit a modified preliminary land development plan. The request was denied by the board, which means the developers must now resubmit their application documents from scratch. Board members noted that the original plan had been submitted in May 2022 and numerous deficiencies noted to the plan had not been addressed in a timely manner.
The board approved a land development plan for a 7,600 square foot barn on the Enos and Rachel King property but denied their request for a waiver to formal stormwater management plan requirements based on size limitations set forth by state regulations.
The supervisors approved a waiver request from Becky Miller of RN Miller Farms LLC for waiving certain development plan requirements for a proposed compost building and manure storage facility on their property. The construction is to be funded by the Pennsylvania Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP). Township solicitor Sam Wiser said the board was working on a modification of the existing ordinance which would make approval of these types of requests easier. However, since that modification would not go into effect until later in the year and the ACAP money would only be available until 2026, Brian Sneeringer of the Adams County Conservation District had urged a quicker resolution on the waiver request.
Manager Blocher again encouraged residents to sign up for the Savvy Citizen program, a free notification system for Apple and Android users that will enable the township to send information about important township news and events directly to residents’ mobile devices. Residents may also sign up to get notifications via email. The notifications have proven to be helpful to residents during weather events, road closures, and other important news.
Township Road Superintendent Chris Walter reported that the first snowstorm of 2024 was successfully met with timely clearing of roads and dealing with minor flooding and downed trees. Walter praised his newly trained staff members for a “great first run during the storm.” Walter further reported that the new township truck had “finally arrived after two and a half years” and was ready for deployment during the next snowstorm. Asked by Supervisor Phiel if he were wishing for another storm, Walter replied: “Well, it would be nice to try the new truck out.”
Police Report
Police Chief Matthew Trostel reported that his department had hosted two students from the Adams County Tech Prep for job shadowing, providing them with a tour of the station, review of patrol vehicles and equipment and discussing the process to become a police officer, as well as educational and training requirements. Officer Barbagello provided the students with training on de-escalation techniques and an overview of police response to crisis calls. The students had a prepared list of questions regarding careers in law enforcement and are required to complete a report on their interactions with the department.
Trostel further reported completion of the 2nd round of Medical Marijuana training for the remaining officers in the department. As previously reported, this training was made possible by the $25,000 PCCD Medical Marijuana Grant.
Trostel reported on the PD’s number of calls during the month; current projects in the community being managed by his officers; department training of individual PD members, as well as positive communications received.
Other items of business included:
- Award of bid for the Green Light Go Program to Herrs Signal and Lighting Company
- Authorizing the sale of the Township’s surplus 1995 International Dump Truck
- Approval to apply for the Robert C. Hoffman Charitable Endowment Trust Grant
- Approval of waiver request of bonding for the 2024 Gettysburg Festival of Races special event permit
- Approval of Cumberland Township Policy regarding mailboxes during a snow event
All other items addressed at the meeting are outlined in the meeting agenda: Cumberland Township BOS Meeting January 23, 2024 – AGENDA
Featured image caption: Phiel and farm owner Beatrice Waybright [David Blocher]
Donate Gardner is a freelance writer and journalist who came to Gettysburg from Montgomery County, Maryland. A former linguist-turned-legal professional, Donate recently retired and is eager to support her new community in a variety of ways. She currently serves as the news communicator for the Adams County migrant outreach program, Pasa La Voz and supports various pro bono legal services to migrants in the area.
An immigrant born, raised, and educated in Western Europe, Donate uses her multi-lingual background to maintain connection to other cultures, both as a writer, historical researcher and advocate.
Donate is also an active musician, multi-instrumentalist and award-winning songwriter, enjoying the rich music and arts community in Gettysburg, and supporting traveling musicians coming through the area. Donate can be reached at: dvbgardner@gmail.com.