Gettysburg Borough Manager Charles Gable wants to stress that all North Washington Street businesses will be accessible during a four-month construction project.
The borough will replace water and sewer lines, add crosswalks, and extend sidewalks between Railroad Street and Racehorse Alley. The $1.07 million project will begin after Labor Day and be finished by Christmas.
Gable said incorrect information circulating in the borough claims drivers will not be able to access Antica Napoli Pizza, The Flower Boutique, and Dolly’s Coin Laundry.
“It may be a little inconvenient, but they will always have a driveway apron open to them to access these businesses,” Gable said.
At one point in the project, North Washington Street will be closed 24 hours a day for up to two weeks. Crews will be drilling holes near the train tracks during all hours, Gable said.
Police Test Stays
Police Chief Robert Glenny withdrew his request to change the department’s physical fitness test. Glenny said he believes the request is delaying his ability to hire police officers.
“Our officers are getting tired; we are two officers down,” Glenny said.
Earlier this summer, Glenny asked the council to accept the Law Fit Test, which consists of a 150-yard course that measures stamina and cardiovascular fitness.
Sgt. Harald Pruy and Christopher Evans told the council then that the test was more applicable to the rigors of the job. The department currently uses the Cooper Test, which the sergeants said is a detriment to recruiting.
“None of us are running a mile and a half to chase anyone or to go anywhere,” Pruy said in July.
Civil Service Commission members Wesley Heyser and Dave Sanders told the council they did not support the chief’s recommendation. Heyser and Sanders said the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association does not consider the Law Fit Test valid.
Sanders also said the Law Fit Test would require the borough to build an obstacle course, or use an existing one. Sanders said the Lancaster City Police Department uses the Law Fit Test but will not permit Gettysburg officers to test there due to liability concerns.
Glenny defended his recommendation but said getting officers hired is his top priority. He urged the commission to resume the process using the Cooper Test. Glenny would like to hire officers this year, although Sanders and Heyser said the process may delay his wish to June 2025.
Alex J. Hayes has spent almost two decades in the Adams County news business. He is passionate about sharing stories focused on the people in our communities and following local governments in an age when few journalists report on their meetings. Alex is also a freelance writer for several other publications in South Central Pennsylvania. Alex encourages readers to contact him at ahayes83@gmail.com.