The Gettysburg Borough Council special work session on Monday, August 25, covered a packed agenda that touched on community development funding, updates to police hiring regulations, and sweeping revisions to the town’s zoning code.
The work will continue tomorrow night, Sept. 3, at 7:00 p.m. in the borough office.
Funding Debate: Ramps or Children’s Advocacy
Council devoted significant time to deciding how to allocate the borough’s $126,000 in annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. For more than a decade, the borough has used the money to install ADA curb ramps, a program designed to improve walkability and accessibility.
This year, however, the Adams County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) requested funding for major renovations to its Gettysburg facility. CAC representatives argued the project is “shovel-ready,” with architectural plans, engineering, and broad legislative and community support already in place. They also noted that the borough’s allocation would unlock eligibility for additional competitive state funds worth up to $2 million.
Council members acknowledged that the advocacy center’s request presented administrative challenges, since the borough has limited experience managing larger construction projects and the timeline was tight. Still, several members expressed strong support for directing this year’s funds to the CAC. “We have spent the past 10 years on the ramps,” said councilmember Peter Bales, adding that it would be worthwhile to back “a very, very worthy cause.”
By the end of the discussion, the consensus was to support the advocacy center, while keeping future curb ramp projects in mind.
Police Hiring Standards Updated
Council also reviewed changes to civil service regulations governing the hiring of a new police chief. The updates align the rules with recently amended borough ordinances.
The standards now require candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree, ten years of police experience, and three years in a supervisory role. While advanced leadership training, such as courses at the FBI National Academy, is encouraged, it is not mandatory. The revisions also clarify that Borough Council may choose to appoint a police chief outside the civil service process, giving flexibility in the hiring.
Council members expressed support for keeping the existing standards while ensuring consistency with state law and borough code.
Zoning Revisions Stir Debate
The most complex portion of the meeting centered on the borough’s comprehensive rezoning project. Staff and the Planning Commission have spent years rewriting land-use tables, clarifying outdated rules, and creating new zoning categories.
One key outcome is the creation of a new “NC4” district along Carlisle Street, covering 17 parcels that include historic homes, former motels, and college-owned properties. The district is designed as a hybrid zone, preserving residential uses while allowing limited commercial activities such as cafés, offices, and medical clinics. Council members praised the Planning Commission for engaging with residents and property owners and signaled support for keeping the NC4 designation.
A more contentious issue was building height in the revitalization district. While current rules allow buildings up to 72 feet tall if developers include features such as affordable housing or green space, the Planning Commission recommended capping all structures at 48 feet. Several council members voiced concern that the change would roll back the council’s prior legislative decision and restrict future development. “I don’t know that council’s intent… was to undo their already done legislative work,” one member said. The debate signals the council may revisit the issue before adopting the final zoning ordinance.
Final votes on both the civil service changes and the comprehensive rezoning package are expected at tomorrow’s meeting.