At its meeting on Monday evening, the Gettysburg Planning Commission approved a request from the Adams County Library System to allow a new library to be built near the YWCA on Fairfield Rd. The site currently includes three dormitories on the Lutheran Seminary Campus which would be razed. The current Gettysburg library would be closed.
The vote was 4-1 to recommend the proposed rezoning amendment. Nick Redman was the lone nay vote. Concerns raised in the discussion included the distance from the center of town, specifically for middle school students who currently use the library after school; the fact that current uses in the institutional zoning district are not open to the public and how that would affect the perception of the library as a public entity; and the amount of new paved surface for parking when the borough is trying to decrease impervious surfaces.
The commission also considered the individual treatment of this item when a major rezoning effort is taking place. The lack of a definition of “library: and the specified amount of parking in the ordinance was also discussed.
Rezoning Moves Forward
John Whitmore, Planning Director, described the efforts of the Zoning Steering Committee, which has been in action for over a year. According to Committee members, the current zoning regulations will be completely revised. The steering committee’s proposal is slated for discussion at the upcoming Planning Commission meeting on Monday, April 15.
Whitmore encouraged public engagement, noting that once the updated proposal is posted on the Borough’s website, residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinions and contribute to the shaping of their community’s future. Whitmore said a key component of the proposal is an increase in building heights, which will likely be controversial, and that the borough might host an open house, offering a platform for direct interaction with the consultants designing the zoning overhaul.
Commission Chair Charles Strauss advocated for video recordings of the Planning Commission meetings, a move supported by Whitmore to foster transparency and encourage public participation. Whitmore said he is looking for public comment and that video is the best way to get it.
Redman said that since building heights are an issue he wants the Planning Commission to be aware of the views of Borough Council on this topic.
Dark Sky Proposal
As a precursor to a discussion of lighting in the new zoning plan, Whitmore offered insights into the nuances of lighting fixtures and glare, and effects on adjoining properties and streets. There was discussion of whether there should be a separate lighting ordinance instead of including lighting in the zoning ordinance.
During the public comment period, Brandon Stone, local resident and HARB board member, spoke about the concept of Dark Skies, which would allow varying levels of lighting across the borough.
The Dark Sky goals outlined in the proposal focus on preserving natural darkness, minimizing light pollution, promoting energy efficiency, enhancing safety and security, and educating the community about the importance of dark sky preservation. Stone believes these changes will foster a more harmonious relationship between urban development and the celestial beauty of the night sky. “The goal here is to find a balance between the necessity of nighttime illumination and our responsibility to protect the nocturnal environment,” said Stone. “By updating our zoning code, we can foster sustainable practices that not only reduce light pollution but also promote energy efficiency.”
Borough Manager Charles Gable, Main Street Manager Jill Sellers, and Council member Patti Lawson attended the meeting.