The Gettysburg Planning Commission reorganized its leadership and continued discussion of the 108 North Stratton St. project (“Station Project”) during its first meeting of 2026, held Monday evening at the borough building.
Commission members elected Nick Redman as chair, Charles Strauss as vice chair, and Marty Jolin as secretary. Jenny Dumont has been appointed to the board, replacing Sarah Kipp.
“I’ll do my best,” Redman said after accepting the chair position. “We’ll keep things moving forward.”
During public comment, resident Susan Cipperley, who lives on North Stratton Street, raised concerns about traffic impacts associated with the proposed Station Project (now referred to as the 108 North Stratton St. Project), particularly the removal of a proposed no left turn restriction out of the development onto N. Stratton St.
“It’s not clear where some things are fitting into the process here,” Cipperley said. “At the last meeting, the elimination of the no-left turn was discussed, but the planning commission had not yet seen the traffic study. And that’s just not how it’s done. You guys had not even seen the traffic information, but you were going to make the decision about the no left turn
Cipperly questioned whether the developer’s estimate of minimal traffic impact was realistic, noting nearby schools, businesses, and existing congestion along Stratton Street.
“I don’t believe four vehicles during peak hours is realistic,” she said, adding that traffic patterns and safety concerns had been raised as far back as 2023.
Planning Director John Whitmore explained that while much of the technical site work is progressing, traffic analysis remains a key issue. The commissioners concluded that because there are no traffic requirements in the borough’s current Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO), the borough would not be able to directly challenge the report prepared by the developer.
Commissioners emphasized that while they can review and discuss traffic impacts, their authority is limited when studies meet the technical standards set by the state.
“Whether or not we think personally that a left hand turn on Stratton is a good idea or not, it doesn’t sound like this commission has the ability to enforce. From my understanding, it is up to the developer whether or not it’s in the plan or not,” said Redman.
“I don’t believe that the applicant would want to be in a position where the borough’s engineer or their affiliate, this traffic engineer person, is telling you that what you’re hearing from the applicant is not necessarily correct,” said the commission’s solicitor Adam Boyer. “I mean that would not be the basis for your denial, but that’s not something that they would want to hear,”
The site developer has requested an extension of the review period until April 20, 2026, allowing time for revised plans and further evaluation of the traffic impact study.
The commission unanimously approved the extension request, giving the applicant more time to revise materials and allowing the commission to review additional data.
Councilmember Marty Jolin asked the council to conduct a sun shade study for the project. “I think it would be ideal to see a winter solstice sun shade study at noon. That’s the worst of the worst, I think, in how it impacts any buildings, and it would help us understand how surrounding properties might be affected,” he said.
The council indicated the developer would be asked to provide the study as part of its next submission.
In other business, the commission noted that no new materials had been submitted for the 351 East Water Street project, which remains under an extension through March 16.
Members briefly discussed future priorities, including updates to the borough’s SALDO, professional development opportunities, and possible planning initiatives tied to the borough’s expanded revitalization district.
The meeting concluded with a reminder that the borough is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission. Interested parties should contact Sara Stull at the borough office.
The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 7 p.m.
