The long-discussed Gettysburg Station development took another step forward this week, as borough planners reviewed updated details on the mixed-use project, including traffic impacts, transit center design, and site layout.
The project, proposed for North Stratton Street, includes a new transit center, residential and commercial space, structured parking, and an extension of the borough’s pedestrian trail along the railroad corridor. It has already received key approvals from the zoning hearing board and the Historic Architecture Review Board (HARB) and is now undergoing detailed land development review.
During the meeting, developer Jim Harrison outlined the project’s progression and recent revisions.
“We’ve been at this for a while now,” Harrison said, noting that the team has worked through zoning approvals, architectural review, and multiple rounds of engineering comments.
One of the central topics was traffic. A full traffic impact study has been completed and reviewed by PennDOT, which has primary authority over access to Carlisle Street. Most intersections analyzed in the study meet required performance standards. However, one location—at Chambersburg Street and the square—showed delays above the acceptable threshold during a Saturday midday period.
Engineers later determined that the original traffic counts were conducted during a special event that included road closures, skewing the results.
“We realized these counts were done during a parade,” borough engineer Chad Clabaugh said. “So they have to do the recount.”
New traffic counts are scheduled, with updated findings expected before the next planning commission meeting.
If the revised data brings the intersection within acceptable limits, no mitigation will be required. If not, potential solutions could include signal timing adjustments or other improvements around the square.
The redesign of the proposed transit center was also presented. The new facility would include public restrooms in the relocated transit center, as required under zoning provisions tied to the project’s approved building height.
Some questions remain about bus circulation, particularly whether buses would need to use nearby Hazel Alley. Harrison said the team is still evaluating options.
“I don’t know that I’d be opposed to finding another solution,” he said, noting that discussions with neighboring property owners could provide additional turning space.
Planners also discussed the types of commercial uses anticipated for the site, particularly restaurant space. Traffic projections depend heavily on whether a restaurant generates high turnover or longer stays.
“I really would really like to have a restaurant,” Harrison said. “I want a nice restaurant where people can sit down and have a nice lunch and a nice dinner.” I think that would be a good use… but I can’t promise it because it depends on so many factors beyond my control.”
Officials emphasized the need for consistency between the project’s assumptions and future uses, noting that significant changes could require additional review.
Other technical issues, including stormwater management and site circulation details, are still being refined. Harrison said the development team is working with borough staff to simplify the stormwater system.
“I have no objection to trying to simplify it,” he said.
No formal action was taken on the Gettysburg Station plan at the meeting. The project is expected to return to the planning commission with updated traffic data and revised plans in the coming weeks.
Image Caption: Developer Tim Harrison presents.
