By Save Historic Gettysburg Inc
Gettysburg Station is the largest, most complex project the Borough has ever had to review, with the most potential impacts. Given widespread concern and opposition to the project, it is important that Council representatives present accurate information to the public.
We were not surprised, but were greatly dismayed by inaccuracies in statements made by Gettysburg Borough Council President Matt Moon in his recent Connection article claiming to explain the Station project. Unfortunately, this misinformation has been posted on Borough media and emailed to those whose contact info the Borough possesses, plus being in the Gettysburg Times. The public deserves better.
To begin, the height of the proposed building is not “maxed” at 63 feet, as claimed. The official plans indicate the west side at 69 feet and the north side at 72 feet. This is a seven-story building, and the commercial ground floor alone is required to be 12 feet high.
Regarding population, Mr. Moon references a 20% decline based on the period between the 2010 and 2020 US Census. Since the population in the 2010 Census was 7,620 and in 2020 it was 7,106, that’s a difference of 514, or 6.7% — not 20%. This was a temporary dip related to COVID-era disruptions, especially involving college students. The population has since rebounded. Projections by the Adams County Planning Office reflect expected stability, not decline. www.adamscountypa.gov/getmedia/ebf870a5-fb40-4500-9944-f5d19a3a5d51/Population_Projections_90_50.pdf
On taxes, the properties at Lee’s Headquarters and the former Pickett’s Buffet remain on the tax rolls, according to the Adams County Tax Office. Additionally, borough taxes do not fund water or sewer infrastructure—that responsibility falls to the Gettysburg Municipal Authority, funded by its ratepayers, many of whom live outside the borough.
As for traffic, the assertion that traffic congestion concerns are “contrary to reality” because many Gettysburg residents walk or bike, is unrealistic. Commuting and daily tasks such as shopping or laundry, will involve a car — especially in winter. PennDOT’s traffic analysis does not (and cannot) discount vehicle use based on hypothetical bike traffic.
Mr. Moon also claimed that the borough’s Historic Preservation ordinance prohibits new buildings from mimicking historic styles. If so, how was the Transit Center approved after several rounds at HARB to make it compatible with the Lincoln Train Station? How did the new Baltimore Street Welcome Center gain HARB approval, complete with architectural features echoing the neighborhood?
And yet, if the proposed project proceeds as submitted, the existing Transit Center—just completed in 2013—will be demolished. Are people aware that this public asset (currently the only convenient ADA public restrooms in the downtown) and investment of 1.2 million tax dollars could vanish?
Mr. Moon states that Rabbit Transit doesn’t want office space included in the new transit center on North Stratton, as it would be too costly to maintain. Under the 2018 zoning ordinance (§27-1524.2) the Zoning Hearing Board could grant a Special Exception for increased height—up to 72 feet—based on provision of specific amenities. The ZHB granted two Special Exceptions requested by the developer – moving the transit center with public restrooms; and building a portion of the Inner Loop bike trail — for 12 additional feet in height, each. If those amenities are not provided, the allowable height could decrease accordingly. Only the ZHB can reconsider the Special Exception or grant a variance. Neither Borough Council nor the Planning Commission have authority to override this ZHB decision. In Gettysburg, the Planning Commission does make the final decision on the proposed land development plan — not Council. (See ZHB minutes: July 26, 2023)
Mr. Moon described the desire for green space and neighborhood parks as a “compulsion” that basically does not make any money. The 2019 Central Adams Joint Comprehensive plan states that Gettysburg only has one large park, and should work toward creating some smaller, neighborhood parks. “Vest pocket” parks can be incorporated into development projects, creating visual, environmental and social benefits. It’s not an either/or situation.
Finally, Mr. Moon asserts that heritage tourism is in steady decline, both locally and nationally, since 1972. We would ask: where is the evidence? Recent reports from Destination Gettysburg show strong tourism numbers, including recently being dubbed a top student travel destination. The new Adams County Historical Society “Beyond the Battle” museum has won accolades, and the Children of Gettysburg 1863 museum was recently named one of the top ten children’s museums in the country for the second consecutive year.
Visitors come to Gettysburg not to see a place that looks like where they live, but to immerse themselves in a unique historic environment. Mr. Moon refers repeatedly to “local decisions” that led us here—but it seems those decisions were made by a small and unrepresentative group.
Save Historic Gettysburg Inc is a local non-profit (501(c)(3) dedicated to achieving a balance between preservation and development – one that enhances our community without compromising its historical integrity. Follow us on Facebook, sign our petition savehistoricgettysburg.com, or donate via https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-smart-development-in-gettysburg.
Moon said “…and we have continued to lose parcels from the tax rolls, like General Lee’s Headquarters and Pickett’s Buffet.” Is Matt too lazy to actually confirm that this is true before he publishes it? Or is he just blinded by his insistence that the Station Project will be built, no matter what and the truth be damned? In 2024 Lee’s HQ and Pickett’s Buffet paid a combined total of $29,928.19 in real estate taxes to the Borough of Gettysburg.
Well written with facts!