As many long term Elizabethtown Area residents are aware, regional planning has been an issue as municipalities, school districts, and others struggled to communicate and cooperate.  That is all about to change since Northwest Lancaster County neighbors will discuss regional planning on May 22.

Residents of the northwest region of Lancaster County are invited to discuss a regional partnership at 7 p.m. May 22 at Elizabethtown Area Middle School, 600 E. High St.

The regional partners are Elizabethtown Borough, Conoy, Mount Joy and West Donegal townships. They seek new opportunities for partnership, growth and prosperity through the development and implementation of a regional strategic plan.

Take a look at two scenarios involving regional planning, and see how regional planning can help the process.

Scenario #1
The School District has plans to turn East High Elementary school into an intermediate school.  Within a span of 6-8 months, they rapidly develop a plan to put the school in a remote, walker inaccessible location.   The location causes problems because the roads and intersections cannot adequately support the traffic, and is a duplication of services that exist elsewhere in the borough.  They develop the plan, and publish the construction schedule.  Then they present this plan to the Mount Joy Township Planning Commission and ask for public comment.  By law, they hold the Act 34 hearing, and once again ask for public comment.  The Public and Elizabethtown Borough have serious concerns about the plan and location, but the school district is apparently too far along in the construction development process to react to these concerns.  At this point, they probably feel that any location change equates to a delay in their projected opening of the school.  So, in essence, the School District took it upon itself to decide what plan is best for the four municipalities and taxpayers.  The result is that little or nothing will be done to the roads and intersections, and they will slowly need to be fixed at taxpayer expense after the problems arise.  Also because of the plan, the school in the land locked and isolated location will be hampered for years to come.

Scenario #2
The school district recognizes that an Intermediate school serving the entire district will impact the entire region.  They ask the Municipalities though the planning process for input on the best place to locate the school that will minimize traffic, and lessen the impact and requirements to improve roads.  Not everyone will agree on the location or the plan, but everyone will have a chance to make their points, and in the end, through compromise and logic, the best location will be chosen for the school.  This process would ultimately pick a location that has suitable and sustainable roads and intersections, and serves the school’s purposes.  This process will also consider conformance with Smart Growth goals of the Borough, Township and Lancaster County.  Everybody ultimately benefits in this cooperative scenario, and we all achieve the goal of Smart Growth that serves the needs of the community and school at the same time. 

The School has not yet cleared the Mount Joy Township Planning commission approval process, and the ACT 34 process allows for public comment.  This proposed school project needs to be discussed at the May 22^nd planning meeting, and a sixty (60) to ninety (90) day hold on pursuing the Bear Creek Intermediate School must be considered in order to explore alternatives with the community.  The concerns raised so far with regard to transportation and walkability warrant a more detailed review.

As citizens, you are being asked to attend this meeting.

http://www.etownschools.org/162610313163649533/cwp/view.asp?A=3&Q=278456&C=54900

The polished 4 piece jazz band, Reese Project, will perform at the Black Gryphon on 54 Mt. Gretna Road on Saturday, May 31 from 10 pm until midnight.  This will be their CD release party as well as their 12 year anniversary celebration.

Make your reservations now to enjoy dinner prior to the music; tables are LIMITED.  Call 367-1859 to learn more about the show and make your reservations.  And, visit our website at www.blackgryphon84.com for more information on the Reese Project and our menu.

See you on May 31!!!

Join the Black Gryphon restaurant for our weekly features:

Sandwich Feature ($8):  lil’ devil spicy beef bbq sandwich - Chef’s rendition of the famous Sloppy Joe’s. (COMES WITH FRENCH FRIES)  

Small Plate Feature ($6):    fried green tomatoes  with house ranch dip

Dinner Feature #1 ($20):    chef’s free range red meat and vegetable cawl with Cahill’s Irish port cheddar crostini  

Dinner Feature #2 $22):     baked Pollock over shrimp risotto topped with a scallion mornay   

Sunday Roast ($22):   stilton blue roasted prime rib with stwmp

Come and experience great food with a fresh flavor and our famous chocolate hot wings.  Visit our website at www.blackgryphon84.com for more menu features.  Happy Hour is Wednesday - Friday from 5-7 pm with $1 off all drinks at the bar and 1/2 price small plates at the bar.

Elizabethtown Fairground History

The Superintendent of EASD at the time the agreement was made between the School District and the Fairgrounds came forward and would like to make this Fairground history known to all. 

In the late 1970’s, an agreement between the school administration and representatives from the Elizabethtown Fair was established outlining the use of the land east of the East High Elementary School.  Both representatives from the Fairgrounds that were involved in the agreement are still alive.    The names of the three gentlemen are being reserved at this time.

The agreement was made so that that the Fair might use the land “only until the school district deems it necessary to use it for a school.“  The land the Fair currently uses is owned by the School District, was donated for school use, and it is intended to be used for that purpose.

Traffic Impact on Inadequate Roads

• The proposed site is in a relatively remote area with very limited access.  All traffic will funnel onto Sheaffer Road which is a very narrow and winding rural road with no access from High Street.
• In addition to Sheaffer Road, the following roads will experience a significant increase in traffic:  Spring Road, Groff Avenue, Ridge Road, Campus Road, College Avenue, Chestnut Street, and Mount Joy Street.  These roads are not adequate for the traffic this school (with a projected 1100 students) would create.College Avenue, Chestnut Street, and Mount Joy Street. These roads are not
  adequate for the traffic this school (with a projected 1100 students) would
  create.

No Walkers Allowed!

• It was stated in the proposal that all students will be transported by buses to the proposed school.   By contrast, other districts in the county are encouraging “walk to school” programs, including a new elementary  school which was recently built in Lititz and one which is proposed for Ephrata.  This proposed non-walking site conflicts with Smart Growth goals of the Borough, Township, and Lancaster County.
• By proposing a “non walker” school, the district may lose eligibility for various grant programs to help offset costs.
• Taxpayers will most likely have to cover the increased costs of busing every student.  Imagine how many buses, drivers and fuel  it would require to transport up to 1100 children.
• Students who currently walk to Grades 4-5 at Bainbridge, East High, Rheems, and Mill Road will instead spend several hours a week riding a bus to school.

Tax increases to pay for Infrastructure

• In addition to the $29 million dollars to build the school, Mount Joy Township and Elizabethtown Borough will most likely have to invest many millions more for upgrades to roads, sidewalks, and traffic signals.
• Since it is a more remote area from the other school campuses, the proposed school will not have the ability to efficiently share existing facilities (such as playing fields, support staff, parking, school signals, traffic enforcement, SRO officer,etc.)  It only seems likely that the taxpayers will be required to fund the costs to replicate these facilities.
  The new school does not include the cost for upgrading the existing elementary schools, that is, Phases II, III, and IV planned by the school district.  Though district administrators have not released figures for these phases, the costs, again, will most likely add an even greater future tax burden on the citizens.
  Want More Information?.

Want More Information?
This school is still in the Proposal Phase.  Final approval and breaking of ground has not been finalized.  Please read the Editorials on the website at:
Http://www.we-town.com (click on the Editorial tab)
Please refer to the school district’s web site also to learn more about the Proposed Bear Creek Elementary School.
http://www.etownschools.org

This flyer was prepared by concerned citizens of Mt. Joy Township and Elizabethtown Borough in favor of a more practical location for the proposed Elizabethtown School District Elementary School.

Older college students and adults can mentor in our Community-Based Program. Get together with a “little brother” or “little sister” 2-3 times per month. Activities can include going to the park, playing games, baking cookies…whatever your shared interests are.

All potential mentors must complete an application & interview, provide references, complete background checks, and attend training. Only a few hours of your time can make a world of difference in a child’s life. Contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at 361-9226 or visit our website, www.bbbslancaster.org

May 5, 2008

Jamie Rowley Chairman
Elizabethtown Area School District
600 East High Street
Elizabethtown, PA 17022

 Dear Jamie:

The Mount Joy Township Board of Supervisors and Administration recognizes our responsibilities as host to all development proposals and will review all proposals as they conform to our subdivision and land development ordinances.

The letter recently received from Elizabethtown Borough (May 1^st.), we believe has merit and deserves consideration.  Education is important.  Efficient and well situated schools are important to the economic well being of our region.  The School board is commended in its efforts in looking to future needs of the district.

We have appreciated the communication given to us on this project so far.  As part of the process and in an effort toward regional cooperation and development, the Board of Supervisors agrees, as the Borough suggests, and exploration of all potential alternatives with a team of officials and community representatives from each of the four municipalities seems a valid request.

Please give this matter consideration.

Sincerely,

David Sweigart
Mount Joy Township Board of Supervisors

May 1, 2008

Jamie Rowley Chairman
Elizabethtown Area School District
600 East High Street
Elizabethtown, PA 17022

Dear Jamie:
On behalf of Borough Council, I am writing to request that the School District (District) place a sixty (60) to ninety (90) day hold on pursuing the Bear Creek Intermediate School in order to explore alternatives with the community.  While the District may be conforming to all of the standards and/or conditions of the Mount Joy Township (Township) subdivision and land development ordinance, the members of Council believe that concerns with regard to transportation warrant a more detailed review.

We want to be clear about our concerns regarding this proposed new school construction.  Council is certainly aware of the impact that this school will have on our existing road network.  To date, we have not seen a traffic study that addresses these concerns.  In fact, the traffic study that the District needs to provide the Township may not necessarily address these concerns.  We would hope that in the spirit of serving the greater community that the District would want to do everything in its power to mitigate traffic concerns in the Borough as well as conform to Township requirements.  However, the impact of the re-routed and/or additional traffic on Borough roads is secondary to the location of the proposed intermediate school.

The main concern we have is the fact that the proposed school does not appear to be in conformance with Smart Growth goals of the Borough, Township and Lancaster County.  As we understand the plans, it appears that almost no students grades 4 to 6 will be able to walk to this school.  The proposed location is too far removed from the existing campus and located in such a way to preclude pedestrian access to the school from those that will be attending it.  Notwithstanding the improvements that may be made pursuant to plan approval, the pedestrian network does not exist that would allow the thoughtful parent to permit their son or daughter to walk to school.

The Warwick School District recently constructed a new school within the limits of Lititz Borough.  Similarly, Ephrata School District proposed the construction of a new school in Ephrata Borough.  These districts worked hand in hand with their municipal officials to achieve the goal of Smart Growth that serve the needs of the community and school at the same time.  Borough Counsel is willing and prepared to offer that same assistance to the District.

We applaud the District for re-thinking the previous plan for the sale of the existing land to raise funds for the environmental center.  That decision displayed your ability to re-examine issues and make better decisions on behalf of the community.  We also understand the time constraints that the District faces in regard to existing school enrollment.  Furthermore, we appreciate that there must be a myriad of issues that the District must address with regard to school construction that are unknown to us at this point in time.  We would like to have the opportunity to explore those issues with the District beyond the information detailed in the Act 34 pamphlet.  Council is merely looking twenty to forty years into the future and seeing school property that requires the increased use of busses and vehicles each and every year.

We are requesting a brief moratorium on the decision with regard to this project and encourage the District to explore all potential alternatives with a team of municipal officials and community representatives from each of the four municipalities.  Through the comprehensive planning process currently underway—of which the District is a valued partner—we are encouraging regional solution for regional issues.  We may arrive at the same conclusion as the District given all of the factors involved.  Or we may open the door to new opportunities that have not been explored.

 Thank you for your consideration.

 Sincerely,

 Meade G. Bierly
Council President

 Cc:�
School Board members
Amy Slam Superintendent
George Longridge Business Manager
Casey Kraus
Mount Joy Township Supervisors
Nick Viscome
West Donegal Township Supervisors
Conoy Township Supervisors

The following representatives were present on behalf of Elizabethtown School District:

Amy Slamp, Superintendent of Elizabethtown School District
George Longridge, Business Manager for Elizabethtown School District
Troy Portser, Director of Community and School Information for the School District
Scott Cousin, Architect with Crabtree Rohrbaugh
Brian Bingeman, Site Engineer for the School District
Mark Stanley, School District Solicitor

Ms. Slamp stated that recent population of the schools has been increasing and currently most schools are at capacity. Instruction is currently going on in some areas that were not intended to be classrooms including storage closets, tables in lobbies, and at the end of hallways in small vestibules; Ms. Slamp also added that there are currently 15 high school teachers that do not have classrooms and travel around with carts all day to different classrooms as they are available. Ms. Slamp stated that several years ago the School District began looking into the possibilities and best means to expand classroom space; the first plan included how the District could expand the elementary schools, including a new intermediate school housing grades 4-6. Ms. Slamp stated that all fourth through sixth graders will be brought together to this school to allow for more space in the elementary areas and will allow for more efficient use of instructional resources. The original plan was to make the East High Street Elementary into the intermediate school, but significant expansions to the building would need to be done and the K through third grade will be displaced, according to Ms. Slamp. Ms. Slamp stated that Fairview Elementary can not handle additional students because of water and sewer issues and Mill Road Elementary is landlocked preventing future growth. Ms. Slamp stated that Elementary schools do not have a lot of nighttime activities; the Gymnasium would be used for the Junior High Sports for all indoor sporting activities. Ms. Slamp stated that there is a timeline due to the space issues; the School District hopes to finish the planning process with the Department of Education at the end of April and work with the Township to be able to go out to bid by September of 2008, break ground in November and have the school open by Fall of 2010. Ms. Slamp stated that the school will not be used immediately as the Intermediate School, but rather will house students of E. High Street Elementary and Mill Road Elementary as those schools are renovated in the 2010-2011 year and in the fall of 2011 it would be used as the four to six building.

Brian Bingeman discussed Engineering issues with the school. Mr. Bingeman stated the Zoning of the property in question is R-2 Medium Density Residential which allows the school by right and at this time; no Zoning Hearings are required for what they are proposing. Mr. Bingeman states that Bear Creek, ponds and wetlands all exist on the site. Mr. Bingeman pointed to the proposed footprint of the building and stated that the classroom wings are located in three “fingerlike appendages” on the back of the building and pointed out other features. The classroom wings will be two stories, not going up but rather down to fit with the grade of the site according to Mr. Bingeman. Mr. Bingeman stated that circulation will be an important issue primarily, the separation of bus traffic and parent drop off and pick up. Mr. Bingeman pointed out both areas on the plans as well as staff parking areas and hard surface play areas. Mr. Bingeman stated that proposed improvements will be to Sheaffer Road including the beginnings of an extension to E. College Avenue. As for storm water management issues, Mr. Bingeman stated that they will comply with the Storm Water Management Ordinance. Mr. Bingeman stated that he is in the process of reviewing the intersections that are required for the traffic studies.

Mr. Cousin, the project designer explained the structural issues with the building. Mr. Cousins pointed out the entrances, classroom wings, gymnasium, locker areas and cafeteria on the plans. Mr. Cousins showed slides of the building layout, exterior and interior areas.

Time was given for the public to comment, the following comments were offered:

Kenneth Kreider, 1300 Sheaffer Road, said that at an earlier meeting the District said busses would be going on Sheaffer to Ridge Road with a potential traffic light at that intersection. Mr. Kreider was concerned that parent drop off traffic from Elizabethtown along Sheaffer Road was not be addressed. Mr. Kreider stated that Sheaffer Road is not capable of handling such traffic. Mr. Kreider stated that he could not believe that Township would let this proceed without doing the College Avenue extension first or at least the readjustment of Sheaffer Road before the traffic is placed on the road.

Mr. Navitski stated that this issue will be addressed in the traffic study and that if improvements are necessary for this use; they will be addressed and would need to be proposed prior to construction.

Carol Kreider, 1300 Sheaffer Road, stated she heard they would be using Groff or Ridge Road to head towards Sheaffer Road. Ms. Kreider stated that her concern is the intersection of Groff Ave. and Market St and hopes a traffic light at that intersection is part of the plan.

Mr. Kraus stated that the intersection that Ms. Kreider is concerned about is in Elizabethtown Borough and West Donegal Township, if the traffic study does still show there is a problem at this intersection solutions may need to be discussed.

Tom Campbell, 1 Meadowbrook Lane, asked if the school district could identify which intersections the traffic counts were taken. Ms. Slamp stated they were the intersections that were identified by the Township and that she did not have a list available.

Mr. Navitski had a list available and stated the following intersections will be included in the study:

• Campus Road and E. College Avenue
• Sheaffer Road and Campus Road
• Ridge Road and Campus Road
• Spring Road and Ridge Road
• Spring Road and Sheaffer Road
• Ridge Road and Sheaffer Road
• Ridge Road and Ridgeview Road
• East High Street and Ridgeview Road.

Mr. Miller asked Mr. Navitski if the new Ordinance that was just passed for traffic studies required all intersections to be studied within a half mile or mile of the project. Mr. Navitski was unsure, however Mr. Campbell stated it was one mile. Mr. Campbell stated that residents along Meadowbrook and College Avenue were not notified of any public meetings and were not invited even though they are at the “throat” of the traffic from the proposed school.

Steve Rutter, 30 Wineberry Court, said that he has questions about the decision of the area. Mr. Rutter believes the school district thinks it is ideal because it is near the other schools, but that Sheaffer Road is a rural road that can adequately handle the traffic now but not the added traffic of the school. Mr. Rutter asked what kind of assurances the residents have about building the roads, will it be before or after the school is opened. Mr. Rutter also added that sidewalks should be considered to encourage kids to walk or ride bike to school.

Jim Keller, 9 Violets Path, stated that he is happy to see the progress the school is making and he moved here to the area a few years ago for the schools. Mr. Keller stated a connection to E. High Street was considered since this area already handles plenty of bus traffic. Mr. Keller also stated that alternative power sources should be investigated to mitigate the tax increases the school may bring.

David Kenley, 1012 E. College Avenue, addressed concerns with the speed the project is being proposed and that effective planning is not taking place. Mr. Kenley also addressed that he was not invited to any of the public meetings and pointed out that a year ago it was all about expanding and not new construction, what is going on that this changed to a new school. Lastly, Mr. Kenley expressed that he is very concerned with the amount of traffic this school will bring on Sheaffer Road.

Jay Walker (unnamed location) expressed his concern that the School District is sacrificing at least eight residential properties instead of sacrificing athletic play fields to use E. High Street as the main entrance and exit point for the school.

Tom Campbell said that the School Board came to the Zoning Hearing Board a while back to propose a number of residential housing units on this lot, at that time the plan showed the entrance at the curve of Sheaffer and they presented testimony that a road was feasible to run to E. High Street. Mr. Campbell stated that the road has all the sudden disappeared and the residential units have disappeared and now are proposing a school. In addition, Mr. Campbell stated that to his belief, the School District owns a right-of-way adjacent to Route 283 to have an entrance onto E. High Street.

Edna Bailey, 1501 Mill Road, said she is concerned with speeding vehicles and the safety of children heading to school.

Jay Walker spoke again, stated the entrance should be considered to E. High Street along the right-of-way that was mentioned by Mr. Campbell.

Fred Orth, 1341 Hickory Run Dr, expressed his concerns with the proposed location of the school. Mr. Orth stated that the School District stated three of the five elementary schools are currently unable to be expanded; this parcel is also landlocked preventing the school from future expansion. Mr. Orth stated the school is a good idea but is being proposed at the wrong location.

Don Kraybill, 6 Shybrook Court, asked if the Township could let him know what the next steps are in the planning process. Mr. Navitski stated that the Staff has not seen anymore than what they are seeing tonight and that the applicant’s have requested to combine the Preliminary with the Final plan which would require a full blown completed plan. This probably will not occur in one meeting and there will be comments and correspondence between the school and the Township on multiple meetings.

Mr. Williams urged residents to call into the Township if they wished to be updated on the progress of plan submittal. Mr. Kraus said we will also place on the website when the meeting Planning Commission will hold the meeting to review the plan.

Mr. Navitski answered a question from Mr. Miller and stated that it is up to the Planning Commission whether they want to approve the Preliminary and Final plan to be submitted concurrently. Mr. Navitski said the Township staff will review the plan and provide recommendations.