Franklin County commissioners join residents in opposing 676-unit apartment complex

The Franklin County commissioners have come out against a 676-unit apartment complex that a developer wants to build in Greene Township.

The complex consisting of 33 buildings proposed for 70 acres of farmland on Ragged Edge Road in the Guilford Hills area east of Chambersburg could have "severe consequences" on the area, Commissioner John Flannery said. Current infrastructure would not support the population density and traffic volume that the complex would produce, he said in a news release.

The area is zoned low-density residential, but multiple-dwelling residences may apply for conditional use. Metropolitan 4 LLC, of Wyomissing, Pa., submitted a conditional use permit application to the Greene Township Board of Supervisors.

A public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department, 101 W. Main St., Fayetteville.

David Keller, chairman of the Franklin County commissioners, said that while municipalities are responsible for zoning decisions, it is the commissioners' responsibility to look out for the best interests of Franklin County residents.

“This proposed development contradicts best practices for smart, harmonious growth in our community," he said.

The commissioners said the proposed complex would not align with the county's comprehensive plan, which outlines responsible land use strategies that include suburban residential development in areas aligned with existing transportation and infrastructure investment.

It would also contradict the hazard mitigation plan Greene Township adopted in 2018, according to the commissioners.

That's because part of the complex would be located within the inundation area of the Long Pine Dam, which is classified as an A-1 high-hazard dam. That means that if the dam failed, the loss of life would be substantial or the economic loss would be excessive to residential, commercial and agricultural areas.

The commissioners said that according to the project's site plans, five of the 33 buildings would be within the Long Pine Dam inundation area and a sixth would be partially inside it.

“We cannot, in good faith, support this project,” said Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski. “We hope that, given these factors along with growing concerns within the community, that the Greene Township Supervisors will make a decision that is in the best interest of our community and local residents.”

Residents organize to "Stop 676"

Signs advertising residents' opposition to the proposed apartment complex can be seen in yards throughout Guilford Hills.

Residents have a private Facebook group where they organize to oppose the project.

There is also a petition — signed by 1,775 people as of Monday morning — asking the township supervisors to deny the conditional use permit.

The petition, created by Guilford Hills resident Meredith Dunn, says the complex would not fit in with the surrounding residential area. It could lead to increased traffic, school overcrowding, decreased property values and infrastructure problems.

Dan Younkin, a resident involved in the opposition effort, previously told the Public Opinion: "Our community is diverse and comprised of single family homes. Some of us are from here and some have moved here seeking escape from the urban life. The proposed development goes against the existing neighborhood's characteristics and the peaceful suburban setting. The lack of infrastructure to support the proposed development would turn living here into a nightmare scenario."

More about the proposed complex

The apartment complex would sit about a half mile north of U.S. 30 on the west side of Ragged Edge Road, between Meadow Lane to the south and Summer Breeze Lane to the north. Most of the complex would be in between the neighboring developments of single-family homes, and a rear branch containing six buildings would sit adjacent to Westover Way and Heritage Road in the southern development.

The site plan shows that each building would contain 20 or 21 units with one or two bedrooms. Parking spaces would be in front of each building and line most of the road in the complex.

The units would be "garden" apartments. According to apartmentguide.com, garden apartment buildings are typically no more than three stories and feature shared green space.

This proposed complex would include a recreational area with a pool, clubhouse, sport court and a fire pit. There would also be private garages.

There would be one official way in and out of the complex on Ragged Edge Road. However, the site plan shows an emergency access road that connects the rear branch to Sherwood Drive in the neighboring development.

Amber South can be reached at asouth@publicopinionnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion: Franklin County commissioners oppose 676-unit apartment complex