After wording disagreement, Chambersburg has a new comprehensive plan
After debate earlier this year on the language used in the document, Chambersburg has a new comprehensive plan that will influence policies and projects in the borough for the next decade and beyond.
Chambersburg Borough Council voted 7-2 Monday night to adopt the plan, known as “Chambersburg Vision 2035,” after a long process of gathering input, debating points and building the plan that began in early 2021. A final public hearing was held immediately prior to council voting on the plan at its regular meeting.
Chambersburg Vision 2035 states the “core values” of diversity, equality, inclusion, communication and partnership should influence the pursuit of the five goal areas:
Reinvestment
Housing
Sense of place
Borough services
Transportation
Resident Ela Rosmiller said “broad public deliberation” resulted in a plan that she believes most people can support.
“This plan is going to have something for everyone and it’s going to have something that people disagree with," she said. "But that’s what happens in a democracy when people come together and try to get a plan that’s pretty good for most people.”
The Rev. Renata Moseley Harper, of John Wesley AME Zion Church, commended the borough’s work to gather insight from various segments of the community. The plan sets a “good vision” and shows that “working together works,” she added.
What were the sticking points?
Disapproval of the comprehensive plan was centered on its use of diversity, equality (previously equity) and inclusion among the “core goals” meant to guide the plan’s goals. Some took issue with the plan’s focus on that, instead of infrastructure.
Resident Larry Lahr said his background in land planning and zoning showed him that a comprehensive plan is a land use document, a “brick-and-mortar step to going forward to improve the physical part of our borough.”
“I don’t think the plan as it is really tackles that,” he said. “I think it kicks a whole lot of brick-and-mortar issues down the road, kicks the can down the road.”
More:‘Equity’ becomes ‘equality’ in proposed Chambersburg Vision 2035
Lahr said he thinks the process of developing the plan got “preoccupied with the idea of inclusion, equity and diversity,” instead of focusing on “tangible action steps” to reach the plan’s goals.
The plan refers to diversity, equality and inclusion:
“Chambersburg is committed to prioritizing DEI programs and policies to ensure the Borough not only celebrates its diversity, but also provides equal and inclusive access in its decision-making. Diversity recognizes the differences between the Borough’s citizens. Equality ensures that programs, policies, and actions are fair and impartial for every citizen. Inclusion makes certain that citizens feel a sense of belonging.”
Difference between 'equality' and 'equity'
A debate over the summer resulted in “equality” replacing the original word, “equity.”
An online search of the two words came up with multiple variations on this definition from the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health: “Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities. Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.”
In comments explaining why he would not be voting to adopt the plan, council President Allen Coffman said diversity, equality and inclusion should not be part of it. He said the borough addressed that several months ago.
Borough Council in January repealed a nondiscrimination ordinance that prohibited discrimination based on sex, gender, race and other factors.
More:Chambersburg repeals non-discrimination law protecting LGBTQ+ community
Some people said they wished the comprehensive plan included specifics on policies and projects. Jeff Stonehill, borough manager, said the plan does not limit council to its contents.
“There’s nothing that prohibits council from going above and beyond a comprehensive plan,” he said.
Coffman and Larry Hensley voted against the plan. Alice Elia, John Huber, Tom Newcomer, Kathy Leedy, Dom Brown, Bill Everley Jr. and Weston Waytow voted to adopt the plan. Sharon Bigler was absent.
What are the goals of Chambersburg Vision 2035?
Reinvestment
Goal Statement:
Through public-private partnerships, the Borough of Chambersburg will support reinvestment in underutilized properties and public streetscapes to support the borough’s vibrancy.
Goal Recommendations:
Increase Economic Opportunity: Retain existing and grow new Chambersburg businesses
Reinvestment Locations: Identify and prioritize Chambersburg reinvestment locations
Use public space investment to spur private investment
Incentivize redevelopment along the Grant Street corridor
Continue to pursue the acquisition and redevelopment of the Southgate Shopping Center as a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood
Housing
Goal Statement:
The borough will work collaboratively with property owners to encourage and incentivizereinvestment in its residential housing stock, adopt land use policies to allow for new housing to meetpopulation growth, and support opportunities for homeownership.
Goal Recommendations:
Promote first-time homeowner technical and financial assistance programs
Enhance the borough’s code enforcement to maintain the health, safety, sanitation, and quality of all neighborhoods
Preserve existing housing by offering a rehabilitation program
Incentivize new housing through zoning code updates
Sense of Place
Goal Statement:
The borough will position itself as a destination for residents and visitors.
Goal Recommendations:
Enhance pedestrian spaces and places in downtown
Prioritize pedestrian and bicycle connections to and around downtown
Promote connections with side and rear frontages onto pedestrian spaces
Enhance and expand waterside connections along the Conococheague Creek and Falling Spring Branch
Consider zoning code amendments to prohibit incompatible uses in the downtown area
Borough services
Goal Statement:
The borough will continue to invest in providing high quality municipal services.
Goal Recommendations:
Enhance the borough’s communication outlets
Increase staff capacity under the Department of Community Planning
Establish a new internal referral routing process and related training for borough employees to ensure resident questions are addressed
Achieve Platinum Level Sustainable Pennsylvania Community Certification
Transportation
Goal Statement:
The borough will coordinate with local stakeholders and prioritize investment for expanding transportation options to Chambersburg residents and ensure that infrastructure is safe and efficient.
Goal Recommendations:
Work with the newly formed Susquehanna Regional Transportation Authority (SRTA) to investigate the feasibility of instituting fixed-route service to connect area workers with employment destinations
Support the evaluation of U.S. 11 and U.S. 30 for potential inclusion into the U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS)
Address the borough’s parking conditions
Address the borough’s aging bridge inventory
Coordinate with the Franklin County MPO and PennDOT in implementing the recommendations of the I-81 Improvement Strategy
Protect the viability of the Franklin County Regional Airport
Update planning tools to preserve future mobility and community character
Consider transportation improvements for autonomous vehicles, drones, and unmanned aerial vehicle deliveries
Amber South can be reached at asouth@publicopinionnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion: Chambersburg Borough Council adopts comprehensive plan
