Lower Paxton Township · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lower Paxton Township public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Waiver of Land Development for 4010 McIntosh Road
An applicant is asking the Commission to waive standard land development plan requirements for a property on McIntosh Road. A waiver would allow the project to proceed without full land development review, so neighbors may want to weigh in on how the site would be used and improved.
Compost Facility Operations and Compliance
Two environmental infrastructure items are before the board: a GHD proposal to improve the compost facility and an HRG retainer for groundwater monitoring at the landfill. Both concern how the township manages waste sites and protects local water quality.
Hidden Lake Drive Culvert Replacement
The township is set to award a contract to replace the culvert on Hidden Lake Drive, a drainage and road infrastructure fix for that neighborhood. Work would proceed once legal review and reference checks are complete.
Double Taxation Concerns Regarding Library Funding
The township may authorize a special election asking residents whether to repeal the special library tax. If it moves forward, this question would go directly to voters — a decision that could affect library funding for years to come.
Indoor Recreation Facility Traffic and Ingress/Egress
Pebble Climbing and Fitness is opening a bouldering gym alongside an upcoming brewery on Linglestown Road. Residents and board members expressed deep concerns about traffic congestion, single-exit safety, and parking lot management.
Residential Setback Variance for Family Care Addition
A homeowner requested a side yard setback variance to build an addition for her aging mother. The neighbor offered verbal support, and the board approved the request.
Shopping Center Signage Expansion
Paxton Town Center is adding tenant panels to its main freestanding sign on Jonestown Road to help customers locate businesses. The board verified that the structure's height will not change.
Commercial Expansion and Non-Conforming Use on Linglestown Road
Macintosh Investments is upgrading its landscaping business property with a larger building and office space. Residents and board members discussed making sure operations remain quiet, stay within normal hours, and respect neighboring properties.
Township Manager Employment Agreement and Salary
Residents criticized the township's high legal expenditures and questioned severance payments and consulting agreements made with former officials. Speakers urged the board to adopt resolutions holding officials personally accountable for frivolous legal costs and enforcing non-disparagement clauses.
Zen Leaf Medical Marijuana Dispensary Proposal
Zen Leaf Harrisburg applied for a conditional use permit to relocate their medical marijuana dispensary to a vacant bank building at 4206 Union Deposit Road. Residents and supervisors discussed security, traffic impacts, and parking, leading to approval with a condition for direct police camera access.
Shearer Subdivision and Infrastructure Deferrals
The board discussed a preliminary final subdivision plan for Frederick and Joule Shearer involving a 3.42-acre tract on Ranger Road. The property owners requested waivers from sidewalk and curb requirements due to financial hardship and health challenges, leading the board to table the matter.
2027 Public Works General Fund Budget and Staffing
The board reviewed and approved the preliminary 2027 budget, which includes a general fund deficit of over $860,000 to be covered by fund reserves. Discussions highlighted healthcare cost adjustments, a new economic development position, and municipal dues.
Conway Fill Site Erosion and Stormwater Concerns
A resident from North Arlington Avenue raised ongoing concerns about backyard flooding, standing water, and clogged drainage pipes near her property. Township staff noted that millions in stormwater projects are planned over the next few years to address major problem areas.
Electronic Communications and Records Policy
The township adopted a strict policy banning officials from conducting public business via text message. The move aims to keep all official communications accessible and secure under right-to-know laws.
Bureau of Police 2027 Budget and Staffing Plan
Residents and supervisors discussed the need to hire additional police officers to keep pace with township growth and maintain adequate coverage ratios.
Compost Facility Feasibility Study
Residents living near the Lower Paxton Township compost facility testified about unbearable daily noise, dust, and truck traffic impacting their health and quality of life. Supervisors acknowledged the issue as a priority and promised ongoing administrative review.
Road Maintenance, Paving Plans, and ADA Requirements
The board awarded the 2026 paving project contract to New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co., Inc. for $720,654.96 to resurface and improve local roads.
Township Economic Development and Master Planning
Residents and supervisors discussed exploring an economic development or redevelopment authority to foster commercial revitalization, such as at the Colonial Park Mall.
Bureau of Fire 2027 Budget and Career Staffing Expansion
Township officials discussed fire service data, mutual aid, and the decision not to replace an older tanker truck based on coverage analysis and water hydrant availability.
Planning Commission Alternate Appointment
The township interviewed two long-time residents, Bill Miller and Tim Pramick, to fill an open alternate seat on the Planning Commission, ultimately recommending Tim Pramick to the supervisors.
Code Enforcement and Property Maintenance
Neighbors voiced extreme frustration over an ongoing, unresolved property hoarding case on Merivale Court, pleading with the township for permanent code enforcement action.
North Mountain Road Traffic Signal & Safety Improvements
A resident urged the township to address traffic hazards and choke points around major commercial areas like Best Buy, Giant, Sheetz, and Route 22, noting issues with illegal U-turns and visibility.
Police and Non-Uniformed Pension Obligations
The board approved the 2027 minimum municipal obligations for employee pension plans, prompting public discussion regarding funding levels and taxpayer contributions.
2027 Community Development and Parks Budget
The township is advancing multiple park improvement projects, including court upgrades at Coons, Centennial Acres, and Kohl Memorial parks, and seeking a $1 million grant to renovate the Possibility Place Playground at George Park.
Redevelopment of 4642 Jonestown Road for Multi-Family Housing
LG2CV LLC proposed building a 24-unit apartment building on an underutilized parking lot next to an existing office building. Residents raised concerns about traffic, emergency access, and privacy buffering, but the board ultimately approved the project with conditions.
Boardroom Technology Upgrade
The township is spending over $106,000 to overhaul its meeting room cameras, microphones, and display systems to improve remote viewing and public participation.
Conway Park Phase 1 Development
The township hired landscape architects for $68,700 to design basketball courts, parking, and multi-use lawns at Conway Park.
Dauphin County Local Share Municipal Grant Applications
Lower Paxton received two Commonwealth Finance Authority grants totaling $835,000 for local drainage and sewer projects.
State of the Township and Long-Term Financial Planning
Residents and board members discussed the importance of maintaining cash reserves to protect the township's bond rating and fiscal health, clarifying they are necessary reserves rather than a slush fund.
Devonshire Road Townhome Concept Plan
Developers presented an informal sketch plan for 38 townhomes on a 7-acre vacant lot along Devonshire Road, featuring private streets and alleys. Commissioners raised concerns about parking adequacy, street widths, sight distance, and the connection to Wilshire Road.
Clayton Lappley Minor Subdivision
An 86-acre parcel on Devonshire Road is being divided into two lots, creating a new building lot while deferring certain curb and sidewalk improvements. Commissioners discussed long-term enforcement of deferrals and future connectivity.
Data Center Zoning and Regulations
Commissioners discussed the need to proactively study and adopt local regulations and ordinances for data centers to address potential community impacts like noise and decommissioning.
Public Comment Policy and Rules of Decorum
The board debated changes to public comment guidelines, including time limits and meeting procedures, deciding to keep public comment limits at five minutes.
Bureau of Fire Career Personnel Swearing-In
The township welcomed 12 new career firefighters, marking a significant milestone in staffing local fire stations.
Short-Term Rentals in Village District
Property owners received permission to operate two short-term rental units in Linglestown, highlighting how the township handles Airbnb-style lodging in commercial-residential areas.
Website ADA Compliance Mandate
The township must update its official website to meet federal ADA compliance requirements by April 2027.
Board of Supervisors Vacancy Appointment
The board filled the vacant supervisor position after public interviews, sparking debate over candidate qualifications and transparency.
Severe Storm Recovery and Disaster Declaration
The township experienced severe storm damage over the weekend, leading to widespread tree damage and power outages. The board ratified a disaster emergency declaration to seek potential state and federal financial reimbursement.
Newside Road Cemetery Subdivision and Historic Preservation
The Historical Commission shared significant progress on clearing and mapping the historic 18th-century cemetery, featuring revolutionary war veterans.
Route 39 Adaptive Signal Improvements Project
The township awarded a $1.13 million contract to upgrade traffic signals along Route 39 with adaptive technology to ease congestion and improve traffic flow.
Autumn Oaks Parkland Dedication
The township accepted a 29-acre parkland dedication from McNaughton Homes, adding permanent open space and recreational facilities like pickleball courts and a playground to the community.
Happy Tails Dog Park Renovations and Access System
The township is pursuing state grant funding for park upgrades while paying out contractors for recently completed basketball, tennis, and ADA accessibility improvements across multiple parks.
Senior Van Program Funding Pressures
Lower Paxton's senior van program is facing funding reductions due to federal and county cuts, prompting calls for local financial support from the township.
Municipal Energy Procurement and Rising Power Costs
The township is locking in a 24 to 30-month power contract with World Kinect to manage increasing electricity rates driven by transmission capacity costs. Officials noted that municipal power expenses are expected to rise significantly next year.
Official Map Adoption and Trail Planning
The township adopted an Active Transportation Plan to address walking and biking safety gaps across Lower Paxton. Residents shared stories of accidents and urged the board to move from planning to actual infrastructure improvements.
Lingle Park Pickleball Courts and Noise Considerations
The board paused an engineering agreement for new pickleball courts at Lingle Park to ensure nearby residents are notified about potential daytime noise.
Traffic Safety and Left-Turn Violations near Costco
Residents highlighted severe traffic hazards and near-miss accidents caused by drivers illegally making left turns out of the Costco commercial area.
Traffic Safety and Property Damage on Copperstone Road
A resident voiced deep frustration over frequent vehicular accidents resulting in cars crashing onto her property and near her children's bus stop, asking for township assistance with PennDOT.
Snow Removal and Sidewalk Maintenance
Public works officials reviewed their response to the January 25 winter storm, noting challenges with parked cars, mailboxes, and snow pushed back into driveways, while discussing ways to improve public communication.
Environmental Impact of Road Salt
A resident raised concerns about the heavy use of road salt on township and state roads damaging freshwater ecosystems and public infrastructure.