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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dauphin County Local Share Municipal Grant Applications
Lower Paxton received two Commonwealth Finance Authority grants totaling $835,000 for local drainage and sewer projects.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Departmental Liaison Structure and Governance Review
Supervisors debated how to structure oversight of township departments, deciding to table a formal committee resolution in favor of establishing single-supervisor departmental liaisons to avoid bureaucratic hurdles and Sunshine Act issues.
Employee Volunteer Leave Policy
The board approved a policy giving township employees eight hours of paid leave per year to volunteer with approved local organizations like NutriPack. While supporters praised it as a morale booster, critics questioned the use of taxpayer funds for non-township work.
Fourth of July Fireworks and Celebration Alternatives
Supervisors and residents discussed the future of the township's Independence Day celebration, with board members agreeing to forego traditional fireworks due to public safety risks and high costs, while planning committees explore drone or laser show alternatives.