THE NEWSLETTER OF SOUTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP
Summer
2021
TALK of the
TOWNship
A few weeks ago, I released the “State of the Township” report (found on the Township’s website) which goes into greater detail on many of the items I will discuss here. In essence, despite COVID-19 knocking us around about a bit, the state of the Township is quite strong, and we are continually progressing towards a bright future of growth and prosperity. In addition, many of the projects we are working on for this year are covered elsewhere in this Newsletter.
e Board of Supervisors is committed to ensuring the most effective and efficient delivery of public services while being good stewards of your tax money. For instance, South Middleton’s overall tax rate is lower than 39 percent of all similar-sized communities. Township residents, when factoring in all local taxes paid (school, county, municipal), are well below the county average in both per capita spending and total tax burden. In fact, for every dollar our residents pay in property taxes, only five cents go to municipal services, and of that nickel, three cents are locked into road maintenance and two cents go straight to our fire companies. We keep your taxes low and use your money in a clear and easily understandable way.
e Township’s economy is healthy with an unemployment rate currently standing at 3.7 percent, well below the national and state averages of 6.3 and 7.3 percent, respectively. e median household income is $76,357, about a 4.5 percent increase from last year, and approximately ten percent higher than the county average, and an astounding 25 percent higher than the state average.
In an ordinary year following the decennial Census, we would have our new population figures. Well, 2020 was not an ordinary year, so we may not know even our preliminary population estimates until perhaps this summer or early fall. But, we are certain to see population growth. Low taxes, quality schools, and public amenities make South Middleton an attractive place to live and raise a family. Also, the pandemic did not restrain home building/improvements in 2020, which saw a 23 percent increase over the previous year. e average home value in the Township has risen to $249,207, about a 12 percent increase from the previous year.
Withmorepeoplecomespressuresandincreaseddemand not only on public services (i.e. roads, schools, hospitals, etc.) but also an obvious question – where are these people going to live? Since 2013, population growth in Cumberland County has exceeded available housing stock and has remained high. is in itself may not necessarily be cause for alarm, if vacancy rates remain at a healthy point to provide selection it offers enough choices to keep cost of living down. Unfortunately, vacancy rates in South Middleton for single-family homes is almost zero. When there is high-demand, basic economics sees prices go up, and it has in South Middleton, by about 30 percent. is creates a two-pronged effect: it leads to more development with higher costs. Well-meaning though misguided suggestions to restrain this growth can actually make matters worse. It is a delicate balance.
To properly manage this growth, the Township has long engaged in a farsighted and progressive approach at land use planning, guiding development to areas most appropriate for it. A concern held by some is that this increasing population and new home construction is gobbling up all of our prime farmland. It most definitely is not. Suburban development zoning occupies less than 20 percent of South Middleton’s land area and is constrained largely to areas outside of Carlisle Borough or along the Forge Road axis between Carlisle and Boiling Springs. is placement is to take advantage of already existing road access and sewer/water infrastructure and to preserve farms and open space. e Township has made it a priority to plan for all housing types, to meet all tastes and needs, while preserving open space. Both can (and are being) achieved together in South Middleton. Finally, because the Township and South Middleton School District shares the same area, it enables us to partner with our School counterparts to plan for these development pressures together, in a coordinated fashion.
On a final note, I chose to dispense with commenting on the COVID-19 pandemic any further than I already have in the past. But, I would like to take a quick moment to express my sincerest appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the Township staff over the past year. eir pride and dedication to public service is beyond reproach.
520 Park Drive, Boiling Springs, PA 17007 • 717-258-5324 • FAX 717-258-3577 • www.smiddleton.com
TAX COLLECTOR
Jennifer Varner
Voice and Fax 717-258-0127 • [email protected] www.smtaxvarner.com
SSOOUUTTHH MMIIDDDDLLEETTOONN TTOOWWNNSSHHIIPP
Office Hours: Tues., Wed. & Thurs., 9:30 am – 3:00 pm or by appointment at Township Municipal Building
SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT
Vince Elbel - Sewage Enforcement Officer
717-263-6120
EMERGENCY
If an after hours emergency occurs in the Township, please observe the following procedures:
Police, Fire & Ambulance: Call 911
PA State Police Carlisle Non-Emergency: 717-249-2121
Roadways: Call the Township Office at 717-258-5324 and leave a message. We will respond as quickly as we can.
If you have an emergency, please call 911.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Standing (L-R) Ron Hamilton, Duff Manweiler.
Seated (L-R) Walter “Rick”Reighard (Vice Chairman),
Shelly Capozzi, Bryan Gembusia (Chairman). [email protected]
Sewer & Water: Call the Municipal Authority Office at
717-258-6476. An answering service will direct your call.
TOWNSHIP SOLICITOR Bryan Salzmann (Salzmann Hughes)
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2 0 2 1 H O L I D AY S C H E D U L E
JANUARY 1 - NEW YEAR’S DAY
Contributing Authors:
Cory Adams, Kelly Kurtas, Brian O’Neill, Ron Hamilton, Allison Earnst,
Timothy Duerr, Jennifer Varner, Duff Manweiler, and Kurt Uhler.
APRIL 2 - GOOD FRIDAY
520 Park Drive, Boiling Springs, PA 17007-9536 Office Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Telephone: 717-258-5324 • Fax: 717-258-3577 www.smiddleton.com
MAY 31 - MEMORIAL DAY
JULY 5 - INDEPENDENCE DAY (observed)
SEPTEMBER 6 - LABOR DAY
NOVEMBER 11 - VETERAN’S DAY
NOVEMBER 25 - THANKSGIVING DAY
NOVEMBER 26 - FRIDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING
DECEMBER 23 - HALF-DAY, CHRISTMAS EVE (observed)
DECEMBER 24 - CHRISTMAS (observed)
DECEMBER 30 - HALF-DAY, NEW YEAR’S EVE (observed)
DECEMBER 31 - NEW YEAR’S DAY (observed)
HOMEBOUND VACCINATION DATA
If you or someone you know is homebound and unable to attend a COVID-19 vaccination site, we want to help. Please send your name, address, and phone number and we will ensure the proper authorities know where to go to deliver the vaccine.
MS4 Update - Reporting Illicit Discharges
An illicit discharge includes any discharge into a storm drain system that is not entirely composed of stormwater.
Illicit discharges allow pollutants to enter lakes and streams causing public health concerns, unpleasant odors/color, and harming aquatic and animal life. Pollution can also lead to excess growth of vegetation in our streams.
Please be cautious about what washes off your property and notify the Township office if you detect any illicit discharges in your area.
Examples of illicit discharges include improper disposal of:
• Solvents • Pet waste • Chlorinated pool water • Trash
• Automotive fluids (oil, fuel, antifreeze) • Landscape waste (grass clippings & leaves) • Cooking oil and grease • Paints
Residents can report suspected illicit discharges to the Township MS4 Coordinator.
520 Park Drive, Boiling Springs, PA 17007 • 717-258-5324 • FAX 717-258-3577 • www.smiddleton.com
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Community Planning and Public Improvement Projects
Shaping the Township’s Future
- e Township is seeking input on several planning ef-
- Prior to the dam replacement project beginning, a wa-
forts later this year, and getting ready for some construction terline that crosses the project site will need to be relocated around Boiling Springs in the next couple years - via the by the South Middleton Township Municipal Authority.
following projects.
ActiveTransportationPlan–eTownshipreceivedtwo will impact Mountain Road and Race Street.
grants to complete an “Active Transportation Plan”, which is a Phase 1 of the Boiling Springs Sidewalk and Safety
e anticipated date for this project is Summer of 2021 and
study of pedestrian and bicycle routes in the Township. e Improvements Project – is project involves sidewalk grants are from the PA Department of Conservation through and traffic improvements on First Street from Hilltop the PA Department of Health’s “Walkworks” Program and Road to High Street, funded in part by a $500,000 Multithe Cumberland County Land Partnership grant program. modal Transportation Fund grant from PA Department e plan will inventory existing routes, solicit public input of Community & Economic Development. A “concept” on suggested new routes, and make recommendations on plan based upon preliminary design and our field meeting proposed projects and policies. A Steering Committee has with PennDOT was presented to the Board of Supervibeen formed to provide the framework of the plan and we sors at their March 25, 2021 meeting. e plan involves will be soliciting input through an online portal in the near crosswalks, “bump outs”, and sidewalk improvements. A future. Look for updated information on the Township’s revised plan will be posted on the Township’s website for website and Facebook page. For more information about public comment after that. Once comments are compiled the Walkworks Program, visit https://www.health.pa.gov/ and addressed, the plan will be submitted to PennDOT for topics/programs/WalkWorks/Pages/WalkWorks.aspx.
Comprehensive Plan – e Township began the pro- early 2022 and construction beginning in the Spring 2022.
cess of updating its Comprehensive Plan in November. A Phase 2A of the Boiling Springs Sidewalk and Safety
permitting. e project is expected to be put out for bid in
comprehensive plan provides a vision for growth and devel- Improvements Project – is project involves sidewalk opment throughout the Township along with the steps that and traffic improvements on Front Street from First Street are needed to make that vision a reality. is usually results (at the Tavern) to Arnold Street (School Property). e in revisions to the Township’s Zoning and Subdivision and Township received funding in the amount of $432,330 from Land Development regulations to implement the vision. HATS (Harrisburg Area Transportation Study) under the Township staff is garnering feedback on the goals and objec- Regional Transportation Plan Implementation Program. tives of future planning from the Steering Committee made Once the project is incorporated into their next round of up of a cross section of Township residents. Once a draft of funding allocation, design and permitting will begin. Conthe plan has been completed in the next few months, it will struction is anticipated in 2023 after design and permitting be presented to the Board of Supervisors and made available have been completed later this year. to the public for comment. Look for updated information on the Township’s website and Facebook page.
Phase 2B of the Boiling Springs Sidewalk and Safety
Improvements Project – is project involves sidewalk
Children’s Lake Dam Replacement – Work on the re- and walkway improvements on Front Street from First placement of the dam at Children’s Lake has been delayed Street (at Café 101) to Race Street (the parking lot by the by COVID-19. e Fish and Boat Commission and PA Dept dam). We have applied for a grant for this project and are of General Services anticipate receiving a permit from the awaiting word back on award. e scope of the project PA DEP for the project later this year. Once the permit is will depend on grant funding. e timing also is depenreceived, the project will be bid and awarded through the dent on award of grant funding, and the project will most state’s procurement process. A likely start date is late 2021 likely occur in 2023 after design and permitting have been
- or early 2022.
- completed later this year.
Wildfire and Burning Ordinance Awareness
Population growth and urban development into traditionally nonurban areas have brought more people in contact with wildfires. Homes that are located in areas where structures and human development intermingle with wildland or vegetative fuels are at greater risk for devastation.
It is important to understand how wildfires can occur so we can have safeguards in place to prevent them from happening and if they do occur, control the spread in wildland-urban interface areas.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: OPEN BURNING OTHER THAN FOR COOKING FOOD OR NORMAL AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS IS PROHIBITED PER SOUTH MIDDLETON FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY CODE (ORDINANCE NO. 2017-03).
520 Park Drive, Boiling Springs, PA 17007 • 717-258-5324 • FAX 717-258-3577 • www.smiddleton.com
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Household Hazardous Waste
Now that warmer weather is here, you may be ready to Acceptable Items for Collection: do some spring cleaning around your house. It is important
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Pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, and fertilizers Oil based paints, stains, paint cleaners, thinners, and removers Latex paint and related products Driveway sealers Adhesives, glues, epoxies, caulking, sealants Gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene Motor oil Antifreeze, car care products Lubricating sprays Pool chemicals Drain cleaners, degreasers, oven cleaners Fire extinguishers Propane cylinders (up to 20 pounds) Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and other acids Mercury, mercury containing devices Fluorescent light tubes and bulbs Automotive batteries to dispose of those hazardous household items properly. Hazardous Household Waste can be anything that is ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic.
Cumberland County has a Household Hazardous
Waste Program with Collection Events.
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Collection Events for 2021: Cumberland County Recycling Center – 1001 Claremont Road, Carlisle, PA
ursday, April 15 Saturday, June 5 Saturday, August 21 ursday, October 28
11 am – 5 pm 9 am – 3 pm 9 am – 3 pm 11 am – 5 pm
Pre-registration is required and a fee of $0.30 per pound will be charged. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Only one appointment per customer per year is allowed. ese events are for Cumberland County residents only. For more information and to register for an appointment, please visit https://www. ccpa.net/3376/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Program.
Community Spotlight – “The Village Artisans”
Since moving to Boiling Springs in 1984, stained glass artist PJ Heyman had been looking for a studio space with plenty of daylight to pursue her craft. In the fall of 1994, she and her husband Gene purchased the 150-year-old, historic Brethren church on the corner of Fourth and Walnut Streets. After extensive restoration work, which preserved the original Southern yellow pine wood floors and front interior doors, along with new articles. She was also selected to exhibit her “Rocking the Woodpile” carving in the 2015 Art of the State exhibit at the State Museum in Harrisburg.
In its 26 years, the Village Artisans Gallery has received numerous awards including being designated “Best in the Valley” by the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau four times, a NICHE Magazine Top 10 American Craft Retailer three times, a Top 100 Retailer of American Craft nationally four times, the No. 2 Retailer of American Craft in 2005, and “One of the Coolest Places in Cumberland County” by the Central Penn Business Journal in 2020. Recently, the Village Artisans was listed as one of five nominees for “Simply the Best Art Gallery” studio, retail, and office space, the Village Artisans was open for business on April 1, 1995. Studio and retail space were quickly filled, the latter furnished with display stands and jewelry cases. Today, more than 150 local and Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen artists and artisans display and exhibit their work for sale here. in Harrisburg Magazine’s
PJ eventually transitioned to focus on the retail part of her business which saw the expansion of the retail gallery. She instinctively knew that presenting quality work with a “difference” is what brings customers back time and again to find that special wedding or birthday gift or a beautiful painting or photograph to hang on their wall. To find that quality work in all price ranges she scours local craft shows and attends national wholesale shows.
2021“Simply the Best Recreation & Leisure” competition. To vote, please visit https://har- risburgmagazine.com/ category/simply-thebest/. For more information, including hours
One of the studio’s artists, master artisan Gay Foltz, still works on site. Gay is internationally recognized for her folk art wood carvings and has appeared on HGTV and been featured in numerous magazine and newspaper of operation and contact information, please visit villageartisansgallery. com/.
520 Park Drive, Boiling Springs, PA 17007 • 717-258-5324 • FAX 717-258-3577 • www.smiddleton.com
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TOWNSHIP MEETING SCHEDULE
All meetings are subject to final approval and advertisement by the various boards involved.
Please check the Township website or call the Township office for an update.
- MAY
- JULY
10 Zoning Hearing Board ....................... 5:00 PM 10 Municipal Authority........................... 6:00 PM 12 Building Code Appeals Board........... 4:00 PM 13 Board of Supervisors.......................... 6:00 PM 19 Planning Commission ....................... 6:00 PM 20 Parks & Recreation Board.................. 6:00 PM 24 Municipal Authority........................... 6:00 PM 26 Building Code Appeals Board........... 4:00 PM 27 Board of Supervisors.......................... 6:00 PM
- 8
- Board of Supervisors.......................... 6:00 PM
12 Zoning Hearing Board ....................... 5:00 PM 12 Municipal Authority........................... 6:00 PM 14 Building Code Appeals Board........... 4:00 PM 15 Parks & Recreation Board.................. 6:00 PM 20 Planning Commission ....................... 6:00 PM 26 Municipal Authority........................... 6:00 PM 28 Building Code Appeals Board........... 4:00 PM 29 Board of Supervisors.......................... 6:00 PM
- JUNE
- AUGUST
- 9
- Building Code Appeals Board........... 4:00 PM
- 9
9
Zoning Hearing Board ....................... 5:00 PM
- Municipal Authority........................... 6:00 PM
- 10 Board of Supervisors.......................... 6:00 PM
14 Zoning Hearing Board ....................... 5:00 PM 14 Municipal Authority........................... 6:00 PM 15 Planning Commission ....................... 6:00 PM 17 Parks & Recreation Board.................. 6:00 PM 23 Building Code Appeals Board........... 4:00 PM 24 Board of Supervisors.......................... 6:00 PM 28 Municipal Authority........................... 6:00 PM
11 Building Code Appeals Board........... 4:00 PM 12 Board of Supervisors.......................... 6:00 PM 17 Planning Commission ....................... 6:00 PM 19 Parks & Recreation Board.................. 6:00 PM 23 Municipal Authority........................... 6:00 PM 25 Building Code Appeals Board........... 4:00 PM 26 Board of Supervisors.......................... 6:00 PM