Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lower Paxton Township public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
23 issues
Happy Tails Dog Park Renovations and Access System
The Parks and Recreation Board approved an $80/year membership for the formerly free dog park, funded partly by a $26,000 custom app. Residents say it prices people out and blindsided the community; a petition is circulating and organizers offered to fundraise instead.
Data Center Zoning and Regulations
The township's draft ordinance would allow data centers only as conditional uses in a Data Center Overlay District, with setbacks, noise limits, and decommissioning guarantees. Residents say the 300-foot residential setback is far too small and want backup generator limits and e-waste rules added. The ordinance is months from a vote, with a public information session planned.
Rising township legal fees and frivolous complaints
Legal spending hit $415,000 this year against a $155,000 budget, and residents blame unfounded complaints filed by a supervisor. Kessler wants a resolution allowing cost recovery; Campbell says existing legal remedies suffice but promised to discuss it with staff.
Snow Removal and Sidewalk Maintenance
A 50-year resident says township plows push street snow onto her sidewalk and apron, creating hazards and leaving her responsible for cleanup. She first raised it in February and says she's had no follow-up; the manager agreed to have someone call her.
Bureau of Police 2027 Budget and Staffing Plan
Background from the September workshop minutes shows the 2027 budget picture taking shape: the police bureau's proposal is up 6.2% largely from contracts and staffing, and fire officials are recommending a fire tax increase from 1.24 to 2.07 mills — roughly $326 a year for the typical homeowner — to fund 12 new firefighters and a new pumper. Tuesday's business won't decide these, but they're coming.
Township Economic Development and Master Planning
The township unveiled a five-phase plan to attract and retain businesses, anchored by a new citizen committee drawing on residents with finance, development, engineering, and healthcare backgrounds. Applications open soon; appointments come at the January reorganization meeting.
Storage building at former Baltimore Tar site
A grandfathered commercial landscaping business in the Stray Winds area wants to replace its old building with a larger, better-looking storage structure. Commissioners probed soil contamination from the site's tar-plant history and potential light pollution before endorsing the waiver.
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.
South Central EMS CPR and AED volunteer training
Supervisor Pamela Thompson relayed that South Central EMS will train volunteers on CPR and AED use for a small fee — a chance for residents to learn lifesaving skills.
2027 Budget Deficit and Fund Balance Concerns
Residents flagged a proposed ~$900,000 deficit in the 2027 budget and questioned whether reserves (~$14 million) meet the township's 25%–35% reserve policy. Manager Gossert defended the plan, citing new firefighter hiring and OPEB obligations, and acknowledged a likely tax increase discussion for 2028.
Double Taxation Concerns Regarding Library Funding
Voters will decide in November 2027 whether to repeal the roughly 0.041-mill township library tax that helps keep East Shore Area Library open seven days a week. Supporters say it costs under $10 a year per household and drives $5.50 in local economic benefit per dollar; critics call it an unfair second tax on top of the county library tax.
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.
Stormwater and Sewer Infrastructure Program
The quarterly engineering update covered Trunk H sewer replacement, Hidden Lake culvert work, Mountain View Acres storm sewer, and Utah Avenue design — plus a new in-house engineering capability saving HOA consulting costs.
Compost Facility Operations and Compliance
Neighbors have complained about dust, noise, and truck traffic at the Conway Road compost facility. The board approved a study comparing improving, relocating, or outsourcing operations — some residents offered free alternatives and criticized the $60,000 cost.
Supervisor Conduct and Censure Calls
Multiple residents demanded censure or resignation of Vice Chair Scheib over a heated post-meeting confrontation with Secretary Lindsey and a profane remark. Campbell confirmed the incident and urged civility; the video editing of the incident also drew complaints.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.