HomeMy WebLinkAboutShippensburg Comp PlanSHIPPENSBURG BOROUGH CuMBERLANDANDFRANgLINCo~ PENNSYLVANIA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GANNEIT F " G , INC. HARRISBURG, pEN"IA OCTOBER 1991 ?
I E B 1 I 1 . 0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 SHIE'PENSBURG BOROUGH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS BACKGROUND STUDW EXISTING LAND USE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . 1 Residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Vacant/Open Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 3 Public/Semi-Public . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Industrial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Miscellaneous
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2.1 Classification of Major Thoroughfares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.1.1 2.1.2 2.1.3 Urban
Principal Arterials ....................... 6 Urban Minor Arterials ........................ 8 Collectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 One-way Street
System ........................... 10 Signalized Intersections ........................... 10 Traffic Volumes ................................ 10 Deficiencies in the Existing Transportation
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Other Modes of Transportation ...................... 12 Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 2.7.1 Railroadservice ........................... 12 3.0 COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 3.1 3.2 Public
and Private Recreation Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Municipal Buildings and Property ..................... 13 i
3.2.1 3.2.2 SHIPPENSBURG BOROUGH con!lPRE"slvE PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont' d.) Public Recreation Facilities .................... 15 Private Recreation Facilities ....................
15 3.3 Library Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 3.4 3.3.1 3.3.2 3.4.1 3.4.2 Shippensburg Public Library .................... 17 Shippensburg
University Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Emergency Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Police Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Fire Protection ............................ 19 3.5 Public and Private Schools ......................... 19 3.5.1 3.5.2 Public Schools ............................
19 Private Schools ............................ 19 4.0 C0MMU"YUTILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 5.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 5.1 Wastewater System . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Water Supply and Distribution System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Solid Waste Management System .....................
Stormwater Management System ..................... 28 26 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS ......................... 31 5.1.1 5.1.2 5.1.3 5.1.4 5.1.5 5.1.6 Environmentally Sensitive Areas ......................
31 Geologic Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Groundwater Contamination .................... 32 Groundwater Recharge Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 34 Wetlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Floodplains .............................. 36 Historical and Archaeological Sites . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . 36 .. 11
6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 SHIPPENSBURG BOROUGH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont’d.) Page DEMOGRAPHICS AND HOUSING ....................... 38 Population Profile . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 6.1.1 Population Growth Trends ..................... 38 6.1.2 Age and Sex Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 6.1.3
Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 6.1.4 Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Economic Base Profile . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 6.2.1 Employment by Industry ...................... 46 6.2.2 Labor Force Characteristics .................... 49 Housing Analysis
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 6.3.1 Number and Age of Housing Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 6.3.2 occupancy status ..........................
53 6.3.3 Rentalunits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 6.3.4 Housing Value Value ............................ 54 7.0 REGIONAL IMPACT ANALYSIS . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 7.1 7.2 S hippensburg Township ........................... 56 7.1.1 Existing and Projected Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
7.1.2 Public Utilities and Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 7.1.3 Transportation System ....................... 58 Southampton Township. Cumberland County . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . 59 7.2.1 7.2.2 Public Utilities and Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Existing and Projected Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 7.2.3
Transportation System ....................... 60 ... lll
SHIPPENSBURG BOROUGH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont 'd.) 7.3 Southampton Township. Franklin County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 7.3.1 Existing and Projected Development
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 7.3.2 Public Utilities and Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 7.3.3 Transportation System ....................... 62 7.4 Shippensburg
University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 8.0 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT ........................ 64 8.1 Historical View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 8.2 Present View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 8.3 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . 71 COMMUNITY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 9.0 COMMUNITY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 9.1 Public Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 9.2 Borough Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 9.3 Borough Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . 79 9.4 Neighborhood Meetings ........................... 83 9.5 Interviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 9.6 Community
Goals and Objectives ..................... 84 9.6.1 FutureLandU se . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 9.6.2 Transportation ............................ 85 9.6.3
Public Facilities and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 9.6.4 PublicUtilities ............................ 86 iv
SHIPPENSBURG BOROUGH c0MmE"sIvE PLAN I I I TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont 'd.) PLAN"G RECOMMENDATIONS 10.0 FUTURE LAND USE PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 10.1
Regional Planning Commission ...................... 87 10.2 FutureLandUse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 10.2.1 Residential Land Uses . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . 92 10.2.2 Commercial Land Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 10.2.3 Industrial Land Uses .................... 94 10.2.4 Recreationlopen Space . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 10.2.5 Public/Semi-Public Land Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 I 10.3 HistoricDistrict ................................ 95 10.4 Summary . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 I I I t 11.0 TRANSPORTATIONPLAN ............................ 99 11.1 Improvements on Existing Borough Streets . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . 100 11.1.1 Road Widening and Resurfacing . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 11.1.2 One-way Streets ..................... 101 11.2 New Roadways . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 11.3 Off-street Parking ............................. 105 12.0 PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 12.1 Municipal
Buildings and Property .................... 109 12.2 Park and Recreation Facilities ...................... 110 12.2.1 Regional Parks ...................... 110 12.2.3 Neighborhood Parks
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 12.2.4 Park Development .................... 116 12.2.2 Community Parks ..................... 111 12.3 Police Protection ..............................
118 12.4 Fire Protection ............................... 122 V
I I iI SHIPPENSBURG BOROUGH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont’d.) 13.0 PUBLIC UTILITIES PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 13.1 Wastewater Management
System .................... 124 13.2 Water Supply and Distribution System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 13.3 Solid Waste Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 127 13.4 Stormwater Management System .................... 128 13.5 Private Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 14.0 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 14.1 Summary of Recommendations Impacting the CBD . . . . . . . . . 130 14.1.1 Future Land Use ..................... 130 14.1.2 Transportation
....................... 131 14.1.3 Public Facilities and Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 14.2 1984 Central Business District Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM 15.0 IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM ........................ 136 15.1 Summary of Planning Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 15.1.1 Future Land Use ...................
. 136 15.1.2 Transportation ....................... 138 15.1.3 Public Facilities and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 15.1.4 Public Utilities ....................... 144 15.1.5
Central Business District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145 15.2 Ordinance Recommendations ....................... 148 15.3 Ten-Year Capital Improvements Program . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . 151 15.4 Plan Approval ................................ 153 15.5 Comprehensive Plan Maintenance .................... 153 vi
SHIPPENSBURG BOROUGH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LIST OF TABLES Page 1-1 Existing Land Use in Shippensburg Borough . 1990 .................... 1 2-1 2-2 Classification of Borough Highways and
Streets ...................... 9 One-way Streets in Shippensburg Borough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 3-1 3-2 3-3 Municipal Buildings and Property . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Municipal Recreation Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Public and Private Schools for Shippensburg
Area Residents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 4-1 4-2 Shippensburg Water System Sources of Supply ...................... 23 Shippensburg
Water System Storage Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Shippensburg Properties on the National Register of Historic Places . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 5-1 D 6-1 Historic and Projected Population Growth of the the Shippensburg Area 1940-2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 40 Age and Sex Composition of Shippensburg Borough 1970-2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Comparison of Educational Attainment by
Persons 25 Years and Older . Shippensburg Median Household Income Levels for Selected Places 1970-1993 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Resident
Employment by Industry . 1980 ......................... 50 Resident Employment by Occupation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Travel to Work Characteristics
of Housing Units in Shippensburg by Construction Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Borough and Pennsylvania . 1980 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 47 Shippensburg Residents . 1980 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 6-2 6-3 I 6-4 1 6-5 6-6 6-7 t 6-8 8-1 8-2 8-3 8-4 Businesses Located in CBD Area
#1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Businesses Located in CBD Area #2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Businesses Located in CBD
Area #3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Businesses Located in CBD Area #4 ............................ 70 1 9-1 9-2 9-3 Evaluation of Borough Services . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Borough Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75-76 Borough Policies ......................
................. 80 10-1 Future Land Use Acreage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 . m
SHIPPENSBURG BOROUGH COMPREaENSIvE PLAN I E 3 I 1 i i t t t a LIST OF TABLES (Cont'd) Page 11-1 Traffic Flow Projections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . 100 11-2 Transportation System Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 12-1 Recommended Community Park Acreage 1990-2010 . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 113 12-2 Recommended Neighborhood Park Acreage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 12-3 Special Recreation Facilities 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . 117 12-4 Space Standards for Community Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 12-5 Space Standards for Neighborhood Parks ........................
118 12-6 Regional Police Service Demands 1990-2010 ...................... 121 12-7 Recommended Distribution Standards for Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 13-1 Summary
of Water System Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 15-1 Recommended Capital Improvements Program ..................... 152 LIST OF FIGURES 1-1 Existing
Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2-1 Transportation System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 7 4-1 Wastewater System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 4-2 Water Supply System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 4-3 Stormwater Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 5-1 5-2 Environmentally Sensitive Areas . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Middle Spring Creek Drainage Basin ............................ 35 6-1 Shippensburg Borough and Region Growth 1940-2010 . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . 41 6-2 Shippensburg Borough 1970-2010 Population Pyramid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 7-1 Regional Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 8-1 Central Business District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 10-1 Future Land Use Plan .................................
... 90 11-1 Transportation Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Viii
BACKGROUND STUDIES
CHAPTER 1 EXISTING LAND USE
I' I Land Use Type Single Family Residential Two-Family Residential Multi-Familv Residential 1.0 EXISTINGLANDUSE Area (acres) Percent of Total 390.9 29.1 73.8 5.5 25.5 1.9 A comprehensive
study and mapping of existing land use is necessary in order to effectively guide future development patterns. A land use study provides a picture of existing patterns and, together
with other factors, outlines restrictions and opportunities for future land use planning. Commercial/OfEce/Apartment Commercial Office Industrial Public/Semi-Public Agriculture Roadways
VacadOpen Spaces TOTAL Figure 1-1 illustrates existing land use patterns in Shippensburg Borough. Table 1-1 shows the area in acres under each land use category. The existing land use
survey was performed by a college intern working for the Borough during 1990. The study entitled "Borough of Shippensburg 1990 Property Land Use Survey" included the development of a
computer database consisting of information on each parcel in the Borough. The information in the database includes census block, tax map number, location, structure type, land use type
and the number of housing units. This information should be included in the development of a geographic information system (GIs) for the Shippensburg area utilizing the computer generated
mapping in this report. The GIs could be developed and updated as a joint venture with the GeographyEarth Science Department of Shippensburg University, through which the computer maps
were prepared and the intern was assigned to the Borough. 16.4 1.2 42.6 3.2 10.6 0.8 134.9 10.0 245.7 18.3 21.2 1.6 89.5 6.6 292.9 21.8 1344.0 100.0 SUB-TOTAL I (490.2) I (36.5) 1
1.1 RESIDENTIAL ..-The largest single land use type in the Borough is residential (490.2 acres -36.5%). This category is dominated by single family dwellings which comprise nearly 80
percent of all residential land. Two-family dwellings are found on another 15 percent of the residential area, while multi-family dwellings comprise the remaining five (5) percent. -The
three greatest concentrations of single family residential land are the Hollar Heights, North Morris Street and Park Place areas. However, single family residential properties are fairly
well dispersed through town. Two-family dwellings are fairly well dispersed in the central portion of the Borough bounded by Lurgan Avenue, Hollar Avenue, Burd Street and Phillips Avenue.
The largest multi-family area is Chateau Terrace. Other small areas of multi-family residential land are found throughout the downtown area. 1.2 VACANT/OPEN SPACE The second largest
land use type in Shippensburg is vacandopen space (292.9 acres -21.8%). This is unusual for a borough, especially one as old as Shippensburg. This indicates that while three quarters
of the Borough is developed, there is still ample land for future expansion. This area will be the focal point for the future land use recommendations. The largest parcel of vacant land
in the Borough is the property to the south and east of the SADCO Industrial Park. Other large tracts of vacant land are found along North Morris Street and east of North Fayette Street.
13 PuBwC/sEMI-PuBLIC This land use category includes municipal property, schools, churches, cemeteries, parks and public utility or municipal authority owned lands. Public/semi-public
lands constitute 18.3 percent of the Borough (245.7 acres). It is significant that such a large percentage of the Borough falls under this category since most of the area is tax exempt.
3
I The key areas include the Junior/Senior High School complex and Memorial Park, Nancy Grayson School, Spring Hill Cemetery, Dykeman Spring Park, and the police station and retirement
home on North Prince Street. Other churches, schools and municipal land are found throughout the town. 1.4 INDU!STRIAL The fourth largest land use type in Shippensburg is industrial
land. It constitutes 134.9 acres or ten percent of the total land area. The largest industrial areas are the properties belonging to Ingersoll Rand, SKF, Affiliated Industries, SADCO
Industrial Park and Valley BakingBeistle Company area along South Perm Street. 1.5 MISCELLANEOUS The remaining five land use types inventoried include the following: 0 0 0 0 0 Roadways
(89.5 acres -6.6%) Commercial (42.6 acres -3.2%) Agriculture (21.2 acres -1.6%) Commercial/Office/Apartment (16.4 acres -1.2 96) Office (10.6 acres -0.8%) The five land use types comprise
only 13.4 percent of the Borough cumulatively. There are 27 miles of roadway in the Borough with an average width of 27.3 feet. Commercial lands are fairly well distributed through town
with M single large area to serve as a focal point. The only agricultural property in Shippensburg is found in the South Queen Street -Hollar Avenue area. Commercial/office/apartment
is a "hybrid" land use type developed to identify the mixed land uses found primarily in the Central Business District area. Office land uses are also concentrated in the downtown area,
but are located farther east and west along King Street than the mixed commercial/office/apartment land use type. 4
1.6 SUMMARY Approximately one quarter of the Borough remains to be developed. It is likely that much of the area will be developed residentially although portions will be divided among
the other land use types inventoried here. The future land use plan will concentrate on the existing vacant/open space and agricultural areas and evaluate various potential development
scenarios. 7 5
2.0 TRANWRTATION SYSTEM I I I 8 I 1 I 1 The Borough of Shippensburg transportation system consists of State and Borough owned streets. Figure 2-1 illustrates the road and railroad network.
The overall condition of the road system is good, although downtown congestion and truck traffic will place increasing demands on the system. 2.1 CLASSIFICATION OF MAJOR T"FAREs Shippensburg
street system is classified as urban under the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PADOT) system of roadway classifications. Based on the importance and function, the streets
of an urban road system are further classified as principal arterial, minor arterial, collector, and local streets. This system, as shown in Figure 2-1, follows the classification system
of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation PADOT), which, in turn, is based on the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) classification system. (See Appendix for definitions) 2.1.1
Urb an Principal Arterials The limited access highways and streets serving through traffic are classified as principal arterials. Shippensburg is traversed by State Route 11 which wries
traffic in and out of the Borough in an eastwees direction. Route 174 and Route 696, which run in a general north-south direction, are the roads connecting the Borough's transportation
system with Interstate Route 81. State Route 00 11: State Route 11, known as King Street in Shippensburg, is an undivided highway. Within the Central Business District, metered parking
spaces are provided on both sides of King Street. Intersecting streets with signal lights include Queen, Washington, Prince, Penn, Earl, Fayette, Morris Streets, Walnut Bottom Road and
Park Place. SR 11 is classified as an urban principal arterial from the western Borough boundary to its intersection with State Route 174. U t e Route 0 174: State Route 174 is a principal
arterial known as Walnut Bottom Road. SR 174 intersects with U.S. Route 11 at the eastern Borough limits. This is a signal controlled intersection. SR 174, a two lane highway, is the
northeasterly connector to Interstate Route 81. SR 174 is a major access route to and from Shippensburg. 6
I I I 1 I I 1 8 I 1 I I I m e Route 06% : State Route 696, better known as South Fayette Street south of Route 11 and North Earl Street north of Route 11, is a north-south undivided
two lane highway. SR 696 south of Route 11 is classified as a principal arterial which connects the Borough to Interstate Route 81 in a southwesterly direction. Signalized intersections
on South Fayette Street include King Street and Orange Street. The portion of SR 696 which is known as North Earl Street is classified as a minor arterial. 2.1.2 urban Minor Arterials
The streets in the Borough, which directly feed the above three principal arterials, are classified as minor arterials. These secondary arterial roads carry both inter and intra-Borough
traffic on streets designed for controlled access. Such roads should be able to carry relatively high volumes of traffic at fairly high speeds. The minor arterials of the Borough are
listed in Table 2-1. North Earl Street (Route 69Q : North Earl Street, also called Route 696, is classified as a minor arterial. The intersection of North Earl Street and King Street
is the only existing signal controlled intersection. south Penn street : South Penn Street is classified as a minor arterial and serves as one of the primary streets carrying traffic
into the SADCO Industrial Park. From its intersection with Route 11 to the railroad tracks, residential units and on-street parking are adjacent to both sides of South Penn Street. Dvkeman
Road: Dykeman Road also carries east bound traffic into the SADCO Industrial Park. Dykeman Road and South Penn Street intersect one another at the entrance to the industrial park. Both
South Penn Street and Dykeman Road are classified as minor arterials. State Route 0533 : State Route 533 carries traffic in a northwesterly/southeterly direction. This State Route is
known as North Morris Street from its intersection with Route 11 for approximately 4,000 feet to the Borough's boundary. Y.S. Route 11: Route 11 is classified as an urban minor arterial
for the road segment from the intersection with State Route 174 (Walnut Bottom Road) northeasterly to the Borough limits. 8
‘ 1 II 2.1.3 COlleCtO~ The streets that directly feed the minor arterials are classified as collector streets. These streets are designated rights-of-way which receive traffic from land
uses and development and connect them to arterial roads and streets. They too require controlled access. These streets provide direct access to land use and development, and do not have
potential for carrying appreciable amounts of traffic. The collector streets are also listed in Table 2-1. The remaining streets of the Borough are classified as local streets. TABLE
2-1 CLASSIFICATION OF HIGHWAYS AND STREETS SHIPPENSBURG BOROUGH PRINCIPAL ARTERIALS 1. State Route 0011 2. State Route 0696 (South Fay-Street) 3. State Route 0174 MINOR ARTERIALS 1.
North Earl Street 2. South Penn Street 3. Dykeman Road 4. North Morris Street 5. Route 11 northeast of Walnut Bottom Road COLLECTOR STREETS 1. Rowe Road 2. North Spring Street to Roxbury
Road 3. RoxburyRoad 4. North Washington Street 5. East Fort Street (N. Washington to N. Queen) 6. North Queen Street to East Fort Street 7. BrittonRoad 8. South Queen Street 9. North
Fayette Street 10. MainsvilleRoad 11. Orange Street I 8 9
2.2 ONEWAYSTREETSYSTEM 1. I I I 1 i In order to streamline traffic flow and minimize the traffic conflicts in the Borough, a one-way street system was established in Shippensburg. Table
2-2 contains a listing of the established one-way street segments and their direction of travel. These streets are also shown on Figure 2-1 TABLE 2-2 ONE-WAY STREETS IN SHIPPENSBURG
BOROUGH Streets West Neff Avenue McCreary Avenue North Seneca Street South Seneca Street West Martin Avenue East Martin Avenue East Martin Avenue North Apple Avenue South Apple Avenue
West Neff Avenue East Martin Avenue South Gettle Avenue From South Fayette Street West King street west King street West King street North Seneca Street North Earl Street North Walters
Avenue East King Street East King Street South Earl Street South Prince Street East Orange Street To Locust street West Martin Street West Martin Avenue West Neff Avenue North Earl Street
North Washington Street North Queen Street East Martin Avenue East Orange Street South Seneca Street south Earl street East Neff Avenue Direction of Travel westbound Northbound Northbound
Southbound Eastbound Eastbound Eastbound Northbound Southbound Westbound Westbound Northbound 2.3 SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS There are 14 signalized intersections in the Borough as shown
on Figure 2-1. 2.4 TRAFFICVOLUMES Traffic counts were taken on the major roads by PADOT. The source of traffic volumes is from PADOT's Roadway Management System by road segments. The
Average Daily Traffic counts (ADT) for the various roadway segments were taken as a part of PADOT's ongoing traffic count program. State and Borough roadway ADT's include both directions
of travel and include all types of vehicles. 10
2.5 DEFICIENCIES IN THE EXI!S"G TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM The majority of existing transportation system deficiencies relate to traffic congestion and capacity. Traffic congestion is characterized
by stop-and-go traffic, long queue lengths, lower average travel speeds, and long delays on a section of roadway. Traffic capacity is the maximum hourly rate at which vehicles can reasonably
be expected to cross a point or uniform section of a lane or roadway during a given time period under prevailing roadway, traffic, and control conditions. The next section provide summaries
of the deficiencies. State
Route 696 (Favette Streeo -Recent development along Fayette Street has created an increase in traffic congestion. The congestion on Fayette Street is between the intersections with
Dykeman Road and West Garfield Street. Poor visibility at the intersection of Fayette Street and West Garfield Street compounds the problems on South Fayette Street. s-0 -Traffic congestion
and capacity between intersection with Fayette Street and Washington Street. Lurgan Avenue at Route 11 to North Morris Street -Excessive truck volume, heavy loads and capacity problems
from intersection with Route 11 and North Morris Street. Dykeman Road an d South Penn Street -Traffic safety problems (inconsistent street alignment and poor visibility) at entrance
to SADCO Industrial Park. Shi mensbure University Access -Current access to the University is limited to North Prince Street and North Earl Street. This causes congestion problems on
these two roads that will worsen with time. 2.6 PARKING The Borough has four municipal Unmetered parking lots: Burd Street, Apple Avenue, Neff Avenue, and Spring Street. The Spring Street
parking lot is by permit only. The Apple Avenue lot provides for approximately 50 parking spaces. The Neff Avenue lot includes 42 spaces and the Burd 11
1 I I I i I I I 1 I I 1 1 I I I i m Street parking lot provides for 146 spaces. All lots are paved except Apple Avenue, which is tar and chip surfaced. The on-street metered parking
spaces are located on King, South Perm and North and South Earl Streets. King Street metered parking includes four (4) blocks of spaces. South Penn Street metered spaces provide for
one block of parking. There are two (2) blocks of metered spaces on both North and South Earl Street. All three of these metered areas indicate no parking between 1:OO and 5:OO a.m.
2.7 OTHER MODES OF TRANSPORTATION There is no intra-Borough public transportation system. The closest taxi service is located in Chambersburg, eleven miles south of Shippensburg. Intercity
bus service is provided by Greyhound Lines through a terminal on West King Street in Shippensburg for passengers and package shipments. 2.7.1 Railroad Se mice According to a representative
of Conrail, no plans have been made to abandon the existing railroad tracks in the Borough. Instead the tracks may be upgraded in the future. Conrail recommends that the land adjacent
to the tracks should be zoned as an industrial district which would get truck traffic off the road and limit damage to local roadways. The Conrail representative says rail transportation
seems likely to become more amenable for freight movement with the increase in fuel prices. 12
--I I
I ' I 1 I 1 1 I : 4 3.0 COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES The following sections will describe the community facilities and services provided to the residents of Shippensburg Borough.
An inventory was conducted of municipal buildings and properties, recreational facilities, school facilities, fire and police buildings, and library facilities. This inventory is presented
in text and table form. The services provided by the Borough police department, fire companies, parks and recreation department, and library are also discussed in the appropriate sections.
A discussion of regional facilities will be provided in Chapter 7. 3.1 MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY Municipally+wned buildings and properties are listed in Table 3-1. The Borough
owns over 5,236 acres of real estate, which includes properties outside of its municipal boundaries. The Shippensburg Borough municipal building on Burd Street provides office space
for Borough officials and staff. The office also has a drive-up window, which residents may use use to pay the various bills and taxes accepted at the Borough office. A conference room
provides space for staff and council meetings. The Public Works Building on Dykeman Road houses the municipal equipment for the sanitation, water and street departments and supervisory
staff offices. The other real estate owned by the Borough includes: three parking lots, three pump stations, five sites associated with water supply, the old Borough incinerator, three
recreation areas, the fire and police stations, the wastewater treatment plant and other miscellaneous property. 1 I I 13
1 I I I I 8 I I 1; II 1 I I 8 R I I i Name of Prqerty shippenaug BoFwgh Office TABLE 3-1 MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY Location Bud stmt USe House Borough Staff Approximate size 2
acres Old Municipal Wild-Public worh Widw Old Borwph Wirator Shippenaurg Bomgb Wastewater Treatmnt Plant Old Veterrnr Memorid Veterrnr Memorid PUL Dykcmrnplrlr 129 E. King s. PCM & Dykeman
Rd. S. PCM & DykemanRd. Avon Drive 223 wed King St. west King street DyLemrnRoad Community Center Viant Hose Co. & Police Dept. Hwscs Staff Offices and Equipment for the Sanitation,
Water and stmt Department Recycling Drop-off and Storage of Miscellaneous Equip. Wastewater Treatment Vacant I North Favetre Sheet 0.5 acre 2 acres 4 acres 38-40 acres 2-2.5 acres Source:
Borough of Shippensburg Records. hMiVe Recreation huive Farm Old Cemetery Public Accesr Area Public Parking 14 ~~ 10.5 acres 148 acres 0.5 acre 1 acre 3 acres Dutch Grave Yud spring
Yud S. Queen & E. Orange 131-133 W. Kiaa St. Recrratio~Fl acility I 14 acres Borough office Puking Puking Lot S. Apple Avenue Parking Lot s. Se-Parking Lot Pump station Pump Station
Pump Station Clevenburg Impouadmeat Maiiille *ouodmcot Well Site WtYLot Gunter Vdey Water Supply Bud street south Apple Ave. S. Seneca & Neff Ave. Wertaver & Reading Rd. sunret Lnc Extended
Brwloide Ave. Old Baltimore Rd. Liadscy Lot Rd. Clevenburg Old Baltimore Rd. OR641 North ~ Public Parking I 0.5 acre Sewage Pump Station Sewage Pump Station Sewage Pump Station Dam (Water
Supply) Dam (Water Supply) Public Parking I 0.5 acre ~ 2.-2.5 acres 200 sq. A. 0.5 acre 2 acres 5 acres Water Supply Site for Future Water rowen (mpoundment and W.tenbCd Recreation ~
~ 1 acre 8-10 acres 5,OOO acres 1 acre
I I 3.2 PUBLIC AND PRIVATE RECREATION FACILITIES I I I I I 1 I I I I I 1 1 I I 3.2.1 Pub lic Recreat ion Facilitie The Borough Parks and Recreation Department located at the Community
Center on Fayette Street is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the three recreation areas listed in Table 3-2. The Table also provides a list of facilities in each park.
Together, the recreation areas provide roughly 25.5 acres of recreation space within the Borough. The Parks and Recreation Department is made up of a full time director, part-time maintenance
person, a part-time secretary and part-time senior citizens director. The Department provides recreation programs for all ages. It has developed several programs to cater to the elderly,
including a nutritional program, a socialization program and educational programs. All such programs are held at the Community Center. The nutritional program provides a lunch Monday
through Friday. Socialization activities include bingo, ice cream socials, trips, and holiday parties. Seminars are held to educate the elderly on such subjects as will writing. In order
to finance these activities, the elderly group holds fundraisers. The Parks and Recreation Department also hosts programs for the youth including gymnastics, kindergym, summer playground,
tennis lessons, and swim lessons. The programs offered annually by the Department vary dependent on the current needs of the community. 3.2.2 Private Recreation Facilitia There are two
private fitness clubs located within Shippensburg Borough: the Superfitness Center on Burd Street and Fitness Unlimited on East King Street. These facilities are indoor recreation facilities
offering members a variety of indoor physical activities. 15
TABLE 3-2 Acmge Municipal pool 10.5 14 -1.0 X MUNICIPAL, RECREATION FACELrZlES Li&ted Ball Honclhoe Picnic Walking/Open Multi-field8 Pit Facilitier Jogging Space Facility Sport-Ur Td
-8 X X X X X X X X X Tenni8 COUN X I
‘I I! 3.3 LIBRARYFACILlTIES 3.3.1 ShiDDensbur -e Pub1i c Library I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I 1 ,I The Shippensburg Public Library is located at 73 West King Street in an historic building
constructed in 1879. The building was a former Shippensburg home. The library is a part of both the Franklin County Library System and the Cumberland County Library System, receiving
funding from both systems. The library staff consists of a director and fourteen part-time librarians. There are also a varying number of volunteer workers to help with the various library
programs. The library is converting to an automated circulation system, which means that books will be checked out by using a bar code. The library has a stock of over 42,200 units,
with approximately 38,875 being books. The rest of the stock is made up of videos, audio cassettes, microfiche/film and other reading materials. Magazines and newspapers are not included
in the unit count. Literary material is continuously updated. The library hosts several programs, including storytime for three to six year olds; the STAR program, which provides books
to the elderly homes; a volunteer which goes to private homes to read to the elderly or handicapped; and a summer reading program for the junior high age group. The library also participates
in the Access Pennsylvania Program for interlibrary loans. It is estimated that the current building will be able to house the continuous growth of the library for another ten years.
3.3.2 The Ezra Lehman Me morial Librarv. S hiDDensbu re University The Ezra Lehman Memorial Library is located on the Shippensburg University Campus. The library houses a wide variety
of items, more than a million and one half total, including bound volumes, microform pieces, government documents and audio-visual titles. The public can use the library materials in
house. A community patron card can be purchased by local residents for two dollars. With this card, private citizens are able to check out the University Library books. 17
I I' I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I 3.4 EMERGENCY SERVICES Emergency services include police, fire and ambulance protection. These services are an important amenity to the health and safety
of the community. 3.4.1 Police Protection The Shippensburg Borough Police Department is responsible for the protection of the residents and visitors of Shippensburg Borough. The organizational
structure of the Police Department includes a chief, eight full-time patrolmen, two part-time patrolmen and a secretary/dispatcher. The Department is on duty 24 hours per day with three
shifts and a minium of two officers per shift. The Department is located on the first and second floor of 129 East King Street. The Police Department shares the building with the Vigilant
Hose Company. The facility provides the Police Department with three offices, three jail cells, and two large rooms used for processing and interrogation of arrestees and a staff lounge.
The department owns three vehicles: a 1990 Chevrolet, a 1986 Dodge and a 1988 Chevrolet. Other equipment includes a breathalyzer; ESP and VASCAR machines both used for speed control.
Police calls are dispatched through three different sources since the Borough is located in two counties. When dialing the 911 emergency number, calls are dispatched through either Cumberland
County or FrankIin County depending on the location of the call. Other calls are dispatched through the Police Department secretary. Shippensburg Borough Police practice mutual aid with
the Shippensburg University Police and with surrounding municipalities in Cumberland County. Several needs have been expressed by the Department Chief for improving police protection
services. The Police Department does not have computerized files and records. In addition, the present building provides access difficulty for handicapped and elderly residents, and
the building does not have room for departmental expansion. I 18
I I i I I 1 I I I I I a I I I 1 Borough Police officers are offered continuous training opportunities. Seminars are held by the Pennsylvania Department of Community Affairs. Prior to
employment with the Borough, police officers are required to have completed 480 hours of training. 3.4.2 Fire Protection Fire protection is provided by three volunteer fire companies:
West End Fire and Rescue, Cumberland Valley Hose Company, and Vigilant Hose Company. The three companies provide fire protection to the Borough of Shippensburg, Shippensburg Township,
Southampton Township (Franklin County) and Southampton Township (Cumberland County). Mutual-aid is provided to surrounding municipalities. The three fire companies have a total membership
of roughly 800, including approximately 75 active volunteer firemen. There are no paid firemen. The buildings which house the Vigilant and Cumberland Valley Hose Companies are owned
and maintained by the Borough. The West End Fire and Rescue Company owns and maintains its own building. Equipment is continuously updated. 3.5 PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS 3.5.1 Pub1
ic Schools The Shippensburg Area School District provides public education for Borough residents and those of the adjacent municipalities. There are five schools within the Shippensburg
Area School District. They include the Rowland Laboratory, James Burd Elementary, Nancy Grayson Elementary, Junior High School, and Senior High School. Students are also able to get
vocational training at the Franklin County Vo-Tech School. The enrollments at the various schools are given in Table 3-3. 3.5.2 Private Sc hools The only private school in the Borough
is the Independent Baptist School on South Queen Street. 19
TABLE 3-3 PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS FOR SHIPPENSBURG AREA RESIDENTS U1 School Public Schools I 1990 Grade I Enrollment I Location James Burd Richwalter Street K4 632 Elementary Nancy
Grason Lurgan Avenue K-6 693 Shippensburg Area Shippensburg Area Sr. High School Eberly Drive 10-12 598 Jr. High School Park Place 7-9 606 Rowland School Shippensburg Nursery 146 University
4 Private Schools 1 School 1990 Enrollment 1 Location Shippensburg Independent I South Queen Baptist School I street I I Source: Shippensburg Area School District 20
4.1 WASTEWATERSYSTEM The Shippensburg Borough Authority owns the sewer system that serves Shippensburg Borough, Shippensburg University, and the Cumberland-Franklin Joint Municipal Authority
(CFJMA) service area. (Orrstown Borough and Southampton Township, Franklin County; and Shippensburg Township and Southampton Township, Cumberland County). The operation and maintenance
of the wastewater system facilities are the responsibility of Shippensburg Borough under a "Lease Agreement" with the Borough Authority. The system facilities include collection and
conveyance sewer lines, two pumping stations, an ejector station, two meter chambers and a wastewater treatment plant. The Borough and the Borough Authority have "Conveyance and Treatment
Agreements" with the CFJMA and the University for the authority to provide wastewater conveyance and treatment. Under these agreements, the CFJMA and the University agree to operate,
maintain and repair their portions of the sewer system. The Shippensburg Borough Wastewater Treatment Plant is designed to accept an average flow of 2.75 million gallons per day. The
plant is a secondary treatment, biological nitrification facility with chemical addition for phosphorus removal. The plant is located off of Avon Drive. The treatment of wastewater sludge
consists of gravity thickening, two-stage anaerobic sludge digestion, and sludge dewatering. The sludge is typically land applied in liquid form to local farms as a soil conditioner,
in accordance with DER permits. Sludge can also be dewatered and hauled in cake form for land application. Figure 4-1 depicts the Shippensburg Borough wastewater system. 4.2 WATER SUPPLY
AND DISI'RIBUTION SYSTEM The Shippensburg Water System serves customers located in Shippensburg and Orrstown Boroughs as well as portions of Southampton, Shippensburg, and Lurgan Townships
in Cumberland and Franklin Counties. Existing water supply sources include Trout Run at Gunter Valley Dam, Furnace Run at Stoney Point Dam, Burd Run at Cleversburg Dam, and Dykeman Spring.
21
I I I I All four water supply sources are treated to render the water safe for drinking. Prior to being pumped to the distribution system, the Dykeman Spring supply is chlorinated. The
three surface water supplies at Gunter Valley, Stoney Point, and Cleversburg are treated with caustic soda, polyphosphate, and chlorine to provide pH adjustment, corrosion control, and
disinfection, respectively. Water is transmitted from the three stream sources of supply by gravity to the distribution system and to the in-town distribution storage reservoirs. Water
from Dykeman Spring is pumped directly into the distribution system. Figure 4-2 shows the portion of the water distribution system in the Borough. Table 4-1 is a list of reservoirs and
springs, their location, capacity, and safe yield. Table 4-2 lists the storage facilities and their maximum capacity. On October 6, 1987, Shippensburg Borough, Shippensburg Borough Authority,
and PA DER entered into a Consent Order and Agreement because of turbidity violations at Shippensburg’s three surface water supplies. This Consent Order and Agreement is designed to
bring the Shippensburg Water System into compliance with State Safe Drinking Water Regulations in a timely manner. The target date set by PA DER for compliance with these regulations
is December 8, 1991. TABLE 4-1 SHIPPENSBURG WATER SYSTEM SOURCES OF SUPPLY I Percentage of Total Water Requirements (1987) sources Gunter Valley Dam/Reservoir Dykeman Spring Stoney Point
Supply 57 34 3 0.69 0.90 0.11 Cleversburg Supply I 6 I 0.07 Source: Feasibility Study -Consent Order and Agreement -Shippensburg Water System, Gannett Fleming Water Resources Engineers,
Inc. 1988 23
I TABLE 4-2 Facility Gunter Valley DamIReservoir Dykeman Spring Stoney Point Supply Cleversburg Supply II SHIPPENSBURG WATER STORAGE FACILITIES SYSTEM Location 10 miles northwest of
Shippensburg Southern most portion of the Borough 4.5 miles south of Shippensburg 5.0 miles southeast of Shippensburg Storage Volume ~~ 339 million gallons (Mgal) * 5.0 Mgal 1.0 Mgal
*Storage volume from springs cannot be determined. Source: Feasibility Study -Consent Order and Agreement -Shippensburg Water System, Gannett Fleming Water Resources Engineers, Inc.,
1988. The comprehensive water system improvements which make up the Consent Order and Agreement Project are discussed below: A. Gunter Vallev Project 1. Gunter Vallev Water Treatment
Plant (GVWTP) is a 1.6 mgd modular water treatment plant, to be located near the site of the existing Roxbury Treatment facilities. 2. RoxburvSto r w Rese rvoir No. 1 is a 0.50 Mgal
distribution storage reservoir, to be located approximately one mile south of the GVWTP. The site is located at an appropriate elevation for economical tank construction, and will allow
Shippensburg to maintain the same service pressure gradient along the existing Roxbury transmission main. The storage reservoir is sized to provide adequate operating, fire and emergency
storage capacity. A second reservoir will ultimately be constructed at the site prior to the time Roxbury Storage Reservoir No. 1 needs to be taken out of service for repainting. 3.
Poxbuy Road Main Redaceme nt consists of 4,000 feet of 12-inch/1&inch water main located between the GVWTP and Roxbury Storage Reservoir No. 1. The main has been sized to transmit peak
24
flows from the GVWTP to Roxbury Storage Reservoir No. 1 and from Roxbury Storage Reservoir No. 1 to the distribution system. , B. Souths ide Proiea 1. &uths ide Grou ndwate r DeveloDment
activities are underway and have resulted in location of a test well which may be developed as a production well if preliminary testing is successful. A second test well drilling site
is to be drilled in the near future. The purpose of the Southside groundwater development activities is to initially locate a production well of sufficient capacity (150 gpm) to replace
the yield lost upon abandonment of the existing Stoney Point and Cleversburg supplies. A second production well (500 gpm) is also being sought to overcome system-wide existing and projected
safe yield deficiencies and to provide a backup supply to the first Southside well. 2. Southside Well Pump ing stat ion No. 1lConnectine Main will be identified following successful
completion of the Southside groundwater development activities. The well pumping station will will include necessary pumping, treatment, control and appurtenant facilities normally associated
with a public water supply well. Its connecting main will provide necessary chlorine detention time before connecting to the existing distribution system. 3. souths ide Storage Reservoir
No, 1 is a 0.25 Mgal distribution storage reservoir, to be located near the existing Stoney Point Reservoir. The site is located at an appropriate elevation for economical tank construction,
and will allow Shippensburg to maintain the same service pressure gradient to the Southside service area as is currently provided. The storage reservoir is sized to provide adequate
operating, fire and emergency storage capacity. A second reservoir will ultimately be constructed at a proposed site near the existing Cleversburg Reservoir, prior to the time Southside
Storage Reservoir No. 1 needs to be taken our of service for repainting. 4. Abando nment of Stonev Point and Cleversbury SupDliq will involve breaching of the existing Stoney Point Dam
and physical disconnect of the existing Cleversburg supply from its transmission main. The abandonment of these two supplies will take place after the Southside Well Pumping Station
No. 25
I ' 3 l/connecting Main, McCulloch Road connecting Main and southside Storage Reservoir No. 1 components are operational. 5. McCulloch Road Co nnectinp Main consists of 11,500 feet of
12-inch water main located so as to improve hydraulic conditions between the existing Stoney Point and Cleversburg transmission mains. The main has been sized to eliminate excessive
pressure fluctuations during future operations of the proposed Southside system. 4.3 SOLID WASI'EMANAGEMENT SYSTEM The solid waste management system in the Borough of Shippensburg is
regulated by the Shippensburg Borough Solid Waste Management Ordinance (ordinance numbers 378 and 397. The Borough of Shippensburg provides municipal collection of residential, commercial
and industrial waste. There are two collection vehicles owned and operated by the Borough. A two-man crew collects residential waste with one collection vehicle, while one crewman uses
the other collection vehicle to pickuu commercial and industrial waste. Waste is hauled to the Cumberland County Landfill in Hopewell Township (9.5 miles one-way haul distance). The
Cumberland County Landfill has applied for disposal field expansion and has been granted approval from PA DER. It is estimated that the landfill has approximately fourteen (14) years
of capacity. Act 101, which was enacted in September 1988, requires municipalities with 5,000-10,000 persons to establish a recycling program by September 1991. Municipalities with 10,OOO
or more persons must have established a recycling program by September 1990. Shippensburg Borough, with a population of 5,330, is required to have an active recycling program by September
1991. Presently, the Borough has initiated a recycling pilot program where pick-up is provided to fifty (50) households. The pilot program is being used to help determine the most successful
program for implementation. The Borough expects the community-wide recycling program to be implemented by September of 1991. This program will include weekly pick-up of the following
items: newspaper, clear glass, steel cans, bimetal cans and aluminum cans. These items will be sorted into recycling containers to be provided by the homeowners. The Shippensburg Recycling
Center operated by the Borough in the former Shippensburg Borough Incinerator near the intersection of Dykeman Road and South Penn Street, is the buy-back center for the Shippensburg
recyclables. 26
E The Borough also operates a fall leaf collection program and a spring clean-up program. The collection of leaves begins in mid-October and runs for four weeks. Leaves are collected
bi-weekly. The west-end and east-end of the Borough alternate pick-up weeks. The Borough owns and operates a leaf vacuum, which is used to collect the loose leaves from the curbside.
Leaves are then hauled to the Borough's leaf cornposting site located across from its Wastewater Treatment Plant. The compost is then used as a soil conditioner for Borough properties.
The spring clean-up program is scheduled strategically for the last week of the spring semester for Shippensburg University. The spring clean-up program collected 20,000 pounds of waste
in 1989, and 73,000 p.ounds in 1990. Presently, yard waste is collected with regular trash pick-up. However, residents are encouraged to practice backyard composting or haul their yard
waste to the Borough's compost site. In September of 1991, landfills were no longer permitted to accept yard and leaf waste, so the Borough has developed a yard waste program. This program
includes purchasing a chipper to chip the brush. 4.4 mORMWATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM The Borough of Shippensburg regulates stormwater management practices through the Subdivision and Land
DeveloDment Ordinance . The existing system of culverts and drains is shown on Figure 4-3. The current ordinance requires that two stormwater management systems be considered in the
planning of any land development project. The one system (minor system) is to be designed for a 10-year frequency storm, while the other (major system) is to be designed for the 200-year
storm event. The ordinance specifies that the postdevelopment runoff cannot exceed the predevelopment runoff. Specifications and standards to be used in the calculation of runoff and
in the design of the systems are also included. The only inconsistency noted was that Section 804.III.A.3 limits the postdevelopment runoff rate to a rate "no greater than the 10-year,
24-hour storm", while the rest of the ordinance sets the post- al z 28
development runoff at a rate less than or equal to the predevelopment rate. This inconsistency should be addressed by amending the ordinance. Other improvements or refinements should
also be considered while amending the ordinance in order to afford a greater level of protection to the residents of the Borough and to their property. 30
CHAPTER 5 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
I I 1 I 8 31 5.0 ENVIRONMENTALANALYSIS The Borough of Shippensburg is physically located in the heart of the Cumberland Valley within the Ridge and Valley Province. Blue Mountain is
situated towards the north and South Mountain lies in a southeasterly direction from the Borough. The topography can be described as gently rolling terrain with elevations ranging from
approximately 640 to 720 feet. There are two watersheds in the Borough. Middle Spring Creek drains the western portion of the Borough while Burd Run drains the eastern portion. Dykeman's
Spring, located within the Borough, is the headwaters for the northern flowing Middle Spring Creek. Burd Run is located north of the Borough limits and flows in a westerly direction
into Middle Spring Creek approximately 1.5 miles north of the downtown area. A drainage basin map was completed to include basin dividers, fracture traces, stream and groundwater flows.
5.1 ENVIRONMENTALLY !3ENSITIVE AREAS 5.1.1 Geo logic HazarQS Six (6) separate geologic formations are found in the Borough of Shippensburg. These formations-Rockdale Run, Stonehenge,
Stoufferstown, Shadygrove, Zullinger and Elbrook -traverse the Borough in a northeasterly direction. The most prevalent is the Rockdale Run Formation located in the northwestern portion
of the Borough. The remaining formations, with the exceptionof Stoufferstown, underlie approximately equal portions of the Borough. The Stoufferstown Formation is the smallest formation
within the Borough. The Shippensburg fault is located in the southern portion of the Borough. The fault crosses the Borough in an east to west direction (and thus divides the Elbrook
Formation from the remaining formations.) The formations in Shippensburg are generally described as follows: 0 The Rockdale Run Formation is divided into three distinctive parts. The
lower part is characterized by light gray and very fine, pure limestone. The middle layer is composed of light gray limestone containing fine carbonate grains and
fossil fragments. Occurring more abundantly near the top are dolomite beds. 31
The Stonehenge Formation contains gray limestone with beds of carbonate grains and pebbles. The Stoufferstown Formation consists of thin limestone composed of recemented rock fragments.
Limestone containing widely dispersed interbeds of dolomite characterize the Shady Grove Formation. The Zullinger Formation is composed of landed limestone with interbeds of dolomite.
the lower portion of the formation is characterized by sandstone and chert beds. The composition of the Elbrook Formation includes calcareous shale and argillaceous limestone with interbeds
of purer limestone. The portions of the Borough underlain by carbonate bedrock are susceptible to sinkhole development. Surface water accumulating in small areas, illustrated on Figure
5-1 as closed depressions, is an indicator of where ground subsidence or sinkholes are likely to occur. n -5.1.2. Groun Groundwater contamination has occurred in four locations within
the Borough according to the PA DER, Bureau of Water Quality Management. Two gasoline stations (Atlantic and Texaco), Valley Baking Company, Inc. and SKF Bearings are in various stages
of clean-up. The Atlantic Station, located at the intersections of King Street (SR 11) and Fayette Street (SR 696), had several gasoline tanks removed and a recovery well is currently
in operation to remove the pollutants. Gasoline seeping into the groundwater has occurred at the Texaco Station located on West King Street. Evaluations are currently underway for the
clean-up procedure. Valley Baking Company, Inc., located on Orange Street, has removed a leaking petroleum tank. A recovery well was utilized in the groundwater clean-up operation. According
to a PA DER spokesperson, the property has been cleaned up to the extent possible but indicates the pollutants on the adjacent property have not been removed. Consideration is currently
being given to alternatives for removal. 32
I 1 8 SKF Bearings, a manufacture of aircraft bearings, located on West King Street, has removed contaminants from the soil and groundwater pollutant removal is currently in operation.
Petroleum hydrocarbons seeped from concrete vaults and tanks used for oil storage and trichloroethylene (TCE) leaked from a concrete lagoon utilized for wastewater storage. The contaminants
have been removed from the soil. TCE is currently being removed from the groundwater and is monitored by a groundwater sampling program. According to a PA DER spokesperson, TCE is reasonably
confined to the site. 5.1.3 Groundwater Recharge Arw Environmentally sensitive areas also include areas in which groundwater is easily polluted. Specifically, the identification and
protection of local and regional groundwater recharge area is imperative to preserve the Borough’s drinking water supply. The Gunter Valley watershed is the largest and most significant
surface water supply for the Borough. The majority of the watershed is owned by Shippensburg and other portions are owned by the PA DER Bureau of Forestry. Therefore, land use is controlled
and the risk of man-made contamination is slight. Currently, the permitting of Well R1, located south of Cleversburg is being processed for a 1300 gallon per day flow. Thii significant
flow is considered the secondary supply for the Borough. Plans are underway for drilling an additional production well, located near Mainsville, to be utilized as an emergency backup
supply. The extensive Michaux State Forest is located south of Well #2 (south of Mainsville) and the proposed area for the emergency supply well. Man-made contamination from the State
Forest Land is unlikely. The land located between these wells and the State Forest is an area where wellhead or local water supply protection is recommended. A map of the Middle Spring
Creek drainage basin (Figure 5-2) is included which shows the recharge area and the geological formations that impact groundwater flow. -Currently, no zoning exists for the well areas
located in Southampton Township. However, these areas are subject to the Township’s subdivision and land development regulations. The regional groundwater recharge areas for these wells
are extensive due to the nature of the carbonate bedrock. The deeply weathered limestone and large solution caverns allows for extensive water bearing zones. 34
II I I 5.1.4 Wetlands The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) mapping prepared by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified three areas within the Borough and one located along
the Borough boundary as wetlands. These areas provide wildlife habitat, flood protection, surface water quality improvement and a variety of other important functions and are shown on
Figure 5-1. 5.1.5 Floodplaiw Approximately 72 acres of the Borough fall within the 1Wyear floodplain. The floodplains of Middle Spring Creek and Burd Run are shown on Figure 5-1. These
areas can be expected to be inundated when a combination of abundant surface water, ample soil moisture and high water table supply more runoff than can be accommodated in the normal
stream channel. Stone walls adjacent to Middle Spring Creek do not protect lands from flooding of any magnitude. Tropical Storm Agnes of 1972 caused extensive damage within the Borough.
5.1.6 Historical and Archaeological Sit= The Pennsylvania Historical and Mus-Commission, Bureau for Historic Preservation, has identified two potentially significant archaeological sites
within the Borough. The location of these sites is not routinely released so that they might be more easily preserved. According to the Shippensburg Historical Society there are 12 structures
identified in the National Register of Historic Places and a number of other potentially eligible properties. The Historical Society is attempting to identify these properties so they
can be added to the National Register. The National Register properties are listed on Table 5-1. 36
1 1 1 I I I t 1 1 ‘ 3 TABLE 5-1 SHIPPENSBURG PROPERTIES ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES Location 110 E. King Street 317 W. King Street 303 W. King Street 76 W. King Street
232 E. King Street 226 E. King Street 427 E. King Street 436 E. King Street 80 W. King Street 213 N. Prince Street E. Orange Street 73 w. King street National Register Properties Significance
Steward-Goodhard House Moody Plantation Edwin Hamilton House NIA Perlette House NIA Campbell House Henry Carlite House McLean House George Stewart House Edmund McCune House Oldest Church
in Shippensburg NIA -Not Available Source: Shippensburg Historical Society Current Use Jenson Residence Nickles Residence NIA Freeman Residence Keefer Residence Neidig Residence NIA
Albright Residence Rose Residence Public Library Vayanos Residence Crider Residence The Borough also has a Historic District designed to protect historic and architecturally significant
properties in the Borough. The district was put into place and is regulated by Borough ordinance number 546. The boundaries of the district are shown on Figure 5-1. All proposed erection,
reconstruction, alteration, restoration, demolition or razing of buildings within the district must be reviewed by the Historical and Architectural Review Board prior to the issuance
of building permits by the Borough. The Borough Council has the right to incorporate any recommendations of the Review Board into the permit requirements or to override the Review Board
recommendations. The Review Board has a set of design guidelines it uses to evaluate all proposals in the Historic District. 37
6.0 DEMOGRAPHICS AND HOUSING A study of population data is crucial in making planning decisions involving the physical, economic and social development of the Borough. A quantitative
and qualitative analysis of the population is necessary in the formulation of reasonable projections of future population levels and needs. This chapter includes a look back into historic
population changes in the Borough and forward into population projections for prospective changes in the next twenty years. Shippensburg’s location along Interstate Route 81 in the rapidly
growing southcentral Pennsylvania region has allowed it to become a commercial and industrial center in what is otherwise a primarily agricultural area between Chambersburg and Carlisle.
The presence of Shippensburg University in neighboring Shippensburg Township has also spurred economic development for the Borough and the region. A profile of the economic base of the
Borough is presented in this chapter. Knowledge of the existing economic base and its strengths and weaknesses gives rise to key land use and economic development decisions for Shippensburg’s
future. Attractive housing and well maintained residential neighborhoods are some of the most important assets of any community. Another important feature of the local housing market
is the variety of housing types and prices. Information presented at the end of this chapter includes an inventory of the existing housing stock in the Borough and a projection of future
housing needs. 6.1 POPULATION PROFILE 6.1.1 PoDulation Growth Trends Shippensburg reached its highest population count in the 1970 census (6,536). The population decreased markedly during
the 1970’s to a count of 5,261 in 1980. This number is fairly close to the Borough’s population in the 1940 census (5,244), before the post war growth boom swelled Shippensburg’s population.
This population loss appears to have taken place as part of the suburbanization trend common to most areas throughout the country. While the Borough lost 1,275 persons (-19.596), the
region (the 38
Borough and its 3 surrounding municipalities) gained 1,528 people (+9.996). The regional growth is likely shared between people moving out of the Borough into surrounding municipalities
and people moving to the Shippensburg region from other areas. Table 6-1 and Figure 6-1 show historic and projected population growth for Shippensburg and the region. The Borough’s population
is not expected to change significantly over the next 20 years. The population will likely fluctuate with slight increases in declining annual increments through the period. The preliminary
U.S. Census Bureau population count for 1990 is 5,330. Population projections made by Gannett Fleming show that the Borough’s population is expected to increase to 5,350 by the year
2000 and 5,400 by 2010. This is a net increase of only 70 persons (1.3%) in the next 20 years. While the Borough’s population is expected to remain constant, the region is expected to
gain 2,544 persons (+ 13.5%). The largest portion of this growth is expected to take place in Shippensburg Township (+1,206 from 1990 -2000). The second fastest growing municipality
in the region is anticipated to be Southampton Township, Franklin County (+930 from 1990 -2000). It appears that most regional growth is occurring as public utilities and services are
extended outward from the Borough. The Shippensburg area in the year 2000 and beyond is expected to be a larger urban center with the Borough as the central point. 39
SHJPPENSBURG BOROUGH 1950' 5,722 (+ 9.1) SHIPPENSBURG TWP. Projected I W lW@1W 1W 2000 2010 6,136 (+ 7.2) 6,536 (+ 6.5) 5,261 (-19.9 5,331 (+ 1.3) 5,400 (+ 1.3)' 5,500 (+ 1.Y SOUTHAMPTONTWP.,
CUMBRRLAND 1,442 (+m.Z) SOUTHAMPTON TWP., m" 1,321 (-8.4) 4,136 (+29.3) 4,606 (+11.4) 5,780 (+B.5)' NIA REGIONAL "AL 2,066 (+37.4) 10,961 (+P.I) 1W 5,244 -~ ~~ ~~~~~~ 2,678 (+29.6) 3,292
(+ 22.9 4,604 (+XU) 5,484 (+19.1) 6,530 (+19.1y NIA 12,417 (+13.3) 15,477 (+ U.6) 17,005 (+ 9.9) 18,973 (+ll.@21,656 (+MA) NIA 847 1,529 1,503 9,in Table 6 -1 Historic and Projected
Population Growth of the Shippensburg Area 1940 -2010 1,731 (+13.2) I 2,282(+31.r) I 2,451 (+ 7.4) I 3,004(+22.6) I 3,552(+i8.2) I 3,946(+ii.g1 I NIA Sources: 1 .us. Censur Wlmu 2.GanDCtI
Fleming, Inc. 3 .cumbcrland County Solid Wa* Management Plan Note: 'I?197I0c fim for Shippenaburg Towdip ir diuartcd by the inclusion of the college dudem for the first cim.
25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 FIGURE 611 HISTORIC AND PROJECTED POPULATION GROWTH OF SHIPPENSBURG BOROUGH 1940 -2010 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 201 0 YEAR (1940 -2010)
REGIONAL TOTAL n
6.1.2 &e and Se x Distribution The age and sex distribution of Borough residents is a key factor in projecting population growth and the types of services best suited for the majority
of residents. A balance of age groups is necessary to support a healthy growth rate. A high percentage of young adults in their childbearing years may result in rapid growth. Conversely,
a high percentage of senior citizens can result in slow growth and increases in the demands related to this age group. The age and sex distribution of the Borough from 1970 to 2010 are
shown on Table 6-2 and Figure 6-2. The lack of significant change projected for the Borough in terms of overall population count is not reflected in the projected age and sex distribution
for the Borough. A significant shift is projected in the future age distribution of residents. The number of Borough residents under 17 is projected to decrease by nearly 60 percent
between 1990 and 2010. At the same time the number of residents over the age of 65 is projected to increase by 34.3 percent. Projected changes in the 18 -44 and 45 -64 age categories
are much less dramatic. As the Borough's population ages, the percentage of females in the population also increases due to the longer life expectancy of women. Therefore, Shippensburg's
population will be older and will include a higher percentage of women by 2010. The impact of Shippensburg University on the Borough is evident in the age and sex distribution of the
population in that there are nearly twice the number of residents in the 18 to 24 age group as any other single age group in the Borough. A high count in this age group would typically
indicate a strong growth trend for the next 10 to 20 years. However, these residents are temporary and usually move away from Shippensburg before marrying and having children. In order
to extract the impact of Shippensburg University, data was obtained from the Borough that show 981 University students lived in the Borough during the 1989-90 school year. According
to the University, this represents approximately one half of the students living offcampus. When 981 students are subtracted from the 1,062 residents estimated for this age p u p in
1990, it appears that the actual number of permanent residents in this age group is extremely low. Therefore, the prospect for long-term population growth in 42
11 Age Grouv School Age G q 0-9 10 -14 15 -17 Productive Age Gmp 18 -24 25 -34 34-44 Table 6-2 Age and Sex Composition of Shippensburg Borough (Percentages) 1970 -2010 , 1970' &&& Fenvle
13.6 13.5 8 .O 7.4 5.2 4.2 24.7 18.6 10.9 9.9 10.5 11.7 11.5 11.9 8.8 9.1 3.9 8.2 2.9 5 .5 Sourcer: 1. 1977 ShippanaUrg Comprrbcarive PLn 2. BOnD.1. 3. G~apteming,Inc. 11.3 9.1 6.4 4.4
2.7 2.1 21.2 19.0 13.6 13.1 15.4 13.8 8.7 8.5 a .2 9 -5 7.5 9.7 5.1 10.7 2010 -Male -Female 9 .o 4.7 4.8 1.4 0.2 0.2 17.6 19.4 19.8 17.7 16.7 14.5 5.9 5.1 7.6 9.9 11.1 11.2 7.3 15.9
FIGURE 6-2 1970 -2070 POPULATION PYRAMID SHIPPENSBURG BOROUGH MALE FEMALE 75+ 65-74 55-64 45-54 34-44 25-34 18-24 15-1 7 10-14 0-9 ' I ' 1 ' 1 ' 1 ' I ' 1 25 20 15 10 5 0 //A k ' ' "
I ' 1 /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\1 0 5 10 15 20 5 Percent 1970 1990 ea 2010 Percent
I I I the Borough is much lower than expected from an initial review of this data. Future population growth in the Borough will most likely be the result of in-migration rather than
an increase of childbirths from Borough residents. This analysis helps to qualify the impact of the University on the Borough. However, University students should be kept in the planning
analysis when projecting future needs. If the 1970 to 1990 trends continue, the Borough’s population will continue to age throughout the planning period. By 2010 the number of residents
under 18 is expected to be only one third of the number of residents in this age group in 1970. The other group expected to lose population is the 35 to 64 age category (-22.4%). On
the other hand, the number of residents between the ages of 18 and 34 should remain fairly constant and the number of residents over the age of 65 should nearly double (+82.6%). While
none of the age groups should be ignored when planning for Borough facilities and services, it appears that the future demands for facilities and services will be increasingly dominated
by the needs of older residents while income from wage taxes would be expected to decline. 6.1.3 Education The educational attainment of residents over the age of 25 is summarized in
Table 6-3. This information reflects the skills and abilities of the labor force to compete in the labor market. These skills also provide a degree of economic and employment stability
in the area. In 1980, the majority of Borough residents over age 25 (81.2 5%) have attended or graduated from high school. This percentage is comparable to the percentage of Pennsylvania
residents that have attended or graduated from high school. However, the percentage of Shippensburg residents that have attended or graduated from college (35.6%) is much higher then
the state percentage (24.3%). This is undoubtedly another aspect of the University’s impact on the Borough. Generally speaking, the average Borough resident is better educated than the
average Pennsylvania resident. 45
6.1.4 Income According to data obtained from the United Telephone System’s 1989 “The Shippensburg Marketplace” study, the median household income of Borough residents in 1970 was $7,825.
This income level was fairly low in comparison to the State ($8,153) and Cumberland and Franklin Counties ($9,410 and $7,503). However, the 1988 estimate of median household income for
Borough residents is $29,064 -an increase of 271% in only 18 years. The median household incomes of the State, Cumberland County and Franklin County were estimated to increase by 100%;
211%; and 216% respectively during the same period. The end result is that Borough residents now have a comparatively high household income. Estimates of 1993 household incomes in the
above referenced report show Shippensburg with a higher median household income than Pennsylvania, Cumberland and Franklin Counties. This information is summarized in Table 6-4. 6.2
ECONOMIC BASE PROFILE A profile of the economic base of Shippensburg is presented in the following sections. Knowledge of the current economic base serves to assess the strengths and
weaknesses of available resources and support systems, to determine levels of short and long-term development potential; and to identify obstacles to realizing development objectives.
6.2.1 m n m The largest employment category for Borough residents is service industries, which employ 34.2 percent of the labor force. The second largest category is manufacturing which
accounts for 26.0 percent of the labor force. Wholesaldretail trade establishments employ 19.3 percent of the labor force, while public administration accounts for another 10.7 percent.
The remainder of the major employment types (including construction, transportation/ut, finandinsurance and agriculturdmining) account for only 9.8 percent af the labor force. The Borough’s
labor force included 2,578 of the 5,261 residents in 1980. Table 6-5 shows resident employment by industry in 1980. 46
Table 6-3 Comparison of Educational Attainment by Persons 25 Years and Older Shippensburg Borough and Pennsylvania Number 574 491 906 -19801 Shippensburg Percent 18.8 16.0 29.6 Pennsylvania
1,225,084 2,925,153 776,932 981,416 7,240,244 Elementary 0-8Y-s 16.9 40.4 10.7 13.6 100.0 High School 363 726 1-3Y-s 4 Years 11.9 23.7 College 1-3Y-s 4 Years+ ~~ Total 3,060 I000 1.
1990 data not to be r e 1 4 until 1993 Sources: BonData PA State Data Center Number Percent i-1.331.659 I 18.4
' I 8 1 I I I D I I 1 I 1 I I I 1 m Table 6-4 Median Household Income Levels for Selected Places 1970 -1993 ~ ~ ~ Municipality 1970 Median 1988 Median' 96 Income 1993 Median' %Income
Household Inc, Household Inc, 1970-1988 Household Inc, 1988-1993 S hippensburg $7,825 $29,064 271.4 $37,357 28.5 Cumberland County $ 9,410 $29,320 211.6 $35,606 21.4 Franklin County
$7,503 $ 23,727 216.2 $30,019 26.5 Pennsylvania $ 8,153 $24,394 199.2 $29,377 20.4 1. Projected Source: "The Shippensburg Marketplace" , March 1988, United Telephone System The Borough's
employment base is fairly well diversified between the major employment types. However, much of the diversification is based on a relatively small number of large employers. This is
especially true of the service industries where Shippensburg University and Letterkenny Army Depot account for the vast majority of jobs. Manufacturing is somewhat more diversified between
the Beistle Company, Ingersoll Rand, Richard Textiles and a number of small employers. The other major employment types have a fairly diverse base. As with any community, the loss of
one or more of the larger employers would have a major detrimental impact on the Borough's economy. The Borough, Shippensburg Area Chamber of Commerce and other regional ec~nomic development
agencies should continue to encourage the further diversification of Shippensburg's eu~mmic base. 48
D I I I D I 1 I I 1 I I I I 6.2.2 Labor Force Characte ristiq EmDlovment bv OccuDat ion Consistent with the major employment types for Borough residents, the most common occupations
for Borough residents are professional/services (855) residents), operatodlaborer (5 15 residents), administrative support (348 residents) and sales (212 residents). Table 6-6 shows
1980 employment by occupation for Shippensburg residents. White collar employment outnumbers blue collar employment by a ratio of 2: 1. Once again, this is consistent with the dominance
of service, wholesale/retail trade and public administration employment types in the Shippensburg market. This is also consistent with the high educational attainment and rapidly increasing
incomes of Borough residents. Travel to Work Nearly one third of Borough workers travel less than 10 minutes to work (762 people or 32.5%). A slightly smaller number travel 10 to 19
minutes to work (732 people or 31.2%). One fifth of the Borough’s work force travels 20 to 29 minutes to work (482 people or 20.5%) and only 370 people (15.8%) travel more than 30 minutes
to get to work. The relatively short travel time is indicative of the location of the major employers in the Borough or just outside Borough limits. The short travel times also indicate
Shippensburg’s accessibility to regional labor markets like Carlisle and Chambersburg. Another interesting characteristic of Shippensburg’s labor force is that nearly one quarter of
workers carpool to work (23.2%). Although there is no data available, there is likely a high degree of correlation between people that carpool and those that travel more than 20 minutes
to work. In addition to the high percentage of carpoolers, 20.1 percent of the Borough’s work force uses a means other than driving or public transportation (bicycle or walking) to get
to work. The high percentage in this category 49
I I I 1 I I I I I I 1 1 I 1 I 1 1 I a Table 6-5 Resident Employment by Industry 1980' Industry Type Services Manufacturing Wholesale/Retail Trade Public Administration Construction Transportatiofltil
ties Financehurance Agr iculture/Mining TOTAL -~ ~ Persons Employed 830 63 1 470 26 1 96 76 40 25 ~ 2,429 1. 1990 data not projected to be released until 1993 Source: BonData 50 ~ Percent
of Total 34.2 26.0 19.3 10.7 4.0 3.1 1.7 1 .o 100.0
Table 6-6 Resident Employment by Occupation 1980' Occupation Number Employed Percent of Total ProfessionaUServices 855 35.2 Operator Laborer 5 15 21.2 Administrative Support 348 14.3
ProductiodCraftsman 252 10.4 Sales 212 8.7 Executive Administrative 187 7.7 Technical 36 1.5 24 1 .o TOTAL I 2429 I 100.0 1. 1990 data not projected to be released until 1993 Source:
BonData 51
I I I 1 I 1 1 1 I 1 I e Travel Time to Work Number 0 -9 minutes 762 10 -19 minutes 732 20 -29 minutes 482 30+ minutes 370 Means of Transportation to Number Work Drive Alone 1350 Carpool
556 Public Transit 8 All Other 48 1 shows one of the major reasons -the accessibility of goods and services -people are attracted to life Percent of Total 32.5 31.2 20.5 15.8 Percent
of Total 56.4 23.2 0.3 20.1 in urbanized areas . This information is summarized below: TABLE 6-7 Travel to Work Characteristics of Shippensburg Residents 19801 1. 1990 data not projected
to be released until 1993 Source: BonData JJnemDlovment The unemployment rate for Shippensburg residents in 1980 was 5.8 percent. The rate in Pennsylvania was 7.8 percent in 1980, while
Cumberland County and Franklin County had unemployment rates of 5.3 and 6.6 percent, respectively in 1980. Therefore, it appears that the unemployment rate in the Borough tends to be
less than the State’s rate and comparable to the rates of Cumberland and Franklin Counties. As of of September 1990, the unemployment rates for Cumberland and Franklin Counties had fallen
from their 1980 rates to 3.8 percent and 5.7 percent. It is reasonable to assume that the 1990 unemployment rate for Borough residents is between four and five percent. 52
‘I 6.3 HOUSING ANALYSIS 6.3.1 Number and Aee of HousinP Units According to the U.S. Census Bureau there were 2,272 housing units in the Borough in 1980. Information obtained from BonData,
Inc. shows that 33 single family units and 37 multi-family units were constructed from 1980 through 1989. This brings the current total to 2,342 housing units. Table 6-8 shows the age
of all housing units by the year they were built. Approximately three quarters (73.3%) of the housing units are now over 40 years old. Given the nearly built-out nature of the Borough,
the percentages of housing units in each age category are not projected to change significantly during the planning period. 6.3.2 OccU -D anCV stabs The Borough’s occupancy rate for
its 2,272 dwelling units in 1980 was 94.7 percent. This rate is fairly high, given the high percentage of units that are rental units. Shippensburg’s occupancy rate was slightly less
than Cumberland County’s 1980 rate (95.596, but higher than Franklin County’s (93.7%) and Pennsylvania’s (91.8%). Occupancy rates do not typically change greatly with time in rural areas
like Shippensburg. Therefore, the 1980 rate of 94.7 percent will be used to estimate current and future occupancy rates. TABLE 6-8 Housing Units in Shippensburg by Construction Year
~~ ~~ ~ Year Unii Built ~ Number h e r c e n t of Total 1980-89 1970-79 196049 1950-59 Before 1950 70 133 137 285 1,717 3.0 5.7 5.8 12.2 73.3 ~~~~ TOTAL I 2,342 r Source: BonData 53
‘I I I I I I I I I 1 1 I 4 I 1 Therefore, the number of occupied housing units in 1990 should be about 2,220 out of a total of 2,342 housing units. 6.3.3 Rental Units According to information
provided by the Borough, 1,244 of the Borough’s estimated 2,342 housing units in 1990 are rental units (53.1%). This is very high in comparison to Cumberland (30.8%) and Franklin (3
1.8 96) Counties. Other information available through the Borough reveals that 98 1 college students lived in 335 of the rend units during the 1989-90 academic year for an average occupancy
rate of 2.93 students per rental unit. Therefore, only one of four rental units are rented by University students. Other units may be rented by University staff or faculty. This information
is very important to the Borough from a fiscal perspective in that housing values are increasing through conversions but property assessments are not. Considering that data collected
from the U.S. Census Bureau and BonData show that only 70 new housing units were constructed during the 1980’s, it appears that 215 rental units were created through the conversion of
owner occupied units during this time period. 6.3.4 Housing Value Census data from 1980 shows the median housing value in the Cumberland County portion of Shippensburg was $32,300 and
the median value in the Franklin County portion was $49,100. This gives an average median value of $40,700 in 1980. This estimate is of limited utility since a Borough-wide median value
is not available. Average residential sales information for Shippensburg is available from 1984 to 1988 as published in the draft Cumberlaud County Comprehensive Plan. The values are
as follows: 1984 -$39,766 1985 -$47,163 1986 -$43,022 1987 -$45,551 1988 -$44,338 1 I 54
‘I I I I I I I I I 1 I 1 I 1 I 1 m The average residential sales figure for
the 1984-1988 time period is $43,968. Disregarding the high sales value for 1985, the overdl trend is that of increasing housing values at an average annual rate of 2.9 percent. Current
data are not available for median rent. The median rent in 1980 for the Borough’s Cumberland County units was $159 and the median 1980 rent for units in the portion of Shippensburg in
Franklin County was $154. These rental rates have undoubtedly increased since 1980. 55
1 I I CHAPTER 7 REGIONAL IMPACT ANALYSIS
7.0 REGIONAL IMPACT ANALYSIS No municipality functions completely within its own boundaries. The extent of the interaction between municipalities is dependent on the level of cooperation
between municipal officials. The officials in the Shippensburg region have gone a long way to encourage cooperation in many areas including education, public sewer and water service,
fire and police protection and others. The need for such cooperation in Shippensburg is exaggerated by the division of the Borough by a county line. This artificial boundary divides
many planning functions between two county centers -Chambersburg and Carlisle. This separation from local governmental centers forces local leaders to join forces to lobby effectively
with both county governments to obtain what is best for the area. This portion of the Comprehensive Plan describes the plans of each of the three surrounding municipalities and Shippensburg
University. The interrelationships between the planning activities of each municipality and the University are identified along with those area where greater cooperation is possible.
Key regional features are shown on Figure 7-1. 7.1 S"SBURG TOWNS" 7.1.1 Existing and Proiected DeveloDmea Nearly seventy percent of Shippensburg Township is currently in agriculture
or woodland. Residential land, which constitutes approximately ten percent of the Township, is centered around the University and along major roadways including Routes 11 aad 174. The
Township's two islands south of the Borough along Fayette Street are also primarily residential. The existing development pattern in the Township reflects the expansion of facilities
related to the University and a radial pattern of expansion along major arterials. According to the Township's 1990 Comprehensive Plan, future development goals include preserving prime
agricultural lands while encouraging development to take place along existing utility lines and highways. In addition, the Plan encourages future growth to take place under the guidance
of a regional planning commission. 56
While the 1990 Plan does not include a future land use map, it does show that future development should be centered in four areas: 0 west of Shippensburg University 0 0 0 north of Richard
Avenue in the Borough between Routes 11 and 174 along the Queen Street (Baltimore Road) corridor If actual development matches these projections, the future Shippensburg Township will
look much as it does today, dominated by agricultural and forested land uses and residential development continuing in current growth areas. 7.1.2 Pub lic Utilities and Fac ilitia Nearly
one third of Shippensburg Township lies within 300 feet of a public sewer or water line. Public sewer service is provided through the Cumberland-Franklin Joint Municipal Authority. Wastewater
is treated at the Shippensburg Borough facility located on Middle Spring Creek. Public water is provided by the Shippensburg Water Authority. Fire protection service is provided by the
Walnut Bottom Hose Company and the Borough's three companies. Police protection is provided through the State Police in Carlisle. The 1990 Plan does not mention any major extension of
public water or sewer service in the next ten to twenty years. Instead, the Plan recommends that future development should take place along existing lines. If all new residents (1,106)
projected to move into the Township by the year ZOO0 connect to public sewers, an additional 110,600 gallons per day of wastewater will enter the CFJMA system from the Township. The
1990 Plan identifies a growing need for local police protection. According to the Plan, "Future policy for police protection within the Township may center on sharing of police protection
and costs with the Borough of Shippensburg." 58
7.1.3 TransDortat ion Svsterq Shippensburg Township’s major roadways include State Routes 11, 174 and 696 and Baltimore Road. These roadways make north-south and east-west travel through
the Township fairly easy. However, the future land use recommendations project that most future development will occur along these roadways. Without proper planning, these roadways will
easily exceed their capacity in terms of average daily traffic flow, and travel through the community will become difficult. This is significant for both the Township and Borough since
these roadways also serve as major access ways to the Borough. Adequate right-of-way along these growth corridors should be preserved to prevent capacity problems on these roadways.
7.2 SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, CUMBERLAND COUNTY 7.2.1 ETxi ti Dev 1 m t Southampton Township is more rural than Shippensburg Township, as approximately 90 percent is in forested or agricultural
land use. Only five percent of the municipality is developed residentially. Current development is centered around Middle Spring Creek, State Routes 11, 533 and 174 and south of exit
10 on Interstate Route 81 to the Cleversburg area. Much development has also occurred along the base of South Mountain. According to the recommendations in the draft Comprehensive Plan
for Southampton, most future development is projected to ocm along Route 11. Other growth areas are expected to be the Middle Spring Creek area and the portion of the Township south
of 1-81 and east of Baltimore Road. 7.2.2 Pub lic With and F a c i l h Public sewer service is provided to the Middle Spring and Cleversburg areas through the CFJMA. Public water service
is provided by the Shippensburg Municipal Authority and the Huckleberry Water Company. Population projections show an increase of 387 residents between 1990 and 2000 which could increase
sewage flows by 38,700 gallons per day. 59
Police protection is provided by the State Police in Carlisle. Fire protection service is provided primarily by the Vigilant Hose Company in the Borough. The recommendation in the draft
Plan related to these services is that the Township should be aware of the increasing public pressure for these services and provide adequate support to allow the current level of service
to be maintained. Recreation facilities in the Township include Michaux State Forest and the Cleversburg Community Center and adjacent playfield. The community center provides a building
for indoor social events, basketball and an outdoor stage. The adjacent playfield includes two softball fields and a fenced playground. The draft Plan includes recommendations for future
neighborhood parks in the Lees Cross Roads, Mountain View, South Mountain Estates and Middle Spring Creek areas. It is projected that these additions would bring public recreational
facilities within walking distance of most residents. 7.2.3 TransDoRat ion Svste m The major major transportation routes though the Township include 1-81, State Routes 11, 533, 174,
3003 (Airport Road), 3001 (Baltimore Road) and 6% (Newburg Road). Access is good to excellent in both north-south and east-west directions. The transportation recommendations in the
draft Plan do not include major new roadways. Instead, standards are given for constructing new roads or upgrading existing roads. Once again, improvements to the major roadways should
be coordinated with adjacent municipalities since the same roadways serve as the major access ways through Shippensburg Township and the Borough. 73 SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, FIWWLIN COUNTY
Southampton Township, Franklin County, is another rural community (94% agricultural/forested land use in 1980) under significant growth pressure. Much of the existing development is
found along the major roadways leading to Shippensburg (Routes 11, 533, 6% and Roxbury Road) and in the Orrstown area. This trend has continued since the preparation of the 1980 Comprehensive
Plan for the Township.
I a I 3 If this development trend persists, the Township will continue to develop in a radial pattern until completed and then infill will occur. "his pattern, which is duplicated in
Shippensburg Borough's other two surrounding municipalities, illustrates the Borough's importance to the region as a center for community facilities and services. 7.3.2 Pub lic Utilities
and Facilities Public sewer service is provided to Southampton Township residents through the CFJMA. The current service area extends along the major roadways in a radial pattern (see
Figure 7-1). Public water is supplied through three different authorities: Shippensburg Borough Authority, Orrstown Water Authority (water purchased from Shippensburg Borough Authority)
and the Guilford Water Authority (Mt. Rock Water System). The service area for public water matches the sewer service area fairly well with the exception of water availability along
Route 11 in the Mt. Rock area and along Roxbury Road to the Township line. According to the Township, the extension of these public utilities will be needed to service the projected
growth for the next 10-20 years. However, the Township feels a better dialogue is needed with CFJMA and the water authorities for this to occur in the most effective manner. If all new
residents expected to move into the Township by the year 2000 (930) are connected to the sewer system, an additional 93,000 gallons per day of wastewater will be generated. Police protection
is provided by the State Police barracks in Chambersburg. According to the Township there have been some informal discussions with the Borough regarding joint police services, but no
progress has been made. Fire protection services is provided by the Borough's three fire companies, with the West End Company designated for first response. The Township feels fire protection
service is adequate but there is some duplication of effort and a regional system is needed. Public recreation facilities in the Township include Michaux State Forest, Shippensburg Fairgrounds,
Mt. Rock Community Center and the Dentler Village Park. The Township feels these facilities, combined with the rural nature of the community, are adequate to meet current needs but that
additions will have to be made to meet future needs. Specifically, winter programs for youth are lacking. 61
7.3.3 Transportat ion Svste m I 5 1 B 1 1E II 1 I 1 z Southampton Township's major roadways include Interstate 81 and State Routes 11, 533, 433, 696 and Roxbury Road. These routes transverse
the Township primarily in an east-west direction, although Roxbury Road and Orrstown Road (SR 533) do provide north-south access in the northern portion of the Township as does Route
696 in the southern part of the Township. Overall, accessibility through the Township is good in all four directions. According to the Township, SR 696 is a problem roadway for the municipality.
The safety problems are caused by the narrow railroad overpass, dangerous intersections and the location of the strip mall, Norcross Stadium, Dykeman's Park, and the SADCO Industrial
Park. The Borough has also identified this roadway as one in need of safety related improvements. There are no known plans for major additions to the Township's road system during the
planning period. Most changes expected in the next ten years will be new roadways for subdivisions and land developments, and repaving or safety improvements for existing roadways. 7.4
SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY The impact of Shippensburg University on the Borough's population and housing market was described in previous chapters. However, the University's impact on the
region is much broader. Interviews with local officials and community leaders identified a number of contributions, including: 0 0 educational contributions 0 0 0 cultural activities
economics -$25 million annually in rentals, supplies, payroll, etc. expertise provided by University faculty to local groups faculty and staff involvement in community organizations
A detailed description of the University's financial contributions is found in a 1988 study entitled "The Economic Impact of the University on southcentral Pennsylvania." The study outlines
business revenue, governmental revenues and expenditures and additions to income related directly to the University. The other contributions are difficult to quantify but they are certainly
significant. 62 'I I
1 1 i 1 8 z 11 II The contributions of the University are not all positive. A number of Borough residents complained of the disorderly conduct of University students and the consumption
of off-street parking by students and their guests. It is clear that there is still room for improvement in the relationship between the University and the regional municipalities, despite
the efforts on both sides. According to University administrators, there are no plans for major enrollment increases over the next ten years. The average annual increase is projected
to be 50 students. Any long-term expansion of University facilities is likely to involve growth to the north of the campus, not south into the Borough. There are no such expansion plans
at this time. University administrators have identified several amenities of being located in Shippensburg. These include a healthy, small town environment; accessibility to other urban
centers; fairly low cost of living; conservative, well meaning citizenry; and a good educational system. Drawbacks for the area were identified as a lack of regional and proactive approach
to planning, future of local businesses to cater more to the University and projected future transportation problems as the region grows. The transportation problems are related to the
limited accessibility of the University (North Prince St, and Earl Street). Administrators would like to increase the number of access points and encourage University traffic to flow
in a "beltway" format around the campus. The overall impact of the University on the region is a positive one. However, continued cooperation is needed between University administrators
and local government leaders to improve relationships and address problems common to both groups. 63
1 I 1 I i Y P 1 1. 1 z 1. I
8.0 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT The Central Business District (CBD) was the traditional focal point for economic, governmental and social activity. The migration of retail trade to the
suburbs was relative to the growth and expansion of the urban area. This migration is not a recent trend, but has occurred as urban areas outgrew their original land needs. The popularity
of suburban shopping centers becomes apparent when the downtown area becomes congested, overcrowded and inaccessible. Now, more than ever, most downtown shoppers are those persons who
live in or near the urban core. The advantages of shopping at suburban shopping centers are: accessible and plentiful parking; safe and desirable buildings; a variety of retail stores;
one stop shopping; safe pedestrian traffic; competitive prices; and free flowing automobile traffic. In order to attract shoppers to the CBD, a plan is needed to guide overall improvements
and to establish a framework for various activities and redevelopment programs. The CBD plan component should direct rehabilitation efforts and promote downtown shopping. During the
planning stages, problem areas such as parking and traffic, should be studied and recommendations formulated. The end result should be a downtown revitalization plan to promote the CBD
and improve its physical appearance as well as its economic well-being. 8.1 HISI'ORTCALVIEW This brief history of the CBD is not meant to give a detailed account of the beginnings of
Shippensburg but to offer background material. The Borough of Shippensburg was founded in 1730; and in 1756 a drafk plan of the community was drawn up. Since the start of the Borough,
Shippensburg has grown dramatically. Shippensburg's prosperity is attributed to its central location. The Borough was a main trade center for the farmers of Cumberland Valley and an
important stop for travelers headed west over the Appalachian Mountains. The shopkeepers provided services for both the local farmer and the passing traveler. The original center of
the CBD was not located where it is currently. Instead it was at the intersection of King and Queen Streets, two of the original streets in the 1756 plan. It was not until the 64
II early 1800’s when the present day center of the CBD, (the intersection of King and Earl Streets), was developed. A detailed description of development patterns of the present day
CBD can be found in the Planning Study of Shippensburg Borough, Central Business District Plan Final Report dated June 1984. 8.2 PRESENT VIEW Today’s CBD is defined as the area encompassed
by Fayette Street, Burd Street, Prince Street and Orange Street. King Street, which runs east-west, is considered the main thoroughfare. As previously defined, the center of the CBD
is at the intersection of Earl Street and King Street. Figure 8-1 depicts the limits of the CBD. The following discussion is a brief description of the condition of the Borough’s CBD.
The CBD, although not as significant as it once was, still remains an important economic hub. This section will provide background information on the CBD and recommendations for the
CBD will be presented in Chapter 14 of this Comprehensive Plan report. The CBD has been split into quadrants for the purpose of discussion and presenting information. Under the instruction
of Dr. John Benhart, Chairman of the Geography/Earth Science Department, the students of the Geography of Economic and Manufacturing Systems class at Shippensburg University performed
individual research assignments for appointed areas in or adjacent to the CBD. The reports were used to gather background information. The area outlined by West King Street, North F
a y e Street, West Burd Street, and North Earl Street is the first quadrant of the CBD. The land use in this area is a mixture of commercial, residential, public/semi-public (Borough
Offices), and parking areas. This area is zoned for commercial use, mostly within the C-1 commercial zone with a small portion zoned C-2. The area encompassed by North Fayette, West
Bud, Martin Avenue and Middle Spring Creek is zoned C-2, which is where the McCune Lumber Yard is located. Many different service and retail businesses are located in this portion of
the CBD as can be evidenced by the businesses listed in Table 8-1. Businesses such as McCune Lumber Yard and Home Center, Pague and Fegan Hardware & Rental Center, Keefers Furniture
and Appliances, and Town 65
TABLE 8-1 Businesses Located In CBD Area #I Name of Business McCune Lumber Co. J.P. Franklin & Co. Pizza and Stuff MOM Real Estate Southe Penn Gas Co. State Farm Insurance Joseph Brown,
CPA Shippensburg Borough Offices Shippensburg Area Chamber of Commerce Shippensburg Public Library Valley Medical Group McCune Home Center Keefers Furniture and Appl. Commonwealth Bank
Karl Burt Surveyor Brown’s Restaurant American Legion Connie Moizingo’s Beauty Salon Davies Photography Landau Jewelry & Gift Greyhound Bus Depot R.F. Rhineharts Paque & Fegan Hardware
& Rental Center Ray Smith’s Electronics Town Stationary Store Bender’s Tavern Gabler’s Beer Distributor Wine and Spirits State Store Carlisle Hospital Health Services Address 80 West
Burd Street 9 Noah Fayette 85 West King Street 77 West King Street 55 West King street 67 West King Street 71 West King Street 60 West Burd 75 West King street 73 West King street 67
West King Street 79 west King street 1 West King street 9 west King street 15 West King street 19 west King street 13 West King Street 25 West King Street 27 West King Street 27 West
King Street 27 West King Street 35 West King street 35 west King street 43 west King street 45 West King street 1 west King street 25 North Seneca 29 North Seneca 67 Type of Business
Building Supplies and Home Center Paints /Wallcovering PizzdHoagies, etc. Real Estate sales Utility Insurance Agency Public Accountant Municipal Municipal Public Library Medical Care
Building & Home Products Furniture, Appliances & Video Bank Services Land Surveying Food/Ice Cream Private Club Hair Styling Photographic Services Jewelry & Gift Shop Bus Service Electrical
Contracting, VCR & TV Sales, Video Rental, Housewares Retail Hardware & Rental Retail Sales & Service Center Retail mice Supplies BiU Bulk sales of beerlsoda Wine & Liquors Health Services
Stationary are locally~wnedlo ng-standing businesses. Other businesses such as Brown’s Restaurant are fairly new in the CBD. The Commonwealth Bank has been located at One West King Street
since 1915. The building of Commonwealth Bank dates back to the 1870’s. The Commonwealth Bank donates space for the Carlisle Hospital’s Health Services; the remainder of building is
used for bank business. This portion of the CBD also contains many service type businesses such as the Valley Medical Group, Pizza & Stuff and Joseph Brown, CPA. Also the Borough Offices,
Chamber of Commerce and Public Library are also located within this area. The area outlined by East King Street, North Earl Street, East Burd Street and North Prince Street is the second
quadrant of the CBD. The land use in this area is a mixture of commercial, residential public/semi-public and parking areas. The land in this area is zoned (C-1) commercial between East
King Street and East Martin Avenue and (R-2) residential between East Martin Avenue and East Burd Street. All but two of the businesses listed in Table 8-1 front East King Street. Two
of the three banks located within the defined CBD are located within this quadrant: Dauphin Deposit and Orrstown Bank. The Gingerbread Man, Rite Aid, Peoples, and the Dollar General
Store are chain retail stores. The other stores listed in the Table are locally-owned retail businesses and services. TABLE 8-2 Businesses Located in CBD Area #2 II Name of Business
Dollar General Store Houck Shoes Dauphin Deposit People’s Gingerbread Man Rite Aid Record City Lollipop Shop Orrstown Bank Alpha Video Glenn Millers Auto Parts Cumberland Graphics Vigilante
Hose Company Address I Type of Business 1 East King street 31-33 East King Street 59 East King Street 13 East King Street 27 East King Street 51 East King street 77 East King Street
3 North Earl Street 1 North Perm Street 69 East King Street 129 East King Street Retail department store Retail shoe store Bank Services Retail drugstore Restaurant Retail drugstore
Retail record store Retail candy store Bank services Video rental Recently burned down Graphic Services Fire Protection 68
1 I 1 I R II 1 I I 1 I I I 3 The area outlined by South Fayette Street, West King Street, South Earl Street and West Orange Street is in the third quadrant of the CBD. The land use in
this area is a mixture of commercial, residential, public/semi-public and parking areas. Seventy-five percent of this area is zoned commercial (C-1 and C-2) and a small piece is zoned
manufacturing at the corner of Orange Street and Fayette Street. TABLE 8-3 Businesses Located in CBD Area #3 II Name of Business Atlantic Gas Station Subway Sandwiches Fogelsangers Insurance
Hale Real Estate Judith Hess Beauty Salon M & E Flea and Antique Shop Wolf Surveying Head to Toe Cosmetology Clinic Steve’s Used Furniture Work of Art ABC Lettering Co. 3 C’S Steve’s
Frames Address 34 west King street 14 West King Street 16 West King Street 34 west King stree€ TvDe of Business Gasoline Station Restaurant Insurance Services Real Estate Services Beauty
Shop Antique Shop Surveying Services Beauty Shop Furniture Store Art Supplies Graphic Services Frame Shop The businesses located in this quadrant are listed above with their location
and the type of business. The majority of the businesses in this sector offer the consumer a service. Services such as Fogelsangers Insurance, Hale Real Estate, the two hairstyling establishments
and the two eating establishments attract an established clientele to the CBD. The services act as an anchor, attracting shoppers into the CBD, therefore, other businesses may benefit.
The area encompassed by South Earl Street, East King Street, South Prince Street and East Orange Street is the fourth quadrant which makes up the CBD. The land uses dominating this area
include commercial, residential, public/semi-public and parking areas. This quadrant of the CBD is 69
zoned commercial (C-1) along the blocks facing King and Earl Streets and residential (R-2) along the blocks facing Orange Street. TABLE 8-4 Businesses Located in CBD Area #4 Name of
Business Pizza House Sunshine Chiropractic Care Anthony Adam, Attorney Best TV & Appliances East Meets West Cumbria Photo Touch of Bronze Jay Dee Department Store Your Hair Connection
China Castle Restaurant B & H Bikes & Toys Bowers Jewelry Henry’s Pharmacy William and Mary Antique Galleries New Look Beauty Salon Townies Beauty Shop New Software Store G. Leonard
Fogelsanger Agency All Brand Vacuum Okry’s Bar Shippen Cleaner Data Management Associates Address 114 East King Street 132 East King Street 2 East King Street 10 East King Street 12
East King Street 54 East King Street 58 East King Street 60% East King street 66 East King street 47 south Earl street 62 East King Street Type of Business Restaurant Medical Services
Legal Services Appliance Store Novelty Shop Photographic Services Tanning Shop Retail Department Stor, Beauty Shop Restaurant Toy Store Jewelry Store Pharmacy Antique Shop Beauty Shop
Beauty Shop Computer Supplies Insurance Services Vacuum Store Bar & restaurant Cleaning Services Computer Services The majority of the commercial establishments listed in Table 8-4 are
located within the blocks facing King Street between Earl and Penn Speets. The blocks between Penn and Prince Streets are dominated by residential dwellings. The only commercial establishment
is the Pizza House, located on the east side of the Intersection of Penn and King Streets. Two of the buildings are professional offices, one with lawyers and the other with a chiropractor.
The United Presbyterian Church is located at the intersection of East King Street and South Prince Street. The remaining buildings fronting East King Street are residences. The buildings
located in the blocks between Earl Street and Penn Street house all but three of the businesses listed in Table 8-4. 70
8.3 SUMMARY The Shippensburg Borough CBD is experiencing the trends that are affecting most downtowns in today’s world of convenience shopping. One of the typical problems with downtown
shopping is the lack of adequate and accessible parking. In Shippensburg’s case, parking areas are not identified and are hard to find. Traffic congestion in the CBD poses a real problem
for pedestrians as well as motorists. Other problems identified by the Shippensburg University students’ individual research assignments and interviews with the community leaders are
also worthy of mention. They include: lack of cooperation among CBD merchants -products and services are oriented toward a small percentage of the population; inadequate variety of stores
and eating establishments; the general cleanliness of the CBD and the Borough as a whole; and inadequate advertising efforts. These problems will be addressed in the recommendations
portion of the Comprehensive Plan. 71
COMMUNI TY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
CHAPTER 9 COMMUNITY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
9.0 COMMUNITY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 1 I I I U a 1 8 I 1 8 I 9.1 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Shippensburg Borough officials indicated a desire for public input into the Comprehensive Plan to
prepare planning and development goals for the community. To obtain this information, community surveys were mailed in November 1990 to approximately 2,700 households and businesses
in the Borough. In addition to the community surveys, a series of four neighborhood meetings were held in November and December 1990. The Borough’s neighborhood meetings were held: November
8, 1990 for the East Ward at the James E. Burd Elementary School; November 15, 1990 for the Middle Ward at the Shippensburg Community Center, November 29, 1990 for the West Ward at the
Junior High School and December 6, 1990 for the surrounding municipalities at the Junior High School. According to the survey responses, the majority of the participants reside or operate
a business within the Borough (82%). When asked why
they chose to live or operate a business in in the Borough, the majority answered atmosphere (3696), location relative to place of employments (35 96) and housing costs (21%). The majority
of the survey respondents, 36 percent, are retired and another 16 percent work within the Borough. Of the other wage earners in the survey respondent’s household 31 percent are retired
and 13 percent work withii the Borough. Information on Borough programs and business is most often read in the newspaper (82 percent), passed on by neighbors (33 percent) and announced
through mailings (25 percent). From the November 1990 mailing, 343 surveys were returned for a response rate of 13.0 percent. After receipt of the community surveys, they were divided
into the Borough’s three wards and an unknown geographic area category for people who did not fill in their address on the survey. The separation of the responses was done to provide
a geographic distribution of opinions. Each survey response was individually tabulated. Multiple choice questions were entered into a computer data base for tabulation and the written
responses were tabulated on a master sheet by hand. The following report is a review of both the neighborhood meetings, the comunity survey responses and the interviews with key persons.
These three information sources provide keen insight into the residents feelings and opinions about their community and provide the basis for the development of 72
community goals and objectives. The tables shown in this section, reveal the percentages of respondents which answered the question. Not all respondents answered all questions, therefore
the responses will not always equal 100 percent. In order to properly weigh the responses from the individual census tracts, the number of survey respondents in each ward is shown on
the table heading. 9.2 BOROUGH SERVICES The first section of the survey requested an evaluation of 14 Borough services on a scale of one to five, with five being excellent and one being
poor. The residents of Shippensburg Borough responded very favorably to most services as indicated by the percentage of fair to excellent ratings. The fair rating indicates that the
service is acceptable, but needs improved. The Borough's road maintenance program and downtown retail services received the highest percentage of fair ratings. The vast majority of the
survey respondents rated the downtown retail services as fair to poor (77 96). The services which received very favorably ratings (good to excellent) include, in ascending order: trash
collection (80%); parks and recreation (85%); public libraries (87%); ambulance service (90%); and fire protection (93%). These responses are summarized on Table 9-1 by number and rating,
and on Table 9-2 by percentage. The next section of the survey asked more specific questions on a variety of Shippensburg Borough services. These services included: existing and future
roadway system, parking facilities, the transportation system, adequacy of rental units, refuse collection, recycling, parks and recreation, stormwater management problems, regionalization
of services, and the adequacy of downtown services. When asked about the major transportation related problems in the Borough, residents tended to concentrate somewhat on problems in
their own ward, but a number of comments were repeated regardless of the location of the respondent. The following is a list of the most commonly noted transportation system problem
areas. If problem areas were identified in the survey in more than one census tract, the problem road is only listed once. 73
TABLE 9-1 RATING KEY: 1 = POOR; 2 = UNSATISFACTORY; 3 = FAIR; 4 = GOOD; 5 = EXCELLENT Note: Perccatagts may not qual 100 btcausc some did not answer the question. SOURCE: Shipptllsburg
Borough Community Survey, November 1990.
TABLE 9-2 BOROUGH SERVICES (PERCENTAGES) QUESTIONS EASTWARD MTDDLEWARD I WESTWARD I UNKNOWN I ALL I I I Adequate Roadway Syrttm for Exirtiag Lev& ..-_. No Opinion 1 5 1 11 12 I No opinion
I 24 1 I --No Opinion I 19 17 I I 18
TABLE 9-2 BOROUGH SERVICES I I QUESTIONS EA(PSTEWRACREDN TMAIGDDELSE) WARD WESTWARD UNKNOWN ALL I I I I I I 8 I 8 I 8 8 I 8 1 SOURCE: SHIPPENSBURG BOROUGH COMMUNITY SURVEY, NOVEMBER
1990 NOTE: Percataga m y not cqd 100 b w s c not all rcspondcntcl answered all qudm.
0 King Street congestion 0 0 One way street system 0 Truck traffic on King Street, Orange Street and Fayette Street Left turns off King Street When residents were asked if the present
roadway system is adequate, the majority of all the respondents in all the wards said yes. But, when asked if the roadway system will be adequate for the future, all wards responded
negatively (62 percent). None of the wards (50 percent) were willing to finance a tax increase for highway improvements. All the wards felt that Shippensburg has inadequate parking facilities,
residents expressed a desire for better parking facilities downtown and off-street parking for housing units. Generally residents feel that the transportation system is sufficient to
handle current traffic, but improvements are necessary for future traffic conditions. Rental U ni$ In order to analyze the adequacy of rental units within the Borough, the survey ask
the residents if the availability of rental units was sufficient. Over all the responses were split fairly evenly with 32 replying yes, 27 replying no and 35 having no opinion. The survey
responses in the individual wards was quite different. The middle ward respondents were the majority of the rental units are located, feel that rental units are adequate (44%); inadequate
(25%) or no opinion (22%). In the east and west wards, the majority of the respondents answered no opinion (47% and 4176, respectively). When asked what inadequacies occur in rental
units, survey respondents had the following comments: 0 0 Too many absentee landlords 0 Upkeep of existing rental units A wider variety of low to high income rental units Encourage on
campus housing for University students 77
Solid Waste Manage ment Approximately 85 percent of the residents support the development of a Borough recycling program. When asked if the Borough should make any changes in the refuse
collection system, aside from adding recycling, 26 percent said yes; 54 percent said no; and 16 percent had no opinion. These percentages were fairly consistent throughout each ward.
The most common comment regarding improvements to the refuse collection system is the switching of municipal refuse collection to private collection. Residents expressed concern over
the adequacy of the municipal collection system. Respondents also expressed the need for bulk item pickup twice per year (spring and fall). Parks and Raeat iop When asked if parks and
recreation facilities were adequate, 56 percent responded positively, 20 percent said no and 18 percent had no opinion. Responses were fairly consistent throughout each ward. Residents
were questioned as to whether they would support a variety of recreational programs and facilities. The recreational program most supported was the establishment of more sponsored youth
programs (40 percent). The recreational facility residents would most like to see established was an indoor recreation center (24 percent). The next most popular request was for more
facilities at existing parks (16 percent). These figures were fairly Consistent for all the wards. When asked if they would support tax increase in finance establishment of recreation
facilities and programs, 51 percent answered no; 26 percent said yes and 16 percent had no opinion. Fire Protection When residents were asked to rate the fire protection service in the
Borough, roughly 93 percent of the respondents marked the rating of good to excellent. The respondents were asked if they would 78
support a tax increase to support employment of paid firefighters, the majority of the respondents, 54 percent, would not support a tax increase, 21 percent said they would and 19 percent
had no opinion. &zionalization of Services A question was asked of residents whether they would support the regionalization of specific services. The services receiving the greatest
support was recycling (35%); parks and recreation (28%); police protection (24%); and fire protection (22%). Retail Cente rs and Se rvicq When asked if downtown retail centers and services
are adequa e, the overall majority of residents (48 percent) said no, 29 percent said yes, and 19 percent had no opinion. These responses generally held true for all the wards. The following
comments for improvements to the downtown retail centers were suggested by the respondents. 0 0 0 0 Additional specialty shops; 0 0 A wider variety of stores, especially men’s, women’s
and children’s clothing stores; A larger selection of merchandise; Better accessibility accessibility to parking areas and additional Central Business District parking; A variety of
restaurants -especially ethnic and family restaurants; Orient stores toward Shippensburg University students; Larger and more competitive stores, an anchor store. 9.3 BOROUGH POLICIES
This section of the report addresses Borough policy issues. These are the historic handling of Borough business, recommended Borough policy changes, recommended changes in government
organization, residents’ preference of development type both inside and outside Borough limits, recommended changes to codes and ordinances and continuance of the Historic District.
These results are shown on Table 9-3. 79
~ I I I I I I I I I 1 I I 8 8 ! I 1 8 1 TABLE 9-3 BOROUGH POLICIES (PERCENTAGES) Single Family R c s k l d Multi-Family Residential Commercial-Wholcsale Single Family Raideatsit Multi
Family Residentail SOURCE: COMMUNITY SURVEY, NOVEMBER 1990 NOTE: Percentages may not equal 100 because not all respondarts I U I S W ~all questions.
II I 1 /I I I I 8 8 1 I 8 a I 8 8 11 When residents were asked how satisfied they were with the handling of borough business in the past, 60 percent responded they were either very satisfied
or somewhat satisfied. The result seem to indicate that people are generally content with the way Borough business has been handled in the past. Residents were asked if they would recommend
any changes in Borough policies. Of the people who responded to this question, 33 percent said they would recommend Borough policy changes, 20 percent would not recommend changes, and
34 percent had no opinion. Several comments were frequently repeated when residents were asked to list their suggestion for improvements in Borough policies. These comments are as follows:
0 Initiate tax reform 0 0 Open all Borough meetings to the public Improve communication between Borough officials and public Respondents were asked if they would recommend any changes
in the Borough’s governmental organization. Of the people answering the survey, 17 percent recommended changes; 34 percent recommended no change; and 38 percent had no opinion. Several
comments were fiequently repeated when residents were asked to list their suggestions for improvements in Borough policies. These comments are as follows: 0 0 0 Change Police Departments
organization, so Borough Council is in charge. Get rid of the mayor position Governmental organizations should cooperate/work together Borough residents were questioned as to the type
of development they would like to see for the future within Borough limits. The overwhelming development preference (47 percent) voiced by residents was commercial-retail, followed by
single-family residential (38 percent). Other development types listed are industrial (32 percent) multi-family residential (21 percent), commercial-wholesale (15 percent), and office
(16 percent). Clearly, residents wodd like to see more commercial-retail and industrial development to boost the economy of Shippensburg and more permanent single-family homes. 81
When asked to indicate a development type outside Borough limits, the majority (56 percent) said that they would like to see industrial development, followed by single-family residential
(35 percent) commercial-wholesale (30 percent). The remaining types of development residents prefer outside of Shippensburg Borough are multi-family residential (30 percent), commercial-retail
(26 percent), and office (15 percent). Again, the preferred development types indicate a desire for facilities that will improve the economy of the Shippensburg area. Residents opinions
on specific changes in the Borough’s des and ordinances were sought. Answers were fairly consistent throughout the three wards and the unknown category. The respondents opinions of whether
changes should occur were also fairly evenly matched, 32 percent said there should be changes, 23 said there shouldn’t and 32 percent had no opinion. When asked to list suggestions for
changes in the Borough’s codes and ordinances, many responses were similar to those listed in the Borough policy section. However, there were some additions. These are noted as: 0 Strictly
enforce building code 0 Abolish the historic district 0 0 Enforce loitering law 0 Enforce curfew 0 Establish a noise control ordinance Limit number of unrelated person in a rental unit
Residents were asked if they support the continuance of the Historic District. The majority of those who responded (43 percent) support the Historic District. Thirty-eight percent opposed
the idea while 15 percent had no opinion. People were questioned as to whether they reside or operate a business in the Historic District. Thii-one percent reside in this area, 3 percent
operate a business, and 48 percent reside outside the proposed historic District. 82
9.4 NEIG"OOD MEETINGS Four neighborhood meetings were held during the months of November and December, 1990. They include: November 8, 1990 -At the James E, Burd Elementary School for
the East Ward. November 15, 1990 -At the Shippensburg Community Center for the Middle Ward. November 29, 1990 -At the Shippensburg Junior High School for the West Ward. December 6, 1990
-At the Shippensburg Junior High School for the surrounding municipalities. The meetings were held to explain the proposed scope of Gannett Fleming's work in regard to the Comprehensive
Plan and also to give Borough citizens and local municipalities a chance to voice their concerns and opinions on problems within the Borough and the region. These comments along with
the survey responses and interviews with key persons were used to help develop the Goals and Objectives portion of the Comprehensive Plan. The concerns expressed during the four individual
neighborhood meetings were similar to the concerns expressed in the community surveys. The most frequent concerns and comments are listed. 0 Ensure adequate water supply 0 0 0 Upgrade
and maintain a stormwater management system Encourage Intermunicipal cooperation to provide regional services Provide and regulate both off-street and on-street parking 9.5 INTERMEWS
A series of interviews were held by Gam-Fleming with the Borough Manager, the Codes Enforcement Officer, the Street Foreman, the Police Chief, a Historic Commission Representative, a
Microwood Representative, an c)rrstown Bank Representative, representatives of Shippensburg University, the Shippensburg School District Superintendent, Southampton Township, Franklin
County Supervisor, Southampton Township, Cumberland County Supervisor, Chairman of the Borough Planning Commission Chamber of Commerce Director. The interviews were conducted on November
15 and -November 29, 1990. These interviews were held to give key borough officials and community leaders 83
a chance to voice their concerns and opinions on problems within the BoroughRegion. These comments were used to help plan the Goals and Objectives portion of the Comprehensive Plan along
with the survey responses. Much of the information gathered during interviews has been used to help develop the Background Studies portion of the Comprehensive Plan. This section emphasizes
the future goals of the different Borough departments. The following comments and concerns were extracted from the interviews: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Initiate a Regional Planning
Commission Encourage regionalization of facilities and services Regulate and control the student population living within the Borough limits Redefine the Historic District to include
only King Street Close cooperation between the Borough Police and the University Police Encourage merchant cooperation to enhance the success of the Central Business District. Possibly
by forming a merchants association. Establish uniform and convenient shopping hours in the Central Business District Clean streets on a regular basis Enforce the loitering law, especially
in the CBD Merchants should carry merchandise to cater to the University Students Establish a tax reform program for the Borough and surrounding Townships Develop better access to the
SADCO Industrial Park Practice proactive planning rather than reactive planning Develop a better access road to the University Campus to route traffic out of the CBD Provide adequate
parking spaces for student rental units 9.6 COMMUNITY G O D AND OBJECTIVES The purpose of the public participation process is to provide a foundation for the future development of Shippensburg
Borough. The results of the community survey, neighborhood meetings, and Borough staff interviews are summar'rz ed here as the community's goals and objectives for the next ten years.
The goals are not prioritized in this section. Some prioritization will be done in the implementation section of the plan. 84
9.6.1 m eLan d Us2 Implement a responsible growth policy in the Borough that will emphasize economic development by considering the following: Provide an adequate housing stock for all
income levels Continue to update and enforce the Building Code Control and develop off-street parking areas for housing units Develop programs which will enhance the environment in the
Central Business District (CBD) so as to encourage additional businesses to locate within the CBD. Update and enforce zoning and subdivision regulations. Develop programs which will
enhance the environment so as to encourage the development of the SADCO Industrial Park Provide compatible land uses with adjacent municipalities Encourage expansion of parks and recreation
facilities to meet changing population needs 0 0 Establish a year-round recreation program for all age groups Supply additional facilities at existing parks 9.6.2 T r q o r t a t ion
Facilitate traffic inflow, outflow, and internal movement by supporting the following: 0 Synchronization of all traffic lights: -King Street and intersecting streets -Orange Street and
intersecting streets 0 Realign Route 696 to allow a more even traflic flow north-south through the Borough. (Straighten Fayem Street to connect to Earl Street) 85
I 1 I I I I I 1 1 I I I B 1 I I I 0 Study and develop a by-pass around the Borough. (A more direct route in and out of the University). 0 Construct left turn lanes and signals along
King Street. Additional areas of traffx problems to be addressed are listed below: 0 0 Improve signage indicating location of public parking areas Improve maintenance of existing streets
9.6.3 Public Facilities and Se rviceS 0 Develop innovative and intergovernmental cooperative programs to improve police, fire, and ambulance services to area residents. 9.6.4 Public
UtilitiQ Improve existing water supply system: 0 0 To provide a safe supply of drinking water To accommodate and encourage additional development. Improve existing stormwater system:
0 0 To provide for a schedule of cleaning and repairs to the existing stormwater system. By installing new collection basins and lines for: -Existing needs -To accommodate and encourage
additional developments 86
PLAN" G RECOMMENDATIONS
CHAPTER 10 FUTURE LAND USE PLAN
10. FUTURELANDUSEPLAN 10.1 REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION Shippensburg Borough is unique in its division by a county boundary and relative isolation from both county governmental centers
of which it is a part. This isolation has made the Shippensburg area the center of activity for a broad, rural area between Chambersburg and Carlisle but has also placed Shippensburg
far down on the priority list when it comes to county-level planning for community development programs. Therefore the need for intermunicipal cooperation to manage growth and finance
needed capital improvements is great. One way of effectively planning for the growth in the region is to establish a regional planning commission. This commission should include representatives
from the Borough, Shippensburg Township and Southampton Township in both Cumberland and Franklin Counties. The planning commission should be phased in by first providing voluntary reviews
of subdivision and land development plans in the member municipalities and eventually provide such services as reviewing all plans, preparing ordinance updates, performing planning studies
and other services. The Department of Community Affairs also provides funding to regional planning commissions to hire a professional planner. This recommendation could most easily be
established through the official designation of the existing long-range planning committee of the Shippensburg Area Chamber of Commerce as the official regional planning commission.
The committee already contains members from each municipality in the region, local businessmen and Shippensburg University and has established planning priorities and goals. The planning
commission could be operational as won as the governing bodies of the member municipalities designate its membership and purpose by ordinance. The importance of regional planning is
illustrated on the future land use map. A band approximately 600 feet wide has been added to the map to show the existing zoning or future land use plans of the surrounding municipalities.
Four significant areas with incompatible adjacent land uses along municipal boundaries are evident. The first potentially incompatible land use mix is the area east of South Queen Street
along the railroad where industrial use is proposed for the vacant land in the Borough and Shippensburg Township is zoned low density residential except for a narrow strip along the
railroad. The proposed change in the Borough is designed to provide additional developable industrial land adjacent to the railroad. The 87
narrow industrial strip in Shippensburg Township should be widened to provide more compatible land uses in the area. The second potentially incompatible land use mix is found in the
Middle Spring Avenue area where industrial and low density residential land in the Borough is adjacent to residential and commercial zoning in Shippensburg Township. The incompatibility
east of North Earl Street is minimal as the land is open space owned by the University and probably will not be developed in the near future. Much of the Township west of North Earl
Street is already developed with high density residential uses. Therefore, existing development is not incompatible with the proposed uses in the Borough, but a change to traditional
commercial uses in the area could create a conflict. The potential inconsistency is the proposed commercial strip along Route 11 in Southampton Township, Franklin County adjacent to
the proposed low density residential area west of Rowe Road in the Borough. A change from current commercial zoning in the Borough is recommended to stop the strip commercial development
in the area at the school district property. Further strip commercial development along Route 11 into Southampton Township would further complicate the traffic situation in a congested
area. The last area of note is along South Penn Street which is zoned industrial in the Borough and R-1 residential in Shippensburg Township. The Township zoning is apparently related
to a narrow strip of single family homes along the street. However, given the existing surrounding uses it appears that commercial or industrial zoning is more consistent with regional
issues. Other areas of apparent inconsistencia include Walnut Bottom Road, Dykeman Road and Ingersoll Drive. However, these areas have already been developed and the potential for future
problems is low. However, future development in these areas could be supplemented by the addition of landscaping and/or bufferyards. The importance of the regional planning concept cannot
be overemphasized. Key regional issues are identified in each of the transportation, public facilities and services, and public utilities recommendations chapters. The overall effectiveness
of this plan is dependent on the successful implementation of regional planning. 88
103 FUTURELANDUSE The future land use plan designates locations in the Borough for the future use of residential, commercial, industrial, open space/recreation and public/semi-public
land. These future land use types have been distributed through the Borough to ensure a pleasant, safe and attractive environment. The land use plan has been developed in response to
the public official interviews, Comprehensive Plan Committee meetings, neighborhood meetings and the questionnaire on community goals and objectives. It is based on good planning principles.
The future land use plan should be viewed as a guide for future growth and development in the Borough and is intended as a flexible guide for the future uses of land in the Borough.
The future land use map is not a detailed prediction of the existing land use map of the year 2000 or 2010. All areas of the Borough have been designated with land use types but not
all areas will be developed. In addition, the map is somewhat generalized and does not reflect the land use of every lot. It should be reviewed periodically by the Borough and revised,
if necessary, to keep pace with changing development patterns and trends. The future land use plan is not a zoning map and should not be construed for this purpose. If the Borough wishes
to implement any of the land use changes, the Borough's Zoning ordinance and zoning map should be amended to reflect the recommendations of the future land use plan. There are eight
separate future land use categories. They include, low, medium and high density residential; downtown and highway commercial; industrial; public and semi-public; and recreatiodopen space.
The future land use plan is illustrated on Figure 10-1. The amount of land allocated for each land use category is given in Table 10-1. 89
TABLE 10-1 F'UTURE LAND USE ACREAGE Shippensburg Borough Land Use Category Low Density (C4 d.u./acre) Medium Density (4-8 d.u. /acre) High Density (2 8 d.u./acre) Commercial Downtown
Highway Public/Semi-Public TOTAL Source: Ganuett Fleming, Inc. Future Land Use Area (Acres) 269.4 -33316..63 (637.3) 47.5 -119.4 (166.9) 261.6 197.4 80.8 1.344.0 Percentage of Total
Land Area 20.0 25.0 -2.4 (47.4) 3.5 8.9 (12.4) 19.5 14.7 6.0 -100.0 91
A review of Table 10-1 shows that nearly half of the Borough is projected for residential land use. The largest residential category is medium density residential (5,000-10,000 sq. fi.)
which reflects the relative density of existing development in the Borough. The second largest land use type in Shippensburg is industrial, which accounts for 19.5 percent of the total
land area. This reflects Shippensburg’s function as an industrial center and the Borough’s commitment to encourage future economic development. The third largest land use type is public/semi-public
which is unusual for a community that is not a major governmental center. Major land uses in this category include churches, cemeteries, school or University property and Borough property.
Shippensburg Borough has a fairly diverse mixture of existing and projected land uses. This is indicative of the Borough’s role as a focal point for regional activity. The future land
use plan is designed to encourage the continuing diversity of its economic base while minimizing conflicts between incompatible land use types. 10.2.1 Residential Land Uses The residential
land use category provides for various types of housing in the Borough. The areas depicted in the plan for low, medium and high density residential development are designed to reflect
existing development patterns, provide opportunity for future development of a variety of housing types and to be compatible with adjacent land uses both inside the Borough and in the
surrounding municipalities, The three densities depicted on the future land use map were selected to be compatible with existing development and zoning. The densities
assigned to each land use type are as follows: 0 0 0 Low density -10,000 sq. ft. and greater lot sizes (4 or less dwelling unitslacre) Medium density -5,000-10,000 sq. ft. lot sizes
(4-8 dwelling unitslacre) High density -Less than 5,000 sq. ft. lot sizes (8 or greater dwelling units/acre) Low density residential land is concentrated in five general areas including
Rowe Road, Park Place, Roxbury Road, South Fayette Street and Richwalter Street. The areas proposed for expansion of 92
1 low density residential land are the Rowe Road, Roxbury Road and South Fayette Street areas. These areas are designated for this type of development to provide appropriate buffers
to lower density development in the surrounding municipalities and to be compatible with adjacent land uses in the Borough. The most common dwelling type in this area should be single
family detached dwellings, although some duplexes and rowhouses may also be present. Medium density residential land is typically found along major roadway corridors and/or adjacent
to commercial or industrial lands as a buffer to less intensive uses. The major areas proposed for expansion of this land use type are the area south of the SADCO Industrial Park and
the area between South Queen Street and Hollar Avenue. Dwelling types will include some single family detached dwellings along with duplexes, rowhouses and apartments. High density residential
land is located along North Fayette Street, South Prince Street, and East Martin Avenue. All areas areas have some available land for future development with the exception of East Martin
Avenue. All areas are consistent with current zoning. Apartments and rowhouses should be the most common dwelling type. Scattered duplexes and single family detached dwellings will likely
also be present. The future land use plan includes an increase of 147.1 acres over the existing land use (+30.0%). The largest portion of this increase comes from the proposed conversion
of the area south of the SADCO Industrial Park from vacant to medium land low density residential. Other growth areas include the area west of Rowe Road at the western Borough boundary
and the area northeast of Chateau Terrace Apartments along North Fayette Street. 10.2.2 Commercial Land Uses The future land use plan separates downtown commercial uses from more intensive
highway commercial uses. Downtown commercial land has been extended (from current zoning) east of Prince Street to include the existing flower shop and shopping center in the area. Uses
Uses in this area should include retail stores, restaurants (not drive-in), professional offces and services, banks, apartments, some single or multi-family homes and other similar commercial
uses. One of the unique characteristics of downtown commercial areas is the combination of residential and commercial uses in the same structure. This allows downtown retailers to have
a second income source and better compete with suburban shopping areas. iI e 93
Highway uses are typically more intensive than downtown commercial uses and do not typically have the combination with residential uses. Typical uses may include retail establishments,
drive-in restaurants, bowling alleys, gasoline stations, automobile dealerships, hotels, shopping centers and other similar uses. Most highway and commercial land is concentrated along
the King Street corridor, with the exception of some existing commercial uses in other areas. While the future development of these uses should be encouraged, the potential detrimental
impact of proposed uses on the central business district should be evaluated in all cases. The hture land use recommendations show an increase of 89.3 acres of commercial land over existing
conditions. Much of this increase is due to the uniformity of uses shown in the downtown area as little increase is proposed in the extent of commercial uses. -110.2.3 Industrial land
uses are projected for the Lurgan Avenue; Ingersoll Rand; West Orange Street; North and South South Earl Street; SADCO Industrial Park; and South Queen Street areas. The largest areas
for future industrial development include the SADCO Industrial Park, South Queen Street and Lurgan Avenue-Orrstown Road areas. Many of the transportation improvements recommended in
the next chapter are designed to improve access to the industrial areas and minimize heavy traffic through the downtown and other residential areas. The industrial base of the Borough
will increase by 126.7 acres (93.9) under the future land use plan. The increased area includes the further development of the SADCO Industrial Park and the industrial development immediately
north of the railroad tracks and east of Queen Street. 10.2.4 RecreatiodODen S D ~ Recreation or open space land uses are projected for Memorial Park, Dykemans Spring, Norcross Stadium
and the entrance to the Shippensburg Fairgrounds. The recommendations for parks and recreation in Chapter 12 also include a new park in the southern or eastern part of the Borough. The
exact location of this park has not yet been identified and it is not shown on the future land use map. Recreatiodopen space was measured as part of the public/semi-public lands in the
existing land use survey. If both categories are added together in the future land use plan there is a slight increase of i 8 94
32.5 acres. Most of this change is due to the reclassification of existing uses as no major additions are planned. 10.2.5 Public/Semi-Public Land Uses This land use type is found in
various locations throughout the Borough. The category includes churches, schools, cemeteries, governmental buildings and other similar public uses. Public or semipubbli uses are typically
compatible with a wide variety of other land use types and are not typically severely restricted in zoning ordinances. Therefore, future public or semi-public uses may be found in areas
not shown on the future land use map without causing a significant detrimental impact on the overall plan. 10.3 HISTORIC DISTRICT The preservation of the Borough’s historic resources
is a worthwhile venture and should be encouraged throughout the planning period. However, the current regulation and administration of the Shippensburg Historic District has led to controversy
and is limited in terms of its overall effectiveness. The Shippensburg Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. This gave recognition to the
historical and architectural merits of the existing buildings within the district boundaries. These boundaries were chosen after consideration of the growth pattern in the Borough. The
buildings within the district represent the original town center and its expansion through the early twentieth century. The Shippensburg Historic District could extend or limit its boundaries
used on the National Register by local ordinance. The Historic District Ordinance was enacted in 1986, and the design guidelines were adopted in 1987 in order to establish criteria for
review of proposed construction, reconstruction, alteration, restoration and demolition. Since that time, there has been discussion of repealing or modifying the ordinance. In 1990,
a committee was appointed by the Borough Council to review the ordinance and guidelines. This committee’s recommendations included: 1. 2. Reduce the size of the district; Incorporate
the the design guidelines into the ordinance; 95
1 ‘ I I 3. Provide for an economic feasibility analysis as a required submission to the Board of Historical and Architectural Review, which must act upon a Certificate of Appropriateness
prior to the Borough issuing a building permit; Consider financial hardship in the deliberation of a Certificate of Appropriateness; Conduct an annual publicity campaign to the residents
of the district; and 4. 5. 6. Review periodically provisions of the ordinance in terms of effectiveness and reasonableness. Therefore, the Comprehensive Plan recommends the creation
of a two-step process to consider financial hardship and needed incentives. In the first stage of the process, the burden is on the property owner to prove that denial of a building
permit would restrict reasonable use or return in investment from the property. Typically, the board of Historical and Architectural review acts as the hearing body on this question,
and is given broad discretion to call expert witnesses and to request information from the property owner. If the Board finds that the property owner has proved his or her case, the
burden then shifts to the Borough to devise a program of incentives that will properly compensate the property owner. If no reasonable incentive package can be put together, the Borough
must either acquire the property or an easement on the property by negotiated acquisition or by eminent domain. If the Borough does not act accordingly, then the building permit must
be issued. Regarding financial hardship, the Board may solicit expert testimony or require the property owner for a Certificate of Appropriateness make submissions concerning some or
all of the following information before it makes its decision: 1. Estimated cost of the proposed construction, reconstruction, alteration, restoration or demolition, and the estimated
additional cost that would be incurred to comply with Board recommendations for changes necessary for the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness; A report from a Pennsylvania licensed
architect or engineer with experience in structural rehabilitation; Estimated market value of the property in its current condition, after completion of the proposed work, and after
changes recommended by the Board; In the case of proposed demolition, an economic feasibility analysis of the rehabilitation or reuse of the existing structure on the property; 2. 3.
4. 96
5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Details of the most recent real estate transfer of the property to include price, date of purchase, seller’s name and relationship to the property owner
(if any at the time of purchase), and any terms of financing between seller and buyer; Remaining balance of financing (if applicable) secured by the property owner; Real estate appraisal
(if available) for the property; Asking price and offers received recently for the property; Assessed value of the property; Real estate taxes on the property for the past two years;
If the property is income-producing, the annual gross income from the property, operation and maintenance expenses, depreciation deductions and cash flow after debt service for the past
two years; Form of property ownership and operation; and, Financial capability of the property owner. In the alternative, several incentives can be provided to the property owner adversely
affected by the Historic District Ordinance. The most obvious is a property tax exemption or reduction. Another resource could be the establishment of a revolving fund for low interest
loans to property owners in the district. This fund could be established from municipal revenue and other public institutional sources. The Board of Historical and Architectural Review
should have a carefully prepared set of rules and regulations regarding the conduct of its hearing, presentation of evidence, and the types of property owner information and expert testimony
necessary to comprehend the issues properly. The Board could include in its recommendations for a Certificate of Appropriateness: Relaxation of provisions of the ordinance, reduction
in real estate taxes, need for financial assistance, and changes in codes ad/or ordinances. 10.4 SUMMARY The future land use plan for Shippensburg Borough provides adequate area for
expansion of all land use types and is compatible with the adjacent land uses in the surrounding townships. The plan, if implemented in association with the transportation, facilities
and services, and utilities plans contained herein, will promote the orderly and efficient future development of the Borough and region. 97
1 I I I s) a The future development of the Borough is closely tied to the development that will take place in the surrounding municipalities. Therefore, the creation of a regional planning
commission is strongly recommended to oversee the future development of the region as a whole. 98
11. TRANSPORTATION PLAN The Shippensburg area transportation system of state and local roads was clearly designed for a rural community. While it is currently in fair overall condition
it shows evidence of the regional growth and development that has taken place over the past few decades. The Borough and the surrounding municipalities must initiate a program of improving
existing roadways and encouraging or initiating the construction of new roadways if the level of service of the transportation system is to remain acceptable. A number of transportation
system deficiencies are identified in the Background Studies and Community Goals and Objectives chapters. The following recommendations are designed to alleviate the deficiencies and
improve the overall system. Several alternatives for financing these improvements are given in the Implementation Program chapter. PADOT estimates traffic flow increases for each road
type on an annual, 10-year and 20-year intervals. These estimates show that traffic on principal arterials should increase an average of 59 percent in 20 years. Similarly, traffic should
increase on minor arterials and collectors by 30 percent. Using these estimates traffic projections have been prepared for those roadways for which current counts were available from
PADOT. The projected counts are listed in Table 11-1 and are shown on Figure 11-1. A determination of the level of service of these roadways by 2010 is not within the scope of this study.
However, the Chamber of Commerce is planning to prepare a study of the regional transportation system that will include such an analysis. The findings of the Chamber study should be
incorporated into this report and the planning recommendations modified, as appropriate, based on the more detailed study. Generally speaking, the transportation system in Shippensburg
is not designed to handle the traffic flows that are projected here, Major improvements are necessary of Fayette Street, King Street, Queen Street and Earl Street to accommodate the
projected volumes. In addition, a number of new roadways should be constructed to direct traffic away from overly congested roads. 99 i I
TABLE 11-1 TRAFFIC FLOW PROJECTIONS Roadway PrinCiDal Arterials King street 11 N. Fayette Street Minor Arterials N. Earl Street N. Moms Street 1990 Traffic Counts (ADT) 5,452 6,447 8,842
4.791 2,795 2,947 4,924 N. Prince Street Sources: PA Department of Transportation Gannett Fleming, Inc. 505 2,837 3,128 1,075 4,719 Projected 2010 ADT 8,669 14,058 10,250 7.618 3,634
3,831 6,401 656 3,688 4,066 1,398 6.135 11.1 IMPROVEMENTS ON EXISTING BOROUGH STREETS g -R11.1.1 R urfa in A number of roads in the Borough have been identified as being in need of widening
and/or resurfacing. These roads include the following: 0 widen and straighten Fort Street from Smith Avenue to Earl Street e widen Queen Street from Fort Street to the abandoned railroad
right-of-way (Elorough and Shippensburg Township) 0 mill and resurface Orange Street from Walnut Bottom Road to Fayette Street 100
e widen Earl Street from Orange Street to its current terminus e widen Penn Street from Orange Street to Dykeman Road e widen and straighten Fayette Street from Garfield Street to the
abandoned railroad rightoofway (Borough and Southampton Township, Franklin County) The portions of these streets identified for improvement are shown on Figure 11-1. The Borough should
target these roadways when programming their road improvements to be made with Liquid Fuels Tax and/or Community Development Block Grant monies. The street superintendent for the Borough
has prepared a six year outlook on resurfacing and reconstruction (1990-1996). Some of the road improvements recommended are also on the six year outlook, while others are not. The six
year plan should be updated to include the recommendations given here and should be revised annually to reflect completed projects and changing priorities. 11.1.2 One-Wav Streets All
one-way streets in the Borough are listed in Table 2-2 and shown on Figure 2-1. This system of streets still functions to streamline traffic flow in the Borough as it was designed. However,
there is room for improvement. Burd Street should be designated as one-way westbound from Queen Street to Washington Street. Fort Street, once widened and straightened, should be designated
as one-way eastbound from Queen Street to Washington Street. This would make Burd Street one-way westbound from Queen Street to Earl Street and Fort Street one-way eastbound in the same
area. This should improve traffic flow in the northcentral part of the Borough. 11.2 NEW ROADWAYS In addition to improving existing streets a number of new streets or extensions to existing
streets are recommended to improve overall traffic flow. These new roadways are described in order of their perceived priority. However, this prioritization is flexible and development
along any of these corridors should include construction of the new roadways. 101
I I I 1 I North Queen Street should be extended approximately 200 feet to join Adams Drive directly across from its intersection with York Drive. This extension should be coordinated
with the proposed widening of Queen Street north of Fort Street. Potential participants in extending this road include the Borough, Shippensburg Township, PA DOT and the University.
This new roadway should alleviate congestion in Shippensburg Township and in the Borough by providing another major access point for the University. The second new road proposed for
the area is the extension of South Earl Street along the abandoned railroad right-of-way to connect with Olde Scotland Road west of South Fayette Street. This would allow traffic on
the roadway (PA Route 696) to travel directly through the Borough without having to travel on Orange or King Streets. The proposed road would include an extension of Wyrick Avenue across
the existing railroad line in Southampton Township, Franklin County which would join the remainder of the new road located on the abandoned railroad right+f-way to its junction with
South Earl Street. This new road should alleviate congestion on South Fayette, West King and West Orange Streets and reduce the number of accidents along these roadways. Participants
in this project will probably include PA DOT, the Borough, Southampton Township and Conrail. The third proposed roadway is designed to improve the access to the SADCO Industrial Park
and alleviate congestion downtown by channeling traffic to and from the park away from existing overburdened roadways. The new road would include the extension of Olde Scotland Road
straight across South Fayette Street into the industrial park and south of Dykeman Pond to Baltimore Road. This road should then be extended to the intersection of Route 174 (Walnut
Bottom Road) and Airport Road. This would allow more direct access to the industrial park and southern portion of the Borough from both interchanges on Interstate 81. This road should
greatly reduce truck and automobile congestion through the Borough and improve the development potential of the southern Shippensburg area. Great care should be taken to encourage residential,
office and/or industrial development along the new corridor and not heavy commercial uses so as to not detrimentally impact the central business district. Participants in this project
will probably include PA DOT, the Borough, Shippensburg Township, Conrail and developers. The fourth proposed roadway includes the slight realignment of Adams Drive on the University
to join a new roadway along the abandoned railroad right-of-way west of North Prince Street to North Earl Street at its intersection with Old Main Drive. This will greatly improve access
to Earl Street from the University and further reduce traffic congestion downtown. 103
The new road along the southern edge of the University could eventually be extended further west along the abandoned railroad right-of-way and cross Roxbury and Orrstown Roads before
connecting to Rowe Road north of Ingersoll Rand. Access to Route 11 west of the Borough could then be provided via Clearfield Road. The completed road would provide another east-west
corridor on the northern side of the Borough. While the eventual construction of this road should be pursued, its implementation is not expected to take place during the planning period.
The Borough should work with the surrounding municipalities to ensure the proposed corridor remains viable until the road can be constructed. The fifth proposed new roadway will be located
near the Borough boundary south of the SADCO Industrial Park. The road will connect to Baltimore Road across from Partridge Drive and to South Fayette Street just north of Mainsville
Road. The proposed road does not connect directly with Mainsville Road because of the existing development in the area and the potential for channelling large volumes of traffic through
the residential area west of South Fayette Street. The primary purpose of this new roadway is to provide adequate access to the proposed residential area south of the industrial park
and, as such, should be constructed by developers. The sixth proposed roadway is related to the fifth in that is it meant to provide access to Interstate 81 via Olde Scotland Road for
the area south of the industrial park. It involves the extension of South Penn Street across the proposed extension of Olde Scotland Road to the proposed road along the Borough boundary.
The road extension should be coordinated with the widening of South Penn Street from Orange Street to Dykeman Road. However, the new road will probably be built by developers rather
than the Borough. The new road will provide access to Olde Scotland Road and the downtown area for homeowners and business at the southern end of the Borough. The seventh roadway proposed
for the region involves the extension of the road proposed to intersect Walnut Bottom Road at Airport Road. The new road would continue in a northwesterly direction to intersect Route
11 west of Shippensburg Mobilehome Estates. The road would continue west to intersect Britton Road at its intersection with Fogelsonger Road. This road will provide a better connection
between Routes 174 and 11 than their existing intersection in the Borough. It will also provide another major access point for the University in conjunction with the eighth proposed
new roadway. The portion of the roadway between Route 174 and Fogelsonger Road will involve cooperation between developers, PA DOT, Shippensburg Borough, Shippensburg Township and Southampton
Township, Cumberland County. 104
The last proposed roadway for the region is the extension of Adams Drive on the University Campus along the abandoned railroad right-of-way to connect with Fogelsonger Road. This would
provide another major access for the University and further alleviate congestion in Shippensburg Township and the Borough. Participants in this project will include the University, Shippensburg
Township and the Borough. All proposed improvements are also summarized on Table 11-2. Intermunicipal cooperation will be the key in establishing an improved regional transportation
system that will adequately serve the area’s needs on a long-term basis. There are two potential ways of coordinating the regional road improvements. The first option is to place this
responsibility with the regional planning commission recommended to be created in the previous chapter. The second option is to form a regional transportation commission to discuss the
recommendations listed here, and other regional transportation issues, and how to alleviate existing or projected problems in ways best serving the region. The regional approach will
greatly increase each municipality’s chances in obtaining funding from outside sources such as the counties and/or state. 11.3 Off-street Parking Some debate took place during the planning
process regarding the adequacy of public parking facilities in the Borough. The outcome of the debate was that existing facilities are adequate but that some deficiencies should be addressed.
The Borough has formed a parking committee to study the existing conditions and issue recommendations for improving public parking facilities. The following is a list of the short-and
long-term goals of the committee: Short-Term Goals 0 Remove “No Parking” on north side of East Burd Street, between Washington and Prince Streets. If East Burd Street becomes one-way
between Queen and Washington Streets, allow parking on both sides of the street 0 Install the standard State parking sign (P) directing traffic to parking areas. Possibly the signs could
be donated by service clubs 0 Remove “No Parking” on south side of Orange Street, from Earl to Prince Street 105
TABLE 11-2 m E T Fort Street Queen street Orange Street Earl street Penn street TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS SEGMENT IMPROVEMENT Smith Ave. -Earl St. Queen St. -Washington St.
Fort St. -abandoned R.R. abaudoned R.R. -Adams Drive Walnut Bottom Rd. -Fayette St. Orange St. -existing terminus existing terminus -Olde Scotland Rd. Orange St. -Dykeman Rd. widen and
straighten one-way eastbound widen new roadway mill and resurface widen new roadway widen Adams Drive PMce St. -Earl St. new roadway Unnamed Road Fayette St. -Baltimore Rd. new roadway
PeM street Dykeman Rd. -Unnamed Rd. new roadway Unnamed Road Walnut Bottom Rd. -Fogelsonger Rd. new roadway r 11 II Fayette Street Garfield St. -abandoned R.R. widen and straighten I
I 11 ll BurdStreet Queen St. -Washington St. one-way westbound I I 11 Olde Scotland Road I Fayette St. -Airport Rd. I newroadway II Adams Drive Adams Dr. -Fogelsonger Rd. new roadway
Source: Gannett Fleming, Inc.
Establish permit parking on: -Fort Street, between Washington and Queen Streets -Washington Street, between Fort and East King Streets -Burd Street, between Earl and Queen Streets -Garfield
Street, between Prince and Washington Streets -Washington Street, between Garfield and Walnut Streets. Establish snow emergency routes and limit parking during such emergencies e Determine
boundary lines for Apple Avenue parking lot, pave and line and establish permit parking for this lot. e Long-Term Goals Establish a Parking Authority Purchase a property along North
Queen Street between Burd and Fort Streets and create a public parking lot Create a public parking lot on the property where the old street shed was located at Burd and Fayette Streets
Contract with owners of private parking lots to establish permit parking Close Apple Avenue between King Street and Neff Avenue, turning it into a walkway and installing new lighting
Require all properties between Roxbury Road and Queen Street and between Burd and Garfield Streets to provide off-street parking, if space is available on the property. 107
In addition to these goals the committee has recommended that lighting at existing lots be improved along with walkways to and from the lots. They have also recommended that proper signage
be installed for on-street parking and that parking laws should be strictly enforced. The implementation of the recommendations contained herein should result in an improved public parking
system throughout the planning period. 108
CHAPTER 12 PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES PLAN
I ' I 12. PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES PLAN Municipal governments are charged with providing their residents with public facilities and services necessary to protect the health and
welfare of their residents and promote their social and cultural well-being. The buildings, parks and services necessary to meet this mandate and the goals of the community are the focus
of this component of the Plan. The primary goals established in the plan process related to public facilities and services include: a Establish a year-round recreation program for all
age groups a Supply additional facilities at existing parks a Develop innovative and intergovernmental cooperative programs to improve police, fire and ambulance services to area residents.
12.1 MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY Shippensburg Borough owns over 5,200 acres of property and nine buildings located inside and outside the Borough limits. Most of the land (5,000
acres) is the watershed for the Gunter Valley water supply intake located near Roxbury. This portion of the recommendations
concentrates on the buildings and property inside the Borough. The municipal building on West Burd Street is near its capacity to service the Borough staff. Some interest has been expressed
to combine administrative and police services in one building. While this would be an efficient use of Borough office space and would provide more centralized service to residents, it
could not be done at the current municipal building site because it is located in the 100-year floodplain which prohibits significant additions to the building. In addition, a recommendation
for the regionalization of police protection services is contained later in this chapter. If regionalization occurs, the police station may be located outside the Borough to provide
the most efficient access to all municipalities. If a regional police station is constructed in the Borough, consideration should be given to providing space for Borough administrative
services. 109
The following section contains a recommendation for the addition of a neighborhood park in the eastern or southern part of the Borough. This park is projected to be about 4.5 acres and
could be located in existing Borough property or dedicated to the Borough through a private subdivision. The following section also provides guidelines for developing existing and future
Borough parks. 12.2 PARK AND RECREATION FACILJTIES Shippensburg owns the 14 acre Veterans Memorial Park, 10.5 acre Dykeman Park and the one acre Community Center and offers recreation
programs at these facilities. The Borough is also a member in the Shippensburg Area Recreation and Park Department along with Shippensburg Township and Southampton Township, Franklin
County. The regional department is an excellent example of intermunicipal cooperation that already exists in the region. However, its effectiveness could be improved by the addition
of Southampton Township, Cumberland county. This would allow Township residents to use the Borough’s facilities and participate in existing programs and would allow other member municipalities
to use the Cleversburg Community Center and adjacent playfield. Another advantage of expanded membership is lower fees for citizens and cost sharing for new park construction or addition
of recreational facilities at existing parks. The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has established a parkland classification system and standards to assess the adequacy
of a municipality’s parkland. Generally speaking, recreation land can be divided into neighborhood, community and regional parks. These park vary in terms of sue, facilities and service
area. The following sections will describe the standards for each park type and will include projections for parkland acreage necessary to service future population levels in Shippensburg
Borough and for an expanded Shippensburg Area Recreation and Park Department service area. 12.2.1 Repional Parb The NRPA standard for regional parks is 10 acres/l,OoO people within a
one one hour drive. Using the year 2000 population projections for Shippensburg and its three surrounding municipalities (21,656), the projected demand for regional parkland is 216 acres.
Regional park facilities meeting the NRPA criteria include the following: 110
e e e e e e e e e e 0 Caledonia State Park -1,130 acres Pine Grove Furnace State Park -6% acres King's Gap Environmental Education Center -1,200 acres Colonel Denning State Park -273
acres Fowlers Hollow State Park -104 acres Big Spring State Park -45 acres Cowans Gap State Park -1,085 acres Michaux State Forest -84,345 acres Tuscarora State Forest -90,624 acres
Gettysburg National Military Park -3,000 acres Appalachian Trail The combined acreage of these facilities is over 182,500 acres, which is enough area to meet the NRPA standard for over
18,000,000 people. Even if the two large estate forests are not included, there is adequate regional parkland for over 750,000 people. Obviously Shippensburg area residents are blessed
with an overabundance of regional park facilities. 12.2.2 Communitv Park NRPA recommends that Community parks be located within two miles of their service population and that five to
eight acres of community park be provided per 1,OOO residents served. Community parks are typically larger than 20 acres but this is not the case in Shippensburg. Veterans Memorial Park
and Dykeman Park are located within three miles of all Borough and Shippensburg Township residents, most Southampton Township , Franklin County residents and about one half of Southampton
Township, Cumberland County residents. The areas outside the three mile service areas are Orrstown and the area east of Cleversburg. The 24.5 acres in Veterans Memorial Park and Dykeman
Park exceed the recommended community park acreage for the Borough (13.3 acres) but are only half of the area recommended for the region as a whole. The rural nature of the surrounding
area compensates for some of this deficiency. However, additional community parkland will be needed as the region grows. The regional demand would most efficiently be met by the addition
of a 20 to 25 acre community park in the Lees Cross Roads -Walnut Bottom area. Table 12-1 shows current and projected community park demands for the Borough and surrounding municipalities.
111
12.2.3 Neighborhood Pa& The NRPA recommends that neighborhood parks be located within one half mile of their service population and that one to two acres/l,OOO residents be provided.
Neighborhood parks should range in size from 5 to 20 acres, depending on land availability and service population. The only park facility in Shippensburg that services the community
as a neighborhood park is the area surrounding the community center (1 acre) on Fayette Street. Similarly, the Cleversburg Community Center, and the Mt. Rock Community Center are neighborhood
parks in the surrounding townships. Table 12-2 shows the existing and projected demands for neighborhood parks in the region. 112
TABLE 12-1 RECOMMENDED COMMUNI" PARK ACREAGE 1990-20 10 II 1990 MUNICIPALITY Population Recommended' Park Acreage Shippensburg Borough $33 1 13.3 Shippensburg Township 4,606 11.5 Southampton
Township, 3,552 8.9 Cumberland County Southampton Township, 5,484 13.7 Franklin Countv ~ Regional Total 1 18.973 47.4 2000 I 2010 Population Recommended Population Recommended Park Acreage
Park Acreage v Q o 13.5 5,500 13.8 5,780 14.4 NIA 3,946 9.9 NIA 6,530 16.3 NIA 2 1,656 54.1 N/A 1 NRPA standard is 2.5 actes/l,OOO residents.
TABLE 12-2 RECOMMENDED NEIGHBORHOOD PARK ACREAGE 1 990-20 10 MUNICIPALITY 1 NRPA standard is 1-2 acres/l,000 residents.
Although specific acreages were not available for the parks outside the Borough, it appears that none of the regional municipalities meet the NRPA standards for neighborhood park acreage.
In order for the Borough to meet the NRPA standards, another park of at least 4.5 acres would have to be established in the southern or eastern part of the Borough. Two potential locations
would be an addition to the open space around James Burd Elementary School and/or a park in the undeveloped area around the SADCO industrial park. Areas of projected need in the surrounding
townships include the following: Northcentral or northeastern Shippensburg Township OrrStoWn Middle Spring Mainsville Lees Cross Roads Mountain View South Mountain Estates Walnut Bottom
It may prove difficult to obtain five to ten acres as a single parcel for park development. If this should be the case, dedicated parcels should be along property boundaries to allow
for additional land as the adjacent land is developed. This will prevent the municipalities from being burdened with a large number of very small park that service very small numbers
of residents. Much of the parkland acquired in the future will likely be through the mandatory dedicatiodfeeiinlieu portion of the various subdivision and land development ordinances.
Specific standards for land accepted for park development should be included within the ordinances and the fee should reflect the current market value of the land to be developed. This
will ensure that the dedicated parks can be developed in an appropriate manner and that adequate funds will be available for park purchase/development. Specific recommendations for the
recreation dedication portion of the subdivision ordinance will be included in the Implementation Plan. 115
I 1 12.2.4 Park DeveIoDment One of the most difficult questions facing a municipality in the area of parks and recreation is what facilities to place in parks. The responses to the community
survey showed a desire for more facilities at existing parks and more sponsored youth programs. The Shippensburg Area Recreation and Parks Department already provides a number of programs,
especially during summer months. These programs should be reviewed regularly by the Department and revised as necessary. All programs and park facilities should be advertised to residents
via a region-wide newsletter or newspaper, The existing indoor centers should be utilized to their fullest potential by offering programs for all ages throughout the year. A major advantage
of the regional park department concept is that each municipal park will not have to be developed with the maximum diversity of facilities which tends to lead to competition for different
portions of the park. Instead, each park can be specialized and facilities shared between municipalities. This is especially true for community parks. Table 12-3 shows NRPA standards
for special recreational facilities and how they relate to the Shippensburg area. These standards should be used as a tool for planning the development of the neighborhood and community
parks. The distribution of these, and the special facilities in neighborhood and community parks is discussed below. A complete inventory of all facilities in the Table should be conducted
prior to assessing the needs for new parks. Inclusion of the facilities in thii Table is in no way a recommendation for their development in or around Shippensburg. Table 12-3 is a list
of special facilities for which standards were readily available for the Recreation and Parks Department’s consideration. Tables 12-4 and 12-5 show space standards for community and
neighborhood parks, the acreages shown can be altered to reflect available acreage or special desires of area residents. Once again, the facilities listed may be changed to reflect facilities
already available to area residents. The Tables are included here to provide sample breakdowns for facilities development in community and neighborhood parks. 116
TABLE 12-3 SPECIAL RECREATION FACILITIES SHIPPENSBURG BOROUGH AND REGION 2000 FACILITY STANDARD1 PROJECTED 1,OOO RESIDENTS BOROUGH DEMANDS Baseball Diamonda 115,oOo 1-2 Softball Diamonds
1/5,oOo 1-2 Tennis Courts 1/2,o00 2-3 Basketball Courts 115,oOo 1-2 Swimming Pool (50 Meter) 1/20,OOO 0-1 BadmintonNoUeyball Courts 115,000 1-2 SoccerKkotball Field 1/1o,OOo 0-1 PROJECTED
REGIONAL DEMANDS 4-5 4-5 10-11 4-5 1-2 4-5 2-3 Source: NRPA Recreation, Park and Open Space Standards and Guidelines, 1990. TABLE 12-4 SPACE STANDARDS FOR COMMUNITY PARKS FACILITY OR
UNIT AREA IN ACRES Play apparatus area -preschool Play apparatus area -older children Paved multipurpose courts Tennis complex Sports fields Senior citizens’ complex Open or “free play”
area Archery range Outdoor theater Ice rink (artificial) Family picnic area Outdoor classroom area swimming pool off-street parking Subtotal Landscaping (buffer aud special areas) Undesignated
space (10%) TOTAL .35 .35 1.25 1 .OO 1.00 1.90 2.00 .75 1 .oo SO 1.00 2.00 1.O O LS 15.60 3.00 20.46 acres Source: Urban Planning and Design Criteria, DeChiara and Koppelman, 1982. 117
TABLE 12-5 SPACE STANDARDS FOR NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS I FACILITY OR UNIT Play apparatus area -preschool j Play apparatus area -older children ~ Paved multipurpose courts 1 Senior citizens’
complex Quiet areas and outdoor classroom Family picnic area Outdoor classroom area off-street parking I AREA IN ACRES Landscaping (buffer and special areas) Undesignated space (10%)
TOTAL I 7.15 acres .25 .25 .so SO 1 .00 SO 1.00 -* 4.00 2.50 .65 Source: Urban Planning and Design Criteria, DeChiara and Koppelman, 1982. 12.3 POLICE PROTECTION The Pennsylvania Department
of Community Affairs (DCA) has prepared two recent management reviews (1985 and 1988) of the Shippensburg Police Department. These two reports go into much greater detail in the management
of the department than is feasible in a Comprehensive Plan. The recommendations of both studies are incorporated here by reference and the recommendations of the second study are briefly
summarized below: e develop an investigative priority system for all classifiable offenses 118
reorganize the department by replacing the assistant chief (by attrition) with a sergeant and shifting the investigative role to the patrol officers develop detailed job descriptions
for the reorganized department update and amend the police operations manual to reflect the DCA recommendations revise working shifts and overtime policies to reduce costs and improve
coverage add a police patrol officer and clerical help to the department develop a performance rating system and other incentives for officers to aspire to higher rank purchase a computer
system to improve the efficiency of record keeping initiate a program to regularly replace police vehicles This has been a brief summary of the recommendations prepared by DCA. Both
DCA studies should be reviewed in detail and the appropriate recommendations implemented to reduce the cost and improve the efficiency of the police department. The Borough is currently
the only municipality in the region with a police department. This is significant in that a portion portion of the department’s time is spent providing support for other municipalities
before the state police can arrive. This arrangement has worked well in the past but regional growth is creating increasing demands for police service in the surrounding municipalities
and this arrangement cannot work well over the long-term. The police service demands in the surrounding municipalities will outgrow the abilities of the regional state police barracks
and municipal police forces will have to be created. The most efficient means of providing local police services is a regional police force. Each municipality will be able to determine
the amount of coverage needed and staffing will be provided 119
II I I I D I appropriately. Since administrative and operating costs can be shared, the cost to each individual municipality will be less than developing individual police departments.
Table 126 shows current and projected police service demands for the region. These projects are based on FBI recommendations of a minimum of one officer per 1,OOO residents in a rural
area and the current Borough staffing of 1.88 officers per 1,OOO residents. Based on these statistics the regional demand is at least twice that of the Borough’s police force. This demand
will increase with the growing population in the region. The regional department should be run by a board containing representatives from each of the member municipalities. These board
members will be responsible for establishing the level of service to be provided within their municipality, thereby controlling the cost to the residents. The municipalities would also
be responsible for reimbursing the department for necessary costs incurred beyond the estimate provided beyond the initial estimate. Staffing for the regional department would theoretically
include the Borough’s current officers as supplemented by additional officers. Some or all of these additional officers may come from the Shippensburg University Police. These officers
are already familiar with the area and are well trained. A regional police force should be less expensive for all municipalities involved than maintaining individual departments. An
example of the potential savings can be seen by looking at a municipal budget of a municipality that is part of a regional police force. Manchester Township, York County is part of the
Northern York County Regional Police Department (NYCRPD) Only 29.6 percent of the Township’s 1989 general fund budget was spent on police protection in comparison to Shippensburg’s 40
to 50 percent. Actual savings may be more or less than the 10 to 20 percent savings given here. Local officials should give serious consideration to visiting the NYCRPD facilities in
Dover Township, York County and using the department as a model for developing a Shippensburg regional 120
MUNICIPALITY Shippensburg Borough Shippensburg Township Southampton Township, Cumberland County Southampton Township, Franklin County Rerrional Total TABLE 12-6 REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
DEMANDS 1990-2010 1990 I I 2000 Population Recommended' Police Force 5,33 1 5.5 -10.0 4,606 4.5 -9.0 3,552 3.5 -7.0 Population Recommended 5,400 5.5 -10.0 5,780 6.0 -11.0 3,946 4.0 -7.5
Police Force 5,484 5.5 -10.5 6,530 6.5 -12.5 18,973 I 19.0-36.5 11 21.656 I 22.0-41.0 Police Force 5.5 -10.5 NIA NIA NIA NIA 1 Standard used is 1 .O -1.88 officers11 ,OOO residents.
department. DCA has also done detailed analyses of the NYCRPD which local officials may be interested in reviewing. The NYCRPD is used as an example because of its location and success
in providing efficient police service. Franklin Township and Dillsburg Borough have recently joined the regional department at least in part due to cost savings over maintaining a municipal
department. One potential problem in developing a regional police department is where to house the facilities. The existing building for the Borough department is cramped for the existing
department and would not be large enough to house a regional force. A new building will be needed that is central to the region and readily accessible to all areas. It will likely be
located in or near the Borough as it is the most densely populated municipality and is the focal point for regional activities. Adequate expansion space, accessibility to all points
in the region and proximity to projected activity centers should be the key criteria in locating the facility. Satellite stations may also have to be established in the more remote portions
of the region to allow officers to store supplies and process paperwork more efficiently within in these areas. 12.4 FIRE PROTECTION Shippensburg's three fire companies currently provide
services to the Borough, Shippensburg Township, and Southampton Township in both Cumberland and Franklin Counties. Therefore, this service has already regionalized to some extent. However,
it appears that the efficiency of regional fire protection service could be improved by dividing the current firefighting equipment between two fire companies located at either end of
the Borough. The standards used to make this determination follow. This analysis is somewhat generalized and significant thought should be given to future needs of the region before
abandoning the thiid fire station. The National Board of Underwriters (NBU) recommends a maximum four mile radius for service to a fire company. The American Planning Association's "Small
Town Planning Handbook" contains the standards presented in Table 12-7. 122
TABLE 12-7 RECOMMENDED DISTRIBUTION STANDARDS FOR FIRE PROTECTION Commercial-hdustr ial .75 -1.0 miles 1.0 miles Medium-High Density 2.0 miles 3.0 miles Low Density Residential 4.0 miles
4.0 miles Residential L 1 LANDUSETYPE I ENGINEOR LADDER PUMPER COMPANY I COMPANY Source: American Planning Association. Given the current location of the three lire companies, there
is no place in the Borough further than 6,000 feet from a fire station. Therefore, the three companies provide ample fire protection for all residents and businesses. In fact, the standards
in Table 12-7 could be met for the Borough with only one centrally located fire station. However, one station could not provide adequate service for all four municipalities in the region.
Two stations located near the eastern and western ends of the Borough would be needed to meet the NBU standards for the region. Stations in these two locations would bring the entire
region within four miles of a fire station with the exception of the Michaux State Forest area at the southern end of the region. 123
c
13. PUBLIC UTILITIES PLAN 13.1 WA!3I'EWATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM The Borough's wastewater collection and treatment system is currently in good condition and no maintenance or treatment
capacity problems have been noted. However, the management system is somewhat cumbersome through the presence of two separate authorities (Shippensburg Borough Authority and CFJMA).
The efficiency of the system would be improved and the management streamlined by the jointure of these two authorities into a Shippensburg Area Authority. This would eliminate existing
problems at the junction of Borough and CFJMA sewers and disagreements over appropriate charges for wastewater treatment. The regional approach encouraged throughout this Plan should
also be applied to the wastewater management system. Following the formation of a Shippensburg Area Authority a region-wide study of future sewer needs will be needed. This study should
identify the projected growth areas in each municipality and the cost of extending public sewer service to these areas. The key thrust of this plan should be to encourage in-fit1 of
existing developed areas and reduce the amount of suburban sprawl currently taking place. This approach to wastewater management will greatly reduce the future cost of wastewater treatment
to the individual homeowner and/or business. In addition to the streamlining of the management of the system the Borough is in need of improved equipment for its land application program.
The existing equipment is compacting the soil at area farms used for sludge application and should be replaced so better service can be provided to the farmer. This will encourage existing
farmers to stay in the program and other farmers to accept sludge on their land. This will help establish the long-term viability of the land application program. In addition to new
land application vehicles a desire has been voiced by the Borough during staff interviews to purchase television camera inspection equipment to identify potential problems in the sewerage
system. The need for such equipment will be greatly enhanced with the jointure of the two municipal authorities. 124
' b 13.2 WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM A great deal of detail is provided in Chapter 4 concerning the ongoing and future improvements to the Borough's water supply and distribution
system. Greater detail is available in the "Feasibility Study-Consent Order and Agreement-Shippensburg Water System" prepared by Gannett Fleming Water Resources Engineers in 1988. The
recommendations of the previous study are included here by reference. The status of the improvements is shown in Table 13-1. Some concern was voiced during the neighborhood meetings
about long-term reliance on groundwater sources and the need to protect the watersheds for these sources from potential contamination. The initial result of this concern was the development
of a Middle Spring Creek drainage basin map that shows the recharge areas for the proposed water supply wells and important geologic features and groundwater flow direction. This map
should be used as the basis for developing a wellhead protection program. The initial step in developing a wellhead protection program should be to inventory all land uses in the recharge
area and identify potential pollution sources. Another early step should be testing to determine current water quality throughout the basin, with greater detail given to the areas directly
charging the proposed wells. Once the initial work is collected and mapped appropriate land use controls should be put in place to improve any existing water quality problems and protect
the area from future pollutions. These actions may include, but would not be limited to, the establishment of best management practices in agricultural areas, zoning and subdivision
controls in non-agricultural areas, continual groundwater quality monitoring and cooperation with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry regarding any significant forest management practices
being implemented that could impact the water supply. 125
I i1. II I 1 I 1E c 1 I c E c /p I TABLE 13-1 SUMMARY OF WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS II PROJECT COMPONENT A. Gunter Valley Project 1. Water Treatment Plant 2. Roxbury Storage Reservoir
#1 3. Roxbury Road Main Replacement B. Southside Project 1. Groundwater Development 2. Well Pumping Station #1, Connecting Main 3. Storage Reservoir #1 4. Stoney Point and Cleversburg
Abandonment 5. McCulloch Road Connecting Main PROJECTED COMPLETION DATE August 1991 August 1991 ComDleted Production Well #1 Completed Production Well #2 being pursued December 1991
August 1991 December 199 1 Completed The implementation of this recommendation is obviously dependent on the cooperation of all municipalities in the planning area. This could be accomplished
through two alternatives. The first would be oversight by the regional planning commission recommended to be established in Chapter Ten. The commission would be the most appropriate
agency to monitor and implement standardized land use controls in the region. The second alternative would be to establish a watershed management agency to oversee the program. While
such an agency would probably have more expertise in water quality and supply issues it would probably have less influence in land use regulation issues. Regardless of the alternative
selected the agency should have representation from all municipalities in the watershed and/or those municipalities using water from the system. Drinking water is currently supplied
to all four municipalities in the planning area by four different water authorities: Shippensburg Water Authority, Huckleberry Water Company; Orrstown Water Authority (water purchased
from the Shippensburg Water Authority); and the Guilford Water Authority. The existence of four authorities in such a small area indicates a somewhat inefficient system that could be
improved by combining some or all of the existing authorities. The most efficient 126
alternative should be the development of a Shippensburg Area Water Authority containing representation from all existing authorities. The increased efficiency would be most obvious where
existing facilities or supply is shared, as is the case with the Orrstown Authority. However, economies of scale should decrease consumer cost throughout the region with the coordination
of water supply and distribution functions. Some rethinking of the water supply planning will likely become necessary if the supply region is increased through the authority jointure
process. 13.3 SOLID WA!3TE MANAGEMENT SYSI'EM The Borough's curbside recycling will be fully operational in the spring of 1991. Weekly pick-up of recyclables will include newspaper,
clear glass, steel cans, aluminum cans and bimetal cans. None of the other municipalities in the planning area are mandated by Act 101 to recycle. However, the Borough should encourage
recycling in the region by offering to pick-up recyclables dropped off in key locations in the surrounding municipalities. This approach is recommended as opposed to curbside collection
due to the low population density in the surrounding townships and limited cost-effectiveness of curbside collection. However, curbside collection may be feasible in the denser portions
of the townships adjacent to the Borough. The surrounding townships should be contacted by the Borough regarding their interest in participating in a regional recycling program and the
details of the program worked out during the cost estimation and negotiation process. In addition to the recycling program the Borough has initiated a leaf and yard waste composting
program located across from the wastewater treatment plant on Avon Drive. This program is also the result of regulations in Act 101 restricting yard wasted from being landfilled. This
program should continue throughout the planning period and homeowners should be encouraged to either participate in the Borough program or practice backyard composting. Residents should
also be made made aware of the availability of the Borough's compost for home gardening or landscaping. 127
I 1 It 13.4 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SYEXEM Stormwater management is regulated in the Borough through the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.
One inconsistency in the regulations was identified in Chapter Four that should be rectified. The inconsistency is related to the standard to be used for the maximum postdevelopment
runoff permitted. The impact of improving and enforcing the Shippensburg's stormwater regulations on stormwater management and flooding problems in the Borough is limited since most
of the watersheds for the streams or drainageways in the Borough are outside Shippensburg. Therefore, a regional approach to stormwater management is needed. This approach could be initiated
by the preparation of an Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan for the Middle Spring watershed. A map of the Middle Spring Creek drainage basin is included in the Background Studies. The
map shows the basin boundary principal recharge area, direction of groundwater flow, fracture traces and the Shippensburg fault. This map can be used as a starting point for the watershed
plan, as well as the generalized planning purposes for which it was initially prepared. The Pennsylvania General Assembly, recognizing the adverse effects of inadequate management of
excessive rates, volume, and quality of storm runoff resulting from development, approved the Stormwater Management Act, P.L. 864, No. 167, October 4, 1978. The Act establishes the stormwater
management program that provides grant monies to Pennsylvania counties to prepare and adopt watershed stormwater management plans for each watershed located in the state, as designed
by PA DER. These plans are to be prepared in consultation with the municipalities located in the watershed, working through a Watershed Plan Advisory Committee (WPAC). Each county of
Pennsylvania is to develop stormwater plans for each of its watersheds within its boundary. PA DER, since 1985, has issued Grant Agreements to counties on a first come, first serve basis
within the budget provided by the PA General Assembly to prepare these plans. For the most part, those counties who have prepared or are currently preparing plans are those who have
had significant stormwater problems and who have shown a great willingness and ability to prepare the plans. 128
Stormwater management plans provide sound engineering standards and criteria to be incorporated into local codes and ordinances in order to manage stormwater runoff from new development
in a coordinated, watershed-wide approach. Without such planning, stormwater is either not controlled by municipal ordinances, is addressed site by site or on a municipal boundary basis
with municipalities within the same watershed requiring different levels of control. The result is often the regulation of stormwater without regard to downstream impacts or the compounding
of existing flooding problems. This planning program works for the benefit of the local municipalities. The municipalities will be provided with standards and criteria for the control
of accelerated stormwater runoff. The municipal role at this stage of planning is to provide advice and information to the county concerning the local government issues related to planning,
existing stormwater problem areas, existing drainage structures and their deficiencies deficiencies (if any), existing/proposed flood control structures, and existing drainage regulations.
The municipalities will be provided 75% reimbursement for their efforts towards enactment, administration and enforcement of the stormwater ordinances. This is an important PA DER program
which provides funding assistance to local governments to do their homework. 13.5 PRIVATE UTIllTIEs Private utilities include electric, gas, communications and television cable. Shippensburg,
like most municipalities, has experienced a great deal of coordination problems in working with local private utility companies. An improved communication program would lead to cost
savings for the Borough and public utilities by allowing for joint utility improvements during street reconstruction or utility improvement projects. The Borough should initiate a communications
program by informing all private utilities of proposed street or public utility plans as soon as the plans are made. Preparation of an annual list of proposed improvements and a five
or six year capital improvements program as mentioned in Chapter 11 would be an ideal means of encouraging relatively long-term coordination of projects. The Borough should prepare such
a list and provide copies to the private utilities along with a request to share a similar list with the Borough. 129
I I 14. CENTRAL BUSINESS DISLa1;CT PLAN 14.1 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS IMPACTING THE CBD 14.1.1 Future Land Use I c m 1 0 i t c z I IE 130 The future land use plan divides commercial
uses between downtown and highway commercial uses. The area designated for downtown commercial uses matches the area currently zoned for such uses with a minor extension east of Prince
Street to include the existing flower shop and shopping center. No significant changes from the list of permitted uses in the existing C-1 commercial district are recommended. An important
component of the existing zoning ordinance is the allowance for single family dwellings and apartments in the C-1 district. This allows people to live in the central business district
(CBD) and utilize the local businesses. It also allows business owners to have a second source of income so that they may better compete with larger volume suburban shopping centers.
The future land use plan also recommends the elimination of relatively large commercial districts districts on Baltimore Road and West King Street west of Rowe Road. Commercial development
of these properties is projected to oversaturate the local market and lead to the further deterioration of the CBD. Future commercial development should instead be targeted to vacant
properties in areas recommended for commercial development and/or conversion of residential structures to commercial development and compatible uses in these areas. This program for
future commercial development should also be coordinated with the surrounding municipalities through a regional planning commission. The fuwe land use plan also includes a recommendation
for better management of historic resources in the Borough and the refinement of the historic district regulations. This will likely have an impact on the CBD since many of the known
historic buildings are located along King Street. The findings of this study should help establish better guidelines for restoring or renovating buildings in the CBD and will probably
play a major major part of the theme for the long-term development of the area.
1.4.1.2 Transuortat ion One of the major goals of the transportation recommendations is to alleviate congestion along King Street, thereby malting the CBD a more attractive place for
pedestrian shoppers. Construction of new vehicular access points for the University and the SADCO Industrial Park should reduce the traffic flow on King Street considerably. Modifications
to the one-way street system and improvements recommended for other roads should also improve the traffic situation downtown. -The transportationplan also incorporates the off-street
parking recommendations of the Borough’s parking committee. The implementation of these recommendations should lead to further improvement of the accessibility of downtown businesses
and residences. 1.4.1.3 Public Facilities and U tilities Most of the recommendations in the public facilities and utilities sections of the plan will have an indirect positive impact
on the CBD by making the Shippensburg area a more attractive place to live and work. Improved police, fire and recreation facilities and services will attract people to live in the Borough
or use Borough facilities, and subsequently frequent commercial establishments downtown. Improvements to the wastewater, water supply, solid waste and stormwater management systems will
help ensure that Shippensburg will remain a clean area which will further serve to attract new businesses and residents. 14.2 1984 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT PLAN A Central Business District
Plan was prepared for the Borough in 1984. The plan includes detailed recommendations for improvements to streets, sidewalks and buildings in the CBD. Some of the recommendations in
the 1984 study have been implemented and others are updated or included in the various recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan. The remainder of the recommendations of the 1984 study
are included by reference and are summarized here. The following section is a duplication of Section 5 of the 1984 CBD Plan. 13 1
8 1.3 E c /I U 0 Public parking spaces are adequate in number, but they are under-utilized. These parking areas should be clearly identified to the driving public as to their location
and availability. 0 Pedestrian walkways are necessary to facilitate the relationship between the parking areas and the downtown businesses, and the ease of access to them. 8 Parking
meters do not deter from downtown business, but the tum-over of on-street parking downtown would facilitate short-term parking nearest the businesses. 8 Shared parking should be considered
by agreement with existing private lots, which do not conflict with respective peak use periods. The church lot at Apple Avenue and Neff Avenue would be a priority candidate. 0 off-street
parking should be screened from public view. 8 Through-traffic should bypass the downtown. Traffic moving between Shippensburg University or Route 11 southbound and Route 696/Route 81,
should be diverted to use side streets, rather than King Street. 0 The traffic circulation pattern should be changed from the drive-up bank facilities adjacent to North Earl Street and
Apple Avenue. 8 Left-hand turns should be prohibited from King Street into any alley. 0 off-street loading and unloading facilities should be required for any new or expanded development.
There should be provisions made from the rear or side of existing buildings. 0 Capital improvements have been itemized for sidewalks, curbs, street resurfacing and reconstruction, storm
drains and floodwall. They are estimated at $500,000 (1991), and viewed of urgent need. 132
1. f 1 1c e I I '1 0 c U 1 t s 'I 2 e A paint restoration and rehabilitation program should be instituted. Utility poles, fire hydrants, phone booths, other street furniture should be
made less prominent features. They should compliment the building facades. Signs should be regulated for size, placement, color and lettering. Buildings should be cleaned and their surface
materials upgraded. Incompatible construction such as form brick or stone and vinyl or aluminum siding should be discouraged. Building colors should compliment the building and adjacent
buildings to enhance the appearance of the streetscape. If the building has predominantly natural materials (brick or stone), trim colors should be in harmony. Color schemes should be
kept muted and simple. As a general guideline, two colors should be used -one color for the main facade and another color in contrast for the trim and details. Earth tones of red or
brown and muted grays or blacks and white and bright colors should be avoided. All window sashes in an elevation should match if constructed at the same period of time. Grey cement mortar
should not be used. Brick should not be sandblasted or adversely treated with chemicals. Window displays should be tastefully done. The distind architectural features which give character
to a building should be highlighted. 133
4 I E 1 t 1 I 8 I s i I 2 1 8 e e e e All buildings should be recognized as inherent to their time and style of construction, and in turn, they should retain that design motif by keeping
the same materials, colors and components. An attempt should be made to maintain original masonry facades. Deteriorated brick should be replaced, or the brick can be painted. Composition,
bonding, and color of original mortar should be maintained, especially when repointing brick. Wood or clapboard siding should be kept intact. When replacing roofs, dark color asphalt
shingles should be used. Metal roofs should be painted. Slate roofs should be repaired and maintained. Architectural features of a roof such as cornices, dormers, brackets, spires, chimneys
and cresting, should be preserved. Original doors and windows should be retained. Shiny storm doors and inappropriate modern doors should not be used. Door and window openings should
be of uniform size and spacing. Canvas awnings should be promoted. There is a marginal need need for additional dwellings downtown. At least forty residential units (rental or condominium)
can be readily accommodated in the foreseeable future. Greatest demand for land development, building conversion or expansion is for additional retail space. The vacancy rate is extremely
low for such space. Requirements do not usually exceed 800 square feet in building area. Surveys show the need to expand certain lines of merchandise downtown. off-street parking and
loading/unloading requirements should be revised in the Zoning Ordinance. 134
0 An improvements program should include appropriate financing techniques. Public and private sector methods have been identified. They must be tied into selected improvements for implementation.
Federal and State Funding is always tenuous and highly competitive. Local sources of funding include tax increment financing, business improvements district, revolving fund for rehabilitation,
special assessments, revenue bonds and local taxes/budgets/contributions. Tax incentives can be employed. The improvements program should be an integral part of the downtown marketing
campaign. There must be a coordinated effort to create interest among existing and prospective merchants to invest with assistance from the Borough in building and site improvements.
135
IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
CHAPTER 15 IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
1 I il I 8 I I I s 1 d 0 1 15. IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM Chapters 10 through 14 of this Plan include numerous recommendations for improvements and changes for Shippensburg Borough and the
region. Some of the recommendations can be implemented through the adoptionhevision of ordinances while others will require capital expenditures. Irregardless of the type of implementation
tool required, the key to the success of the Comprehensive Plan is intermunicipal cooperation. 15.1 SUMMARY OF PLANNING RECOMMENDATIONS 15.1.1 Future Land Use Uional Planning Commission
The key recommendation in Chapter 10 is the creation of a regional planning commission. The PA MPC addresses joint municipal planning commissions in Article 11. A summary of MPC regulations
regarding regional planning commissions follows: The governing bodies of two or more municipalities may by ordinance authorize the establishment and participation or membership in and
support of, a joint municipal planning commission. The number and qualifications of the members of such planning commission and their terms and method of appointment or removal shall
be such as may be determined and agreed upon by the governing bodies. Members of a joint municipal planning commission shall serve without salary but may be paid expenses, incurred in
the performance of their duties. The joint municipal planning commission shall elect a chairman whose term shall not exceed one year and who shall be eligible for reelection. The commission
may create and fill such other offices as it may determine. every joint municipal planning commission shall adopt rules for the transactions, findings and determinations, which record
shall be a public record. Each participating or member municipality may from time to time, upon the request of the joint municipal planning commission, assign or detail to the commission
any employees of the municipality to make special surveys or studies. The ordinance which cream a joint municipal planning commission shall: (1) (2) State the purpose for the creation
creation of the planning commission. Specify which of the activities identified by this act the joint municipal planning commission shall be authorized to undertake. 136
l‘BI I I I /I I I I s E 1 1 1 t i (3) (4) (5) Specify which activities shall remain with the local planning commissions, Specify the notice and procedures which a member municipality
must Specify the notice and procedures when the member municipalities decide when they are retained. follow when withdrawing from the joint municipal planning commission. to dissolve
the joint municipal planning commission. This planning commission is proposed to be created through the official designation of the longraang planning committee of the Chamber of Commerce
as the Shippensburg Area Planning Commission. The existing committee has provided crucial insight in the development of this Plan and it contains representatives from the regional municipalities,
local businesses and Shippensburg University. Boroueh Land Use C haneq Due to the nearly built-out nature of the Borough many of the future land use changes reflect existing land use
patterns. However, several changes are recommended to provide a variety of development opportunities and minimize conflicts between adjacent land uses. These changes can be implemented
by zoning changes enacted by Borough Council. The recommended rezonings are as follows (See Future Land Use Map for exact location): 0 0 0 e West of Rowe Road -C-2 commercial to low
density residential North Fayette Street -R-1 residential to high density residential North Prince Street -R-2 residential to industrial Between Hollar Avenue and S. Queen Street -R-1
and $2 residential to medium density residential and industrial Baltimore Road -C-2 commercial to industrial and medium density residential South Fayette Street -R-3 residential to low
density residential South of SADCO Industrial Park -R-1 residential to medium density residential e 0 0 Other minor boundary adjustments are also shown on the future land use map. In
addition to these changes the Borough should also review the zoning ordinance to ensure its compliance with the recently revised Municipalities Planning Code and review permitted uses
in each zone. 137
I II I 8 I. I I I 1 8 1 I 1 8 Historic District The Borough should amend the Historic District Ordinance to provide for a variance procedure on the basis of financial hardship of the
applicant for a building permit and economic feasibility of the proposed project. The burden of proof would be placed on the applicant seeking a building permit to submit information
on financial capability and economic feasibility with or without incentives. The Board of Historical and Architectural Review would then be able to conduct a public hearing on the proposed
project and to review the submitted information or receive expert testimony prior to rendering a decision on a Certificate of Appropriateness. 15.1.2 Transy-ta tion There is a great
deal of competition among Pennsylvania municipalities for the limited funds available from PA DOT for highway improvements. The Borough will need to actively work with the PA DOT District
Office to make them aware of the problems and concerns in the region and the regional strategy for correcting these problems. The Comprehensive Plan and Capital Program can be a starting
point for initiating this dialogue with PA DOT. Many projects recommended for improvements in Chapter 11 are on PA DOT owned roadways and may be funded by the state. However, many projects
will involve local or joint local-PA DOT funding. Some projects may be funded by private sources This section of the Implementation Program outlines various funding alternatives available
to the local municipalities. The regional planning commission can be a key agency in obtaining the necessary funding for transportation improvements. One of the commission’s roles should
be to help develop a regional transportation plan which identifies solutions to regional transportation problems and prioritizes the necessary improvements. m e improvements in and around
Shippensburg Borough identified in Chapter I1 should be incorporated into this plan along with the recommendations in the other municipalities’ comprehensive plans. This approach will
attract much more attention from PA DOT than an individual approach. 1II 8 II 138
The transportation recommendations are summarked in Table 11-1 and Section 11.3. The following list includes funding mechanisms available for these highway improvements. J-lighwa v Awsment
or Cay,i tal ImDrovements Fund -This fund can be established as a special fund set aside for capital improvements. Funds could come from a special tax or the use of excess revenues or
both. For instance, a specified amount of the Borough's millage could be set-aside for this fund. When this fund reaches a certain size, it could then be utilized to contribute to a
variety of capital improvement demands. -$ -Another funding method that would provide project flexibility would be general obligation bonds. Bond issues can be used to finance projects
in developed areas which would not be part of a transportation partnership district, hence providing the Borough with flexibility in undertaking transportation projects. "m k -This program
has been sponsored by PA DOT since 1981. Under this program, PA DOT will bring a road up to current specifications and then dedicate it to the participating municipality. Annual maintenance
fees are also included (up to $2,5oO/mile) by PA DOT. In most instances, the Borough gets a new roadway and funding for maintenance. ECONS: Enerm come Nation. Conwtion Reduction and
Sa few Prolrram -This program is aimed at improving highway safety and reducing congestion. The source of the funding is the Center for Program Development and management, PA DOT. Local
Share of Liauid Fuels T;u! -This provides for a permanent allocation of a part of the liquid fuels taxes collected by the state for municipalities. Liquid fuels allocations may be used
for any road related activity including maintenance, repair, construction, or reconstruction of public roads or streets. The funding source is the Bureau of Municipal Service, PA DOT.
In any given year at least a portion of the money could be used for transportation facility projects. 139
Tr-ion Partne rships -Under Act 47 of 1985, as amended, it provided for the formation of "partnerships" between municipalities and, in most case, local developers and businesses. A formal
partnership requires the designation of a transportation development district in which all improvements will take place and in which assessments may be charged. The Borough should consider
participation in this program as a means of obtaining funding for roadway improvements. ImDact Fees -Until recently municipalities in Pennsylvania could not collect impact fees for transportation
or other public utility improvements. However, Acts 203 and 209 of 1990 now provide legal justification for the assessment of such fees. The Borough and surrounding municipalities should
give serious consideration to implementing such a system to supplement state and other local sources. The new law authorizes the use of impact fees for costs incurred for improvements
designated in the municipalities' transportation capital improvement program attributable to new development, including the acquisition of land and rights of way; engineering, legal
and planning costs; and all other costs girectly related to road improvements within the service area or areas, including debt service. Municipalities are expressly prohibited under
the new impact fee law from using impact fees for: the construction, acquisition or expansion of municipal facilities that have not been identified in the township's transportation capital
improvement plan; the repair, operation or maintenance of existing or new capital improvements; the upgrade, update, expansion or replacement of existing capital improvements to serve
existing developments to meet stricter safety, efficiency, environmental or regulatory standards that are not attributable to new development; and the preparation and development of
land use assumptions and the capital improvements plan. 140
As a prerequisite to going ahead with plans for an impact fee ordinance, a municipality must have adopted a township or county comprehensive plan, a subdivision and land development
ordinance, and a zoning ordinance. In addition, municipalities must meet a number of specific requirements before adopting an impact fee ordinance. Following is a step-by-step breakdown
of these requirements: 0 0 0 0 0 prepare impact fee ordinance appoint an impact fee advisory committee develop future land use assumptions conduct a roadway sufficiency analysis develop
a capital improvements plan 15.1.3 Public Facilities and Se NiCS ional Fac ilitia The analysis of existing parkland in Chapter 12 revealed that Borough residents enjoy relatively ample
facilities. The only significant addition recommended is the addition of a five acre neighborhood park in the southern or eastern portion of the Borough. However, the same cannot be
said for the region as a whole. Since recreation planning already occurs on a regional basis, the following recommendations are offered to help ensure adequate recreational facilities
for local residents. The impact of these recommendations will be greater in the rural townships. The fee per lot system for recreation impact fees has been popular in many municipalities
in Pennsylvania. However, this method does not keep pace with the demand for recreation funding and the increasing value of land. Many municipalities are now beginning to adopt the "Fair
Market Value" formula for determining fee-in-lieu costs. This formula can be established as follows: Recreation Area Reuuird x Development Cost Factor x Average Lot Price = Fee-in-lieu
Payment 1 Acre 141
I Recreati on Area R ewould be that land required to be dedicated if the fee-in-lieu provision was not utilized. (Expressed as acres) -0 r is a percentage of the total average lot price
that development actually costs on a per lot basis. This figure would include costs for streets, sidewalks, curbing, and utilities. The actual percentage should be established on a region-wide
basis by the municipal engineers. Averaae Lot Price would be determined by taking the arithmetic average of all lot prices in the municipality for the previous year. The highest and
lowest prices would not be used to provide a more accurate average price. This figure would be calculated annually. The following is an illustration of the additional revenues that a
Fair Market Value Ordinance would generate for a 100 lot residential subdivision. Typical Ordinance -100 lots x $200/lot = $20,000 Fair Market Value Ordinance 2 acres reqyl'r ed ded
-i x Development x $20.004 Average Lot Price 1 acre Cost Factor 2 x 0.75 x $20,000 = $30,000 In this example, the municipality would get an additional $10,000 over that received under
the existing ordinance using the fair market value system. However, actual 1991 lot sale prices were not available for this report and the $20,000 figure was used as a reasonable minimum
estimate. Therefore, the municipality may receive much more money under a fair market value recreation ordinance. The Shippensburg area municipalities should investigate fair market
value as a means of keeping par with land values and ensuring sufficient funding for public recreation lands development and organization. 8 142
The Municipalities Planning Code (Act 170) provides for recreation fees-in-lieu of land dedication in Article V, Section 503, Section (11). To meet the provisions of this section of
the Municipal Planning Code, it is recommended that the Borough and surrounding municipalities adopt the appropriate sections of their Comprehensive Plans as their official recreation
plan and provide for use of recreation fees in the specified three year period. The surrounding townships may want to consider breaking their municipality down into recreation zones
to address the MPC’s emphasis on park accessibility. Another method of funding parks and recreation facilities is through the Recreational Improvements and Rehabilitation At Program
@IRA). This program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of community Affairs and provides a program of grant funds to local municipalities to develop or acquire public parks
and recreational facilities. funds are available on a 50150 match basis, up to $200,000. Police Protection The Borough has already initiated many of the improvements recommended for
improving police protection services. This process should continue until all
appropriate improvements are implemented. Chapter 12 contains a recommendation for the establishment of a regional police force. This will most likely be implemented on a long-term
basis, with each municipality joining as demands exceed the capabilities of regional state police barracks. The regional planning commission can serve as the forum for the implementation
of regional police services. Commission members, along with other local officials should visit the Northern York County Regional Police Department to gain a better understanding of the
operation of a regional police force. Fire protection services are already provided on a regional basis by the three companies located in the Borough. It appears that regional needs
could be provided efficiently by two companies located near the eastern and western ends of the Borough. The three existing companies should agree to 143
consolidate their equipment and manpower to provide more efficient services. In turn, the local municipalities should agree to financially support the two companies on an equitable basis
that reflects the services provided. 15.1.4 Public Utilities In order to implement the wastewater management recommendations in Chapter 13 two things need to occur. The first and most
significant action is the jointure of the Shippensburg Borough Authority and CFJMA. The fist action of the new authority should be the preparation of an Act 537 type plan to identify
existing and projected sewer service areas and alternative means for providing sewer service. The second action involves the purchase of land application vehicles and television inspection
equipment for the sewerage system. &l&&Jlp Iv and Distribution Svstem A summary of the water system improvements and a schedule for completion is found in Table 13-1. The Borough should
continue to fund these improvements until their completion, which is expected in December, 1991. Solid Waste Management Svste m The Borough’s curbside recycling program is now fully
operational. As stated in Chapter 13, the Borough should approach the surrounding municipalities to determine their interest in participating in a drop-off recycling program. If the
surrounding townships show interest in a program, the Borough’s collection contract may be amended t include the pick-up of the township recyclables. Shippensburg Borough officials should
also continue to encourage participation in the leaf and yard waste composting program that has been established across from the Borough’s wastewater treatment 144
I ' II 8 8 I I 8 1 I I plan. A public education program should notify residents of the availability of compost from the facility and where and when to drop off their yard waste. Stormwater
Management Svstm They key action that needs to take place with respect to the stormwater management system is the preparation of an Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan for the Middle
Spring Drainage Basin. A brief summary of the planning process is provided in Section 13.4. The end result of this plan will be uniform regulation of stormwater management practices
throughout the basin. Partial funding for preparing the plan are available from DER. Private Utilities The Borough should initiate a communication system with private utility companies
to coordinate improvements with Borough projects. The initial step should be the preparation of an annual list of public works projects and a request for a similar list from all utilities.
The result will be less expensive improvements for all involved. 15.1.5 Central Business District Many of the recommendations and implementation tolls mentioned previously will have
a positive impact on the CBD. A detailed plan for further improvements was prepared for the Borough in 1984. A summary of these improvements is provided in Section 14.2 of this report.
The implementation of these recommendations is likely to exceed the funding currently available through the Borough. Therefore, other public and private sources will have to be used
to fully implement the recommendations in the Plan. The Borough may choose to increase existing taxes and/or implement business or mercantile taxes to fund all or part of the improvements.
However, this approach is likely to meet resistance from residents, minimizes the role of business owners in the process and decreases the incentives for new businesses to locate in
the CBD. 145
I I I I I I I I 1 1 I 8 1 8 I As an alternative, local businessmen should give serious consideration to establishing a business district authority under Act 41 of 1980. The Act adds
to the purposes for which a municipality may create an authority one or both of two purposes: Administrative Services and Business. The process of creation is the same as for any other
authority created pursuant to the Municipality Authorities Act of 1945 (as amended), with the added requirements the required published notice must contain specific reference to the
municipality retaining a statutory right of approving any plan of such a business district authority and the articles of incorporation filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth must
contain the statement regarding retention of the statutory right of approval of any plan of such an authority. Administrative Services, within the meaning of the Act, are those services
which improve the ability of the business in the district to serve the consumer -such as: free parking parking reduced free parking transportation repayments public relations programs
group advertising district maintenance and security Business ImDrovemen& within the meaning of the Act, are those improvements needed in the district in general, in part, or in specific
properties such as: sidewalks retaining walls street paving paving lots parking garages trees and shrubbery and remodeling or demolition of blighted buildings or structures. 146
Such business improvements, however, can only be made to property within a right-of-way or property acquired by purchase of lease. This provision was included to prevent the expenditure
of public money on private property. This approach to prioritizing and funding improvements to the CBD gives greater autonomy to business owners and minimizes the financial impacts on
residents. A more detailed summary of the Act is found int he appendices. Other alternatives for funding CBD improvements follow: Small Business Incubator Prog~am-The Small Business
Incubator Program is designed to assist the formation of facilities where new start-up businesses can begin and grow. Grants and loans are provided to applicants for some of the costs
incurred to acquire, expand renovate, construct, equip and/or furnish buildings, that will be operated as small business incubator facilities. Tenants of the incubator must be recently
established small firms engaged in manufacturing, product development, research and development, professional services to other business, or some combination of these activities. Retail,
wholesale, nonprofit and personal service firms are not eligible tenants, as are nonprofit research and development enterprises and anchor tenants. Established law and accounting firms
that provide pro bono services to incubator tenants may also be tenants. All tenants must conform to the departure procedures of the incubator. Entemrise Zone Promam -A competitive program
to assist financially disadvantaged communities in the preparation and implementation of business development strategies within municipal enterprise zones in order to increase both the
quantity and quality of available job opportunities. Communities entering the program receive a planning grant for preparation of a business development strategy for the proposed enterprise
zone area. Entemrise Zone Tax Credit Promaq -Provides tax credits to private companies making qualified investments to rehabilitate, expand, or improve buildings or land in distressed
areas in designated enterprise zones. Tax credits are in the amount of 20 percent of funds invested. The program also 147
I I I I I I I I 8 I 8 4 I I 1 provides tax credits in the amount of 30 percent of funds invested to create employment opportunities for low-income persons in enterprise zones. Housing
Co mmunity DeveloDment -A program of grants to assist in the development of rehabilitation of housing for low and moderate income residents and to support community and economic development
activities that revitalize distressed neighborhood and commercial areas, address urgent community needs, stimulate the creation of new jobs. A dollar-fordollar match is required for
economic development activities. "h i A i -A technical assistance program which focuses on the organization and execution of community development projects. Staff are available to discuss
and explain the community development process, provide general information on related Federal programs and to assist in identifying programs and to assist in identifying problems and
possible solutions to community revitalization. Community DeveloDment Block Grant Pr omam -A program of financial and technical assistance to aid communities in their community and economic
development efforts. This assistance is provided through the Commonwealth's administrative of the Federal Community Development Block Grant Program. Activities eligible for funding include
those activities identified in Section 105 of the Federal Housing and Community Development Act. These activities include housing rehabilitation, community facilities, community services,
economic development and planning. There are no local match requirements for this program. 15.2 ORDINANCE RECOMMENDATIONS The implementation of the Comprehensive Plan will require many
initiatives including both physical and procedural improvements. The revision and/or addition of Borough ordinances will have a significant impact on the future development of the Borough
with relatively little public expense. 148
I I I /I I I I e I 8 8 1 II Several rezonings are recommended in Section 15.1 to implement the future land use plan. These rmnings should be reviewed by the Borough and regional planning
Commissions before being implemented by Borough Council. This process should also include any revisions necessary to establish complete compliance with the MPC. The requirements for
zoning ordinances and the procedure for revising an existing ordinance are found in Article 6 of the MPC. Sybdivision and Land De veloDment Ordinance ~ The recommendations in this Plan
include revision of the Borough’s stomwater management regulations and establishing a fair market value system for recreational fees on a regional basis. In addition, this ordinance
should also be reviewed/revised to ensure compliance with the MPC (Article 5). Another addition that should be considered for inclusion in the subdivision ordinance or as a separate
ordinance is an impact assessment ordinance. An impact assessment ordinance forces developers of major projects to quanti@the development’s impacts on a variety of resources. This ordinance
would typically require that all preliminary plan submissions of 25 lots or greater or land development plans that require more than 25 parking spaces require a statement addressing
the impact of the development upon the following areas: steep Slopes Important Wildlife Habitats Wetlands Hydrogeology Prime Farmland soils Historic Resources Archaeological Resources
Trat‘fic Parks and Recreation Facilities 149
I I II 1 I I B I I I 4 8 I 1 1 ~1 -Public Utilities -Public Facilities and Services This information can then be used to assess the impacts of the development in the community and to
allow municipal officials to make demands upon the developer that would mitigate any of the impacts. The information would also provide a better basis for rejecting plans by the municipality.
Another implementing tool available to Pennsylvania municipalities is the adoption of an official map. An official map may contain, but is not limited to, the following: e Existing and
proposed public streets, watercourses and public grounds, including widenings, narrowings, extensions, diminutions, openings or closing of same. 0 Pedestrian ways and easements. 0 0
Railroad and transit rigbts-of-way and easements. Flood control basins, floodways and flood plains, stormwater management areas and drainage easements. Support facilities, easements
and other properties held by public bodies undertaking the elements described in the Comprehensive Comprehensive Plan. e Article 4 of the PA MPC provides the guidelines for developing
and using an official map. A brief excerpt from the MPC follows which briefly summarizes the purpose of adopting an official map. “For the purpose of preserving the integrity of the
official map of the municipality, no permit shall be issued for any building within the lines of any street, watercourse or public ground shown or laid out on the official map. No person
shall recover any damages for the bking for public use of any building or improvements constructed within the lines of any street, watercourse or public ground after the same shall have
been included in the official map, and any such building or improvement shall be removed at the expense of the owner. However, when the property of which the reserved location forms
a part, cannot yield a reasonable return to the owner unless a permit shall be granted, the owner may apply to the governing body for the grant of a special encroachment permit to build.
Before granting any special encroachment permit authorized in this section, the governing body may submit the application for a special encroachment permit to the local planning agency
and allow the planning agency 30 days 150
for review and comment and shall give public notice and hold a public hearing at which all parties in interest shall have an opportuuity to be heard. A refusal by the governing body
to grant the special encroachment permit applied for may be appealed by the applicant to the zoning hearing board, in the same manner, and within the same time limitation, as is provided
in Article E." 15.3 TEN-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM A number of recommendations for physical improvements in the Borough and region have been set forth in the Comprehensive Plan.
The process recommended for the implementation of these project proposals is known as capital improvement programming. It involves the scheduling of public improvements over a period
of time with consideration being given to the financial capabilities of the community in the establishment of project priorities. Substantial benefits can be derived from the sue of
such a systematic approach to planning public improvement projects because the individual projects can be made to coincide with both the Borough's objectives and its financial capabilities.
The schedule of improvements resulting from this approach serves as a guide in making sound annual budget decisions and in achieving the optimum utilization of available funds. Sharp
changes in the tax structure and indebtedness of the Borough can be avoided and an advance selection of the most economical means for financing each project can be made. Some of the
projects listed will involve financial participation from the surrounding municipalities, private developers and PA DOT. Financial alternatives for many projects are outlined in this
chapter. Many projects are projected to continue throughout the ten year planning period, while others may also extend beyond the time allotted in Table 15-1. Table 15-1 presents the
recommended ten-year capital improvements program from the Borough. The capital improvements program should be evaluated and revised each year. This will allow projects to be reevaluated
for consideration on a continually evolving layear capital improvements program. 151
Future Land Use TmSDOrtat ion Public Facilities and Services Public Utilities Central Business District FOR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 1991-1992 1993-1994 1995-1996 1997-1998
1999-2000 Establ+h ngional planning comrmesmn Review/& zoning odinnnce 1 Review/& arWivision I ordinance Review/& historic district Ordinance Widcnletraightcn Payettc St. b WiddStraightcn
Polt St. Widen P ~ MSt. E* S. Pay St. +Extend Airpofi Rd. (aarftcld St. -R.R.) Widen Qwen I. (FOa I. -Ship. UNV.) (Smith Ave. -Earl St.) (Omnge St.-DykunanR d.) (~C~TUIUUI -M t ~ ~ ~R~di.)
l l t ,Extend S. Earl St. ( t ~-6h%) ~ z%E nd (Quccn-Warhington) (term;nU -Adam Dr.) (Payatte St.-Baltimom Rd.) (terminus-Fogehger Rd.) (174 -Payette &.) Allow pnrking on Bud St. Widcn
Earl St. Designetc Pod St. one-way Extend Mainsvie Rd. Extend Adarm, Dr. (w~hington-Prince St.) (Orange St. -terminus) eastbound (Quecn-Waahington) (Payette St. -Baltimom Rd.) (Prince
St. -Earl St.) Install !State parking signa Close Apple Ave. (King St. -Neff Ave.) Allow g on Orange St. Contract with private lot ownem -I Establishpennit * (Pod, Eatabliehparkingauthority
Create public parking at Bud & Wnnhington,Bun(%&d sta.) Fnyette sts. Include Southampton Twp., Cumb. Co. in Rbcrration Dcpt. Cont+uc deyelopmtnt of existing I parke m repon Continue
improvemcnte to p o h I dept. Eetablish n regional police d e n t I Establish 2 companies for b regional fm protection Purchase land application vehiclca Combine Shi p 4 ~ b ~a1ndg CFJMA
AutKonties equipment Continue impmvernents to water sy-m Encourage regional recycling I Revise Stormwatcr Management Prepare Act 167 stormwater ~glllafione Management Plan Estnblish
communications with 4 private utilities Implement 1984 CBD Plan I (174 -Fogehger Rd.) Bud St. one-way Extend N. Quecn St. Extend Olde Scotland Rd. E dAd am Dr. Rcsurfacc om e St. Place
linen on Apple Ave. parking lot to allow pemt paxking Purchwe pmpexty for parkins on N. Queen St. (Earl -e St.) Establish 5 ne. piark in ~xlthuudtm put of the Bomugh Purchase television
inspec
tion 15.4 PLANAPPROVfi Plan Re view and ADDrOVd Procedura Sections 301.3 q d 302 of Article III of Act 170, Municipalities Planning Code, sets forth the procedures that need to be followed
to provide for review and adoption of the Comprehensive Plan. Adoption of the plan begins with the Ad-Hoc Comprehensive Plan Committee. Under Section 302, the committee is required to
hold at least one public meeting on the Plan prior to forwarding the Plan to the county planning agency, local school district, and contiguous municipalities at least 45 days prior to
a public hearing on the Plan. These agencies then have 45 days to provide review and comment on the proposed Plan. Borough Council should then review all comments on the Plan and is
required to hold at least one public hearing on the Plan. Comprehensive Plan adoption involves a resolution approved by a majority of the Council. Within 30 days of adoption of the Plan,
the Council shall forward a copy of the approved Comprehensive Plan to the Cumberland and Franklin County Planning Commissions. 15.5 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MAINTENANCE The Comprehensive
Plan will be useful only if it is regularly used and updated. For this to occur, the following functions need to be performed on an annual basis to review and update the Plan. a Annually
evaluate the Comprehensive Plan and, if necessary, make modifications to the Plan to ensure that it remains a useful documents to help make day-today decisions about the future growth
and preservation of the Board and region. The Borough and regional planning commission should submit an annual written report to Borough Council summarizing its conclusions on the evaluation
of the Comprehensive Plan, a summary of the past year’s major activities, and a summary of the upcoming year’s major projected activities and crucial issues that will or may be facing
the Borough and/or region. 153