Springettsbury approves controversial rezoning

Springettsbury Township supervisors unanimously approved a controversial rezoning for the corner of East Market Street and Mount Zion Road — where the Modernaire Motel stands — on Thursday evening.

The zoning will change 13 parcels from neighborhood commercial to mixed use with a town center overlay. The overlay requires specific designs, pedestrian access and other elements.

Springettsbury rezoning proposal moves forward

The vote came after a handful of residents spoke out in opposition of the rezoning during a public hearing. Some residents complained that it felt futile to voice their opposition again. They cited concerns that historical structures, such as the motel and the Bloomingdale estate, might be razed for development, and that the area doesn't need another shopping center.

"I think the last thing we need right now is development," Rod Bosserman said of the corner. "I would just like to see it stay the way it is."

Supervisors thanked the township staff, boards and community for participating in the lengthy process. This marked the third rezoning proposal that officials had considered during a nearly two-year period. It was not easy, supervisors said.

Builders of the Modernaire Motel

"We've taken a tremendous amount of time and effort to go through the process," chairman Mark Swomley said after the meeting. "We've listened to the public. We voted it down twice. We sent it back for reworking. And we think that we've got the right mix this time."

The township's planning commission recommended the latest rezoning proposal, and the York County Planning Commission gave the green light for it as well.

Supervisors had to weigh the entire community in making a decision, Swomley said. It's a corner that is a gateway for the township.

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"We have been agonizing over what the right thing for the community is for the long term," he said. "It's not an easy decision."

Resident Alexandra Thomas said she found it disheartening that the board made the decision it did. She said she plans to file an appeal but could not elaborate.

In general, residents have 30 days to file an appeal, solicitor Charles Rausch said.