LOCAL

Future of Chambersburg could depend on comprehensive plan

Amber South
Chambersburg Public Opinion

The Borough of Chambersburg is taking a step forward in updating its comprehensive plan, which serves as a blueprint for the town's future. 

The borough is looking for a consultant to develop the plan, which is slated for adoption in October 2020. Proposals are being accepted through April. 

The comprehensive plan includes strategies relating to land use planning and zoning, transportation, housing, utility planning, community visioning, urban design, community development, the economy and demographics. It will be up to borough council and its committees to put updates in place through code amendments, new ordinances and other actions. 

"The Borough's goal is that the Comprehensive Plan update provides an effective means to achieved renewed community vitality, well-being and pride; and serves the citizens and its representatives for many years to come," a release from the borough states. 

South Main Street pictured the afternoon of Wednesday, Jan. 16. The updated comprehensive plan could include rules on what kinds of buildings are allowed downtown and other stipulations for properties, to promote “urbanism.”

Borough leaders hope the planning process jump-starts a new future for the town and generates excitement about its development, the release said. As such, the borough requires the consultant developing the plan to incorporate public input through social media, meetings and other "substantial opportunities for citizen involvement." 

"Community (input) is vital to the success of the planning process. We have made it the cornerstone of the development of this plan," said Jeff Stonehill, borough manager. 

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The borough seeks "an innovative plan with an out-of-the-box approach to the comprehensive planning process," said Phil Wolgemuth, land use director, in the release. 

The state requires towns to update their comprehensive plans every 10 years. Chambersburg last updated its plan in 2008. 

The period since then has been one of progress and development, with more on the way: 

  • The north end of the borough has seen an explosion of development, with a growing retail and restaurant district along Norland Avenue and Walker Road. Stores in the original Chambersburg Crossing shopping center opened in 2007, and expansion has been ongoing. 
  • A $67.8 million courthouse renovation and expansion project that got underway last year will give North Main Street and Memorial Square a new, modern look. It is a county project. 
  • The Chambersburg Aquatic Center, a water park-like facility that replaced the old municipal pool off Stouffer Avenue, opened last summer. 
  • What had been a barren area along Grant Street has become a hub of activity, with two breweries and a winery attracting younger people, among other development there. 
Gearhouse Brewing Company is located at 253 Grant Street, Chambersburg.

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The borough started looking at the planning process for the development of the comprehensive plan in December 2017, and the 2019 budget included $100,000 allotted for the search for a consultant. 

The process to develop and adopt the comprehensive plan is expected to take up to two years.  Review of the draft plan should take place between April and June of 2020, with final adoption that fall. 

Below, a related photo gallery: