As the meetings continue in both Manheim Township and East Hempfield Township to evaluate the feasibility of building a new mega-shopping center along Harrisburg Pike across from Long's Park, opponents gained significant energy from the revelation that the farm slated for demolition held a historic place in Lancaster County history. Also, the traffic plans for the development were called into question by engineers retained to review the work done by the developer.
Turns out, the farm known as the Deisley property was also known as the Swarr Farm, and in the winter of 1763 it was a site of some of the drama known as the "Paxton Massacre" when a band of white settlers tracked down and killed a number of american indians in the Lancaster area. Several native survivors sought shelter at the home of Peter Swarr. Afterwards they were transferred to downtown Lancaster, where they were subsequently found by the Paxton gang...at a recent Manheim Township meeting, the developer's historic representative confessed he didn't know about this event nor other potential historic issues surrounding the farm or it's buildings.
In the most recent township hearing, the analyst from GAI Consultants poked holes in the proposed traffic plan, pointing to irregularities in it's conception and other conflicts.
Local residents have created a group, Lancaster For Smart Growth, to organize the movement to deny the developer this precious land resource. Also, several neighborhood websites like this one have sprouted up to bring attention to the impact the mega-center would have on their local roads nearby. In addition, there is a movement to bring the Swarr Farm under the control of Long's Park - an idea I think is a great solution.
Given all the citizen unrest and growing body of evidence that this shopping center would be bad for the community, I'm sure hoping that township supervisors do the right thing. I only wish I was able to vote on it myself...
I hope you all are able to make it clear to the guys who are voting that you will vote them out of office if they go along with this. Something tells me that the developers do not care about the history of the old farm.
There's an old family farm outside of Washington that grows amazing organic turkeys, and for years I've made the pilgrimage out there at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It now looks like it's going to be bulldozed for a bunch of tacky townhouses. Ykies!
Brian - thanks for your comment.
As with most of the comments I have read lately about this proposed development, alot of information has (knowingly or not..) been left out, and I think it is very important that people get the whole story. A good example of this is the fact that the tract of land in question (I believe) was rezoned "industrial". So, to those in the community who are against "any" development on this land, it might be time to readjust your thinking about what you want in your backyard.
1.A "commercial community" that has been thoughtfully designed and taken into consideration, as much as possible, the impact that it will have on the immediate area. Designed in such a way as to remain visually and economically consistant with its neighbors. OR
2. An "emission producing smoke stack riddled" industrial complex which does not fit the immediate surroundings and will (more than likely) have the same impact on the traffic congestion problem the area currently faces, with possibly no assistance by the owner to reduce or even acknowledge it.
I dont think that many would argue that the land will be developed, it is simply a question of what is the best use of the space for the area that surrounds it. (Just my thoughts.)
Your comments are appreciated. I think differently - development is not an inevitability. I've seen nice parcels saved for parkland and ventures such as golf courses happen instead of shopping centers. Thoughtful design, in my opinion, is sorely lacking here in Lancaster County and this complex would likely not be any different. If the parcel can be acquired by Longs Park, that would be an excellent use for the land. No additional tax dollars for the township (sorry ot say) but the public would benefit. There is SO much development planned for that corridor aready by existing businesses and the mall, it's got to stop somewhere.