Mount Gretna Borough pauses parking discussion

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Mount Gretna Borough Council agreed to table discussion on any potential parking changes along state Route 117 until after a PennDOT consult. 

At the May 11 meeting, Mayor Kerry Royer said PennDOT is scheduling into July, but the borough is on a wait list in case an appointment becomes available sooner.

President Deb Simpson reiterated the four options under consideration: maintaining parking as is on both sides of Route 117, restricting parking to one side of 117, restricting parking on both sides of 117, or restricting parking in specific portions. Adding public parking on Pennsylvania Avenue from Lehigh Avenue west to Wesleyan Avenue is also under consideration.

Council members Mark Malay and Allan Feldman stated preference for waiting to vote on any options until hearing from a PennDOT representative, who will assess the Route 117 corridor and offer recommendations.

During public comment, resident Marla Pitt spoke regarding the option of adding public parking spaces on Pennsylvania Avenue, noting the area already receives a high volume of traffic from non-residents. 

“I understand the safety concern, but I think that at some point people have to own responsibility for their own safety,” said Pitt. “I think to pepper 117 and Pennsylvania Avenue with more signs, it’s not the same community that it used to be. It’s feeling very commercialized, and I don’t feel that the residents are being seen and looked at first. I think the tourists are coming first.”

Resident Charlie Pitt emphasized the need for borough guests to park at Soldiers Field as it has been enhanced for that purpose.

Since the Soldiers Field lot is owned by the Chautauqua, it is not part of the borough’s parking review or jurisdiction. Council has been reviewing parking along the stretch of Route 117 from Gettysburg Avenue going west to the canoe storage near the tennis courts, where on-street parallel parking increases in summer. The review was prompted by safety concerns for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as emergency vehicle access.

In other business:

• Council approved a request for road closures between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 13 to 16 for the Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show.
• A handicapped parking application for 429 Pennsylvania Ave. was submitted and is under review.
• Public works director Bill Care said total costs to repair damage to the maintenance building where a tree fell were $31,065.58, which will be covered by insurance aside from a $1,000 deductible.
• Mount Gretna Fire Chief Travis Haak reported 23 calls for April and an ongoing need for volunteers. He suggested council meet with West Cornwall Township about the future of the fire company. Outside conversations regarding consolidating with neighboring stations have been ongoing since 2023, said Haak.
• Royer announced the Mount Gretna Summer Kickoff set for May 23 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Hall of Philosophy, 212 Gettysburg Ave.
• Suzanne Stewart, Gretna Music executive director, thanked the borough for working with them and said the organization’s 51st season will offer 14 performances, including Grammy winner Béla Fleck on Sept. 2.

Mount Gretna Borough Council will meet next at 6 p.m. on June 8 in the Hall of Philosophy.