Citizens Voice Concerns Over Proposed Park as Lancaster County Council Advances Major Development Projects

At the March 24, 2025, meeting, the Lancaster County Council recognized the Indian Land Middle School football team for winning the 2024 Conference Championship. The meeting featured strong citizen opposition to a proposed park and greenway development, with residents citing concerns about traffic, safety, neighborhood disruption, and fiscal transparency. The council approved several ordinances, including changes to development agreements, zoning maps, and council procedures. Notably, the council advanced a mixed-use project known as “The Exchange” and took steps to finalize a special source revenue credit agreement with Project Block, a European investment initiative. The meeting concluded with updates on board and commission vacancies.

Special Presentation:

The Langster County Indian Land Middle School football team was recognized for winning their 2024 Conference Championship.

Consent Agenda:

The council approved the consent agenda, which included:
Approval of minutes from the March 10, 2025, County Council Regular Meeting.
Report on minutes from the August 14, 2024, County Council Regional Park Ad Hoc Committee Meeting.
2nd Reading of Ordinance 2025-1948 related to amending the Unified Development Ordinance to add a new use “Retreat Center”.
2nd Reading of Ordinance 2025-1950 to authorize and approve the execution and delivery of a First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Fee in Lieu of Tax Agreement By And Between Lancaster County and Keer America Corporation.

Non-Consent Agenda:

Item 8A: 1st Reading of Ordinance 2025-1961, an ordinance to approve a First Amendment to the development agreement between Lancaster County and Crosland Southeast for a mixed-use development project known as “The Exchange.”
- The council discussed the amendment, which involves increasing the commercial square footage of the development.
- The developer explained the need for the additional space to accommodate a medical office use and addressed concerns about traffic impact.
- The first reading of the ordinance was approved unanimously.
Item 8B: 2nd Reading of Ordinance 2025-1956, an ordinance to amend the official zoning map of Lancaster County to rezone approximately 38.83 acres to open a business park.
- The council heard from Mr. Black Hall, the applicant, who provided an overview of the project and its alignment with the county’s comprehensive plan.
- The second reading of the ordinance was approved unanimously.
Item 8C: 2nd Reading of Ordinance 2025-1958, an ordinance to amend the Lancaster County Code, specifically the rules of parliamentary procedure applicable to council meetings.
- Ms. Dupont, the County Attorney, explained the changes made to the ordinance, including clarifications regarding agenda setting, public hearings, and council member appearances before boards and commissions.
- The second reading of the ordinance was approved unanimously.
Item 8D: Resolution 1289-R2025, a resolution to state the commitment of Lancaster County to enter into a special source revenue credit agreement with Project Block.
- Mr. Fulk presented the resolution, explaining that Project Block is a subsidiary of a European entity that will be making a significant investment in the county.
- The resolution outlines the terms of the special source revenue credit agreement and the benefits to the county.
- The resolution was approved.
Item 8E: 1st Reading of Ordinance 2025-1951, an ordinance to authorize the execution and delivery of a special source revenue credit agreement with Project Block.
- Mr. Fulk provided additional details about the agreement, emphasizing the benefits to Lancaster County and its constituents.
- The first reading of the ordinance was approved unanimously.