Hey,

Are you wondering...."When will the Kohn Road project be completed?"  Well, I am and have been wondering the same thing.  To that end, I met today again with the Township's Engineer, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic and the Township's Manager, Gary Myers to get come clarification on this issue.

As many of you know, I was not a Susquehanna Township Commissioner when this project was conceived and approved.  In addition, I did not attend the numerous community meetings that I understand were held regarding this project.  As such, much of my knowledge about the community's understanding of the project has been derived by actually talking to you all.  I am understanding that many of you feel a certain level of frustration that the project is not complete and feel that you have been inconvenienced beyond your expectations. 

During today's meeting with the Township's Engineer and Manager, I was brought up to speed on the project's current status.   As part of today's discussions, to ensure that everyone gets the same information, I demanded that each and every resident who lives near the project site receive written notification concerning the project's process and more importantly, notice about when the roadway will be open for travel.  I have been promised and assured that this letter will be sent within the next few days.  I also insisted that this letter, along with other project updates, be posted on the Township's website for your future convenience.

Please look forward to receiving your official notification concerning this project from Herbert, Rowland & Grubic and Manager Gary Myers.

If I can be of assistance, or if there are particular concerns, please contact me at tracey@thelewisletter.com or 717-979-1661.

Thank you for your patience.

Commissioner Lewis

P.S.  I am attaching a Patriot News article about another construction project that is being contemplated for the Kohn Road corridor.  I would be interested in hearing your comments about the proposed project.  I would be even more interested in seeing you come out on 12/29 to hear the discussion about the project.

Tracey Sneed Lewis, Esq.
3rd Ward Commissioner
Susquehanna Township
1900 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA  17109
T:  717-979-1661
E:  tracey@thelewisletter.com


Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Susquehanna Twp. residents told the planning commission Monday that they're worried about the traffic impact from the proposed new headquarters of the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union.

The commission tabled action on PSECU's requests to subdivide 47 acres at Elmerton Avenue and Kohn Road and rezone it from conservation to business use. PSECU is outgrowing its headquarters on Cameron Street in Harrisburg and wants to build a 240,000-square-foot facility, President Greg Smith told the planning commission.

Almost 20 residents questioned the impact of construction and traffic near their homes on Kohn Road. They're already dealing with delays and detours caused by the construction of a Marriott Hotel, township Commissioner Tracey Lewis said.

"If this parcel has to be developed, PSECU is the best neighbor we could hope for," she said. "But there are some concerns about the overall potential for congestion from the piecemeal development of this overall corridor."

Cypress Drive resident Kevin Caffrey decried the rush to build over green space.

"There's tons of property in Harrisburg that isn't developed," he said. "Why are you developing a tract of land that's basically set up as a conservatory, and we're building a huge building that's impacting the traffic?"

Project engineer Marc Kurowski said that planners are considering traffic impact.

The township has asked for turning lanes on Kohn Road, township engineer Robert Grubic said, but any Elmerton Avenue changes must be approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

The planning commission will consider PSECU's requests Dec. 29. If the commission recommends rezoning, the board of commissioners will hold a public hearing, township solicitor Bruce Foreman said.

https://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1227589809273380.xml&coll=1