Rezoning Request Wins Backing

Despite traffic concerns, the Susquehanna Twp. Planning Commission is recommending a section of Elmerton Avenue be rezoned for the proposed Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union headquarters.

PSECU wants a 48-acre plot rezoned as part of its plans to build a new, 240,000-square-foot headquarters. The site is about one mile from its existing headquarters in the city near Harrisburg Area Community College on Cameron Street.

Township Manager Gary Myers said when the commissioners meet on Feb. 12 they can schedule a public hearing on the rezoning, which could be held in late February or early March.

Residents voiced concern that the new headquarters would increase traffic through neighborhoods and worsen tie-ups at Kohn Road and Elmerton Avenue, where the building would stand.

Township Commissioner Tracey Lewis told the planners at their meeting on Monday that an office building would fit in with the Pennsylvania State Police headquarters and Capital Blue Cross nearby. But the rezoning, she said, could allow for other retail uses if PSECU leaves the site, which in turn could cause additional traffic problems.

PSECU officials said the headquarters wouldn't house retail banking or a drive-through ATM, but Lewis said "there's no limitation if they decide to sell that building in the future for other retail development."

Commissioner Sean Sanderson, however, said changing the zoning does fit with the township's comprehensive plan.