LP government watchdog

Updated with new information about a proposed car wash in Linglestown that will be discussed at the meeting of the LP supervisors Tuesday evening. (11.17.08, 10:42 am)

One of my chief aims in doing the Gazette is to keep Lower Paxton residents informed about local governmental affairs. Why? Because decisions made by township and school officials impact our day-to-day lives to a much higher degree than officials involved with higher levels of government.

Here’s what’s happening this week …

Monday … The public is invited to attend the monthly meeting of citizen watchdog group Stray Winds Area Neighbors, better known as SWAN, at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 1100 Colonial Road, 7 pm.

SWAN recently helped residents negotiate with McNaughton Homes to get large stormwater detention basins relocated and other concessions on plans for a luxury housing development on Blue Mountain. For details, CLICK HERE (see second item).

Currently, SWAN is trying to get state environmental officials to order the owner of a former asphalt company on McIntosh Road in Lower Paxton Twp. to clean up hazardous waste believed to be in soils near the Paxton Creek. CLICK HERE for background info.

Monday … The Central Dauphin School Board will meet in the Lecture Hall of Central Dauphin East High School. The meeting will begin at 7 pm and the public is invited to attend. To review the agenda, go to the board’s Web site.

Tuesday … Lower Paxton Twp. supervisors will hold a budget workshop at 4 pm, and a regular business meeting at 7:30 pm. Both meetings will be held at the Municipal Center, 425 Prince Street.

The budget workshop will focus on preparation of a proposed township budget for 2009.

The agenda for business meeting includes a pair of public hearings on proposed revisions to township regulations, called ordinances:

– Revised rules for peddlers and solicitors that would individuals to acquire a license and pay a fee prior to doing door-to-door sales.

– New regulations that would determine where a car wash could be constructed. According to a report filed by SWAN, this issue may be related to a proposal by Triple Crown Corporation to build a car wash at a former gas station across from Carl’s Body Shop on North Mountain Road.

Thursday … Village of Linglestown Committee tentatively will meet to discuss the planned square and village improvement project, Linglestown Fire Co. (brick building, front meeting room), 7 pm.

NOTE: Recent monthly meetings have been canceled because planning for the project has been completed. Check the Gazette on Thursday for information on whether the meeting will be held.

PennDOT, the state's transportation agency, is expected to seek construction bids for the improvement project before the end of the year.