PUBLIC NOTICE The Elizabethtown Zoning Hearing Board will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, November

  own-zoning-hearing-board-will-hold-a-public-meeting-on-tuesday-november.html
  Travel and Leisure on Tue, Nov 04th, 2025 by LancasterOnline

Elizabethtown Zoning Hearing Board to Convene Public Meeting on Tuesday, November 14

The town of Elizabethtown has announced that its Zoning Hearing Board will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, November 14 — the next step in a series of hearings aimed at reviewing proposed zoning changes in the 10th Street corridor. The meeting, scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., will take place in the town hall, located at 122 Main Street, and is open to all residents, developers, and interested parties.

Purpose of the Meeting

The meeting is part of a larger effort by the Board to consider a recent proposal that would modify the zoning classification for a parcel of land on 10th Street, just east of Main. The proposal, submitted by the developer Smith‑Jones Enterprises, seeks to reclassify the parcel from residential “R‑1” to “R‑2” zoning, which would allow for higher density and the addition of mixed‑use retail space on the ground floor. The Board will evaluate whether the changes meet the criteria set forth in the Pennsylvania Municipal Code, including considerations of traffic, parking, and compatibility with neighboring properties.

How the Board Will Proceed

1. Opening Statement – The Chair, Town Commissioner Laura Martinez, will provide a brief overview of the zoning proposal and outline the meeting agenda.

2. Developer Presentation – Smith‑Jones Enterprises will present the proposed plans, including architectural drawings and traffic impact assessments.

3. Public Comment Period – Residents and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to speak. The Board has set aside 10 minutes per speaker, and all comments will be recorded.

4. Board Deliberation – After the comment period, the Board will conduct a deliberation session, weighing the merits of the proposal against statutory requirements and community concerns.

5. Voting – The Board will vote on whether to approve, modify, or deny the zoning change.

6. Closing Remarks – Commissioner Martinez will summarize the outcome and next steps.

Public Participation

The Board stresses the importance of community input. In addition to in‑person testimony, residents may submit written comments to the Board’s office at 122 Main Street or via email at zoningboard@elizabethtownpa.gov. Comments must be received by 5 p.m. on November 10 to be considered. Written comments can be submitted in PDF or Word format, and should include a brief statement of position and any supporting documents.

The meeting will also be streamed live on the town’s official website, allowing remote participation. Viewers can access the stream through the “Meetings” tab on the Town of Elizabethtown’s website, where the Board also posts the official docket and agenda.

Background on the Zoning Proposal

Smith‑Jones Enterprises originally submitted the zoning change request in August 2023. The proposal includes plans for a two‑story mixed‑use building featuring a boutique retail space on the ground floor and a residential condominium on the second floor. The developer argues that the project will bring new jobs and increase property values, while opponents express concerns about traffic congestion and the potential impact on neighborhood character.

The zoning board has previously examined the project. A preliminary hearing in September 2023 concluded that the proposal did not yet satisfy all statutory criteria, particularly regarding the need for additional parking spaces. The board requested that the developer submit a revised traffic study and a more detailed parking plan. The current meeting will review the updated documents.

Additional Resources

• Official Meeting Docket – The Board’s docket, including the full zoning proposal, the revised traffic study, and the developer’s presentation slides, is available on the Town of Elizabethtown’s website at https://elizabethtownpa.gov/meeting-docket.
• Town Council Minutes – For a broader context on the town’s planning decisions, the minutes from the last council meeting are posted at https://elizabethtownpa.gov/minutes.
• Zoning Ordinance – The current Elizabethtown zoning ordinance can be reviewed at https://elizabethtownpa.gov/zoning-ordinance.
• Contact Information – For questions or to request a speaking slot, residents may call 717‑555‑1234 or email zoningboard@elizabethtownpa.gov.

Why This Matters to Elizabethtown Residents

Zoning decisions shape the physical and economic landscape of a community. The 10th Street proposal has the potential to alter the character of a long‑standing residential area, introduce new businesses, and affect traffic patterns. Residents have the opportunity to voice their support or concerns and influence the outcome. The Board’s public‑comment policy ensures transparency and civic engagement, allowing the town to balance growth with preservation.

Next Steps

After the November 14 meeting, the Board will issue a decision. If the proposal is approved with modifications, the developer will need to comply with any additional requirements, such as expanded parking or revised building setbacks. If denied, Smith‑Jones Enterprises can appeal to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

The town encourages all residents to attend, either in person or via the live stream, to ensure their voices are heard in this critical decision‑making process. The meeting is scheduled to run until 12 p.m., after which the Board will hold a brief debrief with the Town Clerk to discuss the next phases of the planning cycle.

Elizabethtown’s commitment to open, informed public meetings underscores the town’s dedication to responsible development and community stewardship. Residents who wish to stay informed can subscribe to the town’s email updates at https://elizabethtownpa.gov/newsletter.