Two Lancaster County TIGER II (federal economic incentive) grant request projects – the rebuilding of the U.S. 30/Harrisburg Pike Interchange and the widening of a stretch of Harrisburg Pike – were initiated and promoted by High Real Estate Group (HREG), that plans to build a large shopping center [The Crossings] on Harrisburg Pike. The amount being requested from TIGER II for these two projects totals $22,615,000.
I have a degree in environmental science and am concerned because this shopping center will be built in a 100-year flood plain created by nearby Conestoga Creek. I understand that many homes in the area already experience water run-off problems. Another problem is that the shopping center will be located directly across from Long’s Park, Lancaster City’s largest park. The average attendance at these concerts is 5,000, with the annual July 4th concert attended by 50,000. The shopping center’s main entrance and exit will be directly opposite the park’s main entrance.
Federal (taxpayer) money should not be used to pay for the required infrastructure for an unneeded and unwanted shopping center. The Crossings project does not have the support of the general public. If it is built, the developers themselves should pay for the reconstruction of the Rt. 30/Harrisburg Pike interchange and the other roadway changes that Manheim Township Commissioners are requiring before work on The Crossings can begin.
