Concerning the planning and future development of the current athletic fields, a Franklin & Marshall official has informed NewsLanc that “the College would be extremely sensitive to the adjacent neighborhood and would take all necessary steps to protect the attractiveness and character of School Lane Hills.”
In her communication, Nancy Collins, Vice President for College Communications, Franklin & Marshall College, went on to commit, “Extending Wilson Drive or another street as a through street to Harrisburg Avenue would be detrimental to this goal, and therefore is not an option the College will pursue.”
The full communication is reproduced below:
Dear Matt:
Thank you for your query about the Baker campus. I am responding for all the people you contacted at Franklin & Marshall College.
Over time Franklin & Marshall College plans to relocate its athletic fields from Baker campus to north of Harrisburg Ave., opposite the main campus. We are currently working with a real estate consultant to identify and evaluate options for the Baker campus. If property development is pursued, the College would be extremely sensitive to the adjacent neighborhood and would take all necessary steps to protect the attractiveness and character of School Lane Hills. Extending Wilson Drive or another street as a through street to Harrisburg Avenue would be detrimental to this goal, and therefore is not an option the College will pursue.
If the College pursues any type of development, we would need to comply with all local ordinances and regulations that apply to zoning and land development, just as any other property owner would. We would also engage the public when there are specific plans that can be discussed.
Franklin & Marshall has established a record of pursuing high-quality projects that contribute to the well-being of Lancaster, and we intend to sustain that commitment.
Best regards,
Nancy Collins
Vice President for College Communications
Franklin & Marshall College
