Council urges developer-hosted information sessions on Garmin Builders text amendment, considers larger public venue before formal public hearing

Council members and borough staff discussed how to manage public engagement on a proposed zoning text amendment from Garmin Builders and agreed to request developer-hosted information sessions in larger public venues before the borough’s formal public hearing.

Vice President Phyllis Giberson said the Garmin Builders item — described in the meeting as the 07/1999 project — is a “hot button” issue and recommended holding community meetings in larger spaces rather than handling public input on a regular council night in the council chamber. Giberson suggested contacting Penn Manor High School and Eshelman Elementary to accommodate larger crowds.

Borough Manager Rebecca cautioned that the current item before council is a zoning text amendment, not a subdivision or land-development plan, and that the amendment has not yet been finalized or submitted to Lancaster County. She noted that, under Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) procedures, Lancaster County Planning Commission review requires a roughly 45-day review period, and that a public hearing date is therefore unlikely before September. Rebecca said she had discussed the idea of developer-hosted information sessions with Garmin and that the developer was receptive to the concept.

Council members and staff discussed options for an informational session hosted by the developer — a format used by neighboring municipalities — emphasizing the need for question-and-answer time and robust publicity. “We can always make those corrections,” Rebecca said, adding that the borough should amplify any developer notice so residents are informed.

Why it matters: The zoning text amendment could change development rules in Millersville and drew strong public interest when the developer previously presented; council seeks to balance procedural requirements for a formal public hearing with residents’ demand for meaningful access to information and direct questioning of the developer.

Next steps: Borough staff will request that Garmin Builders host one or more public information sessions in a larger venue and will coordinate publicity; a formal public hearing on the zoning text amendment will follow statutory review and notice requirements and is expected to occur after Lancaster County’s review (likely in September). Council may still hold its own public meeting if a developer session is judged insufficient.