Council approves waivers and land-development plan for Carlisle Area School District middle school

Carlisle Borough Council on April 9 approved requested waivers and the land-development plan for a new middle school proposed by the Carlisle Area School District, allowing the district to move forward with recording the development plan while finalizing transportation approvals.

Mister Shaw introduced the matter and said council may grant the requested waivers and approve the developer’s preliminary/final land-development plan provided the developer enters into the borough’s developer agreement and satisfies conditions. Justin Doherty, representing the district, asked the borough to proceed with recording the plan so the district can move toward building permits while continuing to coordinate transportation-related items with borough staff and PennDOT.

Dr. Friend, speaking for the district, described a 27-month construction schedule and said the effort supports a planned K–8 reconfiguration in 2028 that will affect approximately 3,600 students and staff. He said the site selection and phasing were intended to address enrollment shifts and aging facilities and to reduce campus traffic congestion.

"Time really matters in this one," Dr. Friend said, urging timely approval so the district can stay on schedule and protect taxpayer investment.

Councilor Schiles moved the motion to grant waivers and approve the land-development plan subject to the developer agreement; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Council and district representatives noted that obtaining PennDOT's highway-occupancy permit for a planned roundabout is an outstanding transportation step but said that condition is being coordinated so it will not delay recording the land-development plan.

The approval allows the district to proceed toward building permits; staff and the solicitor will finalize the developer agreement and remaining technical conditions.