Franklin County Commissioners Issue Statement On Proposed Facility For Immigrant Children

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners have issued the following statement regarding proposed plans for a transitional housing facility for unaccompanied immigrant children on the campus of the former Scotland School for Veterans Children:

“The Franklin County Commissioners have heard from many residents who have concerns about proposed plans to adapt the former Scotland School for Veterans Children to provide transitional housing and care for unaccompanied immigrant minors in U.S. custody. The county was not involved in the sale of this property, nor does it have any involvement in the operations of its new owners. The proposed project is part of a federal program through several federal agencies, and all zoning and permitting decisions fall under the purview of the municipality – in this case, Greene Township.

“Though we have no involvement in this project, we do have significant concerns about its impact on our county. While these minors would be housed on the Scotland campus, the influx of support staff – and their families – would be overwhelming for our local communities. Franklin County is already experiencing a housing shortage, and affordable workforce housing and quality rental options are at a premium. Our county’s population has increased every year since its founding in 1784; today it is the 13th fastest growing county in the commonwealth. Estimates predict our population will only continue to grow. The addition of several thousand new residents at one time would only burden and stress the housing market even more. 

“In addition to impacting the housing market, an increase in population puts an increased demand on basic services such as water, sewer, trash removal and broadband. It also puts a strain on school systems, child care services, physical and behavioral health care providers, and public safety personnel such as our fire departments, EMS, police and the criminal justice system.

“The proposed project does not fall under the jurisdiction of the commissioners or the commonwealth. Because it is a federal project coordinated by federal agencies, we urge Franklin County residents to contact their local federal representatives – Senators Casey and Fetterman and Congressman Joyce – to convey their concerns. In the meantime, we support the efforts of the Greene Township Supervisors and staff to adhere to township policies and best practices and ultimately act in the best interests of our residents.”

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