Commissioners Approve Property Purchase as Part of Long-term Development Plan

On Thursday morning, Franklin County Commissioners moved to purchase the property located at 39 North Second Street, currently Dorsett Law Firm, on the corner of N. Second Street and Montgomery Alley. This acquisition is a part of the Court Facility Improvement Project—a coordinated effort to increase operational efficiencies by co-locating court offices and operations, improving security for everyone entering the Courthouse and enhancing the quality of justice for all Franklin County residents.

"Controlling this property will allow us to make necessary improvements for traffic flow and safety, as well as pedestrian safety, at Montgomery Avenue and N. Second St.  This will make for a better overall facility improvement project as activity on this block continues to increase," said Commissioner & Board Chairman Dave Keller.

Project Manager John Hart presented a proposal to the Commissioners for the purchase of the property at a cost of $209,950. A short-term lease agreement with the current tenant will begin upon settlement of the sale. The lease would be at a cost of $1000 per month until September 2020, or until termination by the tenant. Mr. Hart recommended moving forward with the purchase and lease of this property.

“Access to and from N. Second Street is narrow and visibility is limited. There is a building located against the sidewalk and drivers pull into the street to see,” said Commissioner Bob Thomas. “This needs to happen for safety.”

The County is in the process of preparing documents for submission to the Borough of Chambersburg for necessary land development permits. This property will be included in the County’s lot consolidation and overall Land Use Development Plan which includes plans for subdivision, proposed buildings, site grading, proposed parking lots, driveways, utilities connections, and more.

Demolition on the new Courthouse site on the first block of Main Street in downtown Chambersburg is set to begin in late 2018 with construction on track for early 2019.

For more information on the Court Facility Improvement Project, please visit www.franklincountypa.gov or email facilityprojectinfo@franklincountypa.gov.

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