Manheim Township adopted the Planned Commercial Development
Ordinance in late 2006. This ordinance allows for a Planned Commercial Development, such as The Crossings at Conestoga Creek, to be built on I-1 or B-4 lands as a Conditional Use. The tract along Harrisburg Pike for The Crossings at Conestoga Creek is zoned I-1. Subsequently, the Manheim Township Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of High Real Estate Group's Conditional Use request to the Manheim Township Board of Commissioners.
Conditional Use Hearings, which provided an opportunity for the public to gain understanding of the project in conceptual form and provide feedback, began in June 2007 and concluded January 30, 2008.
The conditional use request was approved by the Commissioners during a vote on April 14, 2008. An appeal was filed against the ruling in Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas.
On September 8, 2008, by a vote of 2 to 3, Manheim Township Commissioners denied High Real Estate Group LLC's request for Specific Permission to modify the floodplain for the Crossings at Conestoga. With this vote, we will review our options and determine how to proceed.
On January 12, 2009, by a vote of 3 to 2, Manheim Township Commissioners approved High Real Estate Group's Request for Specific Permission to modify the floodplain for the Crossings at Conestoga Creek. With this vote High Real Estate Group will proceed with the land development phase of the project.
On June 13, 2011, Manheim Township Commissioners acknowledged High Real Estate Group’s text amendment application that would modify portions of the previously adopted Planned Commercial Development section of the Manheim Township Zoning Ordinance. As is typical, the Commissioners referred the application for an initial review by the Manheim Township Planning Commission. This text amendment, if adopted, would clarify inconsistencies in the wording of the previously adopted ordinance, giving us the intended flexibility to develop a mixed-use project in response to today’s vastly different market conditions. It is our goal to deliver a sustainable, high-quality, Main Street-oriented mixed-use development that will create new jobs, generate significant tax revenues, and enhance quality of life by adding a unique amenity in the community.
On August 22, 2011, Manheim Township Board of Commissioners approved the text amendment petition that modifies portions of the previously adopted Planned Commercial Development section of the Manheim Township Zoning Ordinance. This text amendment clarifies inconsistencies in the wording of the previously adopted ordinance, giving us the intended flexibility to develop a mixed-use project in response to today’s vastly different market conditions. It is our goal to deliver a sustainable, high-quality, pedestrian-friendly, Main Street-oriented mixed-use development that will create new jobs, generate significant tax revenues, and enhance quality of life by adding a unique amenity in the community.
On December 22, 2011, Manheim Township Board of Commissioners voted to approve a conditional use plan under the Planned Commercial Development section of the Manheim Township Zoning Ordinance. We are gratified with this vote and will start to explore our next steps now that the project is positioned to move forward with the land development phase.
This conditional use plan outlines the conditions under which High Associates is entitled to develop a sustainable, high-quality, pedestrian-friendly, Main Street-oriented mixed-use development that will create new jobs, generate significant tax revenues, and enhance quality of life by adding a unique amenity in the community. The project consists of approximately 211,000 square feet of retail space, 255 upmarket apartment units, and a 145-room hotel.
