Mechanicsburg Borough Approves Purchase Agreement for 219 East Main

Mechanicsburg Borough Approves Purchase Agreement for 219 East Main

Mechanicsburg Borough Council has proposed the purchase of 219 East Main St, known as Frankeberger Place, to relocate their municipal offices and the police department. Although in strategic discussions for years due to the increasing maintenance costs and age of the current facility, there had not been a solution proposed until this opportunity was brought to them late this summer.

Borough staff and the Mechanicsburg Police Department have occupied the current municipal building at 36 West Allen St since 2003. Over the 20-year use of this facility, the borough has managed increasing maintenance costs, several roof repairs, aging plumbing, safety, security concerns, and under-utilization of more than half of the building. The proposed new facility would provide better customer service, a safer and more appropriate workspace for employees, and would also generate income for the borough as a significant portion of the building is available for commercial lease.

The purchase of an existing building in the borough is an extensive and lengthy process of due diligence, financing, and public engagement. Preliminary discussions with the seller were held in private, in accordance with the State’s Sunshine Law. However, those were quickly wrapped up and the Borough Council held its first public meeting about the issue on November 21^st. There will be several more public meetings in the next two months prior to a council decision to approve or disapprove the purchase.

Residents are encouraged to learn more about the acquisition and provide comments at the public meetings. Council meetings will be held at 7:00 PM on January 2^nd & 16^th, and February 6^th. Meetings are livestreamed on YouTube via link from our website, and there are opportunities for in-person attendees to provide comments and feedback at the beginning and end of each meeting. Borough Council President Kyle Miller said, “Public participation and transparency is very important to Council as we continue to examine this opportunity for relocation and evaluate the future of Borough owned facilities and improve the long-term sustainability of Borough operations.”

The move of borough staff and police to a new facility is part of a long-term strategy to modernize and right-size all borough facilities, while also returning high value properties such as 36 West Allen St to commercial use to encourage economic development in the Borough.

Follow the link provided below for the Facilities Presentation posted for review:
PowerPoint Presentation (ecode360.com)

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this purchase, please fill out the form linked below.
https://form.jotform.com/233534540546051