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PUBLIC NOTICE: The Manheim Borough Council will hold a public workshop on Thursday, September 25,

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 4:44 GMT by LancasterOnline
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Manheim Borough Residents Invited to Shape the Future at Thursday’s Public Workshop

On Thursday, September 25, the Manheim Borough Council will host a public workshop at the borough’s Town Hall, offering residents a chance to influence a wide range of community‑wide initiatives. The meeting—scheduled for 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.—will be held in the main council chamber at 1 Town Square, Manheim, PA. The event is open to all, and no prior registration is required; simply arrive with a valid ID or membership card and you’ll be able to join the conversation.

The council has described the workshop as a “critical forum for gathering community input” on several key projects that are slated for the coming year. The public will hear a briefing from the borough’s Planning Director, followed by a review of proposed zoning amendments, and will then be invited to provide written or oral feedback on the following topics:

1. New Zoning Regulations – The council is considering amendments to the current zoning code to accommodate a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial uses in the eastern portion of the borough. The proposed changes would allow for larger retail spaces, modern housing developments, and small‑scale manufacturing facilities. Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions about how these amendments could affect property values, traffic, and the overall character of their neighborhoods.

2. Traffic & Parking Improvements – A traffic study completed by the county has identified a number of bottlenecks around the intersection of Main Street and Railroad Avenue. The workshop will cover potential solutions such as adding turn lanes, installing a roundabout, and expanding street parking. The council is keen to hear residents’ experiences and suggestions for a balanced approach that reduces congestion without sacrificing curbside space.

3. Community Center Expansion – In response to a recent survey of local families, the council is evaluating plans to expand the existing community center. This would involve adding a new multipurpose room, a youth recreation space, and an expanded parking lot. The board will present preliminary designs and discuss funding options, including grants and a possible bond issue.

4. Green Space Enhancement – The borough is exploring ways to turn under‑utilized parcels of land into public parks. Topics on the agenda will include the possibility of creating a “green corridor” between the existing park and the borough’s historic district, as well as the installation of new playground equipment and community gardens.

5. Community Events Calendar – The workshop will also review the proposed annual calendar of events, ranging from the Fourth of July fireworks to the Manheim Harvest Festival. Council members will seek input on how to better coordinate vendors, security, and volunteer staffing for these high‑profile events.

The event will begin with a welcome from Council President Mary T. Hill, who emphasized the importance of civic engagement. “We’re on the brink of several transformative changes for Manheim,” Hill said. “But those changes should reflect the needs and values of our residents.” She will be followed by an update from Planning Director James B. Kline, who will explain the technical aspects of the zoning amendments and provide a visual walk‑through of the proposed layout changes.

The council has made the workshop accessible to all residents. There will be sign‑in stations for those who need help navigating the agenda, and a translator will be on hand for speakers who prefer Spanish. The borough has also taken steps to ensure that all residents can participate online by streaming the event via the borough’s official website. The live stream link is available at https://www.manheimborough.com/council‑meetings, and viewers can submit questions in the chat feature.

How to Participate

• In‑person: Arrive at the Town Hall by 5:45 p.m. and sign in with a valid ID. The council chamber is wheelchair accessible.
• Online: Visit the borough’s website, navigate to “Council Meetings,” and click the live‑stream link. You can also watch the recorded session afterward.
• Written Feedback: If you prefer to provide written comments, you can email them to the council clerk at clerk@manheimborough.com or drop them off at the Town Hall during the meeting hours.
• Speaking Slot: If you wish to speak during the workshop, you must submit a request by 10:00 a.m. on September 24. Requests can be submitted online, by email, or in person at the Town Hall.

Why It Matters

Manheim is at a pivotal juncture. With a population of just over 2,200 residents, the borough has long relied on community input to guide its development. Yet the pace of change has accelerated in recent years—new businesses, rising housing demand, and increased traffic from neighboring counties have all put pressure on local infrastructure. By holding this workshop, the council hopes to ensure that the next wave of projects—particularly the zoning amendments—reflect a balanced blend of growth and preservation.

“Public input is the cornerstone of good governance,” said Kline during his briefing. “It’s not enough to just approve a plan; we need to know how it feels to the people who live here.” The workshop will also provide a platform for residents to propose alternative solutions, challenge assumptions, and collectively envision a sustainable future for Manheim.

Additional Resources

Readers seeking more detail can explore the borough’s official documentation on the proposed zoning changes by visiting the Planning Department’s webpage at https://www.manheimborough.com/Planning. For background on the traffic study, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s report is available at https://www.penndot.gov/Traffic-Reports. The community center expansion proposals can be found in the municipal archives at https://www.manheimborough.com/CommunityCenter. Finally, the borough’s comprehensive budget, which outlines potential funding sources for these projects, is posted at https://www.manheimborough.com/Budget.

In Closing

The Thursday public workshop is more than a routine council meeting; it’s a chance for Manheim’s residents to shape the future of their borough. Whether you’re a homeowner, a business owner, a school‑teacher, or simply someone who cares about the streets you walk every day, the council invites you to share your thoughts. In a city where decisions are made by a handful of elected officials, public workshops are a vital bridge between the council and the community it serves.

So mark your calendars for September 25 at 6:00 p.m., and be part of the conversation that will define the next decade of growth, development, and community life in Manheim. The town hall doors are open, and the council’s ears are listening.