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Residents tell Lancaster County Council Whippoorwill Lane unsuitable as park entrance, cite safety and trespass
Summary
Multiple Indian Land residents used the citizens’ comments period to oppose using Whippoorwill Lane as the primary access point for a proposed Whippoorwill Park, raising concerns about traffic, emergency access, trespass and transparency.
Residents of the Whippoorwill Lane area in Indian Land told the Lancaster County Council during citizens’ comments that planned public access to a proposed Whippoorwill Park would harm their neighborhood and public safety.
The remarks came during the public-comment portion of a Lancaster County Council meeting. Residents repeatedly described narrow roads, a rise in unauthorized parking and a recent incident they said involved a worker blocking a driveway.
"I bought this property so that I could have peace," said Trudy Kopic, who gave her address and spoke about strangers parking on her lawn and using a path across her land as a shortcut. "I keep everything locked up all the time" she said, adding she is worried about theft and safety. Peter Goldner told the council, "there is no way that road can handle... 400 cars a day," and said he felt residents were not notified about plans. Cathy Lacy read a written statement saying she is "strongly opposed to Whippoorwill Community Park Incorporated or any entity associated with the development of Whippoorwill Park using Whippoorwill Lane as an entry and exit point," and detailed an episode she said involved a worker blocking her driveway.
Speakers asked for details the council had not provided in the meeting: anticipated park hours, planned security, how emergency services would access the site, and whether the park would be open to all Lancaster County residents. Several speakers said they had seen workers park on private property and described a maintenance facility being proposed inside the residential area. One speaker asked the council to review potential conflicts of interest among committee members involved in the park.
Council did not take action during the citizens’ comment period. Several residents asked that the county provide clearer public notices and consider alternate park access routes that would avoid Whippoorwill Lane.
The citizens’ comments record includes both in-person remarks and at least one submitted electronic comment opposing use of Whippoorwill Lane.
