Planning commission backs American Battlefield Trust park and trail at Crawford Road with conditions on lighting and surfaces

The York County Planning Commission recommended approval of a special‑use permit allowing the American Battlefield Trust to establish a small park and pedestrian loop trail on two parcels at 393 and 401 Crawford Road, forwarding Resolution PC25‑10 to the Board of Supervisors with conditions addressing trail construction, parking surfacing, and lighting.

Staff summary and recommended conditions

Staff described the request as a park and pedestrian loop on two parcels — approximately 0.4 acre at 393 Crawford Road and roughly 3.6 acres at 401 Crawford Road — both zoned RC (resource conservation). Because the trail would cross both parcels, staff proposed a condition requiring vacation of the interior property line between the two parcels.

The applicants proposed a stone‑dust surface for the first 150 feet from the parking area and a mulch surface for the remainder. Staff recommended that the entire trail be constructed with a compacted aggregate (three inches of aggregate with two inches of stone dust as a wearing course) and metal edging to improve durability and accessibility. Staff also recommended the nine‑space parking area (one accessible space) be constructed of a dustless surface rather than gravel to assist wheelchair access and patrol visibility.

On lighting and security, the American Battlefield Trust initially proposed no lighting and three ungated parking entrances; the county sheriff’s office asked staff to require the parking lot to be lit at night for safety and patrol visibility. Staff included a condition requiring lighting from dusk until dawn for the parking lot. Commissioners discussed options such as motion‑activated lighting and cameras; the applicant said two cameras would be installed “before lunch tomorrow” and was open to discussing a mix of continuous and motion‑activated lighting.

Historical and interpretive elements

The Trust said the site is associated with Revolutionary War and Civil War events, and proposed three wayside interpretive panels plus one site identification sign. Staff noted sign standards (zoning ordinance section 24.1‑703) limiting site identification signs to a 40‑square‑foot freestanding monument at up to six feet tall or a pole sign up to 12 square feet at six feet tall. The Trust told the commission the panels would reflect the French encampment, a Freedman site found by the Trust’s surveys, and a commemoration tied to a tree‑planting event.

Public comment and applicant remarks

Public comments included local residents who supported public access and urged limited nighttime access because of past illicit activity in the area. Tim Cross, a nearby resident and advocate during the comprehensive plan update, said the Trust’s proposal aligns with county goals to make conserved lands accessible and encouraged flexibility on trail surfacing if accompanied by a maintenance schedule. William Triplett, another nearby resident, asked that access to the parking area be limited at night to prevent it from becoming a hangout spot.

Chuck Laudner, representing the American Battlefield Trust, described the Trust’s preservation work, the site cleanup (removal of invasive species and trash), and plans for interpretive panels. Laudner said signage, a split‑rail fence along the road frontage, and security cameras were planned and that the Trust’s intent is to make the site accessible as an outdoor classroom and commemoration site.

Vote and conditions

The commission voted to recommend approval of PC25‑10 by voice and roll call. The motion by Commissioner Brooks to adopt Resolution PC25‑10 carried with recorded yes votes by Commissioners Smith, Chamberlain, Titus, Brooks and King.

What the conditions require next

- Trail construction: staff‑required stone‑dust/aggregate trail with metal edging for durability and accessibility. - Parking: nine‑space lot (one accessible) to be constructed of a dustless surface; gravel was not approved. - Lighting/security: parking‑lot lighting required (dusk‑to‑dawn); the commission discussed but did not require a specific motion‑activated schedule. Applicant indicated cameras will be placed and said the Trust could close the property if after‑hours activity is observed. - Property line vacation: required so the trail spans both lots without cross‑parcel legal issues.

Speakers (attributed in this article)

- Staff member, York County Planning Division (presenter) - Chuck Laudner, representative, American Battlefield Trust (applicant) - Tim Cross, resident (public comment) - William Triplett, resident (public comment) - Commissioner Brooks (Planning Commission member) - Commissioner Titus (Planning Commission member) - Commissioner Smith (Planning Commission member)

Authorities cited

- Ordinance: York County Zoning Ordinance, section 24.1‑703 (site identification sign standards) and section 24.1‑706 (parking surface requirements) (referenced_by:["article-body"]).

Discussion vs. decision

- Discussion: trail surfacing (stone dust vs. mulch), parking surface (gravel vs. dustless surface), security (lighting, cameras, gates), and maintenance responsibility over time. - Direction: staff proposed conditions to require a stone‑dust walking surface and a dustless parking surface and to require parking‑lot lighting for patrol and safety. - Decision: Planning Commission recommended approval of PC25‑10 subject to those site‑construction and safety conditions.

Community relevance and next steps

The site sits adjacent to Colonial National Historical Park and contains Revolutionary/Civil War resources; the Trust’s plan aims to open conserved land for public use with interpretive signage. The Planning Commission’s recommendation goes to the Board of Supervisors for final approval; required conditions (surface, lighting, property‑line vacation) must be satisfied before construction and public opening.

Ending: The commission recorded its recommendation and moved the item to the Board of Supervisors for final review and action.