Council approves LightPath fiber facility amid questions on access, drainage and school proximity

York City Council on July 15 approved waivers and land-development steps allowing LightPath Fiber to proceed with construction of a signal-regeneration facility at 319 Chestnut Street, clearing the way for a building that will “regenerate” fiber-optic signals along a long-distance route.

Council members and staff spent more than an hour questioning the applicant about multiple leaseholds on the property, stormwater and grading plans, emergency-vehicle access, and the site’s proximity to a nearby school and the old prison property. Councilmember Janesco urged caution, saying staff concerns about leasehold definitions, drainage and fire access “should be resolved before we proceed.”

Tom Sprigle, representing LightPath Fiber, described the building as a largely unmanned technical facility that regenerates optical signals and requires backup power and limited maintenance visits. “There will be a generator for backup power,” Sprigle said, adding that the site will include lighting, HVAC, fire suppression and routine surveillance. He said LightPath owns the property and the developer will be responsible for maintenance of the site and small on-site equipment facilities referenced by planning staff.

Planning staff and the applicant said several planning commission and staff comments had been addressed since the commission hearing. The applicant said the gravel access drive at the rear had been widened to 18 feet and a hammerhead turnaround added to meet fire-department access needs; the developer also agreed to a gated entrance with Knox-box access for emergency services. On the issue of multiple leaseholders, city staff and the applicant said LightPath would accept responsibility for maintenance and clarified that smaller, existing leaseholders (including a small satellite facility) would remain but not subdivide the property.

Residents and advocates attending the meeting urged caution on drainage and public access. Manuel Gomez, a nearby resident, said the rail-trail area north of York Street has clogged drains and visibility problems and asked the city to press for cleanup and better coordination with the railroad owner.

Council asked about street trees and landscaping; the applicant said the development parcel is encumbered with utilities and easements that limit tree planting but that the adjacent prison-owned parcel would host street trees once redevelopment occurs. Several council members asked about fencing, cameras and security; the applicant responded the site will be fenced and under full surveillance.

Council voted to approve the requested waivers and related land-development confirmation. The measure advanced after council members indicated staff conditions had been satisfied and remaining items would be finalized at subsequent land-development or construction stages.

The approval does not resolve outstanding rights-of-way or third-party controls north of York Street: city officials said some access questions remain with a railroad-owned parcel and with a private owner that currently controls portions of Loughs Mill Road, which affects emergency access and potential trail connections.

Councilmembers and the applicant said they would continue coordination with fire and police departments and return with any required final easement or site details at land-development or construction bond stage.

Votes at the meeting record the motion as approved on roll call.