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Nearby businesses raise noise concerns over proposed housing at 351 E. Water St.
Summary
Owners of Spectra Coat and Mason Dixon Distillery told the planning commission they are worried new housing proposed at 351 E. Water St. could create future noise conflicts with existing industrial activity and urged developers and the borough to consider sound‑mitigating design and ordinance guidance.
Two nearby business owners raised concerns at the June 15 Gettysburg Planning Commission meeting about a proposed development at 351 East Water Street, saying housing adjacent to existing manufacturing and truck operations could lead to complaints and conflict.
Zachary Philip Eckerts, who identified himself as president and owner of Spectra Coat at 301 East Water Street, said he is investing in his business and anticipates increased truck traffic. "My concern is with any housing developing…that could down the road impact whoever might move into that area, you know, create certain sound disturbances," Eckerts said, and he asked the commission where to find the boroughs noise ordinance so he could better understand protections and hours the ordinance covers.
Members of the commission and staff advised Eckerts that the boroughs general noise ordinance limits certain noise between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., encouraged him to review Gettysburgs online ordinances and to contact his borough council representative, and suggested developers consider sound‑mitigation measures such as windows and building materials to reduce disturbance for future residents.
Yanni Varicos, who identified himself as owner of Mason Dixon Distillery and who the transcript also spells inconsistently later in the meeting, echoed Eckertss points: "I just wanted to go on the record and express the same concerns…about housing coming right up against manufacturing," he said.
Staff noted that, when developments affect existing businesses, developers will typically need to contact adjacent property owners about easements and potential on‑site improvements. Commissioners said public comments would become part of the record and be forwarded to borough council as the SALDO and related land‑use issues proceed.
The commission also voted to extend the Simrat LLC application to the Aug. 17 meeting to allow further work and outside agency review. Staff indicated that the developers plans show improvements on adjacent properties and that those easement discussions may occur as the application progresses.
