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Residents, county planning staff and supervisors discuss options to preserve Barnitz Mill
Summary
County planning staff and local residents described forming a "friends" group to pursue preservation options for Barnitz Mill; the board asked staff and the solicitor to draft volunteer liability language and suggested N95-mask use for volunteers during initial work.
Residents and county planning staff told the Dickinson Township Board of Supervisors on May 15 that an informal "friends" group has formed to explore preservation and limited stabilization of Barnitz Mill.
Manager Larry Barrick said he had been contacted by resident Wilber E. Wolf III and that staff would like permission to work with Solicitor Christian Miller to prepare a liability-release statement for volunteers and to include a requirement that volunteers wear N95 masks when doing initial work. Elizabeth Grant from the Cumberland County Planning Department and resident Christine Musser said they have discussed the mill with the historical society, members of the Park & Recreation Board, and the master park planning committee and believe preservation work could be structured to attract funding and reduced township expense.
Supervisor Rob Kole noted the mill is listed as a significant historic resource in Cumberland County and said he supports efforts to keep the structure intact. Chairwoman Lorelei Coplen said the board welcomes proposals but cautioned that township funds are limited and road maintenance needs take priority.
No formal funding commitment was made; the board directed staff to work with the solicitor on volunteer liability language and to report back with options. The discussion was recorded as part of ongoing old-business follow-up.
