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Council tables decision on ALPR cameras at shopping‑center driveway, asks manager to pursue site connection
Summary
Council voted 4‑1 to table a request to install Automated License Plate Readers at the private driveway serving Donaldson's Crossroads shopping center, asking the manager to negotiate with Giant Eagle and TJ Maxx for a private‑site connection and cost‑sharing before the township acts.
Peters Township Council on June 22 voted 4‑1 to table a proposal to install Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras at the intersection of Route 19 and the private driveway serving Donaldson’s Crossroads Shopping Center.
Staff and the police chief outlined the request, saying the cameras would aid retail‑theft investigations by capturing license plates at a location where existing camera coverage leaves gaps. TJ Maxx and Giant Eagle offered partial funding — staff reported $10,000 from TJ Maxx and $5,000 from Giant Eagle toward a roughly $14,000 installation — and the stores urged the township to proceed.
Council members expressed concern about setting a precedent for installing ALPRs at private driveway intersections and asked staff to seek a permanent vehicular connection between the adjacent shopping centers so any camera could be located at a public intersection. The police chief said the corridor sees dozens of retail thefts annually and that plate reads would materially improve investigatory leads when combined with store video.
A motion to table and direct the township manager to approach the businesses about establishing the long‑desired connection and to return with cost estimates and options passed 4‑1; one council member opposed proceeding without a clearer agreement among property owners.
What’s next: staff will negotiate with the businesses on connection and cost‑sharing and report back to council with options.
