WAYNESBORO – Another step in the completion of the Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and final approval for the Niebert Solar Farm were completed during the July 7 Washington Township Supervisors meeting.
Washington Township’s Solicitor Zachary Mills discussed a potential lease agreement with the Friends of the Monterey Pass Battlefield Park for two preservation properties. The township intends to purchase the properties for $334,000 by using multiple state grants and other sources. Mills said the settlement for these dual properties will take place on July 31. The two adjoining tracts include a former cavalry field of approximately two acres and a half-acre property with a historic toll house onsite.
The details presented at the meeting were for information only since lease terms are still being finalized. Mills said the agreement’s term would likely be five years, with an automatic renewal. The Friends of the Monterey Pass Battlefield will be responsible for maintaining both properties. The organization’s focus is promoting educational programs, historic preservation, community improvement projects and cultural activities that benefit the public and Monterey Pass Battlefield lands.
The two soon-to-be-acquired properties are located on the southern side of Route 16, near old Route 16 and the existing Monterey Pass Battlefield Park, and both exhibit historical significance. Since the state grants and other sources are only available to municipal governments, Washington Township will purchase the properties with the grant funds, and then Friends will oversee them. The two entities enacted the same agreement at the existing Monterey Pass Park and Museum.
Moving to the assistant zoning officer’s report, supervisors were told the proposed Neibert Solar Farm project has achieved all of its compliance requirements (which took a year to finalize), and the board approved the project. This energy development plan will occupy five acres along State Route 316, and it will also border the solar farm that Waynesboro is installing on its former municipal golf course.
In other action, the Police Officer’s Association presented a Community Service Award to Hill Top Arms. This business, which sells firearms and offers a firing range with full defensive training facilities at 410 N. Grant St. in Waynesboro, was honored for allowing local officers to use their facility. Supervisors thanked Carl Hill and Noreen Hill for their support and civic generosity.
“We’re very community-minded,” Carl Hill said after the meeting. “We want our local law enforcement to be well-trained.” Hill mentioned that Hill Top Arms’ indoor firing range offers flexibility to train in bad weather and can simulate different lighting conditions.
This resource has helped officers attain low-light certifications and other valuable training. Hill Top Arms has occupied the old Waynesboro armory building since 2016. As a courtesy to local law enforcement, the company provides complimentary usage of the refurbished firing range to allow officer training during non-business hours.
Township Manager Vernon Ashway informed supervisors that the Waynesboro Moose Lodge wanted to make a $1,000 donation to the Washington Township Police Department. These funds will benefit law enforcement’s National Night Out event. The supervisors approved the Moose donation.
The Washington Township public hearing and meeting concerning amendments to the zoning ordinance and the Washington Township Comprehensive Plan was changed from July 14 to July 21 at 1:30 pm, at the township office at 11798 Buchanan Trail E. Immediately after the public hearing, the board will consider enacting proposed amendments at a regular meeting. A brief summary of these proposed amendments can be found on the township website: washtwp-franklin.org.
