FRANKLIN COUNTY — State Rep. Chad Reichard (R-Franklin) has issued support to Antrim Township officials in their concerns over plans in nearby Hagerstown to transform a site slightly more than 1,000 feet from the Mason-Dixon Line into a homeless and human services resource center.
Social issues, such as addiction and homelessness, impact communities across the world, Reichard said.
“My heart goes out to those facing these challenges and those who provide support to them.,” Reichard said. “Any support must be impactful and move those in these situations toward better lives.
“While I agree a resource center would be impactful, I do not believe the proposal to transform the compound that is the former CitiCorp complex is the right location for such an endeavor,” Reichard said, noting that the site is more than seven miles from Hagerstown’s core.
According to reports, there was a plan to transform the former YMCA building in Hagerstown into just such a resource center, Reichard added. That site would be ideal, as most people who would visit the center are located downtown.
He added that expecting people to travel such a distance for services “just doesn’t make sense.”
Opening the center at the CitiCorp site would undoubtably impact Pennsylvanians, the state representative said. “Since the location is closer to Greencastle than Hagerstown, EMS from Rescue Hose Company would likely be dispatched to the center. This could put a strain on emergency services in our area.”
Reichard also gave a shout-out to Antrim Township officials for taking a stand on this issue and for seeking cross-border communications and planning on all sides so an amicable solution can be reached.
Antrim Township Administrator Chris Ardinger noted he has attempted to discuss the plan with Hagerstown officials since August without receiving communication. LocalNews1.org efforts to reach Hagerstown officials also have been unsuccessful. However, in a radio interview, Hagerstown Mayor William McIntire said the plans for the structure near the state line as in their infancy. Several stakeholders will be involved in discussions, he said.
