Author: Middlesex Township

On Friday, February 24, 2023, Middlesex Township made a significant decision regarding its renowned “Miracle Mile.” Township officials voted unanimously, with a 3-0 decision, to postpone a proposed redevelopment opportunity that could have transformed the Harrisburg Pike corridor. In a unanimous 3-0 vote, township officials turned down the idea of adding a new “redevelopment opportunity overlay” district to their land use map.

During the discussion, board members expressed their reservations about the proposal. Supervisor Steve Larson mentioned that he felt unprepared to approve the plan in its current form and needed more time to research the existing zoning regulations.

The proposal, presented by attorney Charles Courtney on behalf of St. Louis-based land development company CRG, aimed to create a comprehensive “super-zone” for the Harrisburg Pike corridor. This new district would have connected to both the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Interstate 81, making it an attractive location for various developments.

The area along the Harrisburg Pike has historically been home to truck stops, terminals, hotels, and restaurants. However, the proposal sought to revamp the area, which currently includes a mix of motels, truck terminals, vacant buildings, fast-food franchises, and an adult bookstore.

The proposed redevelopment opportunity district would have offered property owners greater flexibility compared to existing zoning regulations, potentially reducing the need for variances or special exceptions. Developers would have been required to meet certain architectural and screening standards and adhere to stricter traffic access controls on the Pike, which serves as State Route 11 through the township.

Courtney argued that similar overlay districts had successfully encouraged redevelopment in other municipalities, with interest already brewing along the corridor. However, many residents at the meeting voiced their concerns, particularly about the inclusion of warehousing and distribution as permitted uses within the overlay zone.

Residents, already contending with multiple truck stops, terminals, and warehouses in the area, were hesitant about introducing more truck traffic. Some felt that the proposed overlay was too extensive, running from the Silver Spring Township line to Wolf’s Bridge Road. They also expressed concerns about losing the checks and balances provided by zoning variances and special exceptions.

While some residents were open to a more limited overlay focused solely on Harrisburg Pike frontage, others viewed the proposal as an overreach onto their land. Courtney countered by highlighting that many existing uses along the Pike were established under more lenient regulations in the past and emphasized the need for incentives to encourage redevelopment.

Although the proposal was rejected, it remains uncertain whether the proponents will submit a revised plan. If they choose to do so, it would entail a fresh review by the Middlesex Planning Commission.

For now, Middlesex Township has opted to delay any significant changes to the “Miracle Mile” corridor, ensuring that community concerns are thoroughly addressed before moving forward.

In the heart of Middlesex Township, just east of Carlisle in Cumberland County, lies Stover Farms. It’s a place where the timeless traditions of farming meet the demands of modern agriculture. As I arrived at the farm one sunny afternoon, I was greeted by a scene of bustling activity. Farmers had already been hard at work for nine hours, a testament to the dedication that defines life on the farm.

Stover Farms stands as the last dairy farm in Middlesex Township, a community that has seen significant transformation over the years, with more truckstops and housing developments than traditional silos. However, within this evolving landscape, Stover Farms remains a beacon of agricultural heritage. During my visit, I encountered four generations of the Stover family, all actively involved in the daily operations. The farm is a true family affair, with uncles driving tractors, cousins and a neighbor’s boy mending fences, and Grandma overseeing the care of young calves while keeping a watchful eye on the kids.

At the forefront of Stover Farms today is Amy Brickner, a dynamic force in the family’s agricultural legacy. As she guided me through the various barns, it was evident that she was in constant motion, always inspecting, carrying, or shoveling something. Stover Farms boasts a herd of 175 Holstein cows, making it larger than the average family farm in Pennsylvania. This growth was necessitated by changes in the 1990s when a nearby farm sold out, and the dairy processor that bought their milk ceased operations. The Stovers expanded and joined Mt. Joy Co-op to adapt to these shifts.

Amy’s journey back to the farm was not one she had initially planned. Armed with degrees from Cornell and the University of Wisconsin, her intentions were originally set on agricultural research. However, fate had other plans, and she met the love of her life in Carlisle, ultimately drawing her into the rich tradition of Stover farmers.

Upon her return, Amy faced a family reluctant to embrace her feeding ideas. She humorously reflects, “I had the academic knowledge but lacked practical experience.” Nevertheless, she has now developed a deep connection with the cows, introducing each one like a cherished friend, recounting their lineage, offspring, and daily milk production.

One particular calf’s birth story left a lasting impression on Amy. It was a challenging birth, with the calf coming out in a backward position. Amy vividly remembers the moment when she was unexpectedly squirted in the face with birthing fluid. Today, that calf has matured into a fully grown cow and is preparing for her second pregnancy.

While the daily routine of farm life demands dedication 365 days a year, with at least two people required for the 3:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. milking sessions, Amy maintains her enthusiasm. She acknowledges that it might sometimes feel like Groundhog Day, but the joy of witnessing a calf’s birth and watching it grow is a reward that keeps her spirits high.

Beyond the daily challenges of farming, Amy also navigates the ever-present hand of government regulation. She expresses concerns about potential interference in their marketing strategies, a worry shared by many farmers in the industry. The intricacies of the agricultural business extend beyond the farm, and Amy occasionally wishes she had paid more attention in her college business classes.

Family farmers like the Stovers often find it necessary to diversify their income sources beyond dairy farming alone. In their case, they cultivate crops on 1,400 acres and sell the grain. While milk prices have been favorable this year, feed prices have skyrocketed, with the cost of cottonseed, a critical feed ingredient, doubling since Amy’s return in 2006.

Environmental regulations, especially those related to Chesapeake Bay protection initiatives, pose an additional challenge. During my visit, I observed the family cleaning out manure from the barn, a task supported by a partial grant for a new manure management technique. The agricultural landscape is constantly evolving, with new regulations emerging each year.

Stover Farms is not just a farm; it’s a living testament to the enduring spirit of family farming in the face of change. Cumberland County’s heritage, though shifting towards the western part of the county, continues to thrive in places like Stover Farms. The story of Amy Brickner, her family, and their commitment to preserving tradition while embracing modern farming practices is a story worth celebrating.

As someone asked Amy’s young son, Graeson, if he aspired to be a farmer when he grew up, his candid response spoke volumes: “Why would I wait until I grow up? I’m already a farmer.” It’s a sentiment that encapsulates the deep-rooted connection between this family and the timeless tradition of farming that defines their lives.

So, next time you pass by Stover Farms, take a moment to appreciate the enduring legacy of a family dedicated to nurturing the land and the animals that call it home. In a rapidly changing world, Stover Farms stands as a beacon of resilience, where the past and the future of farming converge.