Camp Hill, Pennsylvania — “We’re all just wondering what happened to this beautiful little town?”
That was the bonding sentiment overheard at Wednesday night’s Camp Hill Borough Council meeting with multiple residents lambasting the council for failing to control an ongoing rash of thefts from vehicles, as well as other “control” issues.
THEFTS FROM VEHICLES:
Dr. Genevieve Regal, a 15-year borough resident, shared what brought her to speak: local social media buzzing with shared concerns about the increasing thefts from vehicles, sometimes repeat victims, on an almost weekly basis. She even shared her documented profile of the masked thieves, and their patterns. “There are felons lurking around our neighborhood,” she said, noting that thefts of guns and firearms is a felony offense in Pa. Other high value items stolen include laptops and cash.
Regal questioned how the community can give the police department additional resources to nab the perps, proposing a re-allocation of resources to police from the fringe benefits fund; or more bike patrols at night.
Regal was followed by multiple residents who expressed similar concern about this safety concern.
Resident Paul Lewis worried what if the situation escalates, to a home invasion, in a neighborhood like his that’s “heavily-armed.” “Safety…is your primary responsibility to the residents of Camp Hill.” Lewis asked that a preventative measure be taken – a “comprehensive action plan” – before a major tragedy strikes.
Joe Witmer, a 30-plus year resident, said: “Perception is reality. You can’t live in Country Club Hills because the ‘creatures of the night’ are marauding.”
Resident Dennis Paige decried the lack of action; issuing a threat that he’ll run against whoever he deems responsible for the lack of action.
Borough Council President Jennifer Hoover asked residents to consider that the monthly “average” remained generally the same year-to-year; and that surrounding municipalities have the “same-ish” number of thefts; but she did ultimately concede there has been an uptick. Hoover urged residents to lock their car doors, not giving the thieves the opportunity, after sharing that she was a 3-time victim of theft from her vehicle.
Mayor Mark Simpson also gave some remarks; stating “we will come out stronger.” Both asked residents to “do our part” (locking vehicles). Residents are also invited to express their concerns at the CH Public Safety Committee Meetings, which are chaired by Borough Council Member Tim Jackson.
In reviewing the CHPD online monthly incident report, Harrisburg100 found that:
In January, the CHPD reported 13 thefts from vehicles incidents; as well as two (2) motor vehicle thefts; an attempted break-in of a residence on 34thSt. and a forced entry at the Speedy Mart in the 1700 block of Market Street.
In February, the CHPD reported “multiple thefts from vehicles” but a number was not reported. In March, there were seven (7) thefts from vehicles. In April, there were five (5) thefts from vehicles; and the May report was not uploaded onto their Crimewatch website as of this posting.
Other residents expressed concerns about speeding vehicles in residential neighborhoods.
UNCONTROLLED LAND MAINTENANCE, CONTROLLED SOCIAL MEDIA SPEECH:
Reed Nixon got creative with his repeated concern regarding the unmanaged riparian buffer along the Conodoguinet Creek, when he brought a 54” weed, or blade of grass, to Wednesday night’s council meeting.(The area in question sits between the street and the stream bank, across from Nixon’s home, on Fairview Rd.)
The borough takes the position that a natural buffer reduces the flow of sediment and runoff into the stream. But, Nixon claims the borough isn’t living up to its “bare minimum” maintenance standards mentioned in an “O&P” manual, and referenced in the November 2022 borough council meeting minutes, where officials indicate they’ll mow “twice during the growing season.” Nixon cited a legal precedent where municipal workers could be liable for lack of maintenance, for inaction.
“No one who cares for our parks and communities would ever let them look like this; we need to find new borough management, hopefully, one that lives within our borough – and cut the grass down there.”
Nixon called for an action plan and asked that the borough council require borough managers to live within the borough, a swipe at the sitting Camp Hill Borough Manager Sara M. Gibson, who open-source records shows as living in Lancaster County.
Nixon also called out the censorship control the borough council takes on their social media platforms, namely Facebook, where comments are disabled. “When municipal workers turn off comments on online posts, it signals an intent to censor, control the narrative and manage public interaction. It puts limits on public discourse that’s critical to transparency and trust …. You guys should open up the comments (on social media).”
Resident Dan Urban followed Nixon taking issue with the uncontrolled riparian buffer maintenance as well; claiming he is told only that the borough officials he speaks to will speak with “them” about addressing his concerns. “Who is them?” he asked. Urban snarked that he considered pulling a weed for display like Nixon did, but was “afraid you’d charge me with a felony,” referencing a charge he faced in Summer 2023 for mowing the problem area himself. The felony charge was ultimately dropped, but Mr. Urban pled guilty to a lesser charge – criminal mischief – a summary offense. “Why can’t you just cut the grass like you promised?” he asked.
Joyce Larson, also joined in their complaints. Larson, who served in Vietnam, and battles PTSD, shared an emotional testament of how much she – and other veterans plagued with PTSD – enjoy the therapy of nature. “It is essential for my wellbeing – and everybody’s well-being.” Larson choked up, sharing that the creekside was her “place to go” to retreat from her dark wartime memories. Larson referenced the value of mature trees that were removed, over the young ones planted, and scoffed at the price tag, displayed on a sign along the creekside project ($17 Million). Ms. Larson received an applause from those attending the meeting.
Harrisburg100 