Harrisburg, Pennsylvania — The Swatara Township Board of Commissioners has unanimously approved land development plans for the Central Dauphin School District Early Childhood Learning Center at 4031 Executive Park Dr. The district plans to convert the former AFSCME labor union building into a school exclusively for full-day kindergarten and elementary education.
The Swatara Township planning director and planning commission unanimously recommended approval of the land development plan pending a requirement for intersection improvements to be made. A traffic study indicated the need to improve the intersection at 40th & Chambers Hill Road with a traffic signal and new west bound turn lane.
However civil engineers expressed concerns that this requirement could delay a potential opening date for the new school year in 2026.
After extensive discussions regarding traffic safety involving children on school buses, and some political theatrics, the board concluded the intersection improvements would be required to grant a temporary building occupancy, with the possibility of rerouting traffic during road work if the improvements are not completed prior to the start of school. Board members committed to working with the PennDOT and elected officials at the state to make arrangements to ensure the new kindergarten will open timely.
The new 32,000 square-foot school will accommodate 288 students in 15 classrooms.
Harrisburg100 