Carlisle Council debates demolition restrictions for Frog Switch redevelopment project
May 23, 2025 | Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
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The May Special Council Meeting for the Borough of Carlisle, held on May 23, 2025, focused on significant discussions regarding the redevelopment of the Frog Switch manufacturing site and proposed changes to demolition regulations within the borough.
The meeting commenced with a letter of support for a grant and loan award aimed at improving the Eastern Gateway area. Council members expressed a desire to honor the legacy of the Hayes family, founders of the Frog Switch company, beyond mere plaques, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the industrial history of the borough.
Andrew Nutter Francesco, chair of the Real Estate Collaborative (REC), voiced concerns over a proposed ordinance that would impose stricter demolition regulations on certain properties, including the Frog Switch site. He highlighted the collaborative efforts to transform the site, which has been a vital industrial component of Carlisle for over a century. Francesco noted that the site, consisting of 40 aging structures, is at risk of becoming a vacant and contaminated property if not redeveloped. He urged the council to table the ordinance to allow for further community discussion and to avoid jeopardizing over $10 million in secured funding for the redevelopment project.
Janet Anderson, executive director of the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation, echoed Francesco's concerns, advocating for a balanced approach that preserves historical structures while accommodating modern development. She urged the council to reconsider the timing of the vote and engage in a thorough review of the proposed ordinance.
Community member James Evans also spoke against the ordinance, citing a lack of public input due to the early meeting time and holiday weekend. He emphasized the need for economic development in Carlisle, particularly in light of rising poverty rates, and called for a more inclusive discussion on how to honor the borough's historical character without hindering future growth.
Jim Torrance, a descendant of John Hayes, expressed his hope that the council would consult the Hayes family regarding how best to honor their legacy, suggesting that this should not solely involve preserving specific buildings.
The meeting concluded with a clear call from multiple stakeholders for the council to delay the vote on the ordinance, allowing for further community engagement and consideration of the implications for both historical preservation and economic development in Carlisle.
The meeting commenced with a letter of support for a grant and loan award aimed at improving the Eastern Gateway area. Council members expressed a desire to honor the legacy of the Hayes family, founders of the Frog Switch company, beyond mere plaques, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the industrial history of the borough.
Andrew Nutter Francesco, chair of the Real Estate Collaborative (REC), voiced concerns over a proposed ordinance that would impose stricter demolition regulations on certain properties, including the Frog Switch site. He highlighted the collaborative efforts to transform the site, which has been a vital industrial component of Carlisle for over a century. Francesco noted that the site, consisting of 40 aging structures, is at risk of becoming a vacant and contaminated property if not redeveloped. He urged the council to table the ordinance to allow for further community discussion and to avoid jeopardizing over $10 million in secured funding for the redevelopment project.
Janet Anderson, executive director of the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation, echoed Francesco's concerns, advocating for a balanced approach that preserves historical structures while accommodating modern development. She urged the council to reconsider the timing of the vote and engage in a thorough review of the proposed ordinance.
Community member James Evans also spoke against the ordinance, citing a lack of public input due to the early meeting time and holiday weekend. He emphasized the need for economic development in Carlisle, particularly in light of rising poverty rates, and called for a more inclusive discussion on how to honor the borough's historical character without hindering future growth.
Jim Torrance, a descendant of John Hayes, expressed his hope that the council would consult the Hayes family regarding how best to honor their legacy, suggesting that this should not solely involve preserving specific buildings.
The meeting concluded with a clear call from multiple stakeholders for the council to delay the vote on the ordinance, allowing for further community engagement and consideration of the implications for both historical preservation and economic development in Carlisle.
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