Residents protest proposed $20 million building in York County township

(Harrisburg) — More than 1,500 residents in a York County township have signed a petition opposing the construction of a new government administration building.

Commissioners in Spring Garden Township proposed the $20 million building to consolidate township operations and add more space for recreation.

But Sean Clark, organizer of the Friends of Spring Garden group, says the proposed facility is far more than what the township needs, describing it as the Taj Mahal.

He says residents recognize there’s a need, but they think there are better options than the one currently getting considered.

“We’re not opposed to improvements. We’re not opposed to a municipal facility upgrade, that’s not what the community is crying out about. What we’re petitioning about is fiscally responsible alternatives,” says Clark.

Clark says the township should look at building a new, smaller facility on a site that’s already developed to save money.

“We are a conservative township. We are filled with fiscally responsible citizens and we just want to see some options that make more sense than what they’ve put in front of us,” he adds.

Spring Garden Township commissioners are set to provide an update on the project in a meeting tonight.

A final decision isn’t expected for months.