GDG- preservation and living in Gettysburg

[Michael Brubaker]

After reading the Christian Science Monitor article, it brings up a continuing debate among locals in Gettysburg(at least my circle of friends and neighbors).  How much preservation is enough preservation?  Is the land currently managed by the NPS enough to allow development to occur in other areas?  My wife and I moved to Gettysburg 3 years ago because we liked the town and wanted to raise our kids there.  Soon after moving there, from a highly developed area in Maryland, we began to realize that the small-town charm came with some inconveniences.  For example, need a hammer? The nearest Home Depot/Lowe's is a half hour away in Hanover.  Want to eat at a popular chain restaurant?  Half-hour to Hanover.  Want to catch a movie? Half hour to Hanover.  Now, there is talk of a new Target shopping center(YEA!), a Home Depot shopping center, a larger outlet mall, etc. etc. being planned for primarily the Route 30 corridor heading towards York.  We are
 ecstatic, less drive to everywhere.  BUT, hold the presses, I've already heard rumors of preservationists claiming the historical significance of York Road and that these shopping centers should not be allowed to be built.  I'm sorry, but for those of you that drive into town on Route 30, is there anything historically worth saving on that stretch of road currently?  No.  

Sorry to vent, but it sometimes seems like the most vocal preservationists are those who don't live in Gettysburg full-time and want this "town in a bubble" to come and visit when able.  You have to remember that Gettysburg is a living breathing and dare I say it, growing town and I think the two sides can coexist just fine.  Why can't we leave the National Park land protected as it is and there's plenty of it, and let growth and development occur in the other areas of town?  That's my two cents.  

Mike Brubaker



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