Council Special - 2026-03-11
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
Lancaster County Council held a special meeting focused on public safety infrastructure and the Haven Development Project. Council discussed a new EMT response program allowing firefighters to operate as EMTs countywide through an MOU between EMS and Fire Rescue, which could be implemented within 30 days at minimal cost. The Haven Development discussion revealed that current EMS and fire services cannot adequately serve the proposed 900-home development without new infrastructure, with staff directed to provide comprehensive cost analysis for fire and EMS stations needed across multiple growth areas including Haven, Harrisburg Road, and Edgewater.
Key Decisions (5)
Comporium Communications Easement Grant - Ordinance 2026-023
First reading approved for temporary construction and permanent easement grant to Comporium Communications for underground utilities at detention center site, tax parcel 0068-0F-023.00 off Highway 9.
Duke Energy Easement Grant - Ordinance 2026-024
First reading approved for temporary construction and permanent easement grant to Duke Energy Carolinas LLC for underground utilities at detention center site, tax parcel 0068-0F-023.00 off Highway 9.
Lancaster County Natural Gas Authority Easement Grant - Ordinance 2026-025
First reading approved for temporary construction and permanent easement grant to Lancaster County Natural Gas Authority for underground utilities at detention center site, tax parcel 0068-0F-023.00 off Highway 9.
EMT Response Program for County-Wide Fire Rescue
Council discussed and expressed support for implementing an MOU between Lancaster County EMS and Fire Rescue to allow firefighters to operate as EMTs countywide. Program would add EMT-level coverage from all firefighters (paid and volunteer) at minimal cost - approximately $203 per apparatus for supplies plus $5,000 additional for medical control. Could be operational within 30 days.
Haven Development Project Infrastructure Discussion
Council deferred decision on Haven Development (900 homes over 10 years) pending comprehensive analysis of public safety infrastructure costs. EMS and Fire chiefs confirmed current services cannot adequately serve the development. Developer Lennar has offered land for fire/EMS station and rooftop fees of approximately $15,000 per house.
Development Activity (8)
Haven Development Project
Approximately 900 single-family homes over 10-year term. Developer offering land for fire/EMS station and rooftop fees of approximately $15,000 per house. Adjacent to proposed Roseland development (additional 900 homes).
Lancaster County Detention Center
$90 million project, approximately 50% complete with $43.7 million spent to date. 95% of concrete tilt panels installed. Substantial completion targeted for December 2026 with January 2027 turnover. Includes waterline extension from Highway 521 and road widening project.
Roseland Development
Approximately 900 homes planned adjacent to Haven Development.
Edgewater Development
Potential 10,000-15,000 homes on 1,200 acres. Development agreement dates to 1999 with provisions exempting developer from future fees. County contractually obligated to provide fire/EMS station on 20 acres to be donated.
Riverchase Development
Developer owes county $2-2.5 million for fire station and must provide land. Station would be part of Riverside Fire District.
Van Wyke EMS Station
New EMS station designed for two ambulance crews, funded through capital penny sales tax.
Heath Springs EMS Station
New EMS station with more acreage than Van Wyke location, designed for two crews.
Harrisburg Road Fire Station (Station 3)
Land already acquired, $2 million set aside for construction. Station has deadline approaching but has not been funded for construction.
Market Signals (6)
Housing Demand
Lancaster County population grew 33.7% from 2014-2024 per US Census, adding nearly 3,000 new residents in 2024 alone (10.71 people per day), creating significant pressure on public safety infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Current EMS station behind Pizza Hut on Highway 521 is the busiest in the county but operates from a single-bay facility with only two staff, indicating severe infrastructure constraints in high-growth corridor.
Labor
Lancaster County losing EMS personnel to Chester County and other jurisdictions due to non-competitive 24-on/48-off schedules; most competitors have transitioned to 24-on/72-off schedules.
Housing Demand
Council member noted young professionals and hospital staff are not moving to Lancaster area due to lack of appropriate housing options, suggesting unmet demand for workforce housing.
Sentiment
Council expressed concern that Indian Land and Van Wyke residents pay fire fees while also subsidizing fire services in southern county areas that lack fee districts, indicating political pressure for equitable cost distribution.
Infrastructure
Fire apparatus costs approximately $1.32 million per unit; fire station construction with living quarters estimated at $9 million; staffing three captains and three engineers costs approximately $627,000 annually.