News

Franklin County Department of Emergency Services is currently facing an unprecedented staffing shortage. This has been an extremely difficult period for our team, and it is not due to a lack of effort or commitment. Our telecommunicators have been working tirelessly to continue providing essential, life-saving service to the residents and visitors of Franklin County.

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Mercersburg, Franklin

County, Pennsylvania that Borough Council will consider a proposed zoning ordinance amendment at

the regularly scheduled public meeting of the Council of the Borough of Mercersburg on July 13, 2026,

at 7:00 p.m.

The title of the proposed Ordinance is: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF MERCERSBURG,

FRANKLIN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, REPEALING AND REPLACING ORDINANCE 10–6 (NUISANCE

ORDINANCE) AND ORDINANCE 7–2 (WEED ORDINANCE) AND ADOPTING UPDATED REGULATIONS

GOVERNING NUISANCES, PROPERTY MAINTENANCE, NONROADWORTHY VEHICLES, HIGH GRASS

AND WEEDS, UNSAFE STRUCTURES, NOTICE PROCEDURES, ABATEMENT, AND PENALTIES WITHIN

THE BOROUGH OF MERCERSBURG

If adopted, the ordinance amendment would prohibit and remove any nuisance or dangerous

structure on public or private grounds, including, but not limited to, accumulations of garbage and

rubbish, the storage of abandoned or junked automobiles and obstructions or nuisances in the streets

and authorizes the Borough to adopt and enforce a property maintenance code.

This Ordinance shall take effect immediately.

An attested copy of the proposed Ordinance Amendment may be examined without charge at the

Mercersburg Borough Office, 113 South Main Street, Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, during regular

business hours. A copy will be provided upon request without charge. An attested copy of the

proposed Ordinance has also been filed with the newspaper publishing this notice and at the Franklin

County Law Library, 100 Lincoln Way East, Suite E, Chambersburg, PA.

In honor of Juneteenth, our office will be closed this Friday, June 19th. We look forward to serving you again when we re‑open Monday

As warmer weather brings more children, families, and pedestrians outdoors, the Borough is issuing an expanded safety reminder to all motorists traveling through our community. Increased foot traffic—especially near residential areas, parks, and crosswalks—requires drivers to remain alert, reduce speed, and exercise heightened caution at all times.

Recent Safety Concerns

Borough staff and residents have recently observed multiple vehicles traveling at elevated speeds, particularly along the curve entering the Borough on Route 16. This location is of special concern because:

• A pedestrian crosswalk is located immediately around the curve, limiting driver visibility.
• Vehicles traveling at increased speeds have reduced reaction time, significantly raising the risk of a pedestrian being struck.
• Children and families frequently use this crossing, especially during warmer months.

Drivers approaching this area must slow down, remain attentive, and be prepared to stop.

Enforcement Restrictions for Borough Police

Under Pennsylvania Vehicle Code 75 Pa. C.S. § 3368, borough and municipal police are prohibited from using RADAR and LIDAR (laser) devices for speed enforcement. These tools are reserved exclusively for the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP).

While this restriction limits the technology available to local officers, motorists are still fully responsible for driving safely and lawfully throughout the Borough.

Community Safety Expectations

• Stopping at Crosswalks — Drivers must come to a complete stop for pedestrians who are within a marked or unmarked crosswalk. This is especially critical at the Route 16 curve where visibility is limited.
• No Parking on Sidewalks — Sidewalks must remain unobstructed for pedestrians, children, strollers, and mobility‑impaired residents.
  
  • Curb and Sidewalk Ordinance 7‑11 regulates sidewalk use.
  • Vehicles found parked on or blocking sidewalks will be in violation of Borough ordinance and subject to enforcement action.

Community Commitment

Your cooperation directly contributes to a safer environment for everyone using the Borough’s streets, sidewalks, and public spaces. Please remain attentive, reduce speed—especially near curves and crosswalks—and help protect the children and families who call our community home.

Matt Moxley

Borough Manager