Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that a weekend closure is planned for a resurfacing project on Route 147 in Dauphin County. This project extends from Black Shoulder Lane in Halifax Township north through Millersburg Borough to Tarry Hall Road in Upper Paxton Township.

Weather permitting, Route 147 will be closed between Pearl Street in Upper Paxton Township and Keystone Street in Millersburg Borough from 8:00 PM Friday, April 24, to 6:00 AM Monday, April 27. The closure is needed so the contractor can remove and backfill an abandoned culvert.

A weekend detour will be in place using Route 209, Wiconisco Street and Center Street.

This work is part of a 4.8-mile resurfacing project that consists of milling, paving, base repairs, drainage replacement, guiderail upgrades, ADA ramps, new signs, new pavement markings, and other related construction activities.

All other work will be performed during daylight hours under flagging.

New Enterprise Stone and Lime Company, Inc., of New Enterprise, PA, is the contractor for this $4,333,187 project. All work is expected to be completed by November 13, 2026.

Drivers can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,200 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.

Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.pa.gov/DOTprojects. Subscribe to PennDOT news and find transportation results in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties at www.pa.gov/DOTdistrict8.  

Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Working America, a community affiliate of the AFL-CIO, will again be conducting a door-to-door organizing drive in the greater Gratz Borough starting 08 April 2026, and continuing at least through 08 August 2026.  

For the weeks of 04/08/26 – 08/08/26 our canvassers will be in your county’s area. If this changes dramatically I will send further updates to assist officers by providing the most accurate information available. 

The purpose of this letter is to ensure the safety of our staff, and to provide you with background information on Working America and our canvassing operation, so that you are aware of our activities and have the information you need to respond to any inquiries about our work. Please notify all police officers and dispatch of our presence so that they are aware of our constitutionally-protected right to engage in our membership drive.

Working America is a chartered affiliate of the AFL-CIO with over five million members who are associate members of the AFL-CIO.  Working America is a not-for-profit 501(c)(5) labor organization that engages in education, and legislative and political advocacy, in support of good jobs, education, living wages, secure pensions, affordable health care, retirement security, and other issues of importance to working families. 

Working America’s canvassers are professionally trained and may at times carry prominently displayed picture identification cards or wear red safety vests that display their affiliation with Working America.  The purpose of our membership drive is to educate working people about issues that affect them, sign up new members, and at times receive voluntary dues from our members.  Our organizers do not sell any kind of products. Our canvassing typically operates in the late afternoon and evening, from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. – the hours when working people are most likely to be home.  Courts have recognized the right of canvassers to canvass during these hours, notwithstanding any local or state curfews.  See Ohio Citizen Action v. City of Englewood, slip opinion 10-3265/3293 (6th Cir. 2012); City of Watseka v. Illinois Public Action Council, 796 F.2d 1547 (7th Cir. 1985) ; New Jersey Citizen Action v. Edison Township, 797 F.2d 1250 (3d Cir. 1986)

As a courtesy to all communities in which we canvass, we notify each town or city before starting work there.  We have attached the AFL-CIO resolution establishing Working America as a chartered affiliate, and a letter from the Internal Revenue Service recognizing our tax-exempt status under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code as an affiliate of the AFL-CIO.  

Because Working America is engaged in constitutionally-protected political speech in its canvassing operation, it is not required to obtain a permit prior to engaging in this activity.  Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of New York v. Village of Stratton 536 U.S. 150 (2002) ; Ser Empl Intl Union v. Mun Mt Lebanon, 04-4646 (3rd Cir. 2006). Please notify all police officers and dispatch of our presence so that they are aware of our constitutionally-protected right to engage in our membership drive.

We look forward to talking with residents in your community about Working America and its advocacy in support of working families.  Feel free to give us a call at any time with any questions.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Gratz Borough is moving forward with a major infrastructure improvement project that will transform Market Street and enhance safety, accessibility, and overall appearance throughout the community.

Borough officials recently announced that the project will begin in early 2027, following the award of an $800,000 Multimodal Transportation Grant received this year. The funding represents the first phase of what is expected to be a multi-year effort to fully upgrade the Market Street corridor.

Rather than a single construction project, the Borough is taking a long-term approach. Officials plan to apply for additional Multimodal grants each year until the full scope of improvements are completed.

A Full Corridor Upgrade — Not Just Paving

The Market Street Improvement Project is designed as a comprehensive corridor upgrade extending from West Street through East Street, including several key intersections throughout the Borough.

The work will go far beyond resurfacing. Plans include new sidewalks, upgraded curbing, improved pedestrian crossings, modern lighting, and drainage improvements that address long-standing infrastructure concerns.

This is not just a paving project, it’s about making Market Street safer, more walkable, and more visually appealing for residents and visitors alike.

Addressing Existing Conditions

Current conditions along Market Street have highlighted the need for investment. Many sidewalks are uneven or deteriorated, intersections can be difficult for pedestrians to navigate, and drainage issues have contributed to roadway wear over time.

The corridor also experiences regular truck traffic, which has placed additional strain on both the roadway and surrounding infrastructure.

What Residents Can Expect

When completed, the improvements will significantly change the look and function of Market Street.

New sidewalks and ADA-compliant curb ramps will make it easier for residents of all ages to move through town. High-visibility crosswalks and updated signage will improve pedestrian safety, while upgraded lighting will enhance visibility at night.

The project will also include new curbing, restoration of the grass plots, and improved drainage systems to help prevent standing water and long-term deterioration.

A Multi-Year Investment in the Community

The full project is expected to be completed in phases as funding becomes available. With the initial grant secured, Borough officials will continue pursuing additional funding opportunities to move the project forward year by year.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, with future phases expanding the improvements further along the corridor.

While some temporary disruptions are expected during construction, Borough leaders emphasize that the long-term benefits will far outweigh the inconvenience.

Looking Ahead

The Market Street Improvement Project represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments in Gratz Borough in recent years. Beyond improving roads and sidewalks, the project is intended to strengthen the community’s long-term stability and enhance everyday life for residents.

Updates, construction schedules, and additional information will be shared as the project progresses.

Street Sweeping Scheduled – Week of April 6

Gratz Borough will conduct annual street sweeping during the week of April 6. Residents are asked to watch for posted sweeping times on their streets and move vehicles when crews are scheduled in your area so equipment can safely and effectively clean the streets.

Street sweeping helps remove winter debris and dirt from roadways, improving drainage and helping keep the borough looking its best for spring.

Annual Spring Clean-Up – May 16

Gratz Borough’s Annual Spring Clean-Up Day will take place on Saturday, May 16 at the Community Center parking lot.

This event is an opportunity for residents to help spruce up their properties by assisting with general clean-up activities around town.

Volunteers are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Anyone interested in helping should meet at the Community Center parking lot the morning of the event.

More details will be shared as the date approaches.

Thank you for helping keep Gratz Borough clean and looking its best for the spring season.

Gratz Borough understands that many residents maintain project vehicles, antique cars, or vehicles being prepared for local events such as the Gratz Fair demolition derby. The Borough’s goal is not to interfere with these activities, but to address situations where abandoned or inoperable vehicles create long-term property maintenance concerns. In most cases, the CORE Program focuses on communication and voluntary compliance first, and Borough Council is willing to work with residents who are actively maintaining or preparing vehicles. Ordinances (Prop Maint- Section 302.8)

The CORE Program (Community Ordinance & Regulation Enforcement) helps the Borough address common property maintenance concerns by providing notices and information to residents when issues are observed.

The goal of the program is to encourage voluntary compliance through communication and cooperation. In most cases, residents are simply given information and time to correct an issue. If a concern is not resolved, the matter may be referred to the Borough’s Code Enforcement Officer for further review in accordance with existing ordinances.

Residents with questions are always encouraged to contact the Borough Office so concerns can be addressed cooperatively.

Visit CORE Program or email us at core@gratzboro.com

AN ORDINANCE OF GRATZ BOROUGH AMENDING THE GRATZ BOROUGH ZONING ORDINANCE TO DEFINE AND REVISE PERMITTED AREAS FOR DATA CENTERS

The proposed ordinance amends the Gratz Borough Zoning Ordinance by revising Part 2 (Definitions), Part 5 (Table of Land Uses), and Part 6 (Supplemental Regulations) to establish comprehensive regulations for Data Centers, Data Center Accessory Structures, Data Center Power Substations, and Data Center Campuses.

Among other provisions, the ordinance:

1. Defines data center–related uses;
2. Permits Data Centers by Conditional Use in the I-1 Industrial District;
3. Establishes height, setback, buffering, and noise standards;
4. Regulates backup generators, fuel storage, energy generation, and emergency response planning;
5. Imposes extensive water supply, water usage, and water impact study requirements, including bonding; and
6. Creates an Industrial–Agricultural Data Center Overlay District, with additional protections for agricultural operations, residences, and natural resources.

A copy of the full proposed ordinance may be examined without charge or obtained for a charge not greater than the cost thereof at the Gratz Borough Office, 125 N. Center Street, Gratz, PA, 17030, during regular business hours. The full text of the proposed ordinance is also available upon request from the Borough Secretary.

All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting and will be given an opportunity to be heard.

Sean W. Logsdon, Esquire, Gratz Borough Solicitor, 85 Drasher Rd., Drums, PA  18222