Approximately 100 residents showed up at the Firefighters Activity Center Tuesday night to participate in a community town hall and hear updates about Shippensburg’s future.
Moderated by Chamber of Commerce Chair Wendy Kipe, the night featured updates from a dozen individuals, including Shippensburg Mayor Kathy Coy, Shippensburg University President Charles Patterson and Shippensburg Police Department Chief of Police Thomas Young, among others.
First hosted in 2024, local officials aimed to make a community town hall an annual event with the possibility to host a second later in 2025 if needed.
Young’s report sparked the most feedback of the night, including several residents concerned with the lack of resources within the police department.
In 2024, the department dealt with more than 8,000 complaints while having a modified second shift and no third shift, according to Young. This comes as the department lost four officers in the past year, including two who relocated to higher-paying departments.
“We’re about one officer away from not having a second shift,” Young said.
Ten individuals have applied to join the Shippensburg Police department in the past year, but all were disqualified for various reasons.
“There is nothing coming that we can even look forward to,” Young said.
During the Q&A session, Young and Coy were asked what can be done to encourage more individuals to join Shippensburg’s police force.
“There’s a shortage for all officers,” Coy said. “This is a nationwide problem.”
In additional news, Shippensburg Township supervisor John Knutelsky shared updates on several construction projects planned for 2025.
The much-anticipated Chipotle, currently being built on Conestoga Drive, is slated for a June opening, Knutelsky said. Additionally, there are plans for a 90-room hotel to be built behind the Dunkin’ on Walnut Bottom Road and sidewalk to be paved from Burger King to Tractor Supply along the same road.
Borough Council President Mike Fague noted that Wawa is still expected in Shippensburg but to not “cross your fingers yet.” Fague also said an extended road closure for a bridge repair project by Rita’s on King Street is expected later this year.
Community Coordinator Michaela Wetzel previewed several events set to take place throughout the year, including the inaugural All Ages Egg Hunt, sponsored by Parx Casino, on April 19.
Further information about events happening throughout Shippensburg can be found at Shippensburg.org.
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