Citizen Statements from the Carlisle Borough Council Meeting on November 13, 2025 (not related to the Community Trust and Local Autonomy Ordinance)
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- Ongoing Push for PennDOT Road Paving
- Concerns Regarding Housing Instability and the Unhoused Community
- Demand for Cable/Internet Competition
- Advocacy for Community Energy Programs
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Ongoing Push for PennDOT Road Paving
James Evans, speaking during the Opportunity for Citizens and Visitors to be Heard, addressed ongoing issues with road paving, specifically concerning state roads like South Hanover Street and High Street. Evans reported that PennDOT cited budget shortfalls for their inability to pave the final two blocks of South Hanover, connecting High Street to the new roundabout. He urged the public and the Borough to continue pressing PennDOT (District 8) to complete the paving of that section and High Street, noting that the roads are currently “truly terrible”. A council member reinforced the importance of continuous citizen pressure on PennDOT. Eric Smith later supported this concern, pointing out that Carlisle’s roads experience heavy wear and tear because PennDOT mandated the downtown area remain open for freight traffic decades ago.
Concerns Regarding Housing Instability and the Unhoused Community
Owen Parker utilized the public comment period to raise concerns about the recent clearing of unhoused neighbors from the central square, which is county property. Parker explained that many unhoused individuals lack functioning phones or consistent places to congregate, making coordination of help and mutual support extremely difficult following the clearing. Parker presented immediate short-term solutions, requesting that Council consider opening emergency shelters early or making a park with a good windbreak available for camping that is within a sub-30-minute walk of the town center. Parker emphasized the need for methodologies that are flexible, locally implementable, and meet the individuals where they are.
Demand for Cable/Internet Competition
Dr. Gary Blacksmith, a resident and former member of the Cable Communications System Advisory Commission, spoke about the lack of competition for cable and internet services in the Walnut Court area. He recalled a 2004 agreement with Comcast/Xfinity that stipulated serving the entire Borough. Blacksmith stated that newer providers like Glo Fiber and Brightspeed have failed to install underground fiber in Walnut Court due to the expense, leaving residents subject to a single provider. He criticized the Council’s prior agreement with Glo Fiber, alleging it was flawed because it did not include a specific time period for them to complete installation across the entire Borough, instead allowing them to wait until installation was “economically feasible”.
Advocacy for Community Energy Programs
Eric Smith spoke in support of two items on the regular agenda related to renewable electricity. Smith advocated for the creation of Community Energy Programs, which would allow multiple municipalities to collectively bargain and buy energy for residents, thereby counteracting the “monopoly on energy utilities” currently in place. He noted that such programs are presently illegal at the state level, and the resolutions request the Pennsylvania Legislature to pass enabling legislation. Smith argued that these local efforts underscore the importance of Carlisle’s Home Rule charter in fighting against the dictates of Harrisburg, Washington, and corporate interests. State Representative Barb Glime, who was in attendance, confirmed her support for the initiative.
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