Millcreek Township · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Millcreek Township public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
West Lake Road lot split (RYNO Erie Real Estate LLC)
A property owner wants to divide 3122 West Lake Road into two buildable lots of roughly an acre each. If the commission and later the supervisors sign off, it could mean a new lot available for development along the West Lake Road corridor.
Rezoning of 16.3 acres at 5901 Wattsburg Road to Interstate Commercial
Nicholas Scott wants 16.3 acres near Interstate 90 and Wattsburg Road changed from Conservation Residential to Interstate Commercial zoning. Approval would allow commercial development along the interstate corridor instead of the low-density residential uses currently permitted.
Multi-Family Dwelling Variance at 3223 West 12th Street
Marie McDaniel is seeking a variance or nonconforming use status to operate a multi-family dwelling in a single-family residential zone.
In-Law Apartment Special Exception at 4709 Lawndale Drive
The Hicks case shows how the township handles existing in-law suites when homes change hands — here the special exception keeps a pending sale alive. One neighbor worried it sets a precedent for the single-family street.
Commercial Signage Size and Traffic Safety
A deep-set commercial lot on busy Peach Street got permission to double its pole sign to 225 square feet so tenants in a newly expanded building are visible from the road. The township's 32-square-foot freestanding limit was the hurdle.
Sign Regulations Variance at 5942 Peach Street
Rodney Williams is requesting relief from commercial sign regulations for a property located in the C1 Corridor Commercial District.
School District Parking Variance at 1001 West 54th Street
The school district is asking for a parking variance to accommodate a building addition in a residential zone.
Legacy multi-family homes misclassified as single-family
A West 12th Street house has operated as three rental units for decades, but township records never showed it. The variance now protects the owner's ability to keep renting — and to sell the property as what it actually is.
Intergovernmental Water Authority MOU
An intermunicipal agreement between Millcreek Township, Greene Township, and Erie Water Works was advanced to coordinate regional utility services.
Belle Valley District Fire Station Feasibility Study
The Fire Commission recommended canceling Belle Valley's 1998 agreement and tying state relief funds to the 2024 agreement. Belle Valley's president and West Ridge leaders warned this could undermine volunteer fire protection and called it political retaliation. No board vote was taken tonight, but the dispute is clearly heading toward one.
Transition Advisory Committee legal counsel
The TAC needs a lawyer to help draft the new administrative code for the incoming council-manager government. The board chose the solicitor's own firm at no extra hourly cost, over TAC members' push for an independent firm.
Recurring sewer backups on Pittsburgh Avenue
Ellen Minns described her third sewage backup in three years and pressed the township to meet with Erie City sewer officials. A joint meeting is being scheduled within two weeks, and downspout connections and pipe-size mismatches are on the agenda for that discussion.
Subdivision and Land Development Plans
The township evaluated multiple property subdivision and development proposals, including lot splits for residential properties and a commercial parking expansion for Marquette Savings Bank. These plans ensure proper lot sizing, access, and compliance with local zoning rules.
Automated License Plate Reader Cameras (Flock)
Residents again demanded the township cancel its Flock camera access before the contract auto-renews November 1, citing privacy and constitutional concerns. Supervisors said they own no cameras and cannot legally bar private property owners from using them, but critics insisted local action is possible.
SALDO and Stormwater Ordinance Updates
Proposed changes to the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) and local stormwater regulations were put under review to update standards for new construction and runoff management.
Neighborhood Traffic Safety and Speeding
A resident described a serious crash and asked for speed feedback signs, police patrols, and warning signage at the uncontrolled Spring Hill/Golf Club/Edinburgh intersection, where traffic will only grow with Summit Township development.
Stormwater Management and Development Plans
The township evaluated multiple property subdivision and development proposals, including lot splits for residential properties and a commercial parking expansion for Marquette Savings Bank. These plans ensure proper lot sizing, access, and compliance with local zoning rules.
Peach Street sidewalk gap closure
A grant application with Summit Township would fill the sidewalk gap on Peach Street from Wegmans to Chipotle, creating a seven-mile connected corridor from the bayfront to I-90. The township's share is about $134,000 with a $40,000 match budgeted for 2028.
Bridge Closure
The Old Sterrettania Bridge is shutting down for good because inspections showed it's dangerously outdated and the state won't pay to fix it. This means you're going to have to deal with annoying detours on your daily commute starting Friday.
Leaf Pickup
Fall leaf pickup in Millcreek Township starts next week, meaning it's time to rake your leaves to the curb before Waste Management crews arrive.
Blighted Property Designation
The city just slapped a 'blighted property' label on the house linked to a recent mass shooting, which clears the way for the government to finally step in and do something about the site. It's a big step toward dealing with a painful landmark in the community.
Herbert Rezoning Request at 4007 West 12th Street
A developer requested rezoning 3.2 acres from low-density residential to mixed-use corridor, drawing fierce pushback from neighbors worried about traffic, high-density housing, and property values. The board ultimately voted down the request following a Planning Commission recommendation to deny.
Marquette Savings Bank Parking and Access Alteration
Marquette Savings Bank is proposing a parking lot expansion that adds four spaces and alters access to Falmouth Road near West 38th Street. Neighbors raised questions about traffic safety and turning movements in the area.
Brush Collection
Millcreek Township is hosting its fall brush collection from September 14–18. Just bundle up your tree trimmings and throw them at the curb on your assigned day to get rid of your yard waste.
Floodplain Setback Variance for Residential Pool
Homeowners on Larchmont Drive sought permission to install an above-ground pool and deck close to Beaver Creek due to a lot constraint.
Storm Pipe Relining Infrastructure
A nearby business owner raised concerns about ongoing creek flooding and requested strict stormwater controls for the Purvis Industries development.
Zoning Code Amendments for Data Centers and Transitional Dwellings
Candy Horm asked why the township hasn't written rules for data centers yet. Staff said they'll designate where they'd be allowed — but there's no ordinance currently in the works.
Stormwater Management and Flooding Concerns at Purvis Industries Project
Residents testified about severe basement flooding and raw sewage backups during recent heavy rains, calling for stricter stormwater standards and financial assistance. The township also reviewed stormwater maintenance agreements for commercial and residential properties.
Volunteer and Paid Fire Department Relations
Resident Candy Horm asked why paid firefighters get township-funded training while volunteers don't. Officials noted volunteer departments previously received about $160,000 each in LST funds and can still seek funds through budget submissions.
Emergency Medical Dispatch Protocol Updates
The township updated its county dispatch protocols for Advanced Life Support (ALS) emergencies. If Millcreek Paramedics are unavailable, dispatch will automatically route the next closest ALS unit to ensure faster response times and better resource use.
Accessory Structure Regulations Without Principal Dwellings
Property owners are seeking flexibility to add carports and storage structures on lots without a primary house, balancing practical storage needs with neighborhood character.
Kelso Drive Residential Redevelopment
Property owners are rebuilding a single-family home and adding a large garage in an area zoned for commercial mixed use, maintaining the historic residential character of the neighborhood.
Comparison of Township Legal Fees
A resident argued the township's roughly $800,000 annual legal costs far exceed comparable townships and urged competitive bidding for solicitor services. The solicitor agreed periodic evaluation is reasonable, and Bock and Morris were open to it.
Route 5 Brake Retarder Prohibition
The township enacted an ordinance banning loud brake retarders ('Jake brakes') on State Route 5 between Asbury and Millfair roads following resident noise complaints and PennDOT study approval.
Project W Senior Housing Development
Neighbors of the proposed Project W senior housing development expressed concerns about traffic impacts, construction access, and neighborhood through-traffic on existing residential streets.
Government Transition and Administrative Code
Voters chose a new council-manager government taking effect in 2028, and the Board created a transition committee led by Dr. Morris and Director Waldinger. Residents can apply to serve through March 31, and several former study commission members pushed for open meetings and public input throughout.
Westminster Development Floodplain Variance Request
A developer wants to build commercial buildings and parking dangerously close to Walnut Creek, but neighbors are sounding the alarm about polluted runoff, contaminated drinking wells, and safety hazards near the steep cliff.
Zimmerly Road Commercial Development Near Walnut Creek Floodplain
Westminster Development sought to reduce a required 50-foot environmental setback from Walnut Creek down to 25 feet to build a commercial plaza, sparking heavy pushback from nearby residents over well water safety, stormwater runoff, and steep drop-off hazards.
Fire Code Updates and Inspection Program
The township now has a formal fire inspection program for existing buildings, run by the fire department, with the fire chief as fire code official. Property and business owners in certain occupancy categories can expect inspections.
E-bike and scooter safety
Resident Dennis McAndrew urged the board to consider an e-bike ordinance like North East's, saying some e-bikes can exceed 25 mph and endanger pedestrians.
Expanded 2026 Paving Program and Budget Amendment
The brutal winter wrecked more roads than budgeted, so the board added $875,787 to the paving budget — from reserves, not your taxes. Paving costs also jumped nearly 9% to $17.60 per square yard. Bock wants roads measured earlier in the year so next year's budget is more accurate.
Streetlight assessment fairness
Resident Edith Benson asked the board to study whether all township residents — not just those near a pole — should pay streetlight assessments, and whether the township should own the poles for better control over Penelec service.
Community Center progress
The township hired a project management firm for $45,000 to keep the Community Center moving, with occupancy possible January 1, 2027 — giving the township its first township-owned indoor rental space.
West Lake Road Commercial Rezoning
Two long-time business properties were rezoned to residential in the 2022 comprehensive rezoning, and the owners want MU-1 Neighborhood Mixed Use back so they can sell or operate. The Supervisors tabled both petitions and want the Planning Commission to look at adding two business parcels across the street so all four rezone together and avoid a spot-zoning challenge.
FY2026 CDBG Action Plan
The township is applying for federal housing and urban development funds to support community projects.
Erie City Mission Haven for Women and Children
The Erie City Mission received approval to convert the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel school into a 70-bed emergency facility for women and children in crisis, backed by strong neighborhood support and private funding.
Millfair Road Wireless Communication Facility Proposal
The Township leased a small unused slice of the Millfair compost site to Guardian Towers for $1,000 a year to explore building a cell tower; neighbors will be notified when the company seeks zoning approval.
Tower Ladder Fire Truck Procurement
The 23-year-old Westridge tower ladder has had two cable failures, and a replacement costs $2.2 million — nearly double the 2020 study's estimate. The board tabled the purchase to sort out financing, with Bock wary of a 15-year loan and a future board inheriting the decision.
Police Department Accreditation
The Millcreek Police Department was officially recognized as one of only 209 accredited police agencies in Pennsylvania.
Paper Street Expirations — Westminster Blvd and South Shore Drive
The township formally gave up long-expired rights to two never-built streets from 1920s subdivisions, letting abutting property owners claim the land — while keeping its sewer lines there.