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.
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.
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.
Intergovernmental Water Authority MOU
An intermunicipal agreement between Millcreek Township, Greene Township, and Erie Water Works was advanced to coordinate regional utility services.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FY2026 CDBG Action Plan
The township is applying for federal housing and urban development funds to support community projects.
Police Department Accreditation
The Millcreek Police Department was officially recognized as one of only 209 accredited police agencies in Pennsylvania.
Public Comment Policy and Meeting Transparency
Everyone now gets three minutes to comment; Millcreek residents who sign up in writing five days ahead get five minutes and speak first. Some residents questioned accessibility for those without email.
Airport Truck Traffic Damaging Grant Avenue
Candy Horm counted 80 loaded tri-axle trucks an hour on Grant Avenue from airport runway work and asked about road bonds for damage. The board promised to look into it and ask contractors to use a different route.
Keeping Backyard Chickens and Ducks in R-1 Districts
A resident asked to keep backyard chickens and ducks for family education and egg production. Neighbors strongly objected, pointing to wildlife predators, sanitation concerns, and the preservation of residential quiet.
Community planner position and Renaissance Block Grant
The board backed a community planner position — half-funded by an ECGRA Renaissance Block Grant — with a $100,000 township match over two years. Chairman Bock questioned whether the program's blight focus fits the neighborhood, since code enforcement found only seven active cases there.
Bridge preservation funding
The township signed onto a PennDOT grant agreement to preserve the Garries Road and Zimmerly Road bridges over Walnut Creek using $1.34 million in federal funds — no local match required.
CDBG Sidewalk Project and Sidewalk Deferrals
Phase 2 of sidewalk replacement in low-moderate income areas was awarded at $83,105, part of the township's ADA lawsuit settlement obligations.
Peach Street Partnership Minor Subdivision
A minor subdivision plan was reviewed to adjust property lines and remove a parking lot encroachment onto a residential parcel at West Gore Road and Richmond Street.
Scott D. Schwartz Small Subdivision
A small subdivision plan was reviewed to split a previously combined property back into two separate 10,800 square foot lots for a home and business.
Powell Avenue Sidewalk Deferral
Supervisors approved a sidewalk deferral for a Powell Avenue property owner after noting no other homes on that side have sidewalks.
Peninsula Drive Trail Extension
The long-awaited bike trail from the peninsula toward the Tom Ridge Environmental Center got a fifth deadline extension. Costs ballooned from $4 million to $10 million, so the current phase was shortened to the base of the hill.
Rear Yard Setback Variance at 2536 N. Tracy Drive
Homeowners wanted to build a sunroom on their back patio, but local setback rules got in the way. Since front and side building lines made other additions impossible, the board granted the variance so they could move forward.
School District Electronic Message Center Signs
The Millcreek Township School District received approval for electronic message center sign variances across six school properties to standardize signage and improve communication. Neighbors raised concerns about nighttime light pollution, prompting school officials to confirm that the signs will include automatic dimming technology and be shut off between 9:00 and 9:30 p.m.
Firefighter Residency Requirements and Staffing
Residents raised concerns that several full-time firefighters, including leadership, reside out of state in Ohio, prompting discussions on municipal residency policies.
Proposed code enforcement ordinances 2026-2 and 2026-3
New ordinances would set uniform fines of $250-$600 for civil code violations and $250-$1,000 for summary offenses, with a vote expected March 24.
Love Road Pump Station Storm Repairs
A falling tree knocked out the Love Road pump station's electrical service, generator and fencing in December. Repairs totaling about $42,250 were awarded, and insurance is already reimbursing the township.
Wolf Road Subdivision and Neighborhood Character
A plan to create a buildable lot from 5000 Watson Road drew concern from an adjacent homeowner worried infill housing would change the character of the established neighborhood. The Board approved it because the revised plan meets township rules.
Traffic Signal Study at Route 99 and Golf Club Road
The board agreed to ask PennDOT to study whether a traffic signal is warranted at Route 99 (Edinboro Road) and Golf Club Road/Springhill Senior Living driveway — a response to resident concerns about dangerous traffic there.
Bicycle Lane Infrastructure
A resident who bikes to meetings urged pilot bike lane projects connecting downtown to destinations like Wegmans, citing dangerous gaps. Staff pointed to the county's long-range transportation plan update, which prioritizes bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
Medical Office Parking Variance at 5008 West Ridge Road
An applicant requested permission to build 33 parking spaces instead of the maximum 16 allowed by code for a 2,500-square-foot medical office, arguing that medical practices require significantly more parking than general professional offices.
Office Building Parking Variance on Village Common Drive
An applicant requested a variance for 66 parking spaces instead of the maximum 59 to support an office building with approximately 60 employees.
Watson Road Subdivision and Easement Concerns
A property owner contested a lot split on Watson Road, arguing it was designed to bypass existing view and building easements. The planning commission ultimately recommended approval while noting private easement disputes are civil matters.
Waldameer Park Expansion Plan
Waldameer Park proposed expanding onto a former mobile home park site to add picnic shelters and overflow parking. The commission recommended approval with conditions for site plan corrections and a parking study.
Police Pension Contribution Rate
The township set the police pension contribution rate at 5.50% for 2026, keeping it level with the previous year.
Solicitor costs and fire chief residency
Former government study commissioner Art Oligeri criticized the township's high legal fees and the hiring of fire chiefs from out of state, arguing local candidates and volunteers were overlooked.
Election Guide
Election season is here, and this quick guide breaks down all the local races happening in November so you can head to the ballot box prepared. Know who's running before you vote!
Municipal Property Sale
Millcreek Township is thinking about selling off its historic golf course since local leaders believe running a muni isn't really the city's job. If you love playing a round there or just want to protect local green space, you'll definitely want to keep tabs on the upcoming council debates.
Recycling Program
Millcreek Township is hooking residents up with free recycling barrels to make upgrading your waste setup totally painless and free.