Hanover, Pa. – The Borough of Hanover is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents and fostering a sense of community by providing efficient, accessible, and innovative public services. Several scenarios to achieve that end have been evaluated, most recently the relocation of the public works campus to Cougar Drive and the creation of a new administrative / public safety building on North Street. While that plan was under consideration, an unexpected, viable and cost-effective option became available.
Therefore, the Hanover Borough Council is pleased to announce its intent to acquire (the acquisition) the TrueNorth Wellness Services facility, located at 33 Frederick Street, across from the main Borough building at 44 Frederick Street. Upon the completion of renovations, 33 Frederick Street will serve as the new Public Administration Facility, while the current building at 44 Frederick Street will become the Borough’s Public Safety Facility, creating a Downtown Municipal Center and keeping key services centered downtown. These two projects cumulatively represent a significant milestone in our ongoing dedication to serving our vibrant and growing community.
The new Public Administration Facility will offer an array of modern amenities and services. This historic building has previously undergone comprehensive renovations to meet contemporary building standards for security and accessibility. Additional proposed improvements include but are not limited to:
- Renovated lobby area redesigned for enhanced functionality and public access.
- Improved office spaces to ensure efficiency and comfort for our dedicated public servants.
- Meeting space equipped with modern audiovisual, lighting, and security features for productive gatherings.
- Community-friendly facilities consisting of multiple rooms available for community use, training, events, and more, addressing the void of available space in the current Borough Hall.
- Dedicated resident and business suite for residents and businesses to manage permit and code enforcement-related needs.
The current Borough building situated at 44 Frederick Street will undergo a comprehensive "wall-to-wall" renovation to create a new Public Safety Facility. This modernized facility will provide critical updates, ensuring the safety and efficiency of public services, including but not limited to:
- Emergency Operations Center will provide a central hub for Borough leadership and public safety officials to manage natural disasters and emergency incidents.
- Hanover Area Fire and Rescue will secure space for the fire chief and support staff, facilitating faster response and coordination.
- Enhanced evidence storage and processing space will ensure the integrity and security of evidence.
- Improved officer wellness and training facilities will prioritize the well-being and proficiency of our law enforcement and public safety officers.
- Enhanced criminal processing facilities will enable the efficient handling of detainees before their transfer to offsite detention facilities.
The project is estimated to cost $11 million, generously supported by a $5.5 million Pennsylvania State RACP grant and a $5.5 million capital building reserve fund, primarily funded by federal ARPA/Covid allocations. The finalization of facility locations marks the end of a thorough three-year process undertaken by Borough staff and the Hanover Borough Council Public Works and Facilities Committee.
The next phase will focus on the design and renovation of 33 Frederick Street, set to commence construction in the first quarter of the upcoming year, with an expected completion date in late 2024 or early 2025. Work on the Public Safety Facility will kick off in mid-2024, with construction scheduled to start in early 2025.
Though other plans were considered, including moving the Public Works campus to Cougar Drive and building a new administrative / public safety facility on North Street, relocating services to the property at 33 Frederick Street promises to efficiently serve both the short and long-term needs of Hanover Borough residents and business owners, all while maintaining a downtown presence at the heart of our community and easy access to public works services on North Street.
With these projects moving forward, staff will continue their efforts to identify needed improvements and potential facilities for both the Public Works Department and the Water Resources Department. These future capital building projects will address necessary upgrades to Hanover’s infrastructure systems, as well as improved amenities for Borough staff of both departments.
The Borough of Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania, was incorporated in 1815. It is governed by the Borough Council, overseen by the Borough Manager, and staffed by administrative, public service, public works, sewer, water, refuse and engineering professionals. Known as the Snack Food Capital of the World, Hanover is home, not only to numerous food industries, but also to manufacturing, technology, and sales and service. Hanover Borough offices, located at 44 Frederick Street, can be reached at 717-637-3877 or online at info@HanoverBoroughPA.gov.
More information is also available at www.HanoverBoroughPA.gov.