Reporter's Notebook: North Middleton ponders slip ramp installation

North Middleton Township supervisors have asked Carlisle Events for clarification on how a proposed slip ramp off the Pennsylvania Turnpike would benefit township residents, businesses and taxpayers.

The supervisors agreed last week to send a letter welcoming more information as the car show promoter moves forward in its talks with the Turnpike Commission.

Carlisle Events asked the township to support the installation of a slip ramp at K Street to help alleviate traffic congestion coming to the seasonal car shows.

The plan is to have an unmanned interchange for E-Z Pass motorists only that would exit close to the Carlisle Fairgrounds, where the car shows are held.

Bill Miller of Carlisle Events addressed a July 19 letter to Robert Reisinger, chairman of the township board of supervisors. In it, Miller asked for a letter of support saying such backing would show the turnpike commission that a slip ramp is "worth more than simple consideration but... forward movement."

The proposed site of the ramp off K Street (popularly known as Cave Hill) was once the western extreme of the turnpike. The exit was closed in 1951. The idea of a slip ramp was most recently proposed in 2009. Then as now, the supervisors wanted more information especially on the cost.

South Middleton Township

Township supervisors this week may consider backing an effort to lobby local, state and federal officials to keep the Army Heritage and Education Center in Cumberland County.

On the agenda for Thursday is a joint resolution between Cumberland County and Carlisle area municipalities declaring that closing AHEC or any of its directorates would have a significant negative impact on the regional economy.

Last week, supervisors in Middlesex and North Middleton townships passed the resolution, which added the combination of Carlisle Barracks, the U.S. Army War College and AHEC not only benefits the economy but plays a pivotal role in the development, education and support of military leaders and the Department of Defense.

In early April, news broke of a proposal under review at the Pentagon to close AHEC and transfer its mission to the U.S. Army Center for Military History at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C.

Military

• Maj. Gen. Gregg Martin, commandant of the Army War College, will present a lecture at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, entitled "Transforming the Army: A ‘Wicked Problem' for Strategic Leaders.

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