• Ephrata Borough approves restrictive regulations on homeless shelters: Despite opposition from residents and recommendations from the county planning department, Ephrata Borough passed a policy Monday which requires winter homeless shelters to obtain approval from the borough council. The policy also restricts homeless shelters from operating in residential neighborhoods. About 70 residents were at the meeting to oppose it, but it passed 7-0. The regulation also defines the winter season as lasting between Dec. 21 and March 20. Ephrata currently has one winter shelter, run by Good Samaritan Services at the Living Room Church on State Street. (Source: LNP)
• Belmont Crossing development approved by Manheim Township: Manheim Township’s board of commissioners approved Monday night a new housing development across U.S. 30 from the Shoppes at Belmont. The Belmont Crossing development has been opposed by area residents due to traffic concerns. While the development was approved, the board and the developers plan to continue discussing the traffic management issue. The board shelved the developer’s plans to prevent left turns onto Lititz Pike from Hess Blvd. And Belmont Ave. using raised “pork chop curbs.” PennDOT has said that a traffic light will not be necessary at the intersection. The developers have committed to helping with the traffic flow issue despite state law not requiring developers to make off-site road improvements. (Source: LNP)
• Lancaster Museum of Art to undergo renovations: The Lancaster Museum of Art situated in Musser Park will undergo improvements to its roof, carpentry and masonry. The museum has been located in the 180-year-old Grubb Mansion since 1979. The building’s decades-old roof will need to be replaced. According to city parks manager Ryan Hunter the repairs are not for critical issues but for preservation’s sake. Contractors will have until May 1 to submit applications. The city expects to pay $150,000 to $200,000 for the work out of a general fund bond issued in 2022. The museum’s exhibition schedule will not be affected, and there will be minimal outdoor disruption. (Source: LNP)
• Harrisburg Jewish community recovering after fire at governor’s residence: While the Jewish community in Harrisburg has been particularly affected by the arson of the governor’s mansion, Gov. Shapiro, who is Jewish, offered hope and determination to the community. He said that the incident has not deterred him, and he says it should not deter the community either. Rabbi Marc Kline is thankful that the governor was not injured. Despite believing that the incident was a hate crime, Kline said he is praying for the suspect, and hopes he seeks help. (Source: ABC 27)
• Nation/world: U.K. Supreme Court rules that definition of woman is based in binary, implications of ruling unclear (Source: BBC News) U.S. pastor freed from kidnappers in South Africa after shootout with elite police unit (Source: BBC News) Trump administration in conflict with federal judge over wrongly deported man (Source: NBC News) Ethiopian Orthodox church in Washington preserves traditions of ancient branch of Christianity (Source: AP News)
