Proposed development near Gettysburg a “threat to hallowed ground”

(Gettysburg) — A proposed shopping center near Gettysburg is attracting the attention of a preservation group, as the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association calls it the “greatest threat to hallowed ground in years”.

The shopping center wouldn’t physically encroach on the Gettysburg battlefield. But away from the main fighting, there were some skirmishes nearby between Union and Confederate troops.

And that’s where this development might go, according to the Association.

The Association says it would alter historic views of the Daniel Lady Farm in Straban Township, which was a Confederate field hospital during the three-day fight.

But the real estate agent involved in the deal has said they’re meeting with all the key players, and the proposal is just that – a proposal.

Marty Miller says  the preservation group should wait to make up its mind.

Barbara Mowery, president of the Association, says that’s just not possible here.

“That’s always easier said than done. But on the other hand, these kinds of things do take on a life of their own,” says Mowery. She adds that wants to try to stop the proposed building before the process moves any farther.

Mowery says: “People come to Gettysburg, they come to Gettysburg as tourists to spend time on the battlefield, to reflect on what happened on those three tragic days that changed the course of history. And they didn’t come there to go shopping at a Super Walmart.”

She says the association would love to buy the site, but doesn’t have the money to cover the $8 million price tag.