CGA Law Firm President and Shareholder Craig Sharnetzka has been recognized on the Central Penn Business Journal’s 2024 Power 100 List. This list recognizes leaders from various fields, such as law, finance, education, government, healthcare, business, and nonprofits. The Central Penn Business Journal’s editorial team and leadership curate this list based on the impact these individuals have on our communities and the quality of life in Central Pennsylvania. “It is certainly an honor to be recognized in the Power 100 List along with many talented and influential business and community leaders. I am humbled to be included on this list… read more »
New Appointments and Honors – Spring 2023
Taylor M. Baublitz has joined the Board of The Parliament Arts Organization. The Parliament Arts Organization is a non-profit arts collective in the Royal Square District of Downtown York focused on empowering artists and transforming York through its gallery shows, events, and workshops to support artists. Margaret “Mieke” Driscoll, Chair of the Firm’s Business Practice Group, has been named to the Powder Mill Foundation Board of Trustees. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the York Symphony Orchestra, the York County Community Foundation, and WITF, where she has been honored as an Emeritus. Beth J. Kern was recognized… read more »
Items to Consider Upon a Rezoning Request
Most municipalities include within their Zoning Ordinances a procedure permitting landowners within their prospective municipalities to request a rezoning for a parcel within the municipality. The rezoning request is a request to amend the municipalities zoning map. A municipality upon such request should review its Ordinance provisions to ensure that proper procedure is being followed, all information required in the application is provided, and that any necessary fee is paid. Generally, a rezoning request is a good opportunity for the municipality to seek advice and counsel from its own Planning Commission as well as from the York County Planning Commission…. read more »
New Appointments and Honors – January 2023
Frank H. Countess was elected Chair of the Board of Directors for the York Country Day School. Frank was named one of the 300 Life Members of the York County Agricultural Society, which runs the York State Fair, the oldest state fair in the United States founded in 1765. Frank was also recently appointed to his third successive 4-year term on the York City Redevelopment Authority Board by Mayor Michael J. Helfrich and the York City Council, and was also elected to his second 4-year term on the York County Land Bank Authority Board of Directors by the York County… read more »
CGA Law Firm Raises Over $2500 for ALS Association!
On Thursday, August 12th, 2021, we hosted our very first Leadership Soak for the ALS Association: Greater Philadelphia Chapter and surpassed our fundraising goal of $2500! A BIG Thank You to all the attorneys, staff, and community members who came together for this! The Leadership Team prepares themselves for a huge bucket!Larry’s granddaughter found the super soaker!Bucket time for Jeff!Craig gets dunked!The Leadership Team and volunteer bucket-throwers!Frank forgot to put in his snorkel!The Leadership Team gets splashed!Jeff gets dunked!Craig didn’t take off his hat for this one!Larry welcomes the water bucket!Frank can’t get enough of this heat wave relief!What a… read more »
Land Development Primer: Obtaining Financial Security
Article by: Craig Sharnetzka With the improving economy over the last several years, municipalities have again been receiving subdivision and land development plans from both commercial and residential developers. Completion of required improvements such as streets, walkways, curbs, gutters, water mains, sanitary sewers, storm sewers and other improvements as are required by a municipality’s Subdivision And Land Development Ordinance are a prerequisite to final approval. One exception, of course, is that a developer may propose financial security in lieu of completion of the improvements. Municipalities often provide in their respective Subdivision and Land Ordinances requirements as to financial security provided… read more »
Pennsylvania Local Government
Article by: Craig Sharnetzka It is a common misconception that municipalities are permitted to place referenda on the ballot for any area of law; however, in Pennsylvania municipal referenda are restricted to only specific areas of law. The Pennsylvania legislature has never enacted general initiative and referendum provisions that would allow local governments to place referenda on the ballots for any area of law sought to be changed, created, or repealed; with the exception of counties and municipalities that adopt home rule charters and third class cities. Using nonbinding referenda is neither permitted nor prohibited by statute of the Pennsylvania Constitution. The… read more »
