10 signatures reached
To: Williamsport City Council and the City of Williamsport Codes Department
Demand for Closure of ICE Facility at South Reach Road
To: Williamsport City Council and the City of Williamsport Codes Department
Attention: Adam Yoder, Council President; Derek Slaughter, Mayor; and Barry Islett/Gary Knarr, Codes Administrator/Zoning Official
Date: March 19, 2026
Subject: Formal Petition Regarding Zoning Compliance and Operation of the South Reach Road Facility
Please find attached a formal petition signed by residents and taxpayers of the City of Williamsport regarding the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility located on South Reach Road.
As the Lead Organizer for this initiative, I am submitting this document to formally request that the City Council and the Codes Department exercise their municipal authority to review the legality and community impact of this facility. While the site has been framed as a "short-term" administrative office, the undersigned citizens believe the current usage may exceed the scope of its original permit and zoning designation.
Primary Areas of Concern
- Zoning and Land Use: Potential violation of the city’s Industrial or Commercial zoning districts if the site is functioning as a de facto detention or high-volume transit hub.
- Public Safety & Infrastructure: The strain on city-funded police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) without a clear cost-sharing agreement.
- Community Character: The long-term impact on the South Williamsport business corridor and neighboring residential stability.
Formal Requests for Action
We specifically request that the City Council and Codes Department:
- Conduct a Zoning Audit: Perform an immediate inspection to ensure the facility's operations strictly adhere to the Certificate of Occupancy and the Williamsport City Code.
- Public Hearing: Schedule a formal session to allow residents to voice concerns regarding the facility’s impact on local infrastructure.
- Legislative Resolution: Introduce a city resolution affirming that Williamsport resources shall not be diverted from municipal needs to support federal enforcement operations.
- Permit Review: Evaluate whether the facility’s current use (e.g., busing/transit) requires a Special Exception or a "Change of Use" filing that has not yet been obtained.
We request that this petition be entered into the official public record of the next City Council meeting and that a written response be provided regarding the city’s intent to enforce local ordinances at this location.
Why is this important?
As the Lead Organizer for this initiative, I am submitting this document to formally request that the Williamsport City Council and the City of Williamsport Codes Department take immediate administrative, legal, and legislative action to facilitate the closure of this facility. While we acknowledge previous statements regarding the "short-term" nature of this site, the undersigned community members remain concerned about:
- Community Stability: The impact of a federal enforcement hub on our local business district.
- Mission Creep: The potential for this site to transition into long-term detention or a regional transit hub.
- Resource Allocation: The need for total transparency regarding the use of local emergency services and personnel.
Specifically, we are requesting that the Board:
- Introduce a formal resolution opposing the facility’s continued operation.
- Conduct a formal review of zoning and occupancy permits.
- Cease all discretionary cooperation between County departments and this federal facility.
- Confirm that no county-funded resources are being utilized for federal housing or busing operations.
We request that this petition be entered into the public record and that a formal response be provided to the organizers regarding the actions the Williamsport City Council and the City of Williamsport Codes Department intends to take.
How it will be delivered
Via Email