Cochran for Upper Allen

10/12/2026

How many of these questions have been answered? By my count 2 of 9. Voters should know answers to all 9 before they are asked to increase their own taxes. Inform the vote1

10/12/2026

There will be NO data center in Monroe Twp. The options to purchase the land expired and were not renewed by the developers. It wasn't attorneys that stopped the project. It wasn't the courts that stopped the project. It wasn't land preservation that stopped the project.
First and foremost it was the community objecting in large numbers to the project. It was well thought out zoning regulations that would stand up in court. Finally, it was Supervisors that heard the public, stood with their zoning regulations, requiring data centers in industrial zones, and they made it clear they were not interested in a data center.
You are being told that we need land preservation to prevent data centers in Upper Allen Twp. You have proof in a neighboring township that good zoning and leadership is the real key.

10/10/2026

10/09/2026

I attended the Stormwater budget meeting yesterday. As I predicted the budget includes an increase in the stormwater fee for 2027. It has not been increased since it was first introduced. The Commonwealth mandates that municipalities do a certain amount of stormwater improvements and Upper Allen Twp. has done most, if not all of the least expensive ones. Finally, we are at a point where stormwater facilities put in 40 - 50 years ago are failing and need to be replaced. So the projected increase for 2027 is 40%. For most residential properties that is 40% of $16.50 or about $6.60 a quarter. They are also proposing an annual automatic increase going forward. Not big dollars but something to consider when you decide to vote for an additional tax increase for giving tax dollars to private land owners.

09/28/2026

Tonight at 6:30 there is a Planning Commission meeting. On the agenda is a discussion of a zoning amendment to REGULATE DATA CENTERS. Zoning regulations are the only method to legally regulate where data centers can be built in Upper Allen Township. You might be told that land preservation can combat data centers, but that isn't true. Land preservation is strictly voluntary while zoning regulations carry the force of law. If you are truly concerned about data centers within Upper Allen Twp you should attend tonight's meeting. The agenda can be found here:

09/22/2026

Upper Allen Township has kicked off its 2027 budget season with an initial meeting on September 17.

Although I could not attend in person, I reviewed the meeting materials obtained through a Right-to-Know request. This opening meeting typically establishes year-end projections for the current year (2026) and offers a preliminary look at the upcoming year's figures, with detailed discussions to follow.

Based on my analysis of the financial records, I have several concerns regarding the township’s fiscal outlook:

Flat Real Estate Tax Revenue: A noticeable slowdown in local real estate development has left the preliminary 2027 real estate tax revenue projection completely flat. Because real estate taxes generate roughly 30% of total township revenue, stagnant growth alongside rising labor and material costs leaves local leaders with a difficult choice: cut public services or increase taxes.

Overly Optimistic Earned Income Tax (EIT) Projections: EIT revenue for 2026 is projected to finish $250,000 below budget—its lowest point since 2023. Despite this downturn, the initial 2027 budget relies on an ambitious 12% growth projection. This assumption carries significant risk, given that EIT accounts for 31% of overall tax revenue.

Declining Real Estate Transfer Taxes: Real estate transfer taxes for 2026 are also trending toward their lowest levels since 2023. While the draft 2027 budget anticipates a rebound, current historical data does not support this optimism, further indicating a broader real estate cooling.

Impact on Mechanicsburg Area School District (MASD)

These fiscal pressures extend beyond township borders. MASD has historically depended on development in Upper Allen Township to help cushion tax increases. While a slowdown in new construction may temper student enrollment growth, overhead costs—such as staff salaries and operational supplies—will continue to rise regardless.

Looking Ahead
Nearby municipalities like Mechanicsburg and Shiremanstown have operated under low-to-no growth conditions for years and will remain largely unaffected. In contrast, Upper Allen Township and MASD face substantial structural challenges to balance their 2027 budgets. Expect tough policy decisions ahead—especially if voters approve the proposed Land Preservation tax increase this November.

09/21/2026

🍂🎉 Fall Fest is Less Than a Week Away! 🎉🍂

The countdown is on! Join us this Friday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Winding Hill Park North for Upper Allen Township's 4th Annual Fall Fest.

Check out the event map below and start planning your evening!

This year's event is packed with fun for the whole family, including:

🚜 Hayrides
🌮18 Food Trucks
🐐 Petting Zoo
🎈 Inflatables & Kids Games
🛍️ Craft, Community & Resource Vendors
🚒 Emergency Services & Equipment Displays
🚁 Helicopter Display
🎵 Live Music
⚾ Vintage Baseball Game at 5:00 PM
✨ Spectacular Laser Light Show at 8:15 PM

A huge thank you to Alba Orthodontics, our Main Event Sponsor, & all of our sponsors, for helping make this community celebration possible!

Gather your family, friends, and neighbors and come enjoy an evening filled with food, fun, music, and community spirit!

📍 Winding Hill Park North
📅 Friday, September 25
⏰ 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Parking Reminder: The main parking lot at Winding Hill Park North will be closed until 4:00 PM on Friday to allow event staff and vendors time to safely set up for the festival. Please plan accordingly.

We can't wait to see you there! 🍁🍂

04/16/2026

21 Right to Know requests filed with Upper Allen Township in the month of March. I don't think there were 21 requests filed in the 21 years I was on the BOC. So are more people interested in issues, are there more issues that aren't being fully explained or both?