The York County Food Bank has been on a mission to find a new home, as its current leased warehouse has become too small to accommodate the growing demand for its services. With the goal of establishing a larger, state-of-the-art facility, the food bank set its sights on a promising location in the Manchester Commerce Center. However, their plans were unexpectedly grounded by the presence of a bald eagle's nest on the property, a discovery that would ultimately force the food bank to rethink its expansion strategy.

Feeding the Hungry, Facing Feathered Obstacles

Outgrowing the Current Warehouse

The York County Food Bank has been a vital resource for the community, distributing millions of pounds of food to those in need every year. However, its current leased warehouse on Marianne Drive in Manchester Township has become too small to accommodate the growing demand. The food bank was seeking a larger facility, either through purchase or lease, that would provide ample space for its operations, including the twice-monthly drive-through distributions it currently conducts at a separate location.

The Promising Manchester Commerce Center

The food bank believed it had found the perfect solution in a large lot within the Manchester Commerce Center, a sprawling warehouse complex located off the 3800 block of Susquehanna Trail North, near Canal Road. The site seemed to offer the space and amenities the food bank was seeking, including enough land to build a sizable warehouse and distribution center.

The Unexpected Bald Eagle Obstacle

However, the food bank's dreams were quickly dashed when a preliminary environmental study of the lot revealed the presence of a bald eagle's nest on the property. This discovery proved to be a significant obstacle, as federal law – the Bald and Golden Eagle Act of 1940 – imposes strict restrictions on construction near active eagle nests. The law prohibits any activity within 660 feet of the nest during nesting and breeding season, which in the mid-Atlantic region spans from October to August, leaving little time for construction.

Prioritizing Eagle Conservation

Despite the setback, the food bank's leadership recognized the importance of preserving the habitat and well-being of the bald eagles. Jennifer Brillhart, the food bank's president and CEO, expressed disappointment but acknowledged that the eagles' welfare had to take precedence. "We were devastated to hear this news after we put so much time, energy, and resources into our buildings," Brillhart said, "but the well-being of the eagles and preserving the habitat of the national birds was paramount."

Searching for a New Home

With the Manchester Commerce Center site no longer an option, the food bank is now back to square one in its search for a new home. Brillhart stated that the organization would need at least six acres of land to accommodate a 35,000-to-50,000-square-foot warehouse and office complex, as well as ample parking and space for its drive-through food distributions. The food bank is actively seeking out any available properties or existing buildings that could be renovated to meet its needs, and is encouraging the community to reach out with any leads.

Lessons Learned and Adaptability

The York County Food Bank's experience with the bald eagle's nest has highlighted the importance of thorough environmental assessments and the need to balance community needs with wildlife conservation. While the setback was disappointing, the food bank's leadership has demonstrated a willingness to adapt and find alternative solutions to ensure the continued success of their mission to feed the hungry in York County.