May 4, 2016 By Terry Kish For The Almanac Writer@thealmanac.Net 3 min read

A public hearing for the Tuscany Pointe planned residential development dominated much of the Upper St. Clair commissioners’ May 2 regular meeting.

Kim Gales of J.R. Gales & Associates reviewed plans for the apartment complex, which would be located on 20.58 acres at 1500 McLaughlin Run Road.

The project, submitted by applicants Jeffrey and Patricia Thomas, includes 156 multi-family units in eight buildings, as well as a 5,000-square-foot, two-story clubhouse and swimming pool. A small maintenance building would also be on-site.

Several modifications are being sought for the project, including installation of a sidewalk on one side of the road, rather than both sides, installation of a circular cul-de-sac instead of one that bends to the left, and the ability to grade a portion of the property with a slope greater than 40 percent for part of the access road.

Also requested was a modification to the height of the buildings. Upper St. Clair caps building height at three stories, but plans for Tuscany Pointe call for four stories (48 feet). Architect Eric Smith of ESA Architects explained that because the buildings will be cut into the hillside with parking below ground, only three stories would be above grade.

Several nearby residents voiced concerns about the building height modification. Jeff Wilhelm, an attorney with Reed Smith representing Ann and Dmitri Shiry of Wellington Drive, pointed out that adding an additional story to each building resulted in an additional 36 units in the complex.

William Gilleland of Deepwood Drive said he was concerned that if the building height modification were granted, it would open the door for taller structures in the township in the future.

Several residents questioned the location of the pool, saying they were concerned about noise from the area. Kathy Schwaba of Wellington Drive said that residents who attended a planning commission meeting in March requested that the pool be moved to the other side of the building.

Eric Smith said he had inadvertently missed a slide in his presentation and showed a rendering of the clubhouse with the new pool location.

The public hearing will continue on June 6 to allow time for staff review.

Also during the May 2 meeting, the board recognized James E. Sekela for his more than 25 years of service on the township’s planning commission.

The board presented a proclamation to members of Tri-Community South EMS designating May 15-21, 2016, National Medical Services Week in Upper St. Clair.

Also recognized at the meeting were members of the Upper St. Clair High School boys’ and girls’ swim teams for their accomplishments at WPIAL and state competitions.

In other business, the board approved contracts for replacement of the 18-year-old air supported structure for tennis courts 5 and 6. A. Folino Construction of Oakmont received the $300,292 contract for site work, electrical, mechanical and paving, and Yeadon Fabric Domes, LLC, received the $229,000 contract for the air support structure and outer membrane.