Zoning changes worry South Fayette residents
Residents of Freedom Drive South are raising concerns with the South Fayette commissioners that a proposed zoning change for a property near their street could alter the dynamics of their neighborhood.
“The zoning change that’s on the table will turn Freedom Drive into a residential island surrounded by commercial enterprises,” resident Joan Doty said.
Concerns of noise, light, increased traffic and pollution drifting from the property along Washington Pike and Bursca Drive were raised during the township’s March 8 meeting in which residents spoke about the commissioners meeting a moral responsibility to the residential taxpayers, even in the light of potential commercial development.
An official public hearing on the matter is schedule for 7 p.m. March 15 before the board votes on whether to advertise a draft ordinance that would rezone the property from B-1 to C-2. Board President Joseph Horowitz encouraged residents to come and voice their concerns on the official record.
“Hopefully we’ll see you all here at that public hearing next week, because it’s important to get that information on the record,” he told the residents of Freedom Drive South, who packed a row of chairs at the meeting.
The board also received information from the developer regarding a proposed Resort Lifestyle Communities senior community in the Hastings Development. The three-story building would be adjacent to Mayview Road and contain 130 total units for seniors.
“It is a for-profit company for seniors who are retired, and it really seems like an absolute home run,” township Manager Ryan Eggleston said. “From a taxability standpoint, it could have a significant impact on the township. I think it easily has the potential to be one of our top 10, if not top five, tax generators.”
The board will vote next week on the proposed land development plan with a goal of construction to begin in May or June of this summer.
The board also is expected to vote on a resolution to officially recognize the 175th anniversary of the founding of South Fayette Township. The township is celebrating with a party March 16 at the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department.