USC commissioners consider school district construction plans
By Terry Kish
For The Almanac
writer@thealmanac.net
Upper St. Clair commissioners heard more about the school district’s proposed high school construction projects during their Nov. 6 regular meeting.
David McLean of McLean Architects discussed the district’s plans to construct a new 8-lane pool at the high school with a bid alternate for an additional special use pool, and a multi-use complex at the high school stadium to include home and visitor-side bleacher repair and renovation, accessible restroom facilities, ticket booth, concession area, announcing facilities, multi-use space available for school district and community use, and district administrative office space.
The estimated cost for the projects, which also include the completion of the Boyce athletic field facilities, is $16 million. The application for the project was reviewed by the township’s planning commission on Sep. 21, and was recommended for approval with certain conditions.
The school district is seeking modification for the height of the building, which at 47-feet, 6 inches, exceeds the township code’s maximum building height of 35 feet. A modification is also being sought for the height of a proposed 13 feet high retaining wall. USC code caps retaining wall height at 6 feet.
At least one resident was not happy about the proposed community complex. Charles Hokanson said building a new structure to house the district administrative offices was likely going to cost taxpayers more than the current arrangement of the district renting space at the township’s municipal building. Hokanson also voiced his concerns that the proposed height of the structure would permanently obstruct the view from his house, causing a significant negative impairment in his property value.
The board had questions about whether the height of building included a small platform for videotaping athletic events, and learned that the platform was included in the total height.
The public hearing for unified conditional use and preliminary and final land development approval will be continued at the board’s Dec. 4 meeting.
Also during the Nov. 6 meeting, the board approved an updated traffic calming policy for the municipality. The new traffic calming policy includes more steps that could be taken to slow traffic before installation of physical barriers. Some of the additional measures that can be taken include neighborhood education programs, targeted police enforcement, temporary speed warning devices, and temporary speed humps and speed cushions.
Director of Planning and Community Adam Benigni said the updated policy provides a more comprehensive approach to traffic calming by emphasizing education, enforcement and engineering, and involving residents more and earlier in the process.
The board also granted final approval for Laurel Place, LLC, a 36-unit planned residential development at 1320 Mayview Road.
NetServe365 was awarded a $66,637 contract to replace the township’s existing wireless service in the township building, public works building and the Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park.