Agreement paves way for development of Peters Township property
A lease agreement approved Monday by Peters Township Council paves the way for the development of property at 330 Valley Brook Road.
The agreement with Thomas A. Robinson Family Limited Partnership allows Robinson to proceed with plans to add amenities to the property, including a concession stand and bicycle repair station, fitness stations and a path and bridge across Brush Run to connect the site with Arrowhead Trail.
In turn for using the 1.38 acres of township-owned land, Robinson agreed to maintain an existing storm-water retention pond and surrounding landscaping and to pay rent equal to 2.5 percent of gross sales generated by the concessions stand.
Along with the pond, the township property houses a dilapidated building once used for mining ventilation. The lease agreement calls for either renovating the building for use as the concession stand or razing it if rehabilitation is not feasible.
Robinson owns parcels on either side of the township land. He has agreed to transfer his 2.5 acres to the west, and under township ownership, the property “does have value to us form the standpoint of stormwater management,” township manager Paul Lauer said.
He said the lease calls for Robinson’s plans for improvements to go through the usual planning process, including review by the township planning commission, before returning to council for approval.
“In terms of developing this site, it would be like any other commercial site in town,” he said.
Council member Monica Merrell cast the lone vote against the lease agreement after asking questions about some of its provisions, including its initial 25-year term, with options to renew for five periods of five years each.
Lauer said the longevity works in the township’s favor, especially in regard to maintenance of the detention pond. He cited council’s action at a previous meeting to have work performed on four stormwater management ponds at a cost of about $10,000 each.
“The work that Mr. Robinson has already done, with my permission, is well in excess of what was done on any of those sites,” Lauer said. “And so his obligation to maintain this in the future is an obligation the township will have on the site, regardless of whether he assumes it or we assume it. The only difference will be the township will not be paying for it.”
Robinson, whose primary business is an asphalt paving company in Bridgeville, has overseen the renovation of historic properties in Peters Township, including the former Bower Hill and Thompsonville schoolhouses. They now are in use as a preschool and restaurant, respectively.