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Peters Township council will permit residents to have a say as to what type of traffic calming measures to install

3 min read

When property owners on Center Church and Johnston roads asked Peters Township Council to install measures to slow down traffic at the intersection and nearby streets, the request was referred to the township’s Traffic Calming Committee. The recommendation received from the committee included a three-way stop sign, or the installation of two medial islands or erecting two permanent speed display signs. All of the recommendations were discussed during the regular meeting Feb. 10.

In the past when residents have complained of excessive speeds, council has authorized installation of speed humps, which is what the residents near the most recent request want, said Michael Silvestri, township manager. Any of the recommendations – with the possible exception of the stop signs – would be expensive, including the two medial islands that could cost up to $42,000 and would take part of some property owners’ front yards. Any of the land taken would be from the township’s rights of way, Silvestri said.

Installing speed humps was not well received by council members.

Councilman David Ball said the township is already known as the “land of the speed hump.”

The options presented by the Traffic Calming Committee will be forwarded to the residents for a vote. Council will make the final decision.

In other action, council:

• Set 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 as the time for a public hearing on a request for a liquor license transfer to the proposed Ichiban Bistro at the Donaldsons Crossroads shopping center at the site of the former Hibachi Japanese Steak House. Ichiban will also take over the space formerly occupied by GNC.

• Heard a request by Lou Siyufy, 140 Sherwood Drive, to install a pipe to divert a stream on the property that flows under an entry way at the house, to travel around the house before reconnecting to the stream. Siyufy, who has lived at the address since 1999, said the potential for flooding seems to increase each year. He asked council for help installing the new pipe that he said will cost more than $30,000. Council chairman James Berguist said council will confer with township professionals to see what if any help can be given, and then contact Siyufy.

• Appointed Bill “Buzz” Garner and John Hilzendeger to fill vacancies on the Parks and Recreation Board, effective for three years, with terms to expire in January 2017. They also reclassified Rebecca Bowman from an alternate to a full member on the Construction Appeals Board. Her term will expire January 2017.

• Heard from police Chief Harry Fruecht concerning a newly forming special team through SHACOG – South Hills Area Council of Governments – to deal with more intensive investigations. The township currently is involved in SHAGOC’s Critical Emergency Response Team, which responds to high-intensity police situations.

• Announced another firm, McDonald Land Services Co. and Seitel, wishes to conduct additional seismic testing in the southern half of the township. Some of the land requested for testing is on township-owned properties, such as in Peters Lake Park. Testing could begin in the spring, Silvestri said. Some of the properties proposed were recently part of seismic testing done by another firm. Silvestri said no complaints were received. Some of the properties already tested would be included in the second request. Solicitor John Smith said council did not need to vote on the request at this time.

• Granted a request for additional sewage capacity at the Donaldsons Square plan.

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