Upper St. Clair Commissioners delay developers, approve park improvements
Shenandoah Drive resident Scott Zelik laid out a detailed complaint of flooding and run off issues with existing and proposed ground water infrastructure.
Commissioner Russel Del Re said he was empathetic to the developers wanting to get started soon, but he remained skeptical with at least three residents voicing concerns over water pipe infrastructure and flooding.
Rachel Geffery, 18, poses with her parents after receiving an acknowledgement from the board on her achievements, including her Girl Scout Gold Award.
Upper St. Clair Township board of commissioners voted 5-2 to table a preliminary subdivision approval for developers seeking to advance construction of five residential lots along Shenandoah Drive. The commissioners voted at the July 7 meeting to hold up approval for the developers’ aiming to split up the six-acre plot in between Streams Elementary and Shenandoah Drive after residents voiced concerns about flooding related to the proposed water pipe infrastructure.
“That (July 10, 2013) was the third time in 12 years Shenandoah has turned into a swamp or lake,” Scott Zelik said.
“Why, if there were issues going on for 10 years with runoff…that we’re pegged as soon as we come along after working for four months with engineers on getting this right. How come we’re responsible for past problems?” Scott Blodgett, one of the developers, asked the board.
“We scrutinize every project – there will be times Mother Nature just takes over,” vice president Russel Del Re told Mr. Zelik about his concerns. “But I’m skeptical because other residents are having similar concerns.”
“At least three times in the past couple of years, there’s been five or six inches of water in my basement, ” Cyrena Noroski said. “Who’s going to maintain (the new proposed) water system? Will we have to take legal action?”
Those questions led the board to table the measure until August.
In other business, the commissioners voted 7-0 to approve the proposed plan for lights over the ball fields at Boyce Mayview Park.
“The temporary lights have helped the Miracle League of South Hills tremendously,” former MLB player Sean Casey said. “As we grow near 300 kids, we’ve been able to have more teams and play until 9 at night.”
The vote was only to approve the general proposal from Musco Lighting, which estimates a $1-1.2 million cost. The cost would be paid over two budget cycles, and public works director George Kostelich said there were over $900,000 in viable funds, ranging from Allegheny County Regional Asset District monies, to unused Wiltshire Park improvement funds.
Commissioners also voted unanimously for various improvements at Wiltshire Park, including a new playground, at a cost of $203,000.
Also at the meeting, the board recognized Rachel Geffrey, 18, for earning her Girl Scout Gold Award. She won the award in part by completing a public service project that was an anonymous interactive blog and brochure dealing with self-injury and stress in teen populations. She was co-captain of the Upper St. Clair high school rifle team and a member of the National Honor Society. Geffrey said she plans to attend Chatham University.