May 29, 2015 By David Singer 2 min read

The South Fayette planning commission board voted 3-1 at its May 28 meeting to not send an updated and more restrictive oil and gas drilling ordinance back to township commissioners.

Nearly a dozen residents spoke out against the ordinance, which would have changed zoning allowances to restrict drilling solely to industrial areas. The current ordinances from 2011 allow drilling in commercial, industrial and business zones.

Blaine Lucas, attorney for John and Stacy Kosky of 698 Millers Run Road, gave a presentation to the board. He said other local governments following Robinson Township’s lead from an Act 13 State Supreme Court case to enact more restricted ordinances are not “mandated by that case that has no binding precedent.” He showed slides that illustrated if the proposed ordinance were enacted, it would virtually disallow any drilling anywhere in the township.

“You have two options as a property owner in South Fayette Township, and that’s pay taxes on it, or sell to a developer,” said Fred Cardillo, who was nominated to the Republican ballot for the commissioners race in November.

“We need more options. The ordinances we have right now are restrictive enough,” he said.

Chip Davis of Greenwood Drive was among three residents who spoke in favor of the attempt to further restrict gas drilling zones.

“I am for any new ordinance that protects us. We are a township that is growing, and we owe it to ourselves to honor our motto of ‘a great place to work, live and play.’ Until we know long-term effects of natural gas drilling, we should hold off,” he said.

Any potential changes now must come from the board of commissioners and be sent back to the planning commission board.