Township of South Strabane

Key discussions focused on resident concerns and administrative updates. Public time addressed issues regarding a smoking facility at a privately owned apartment complex, with the Board being advised on legal limitations regarding enforcement. There was also a discussion regarding the transition of a local school to private ownership. Administrative items included the approval of the May 31, 2024, meeting minutes and the approval of payroll and bills for various periods in May and June 2024. The County Manager provided a building update, noting that Tropical Smoothie Cafe is open, Five Below renovations are complete, and construction on DI Sporting Goods is slightly delayed due to utility locating. Park and Recreation updates covered Kennywood ticket sales and a free walking trail yoga program scheduled for July, August, and September. The Board was informed of upcoming pole repair and road work. The Engineer reported on progress for two matters: the continuation of a project referred to as space two, with groundwork expected soon, and the development of Pollution Reduction Plan projects related to stormwater management, identifying four key areas. A significant portion of the meeting involved discussion about safety concerns on Cory Road concerning a private bridge modification that allegedly diverts water and worsens road conditions, with members seeking solutions before winter. Finally, concerns were raised about unauthorized vending/solicitation activities near the Walmart and John Eagle development areas, and the Board confirmed procedures for removing solicitors based on property owner requests.

The key discussion items included the approval of previous meeting minutes and consideration of an application for preliminary and final subdivision approval for the Massic Subdivision Plan Number One, located at 209 to 211 Lake Drive in the R1 neighborhood residential Zone District. A motion was passed to approve this subdivision application. Additionally, the commission discussed miscellaneous items, including a request to change the date of a future meeting from July 4th to July 11th, which was approved.

The meeting included an executive session concerning litigation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Public comment featured a resident expressing significant concerns regarding infrastructure deficiencies on Zer Station Road, including lack of public sewer and high-speed internet, and issues related to septic system maintenance. Another public comment addressed concerns about the exclusivity of high school use of ball fields, referencing past leasing agreements with Trinity. Additionally, there was discussion regarding the proper scanning and retention of township records. Key administrative actions included the approval of previous meeting minutes (July 26, 2022, and August 9, 2022) and the approval of financial bills for July and August 2022. Township reports covered the MS4 storm water update and an announcement about the upcoming Washington County convention for county officials. The Township Engineer reported the completion and final payment approval for the Tanger Boulevard reconstruction project. New business involved a public hearing and subsequent approval for the intermunicipal transfer of a restaurant liquor license from Victory Hill Gun Club to a Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and roll call. Key discussions included public comment regarding traffic mitigation on Locust Avenue, where the township agreed to allow PennDOT to study lowering the speed limit from 35 to 25 mph. The board approved minutes for the February 25, 2025, and March 25, 2025 meetings, as well as financial business covering payrolls and bills for specified periods in March and April 2025. Announcements included updates on the Easter egg hunt success, the availability of discounted Kennywood tickets, planned road paving for Orchard Lane/Terrace in late May/early June, the cessation of glass collection at Zedeker Station Road effective July 1 due to curbside collection changes, and the closure of the township office on May 20 for the primary election. Township engineer reports covered the slowdown of Burket Manor utility work, ongoing pursuit of sidewalk concerns for that development, plans for MS4 compliance work at Chrisco Park, the readiness of Station 44 for bidding coordination through CDBG, the evaluation of Barry Road work, and the successful submission of the dog park grant application. The main new business involved a public hearing for a conditional use application by Washington County Transit Authority (DBA Freedom Transit) to operate a bus depot at 375 Berry Road, with planning commission unanimously recommending approval subject to stipulations regarding left turns and Berry Road usage between specified intersections. Testimony was heard from representatives of Freedom Transit regarding the need for an 80,000 square foot facility.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Public comment focused heavily on several regulatory and enforcement issues. Concerns were raised regarding the poor condition and maintenance of a property on United Rental Road, which was stated to resemble a rubbish yard, prompting the Board to direct code enforcement officials to investigate. Another resident expressed concern over the frequency of special meetings, which were explained as non-legislative administrative sessions used for planning. Extensive commentary addressed ongoing issues with a property on Floral Hill Drive, including construction proceeding despite a cease and desist order, denial of Right-to-Know requests for plans, and a significant variance request regarding the 40-foot setback ordinance. Residents alleged staff misled the board or were incompetent regarding this property and related zoning knowledge. Further public comments addressed alleged illegal running of license plates by code enforcement, concerns about developer favoritism (specifically mentioning a developer's delinquent escrow account and lack of compliance with conservation approvals for a residential site), the adherence to setback rules for neighboring properties, and the location/maintenance of a fence near a water well. One resident inquired about written setback requirements for different zoning districts.