Rostraver commissioners hear playground concerns
ROSTRAVER TWP. – Although the final subdivision requested by Maronda Homes Inc. developers, who are planning to build homes off of Vernon Drive, was tabled Wednesday evening, the township commissioners still heard concerns from local residents about what an expected playground in that area would mean for the people who live there. President George Martin said that Maronda Homes was planning to create 15 single-family lots, a play area and small pond, a parcel for a large storm water pond, and a residual tract of ground.
He said the commissioners tabled the final subdivision for the project at the request of Maronda Homes because they “still have some issues to work through.”
Connie Weitz, a resident of Vernon Drive, said that before the board made any decisions, she wanted to express her concerns about the dangers that could be involved with putting a playground in that area.
“That is not a feasible area for a playground,” said Weitz. “Cars speed up Vernon Drive and having a play area that close to it is an accident waiting to happen.”
She also told the commissioners that she was concerned that a playground would disturb the peace of the residents who live there.
“Nine years ago my husband and I bought this property with the hope of having some peace and quiet in our older years,” said Weitz. “With a playground next to us, we won’t have that anymore. It will be a hangout for teenagers and there will probably be garbage thrown everywhere. You usually run into that with playgrounds.”
Martin told her that with any such development, recreational areas had to be included.
“During any land development, the developer has to establish a certain amount of recreation area,” said Martin, adding that the developers are currently planning to build the play area further back on the property, so that it would be further from the road and the houses that are already on Vernon Drive.
Martin assured Weitz that her concerns would be considered when the commissioners met with the developers.
In other matters, the commissioners agreed to sign a letter giving permission to the Belle Vernon Area Youth Soccer Club to install lights at the Recreation Soccer Field at the John DiVirgilio Sports Complex. Martin explained that the soccer club is in the process of applying for a grant to help them install the lights, and that they needed the permission from the board before submitting their application.
In their vote to grant them permission to install the lights, the board included the stipulation that the soccer club would be responsible for the maintenance and other costs of the lights when installed.
The commissioners also approved the Rostraver Land Development for storage buildings to be used midget football. Martin said they would also be allowed to build a storage addition to the existing building for the Road Department. The plans have already received approval from the Zoning Hearing Board.