Sep 2, 2004 By Jenny Susa 3 min read

ROSTRAVER TWP. – The township commissioners say that they intend to fully support the Mon Valley/Fayette Expressway project in the event of certain objections the Route 51 to I-376 project may face in court. The commissioners adopted a resolution Wednesday, stating that the township will have the authority to intervene or otherwise participate in any court challenges to the construction of the Mon Valley/Fayette Expressway.

The resolution said that the commissioners expect the expressway “will promote economic revitalization” for the communities nearby, and that there are certain organizations anticipated to “file action to delay or stop the progress of construction of the expressway.”

The commissioners said they desire to support the project by seeking to intervene if that happens.

In another matter, the commissioners heard from Wildwind Drive residents who were concerned about a prospective developer looking to place 32 housing units on a narrow piece of land between Wildwind Drive and Route 51.

“It appears that this would not be good for the township,” said local resident Paul Long. “The land is on a narrow slope and would have difficult access to Route 51. It would increase traffic tremendously and injuries are likely because of accidents. We would like the commissioners’ support to help us head off something that in the long run would be very detrimental to the township.”

He added that the residents of that area have built “nice, single family homes,” and had no desire to live near a housing project.

Robert Lacey, another resident of the area, also expressed concern.

“We all have children and wanted that to be a low traffic area,” said Lacey. “We realize we may not be able to stop what happens but the original intent was for that area to be a community.”

President George Martin commended area residents for taking action, pointing out that they had done a lot of research and obtained an attorney.

“This board can’t take any action before the Zoning Hearing Board except to speak as individuals,” said Martin. “You will see members of this board at any zoning hearings about that area.”

The commissioners also amended their motor vehicles and traffic ordinance to include speed limit changes for Valley View, Kimberly Court and Wildwind Drive. The speed limit on each of these roads will now be 25 miles per hour, with a $35 fine for anyone in violation of the speed limit. Those exceeding the speed limit by more than five miles per hour will also be penalized with a fine of $2 for each additional mile over the speed limit.