Countywide zoning still being questioned in N. Union
The North Union Township supervisors are still fielding calls from residents concerned about Fayette County’s proposed new countywide zoning, subdivision and land development ordinance, even as the county commissioners prepare to adopt it next week. The supervisors discussed the ordinance, which will replace one in effect since 1968, during their meeting Tuesday afternoon. Ten municipalities in the county have their own zoning regulations.
Several public meetings have been held to discuss the provisions of the new ordinance, but supervisor Tom Kumor said most sessions were sparsely attended.
He suggested that the county mail letters to all residents informing them of the changes, similar to letters sent before the countywide property reassessment began.
“People in agriculture are asking a lot of questions, but even though there are some changes, they need to know that if their property was previously zoned for agriculture, they can still do agricultural work there,” Kumor said.
He said the supervisors have a copy of the ordinance and a new county zoning map for residents to review. The commissioners are slated to approve the ordinance at a meeting June 23.
In another matter, the supervisors briefly discussed a meeting scheduled for Thursday to discuss plans to extinguish the Percy Mine fire. The meeting, to be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8543, will be attended by State Sen. Richard Kasunic (D-Dunbar) and members of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Surface Mining.
Earlier this month, DEP awarded a $3.2 million contract to GAI Consultants of Homestead to inject a grout-like material into voids in the mine to snuff out the fire and eliminate its air supply.
The underground coal fire has been burning for 30 years, and several attempts have been made over the years to put out the fire.
Among other business, the supervisors voted to seek bids for paving material for the summer paving project, reiterated that residents and business owners should continue to participate in the township recycling program, and announced that the R.W. Clark Baseball League fun day will be held Sunday at Eberly Park starting at 12 p.m.
“It will be a good day to check our park out,” said supervisor Rob Tupta.