N. Union farmland to be part of area
Another 136 acres of farmland in North Union Township will be part of the township’s agricultural security area, thanks to a resolution adopted by the supervisors Tuesday. The supervisors included the additional acreage, located along Craig Lane, to the more than 250 acres in the township given the designation last year.
The landowners asked the supervisors that the property be included in the area, supervisor Tom Kumor said, noting that agriculture is the leading industry in Fayette County and North Union Township.
“This is a win-win situation for everyone, and we’re happy to preserve this land if the people want it,” he said.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, agricultural security areas are intended to promote more permanent and viable farming operations over the long term by strengthening the farming community’s sense of security in land use and the right to farm.
In another matter, the supervisors voted to allow burning of yard waste after a two-month ban, and extended the days and times for burning for the next five weeks to accommodate the requests of residents who are cleaning their yards.
In August, the supervisors banned all burning in the township because of dry conditions and extended the ban in September for another month. Kumor said the township has received “substantial rainfall,” which alleviates concerns for brush fires.
Burning of yard waste is permitted in the township Monday through Saturday from dawn until dusk through Nov. 16.
The supervisors also announced that the township has received two $10,000 recreation grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for improvements to Eberly Park.
Supervisor Rob Tupta said funds will be used to extend the walking track at the park, while the other grant will be spent on installing bleachers, a wireless scoreboard, and foul ball netting on the new T-ball field.
Kumor said the township will perform all of the labor associated with the improvements, totaling an estimated $10,000 in in-kind services.
“We’re happy to get these letters from DCED, and we’ll start to work out there as soon as possible,” he said. “Hopefully by this time next year, everything will be complete.”
Among other business, the supervisors announced that trick-or-treating will be held Sunday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in conjunction with South Union Township, and reminded residents that recycling containers are available by calling the township office at 724-438-6316.
The supervisors also voted to reschedule their next meeting to Nov. 15, when the 2006 tentative budget is slated for approval.