Townships’ leaders asking for public input
Officials involved in developing a multi-municipal comprehensive plan that includes four Fayette County townships are asking for public input. Earlier in the year, supervisors from Franklin, Menallen, Perry and Jefferson townships announced they would join forces in developing plans for their communities.
The $150,000 comprehensive plan is being paid for, in part, with a state grant administered through the Fayette County Office of Planning, Zoning and Community Development. In addition, each township also contributed $2,500.
Mackin Engineering Co. of Pittsburgh was chosen to complete the comprehensive plan.
Having now reached the public-input phase of the project, officials are asking community members to “share their vision for the future of the region” by attending one of four town meetings, one held in each of the townships.
Project manager Joy Wilhelm of Mackin said public input is a “vital component” needed if the comprehensive plan is to be successful.
“Our approach to planning is to engage the public early on in the process to discover and address as many issues and concerns as possible. By doing this, practical strategies to complex issues can be suggested that are most likely to be implemented,” she said.
Citizen participation, according to Wilhelm, is needed to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in regards to issues such as pedestrian and vehicular transportation, commercial and industrial development, new residential subdivisions, land use, zoning, water and sewerage expansion, fire and police protection, environmental protection and recreation needs.
A background study completed by Mackin showed an increase in residential development in Franklin, Menallen and Jefferson townships in the last decade.
The study stated that Menallen Township can expect to see “rapid development” once the Brownsville-to-Uniontown leg of the Mon/Fayette Expressway is constructed.
Perry Township, according to the study, is facing “development impacts” from Rostraver Township in Westmoreland County and has the potential to see new business development along Route 51.
A press release from Mackin referred to the comprehensive plan, though not a legally binding document, as a public statement of, and policy guide for, the “desired growth and direction for the townships.”
The comprehensive plan will help communities prepare for expected growth in a manner that improves the quality of life for residents while preserving farmland and open space, the release stated.
Township supervisors encouraged residents to attend the town meetings if at all possible.
Menallen Township Supervisor Robert “Tweety” Yatsko said it’s important that he and the other supervisors know what residents want.
“The more people that attend the meetings, the better off we are,” he said.
Likewise, Perry Township Supervisor A.J. Boni also expressed a desire to see as much community involvement as possible.
“I’m hoping to have a packed room,” he said. “We want everyone to attend. We want farmers there, businessmen, housewives, a little bit of everyone, people from all walks of life.”
Boni said that everyone’s opinion is important and the public input is needed.
“We want to hear what people want for their communities,” he said.
The town meetings will be held as follows:
– Franklin Township residents will meet at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 7 in the Franklin Township Municipal Building, 353 Town and Country Road.
– Menallen Township residents will meet at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14 in the Menallen Township Municipal Building, 427 Searight Herbert Road.
– Perry Township residents will meet at 6 p.m. Sept. 21 in the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department, 206 S. Liberty St.
– Jefferson Township residents will meet at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 26 in the Jefferson Township Municipal Building, 262 Stuckslager Road.