Aug 4, 2010 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – The mayor urged the Connellsville City Planning Commission Tuesday to aid council and other municipal leaders in the review of a proposed zoning ordinance to ensure it meets the current and future needs of the city. Mayor Charles Matthews said that discrepancies in the document continue to be discovered by those reviewing the plan that council anticipates implementing by early next year.

“There’s no question that there are some (zoning) things that need changed in Connellsville,” said Matthews. “However, it has to be something we can work with.”

For instance, he said, property on the north side of Route 201 where Martin’s plaza is located is designated as a commercial zone in the new ordinance.

But, the south side of the road is listed as a residential zone, conflicting with current uses of the properties.

Matthews said that over a period of four months, representatives of council, the city zoning board, planning commission and others reviewed the plan developed by Mullin & Lonergan Associates of Pittsburgh and made some changes.

However, additional input is needed.

The firm also prepared a comprehensive plan for the city and the neighboring municipalities of Connellsville Township and South Connellsville Borough. The three communities have adopted the multi-municipal plan.

Connellsville also requested the firm develop a new zoning ordinance for the city.

Matthews said the zoning plan is “very” detailed and includes setback lines for new buildings and restrictions for the size of structures built in the downtown area along with other specific criteria.

It is vital, said Matthews, that the general public also reviews the zoning plan.

“We might pass this thing, and someone might get stuck if they go to sell their property or build something,” he said.

The zoning ordinance, said Matthews, appears to go hand-in-hand with the comprehensive plan that includes the implementation of a bike trail spur into the downtown business district along with the historic preservation of the Aaron’s building and reuse of the Connellsville Armory.

“I appreciate the bike trail, but I don’t want to hurt the business owners,” he said, adding that it is likely the comprehensive plan will be amended in the future.

The armory, said Matthews, will be sold if a buyer comes forward with a plan to use the Washington Avenue property and the funding to purchase it. The Aaron’s building is likely destined to be demolished.

“We don’t want to handcuff ourselves,” said Matthews.

The zoning plan is available for review at the municipal building during regular business hours.

Turning to other matters, the planning commission also authorized permits for the construction of a roof over a deck at a North 11th Street property, a utility building at an Oak Street property and a pavilion at a East Fayette Street property.