Menallen OKs ordinance for zoning/plans
MENALLEN TWP. – It’s official: Menallen Township now has its own planning and zoning ordinance. The supervisors adopted the ordinance at their regular meeting Thursday.
More than four years ago, the supervisors began the process of the township taking control of its own zoning ordinance instead of having its zoning governed by Fayette County.
“(The township) was mostly (zoned) agricultural before,” said Supervisor Joe Petrucci, referring to the last time the county looked at the zoning during the 1950s and 1960s. “A lot has changed since.”
Because the township has made various improvements and upgrades – including the addition of water lines, the installation of a public sewer system and numerous road projects – the supervisors said they felt the time was right to take the reins of the township’s zoning matters.
“We think it is the right thing to do,” said Petrucci. “It is the fate of the township to be handled by the people who best know the township.”
In a zoning-related matter, a woman whose family owns property on Dearth Road voiced concern over the way the property will be zoned once the new zoning takes effect.
The property was zoned as light industrial, but under the new zoning it will be listed as residential.
The woman, who left the meeting before identifying herself, asked that the property be zoned as mixed use.
Because the time has lapsed for public input concerning the zoning, the property owner will need to file a formal application with the township planning and zoning commission.
The supervisors encouraged the woman to do so.
In other business, the supervisors announced the township received a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of $112,331.
The grant will be used for various projects, including road construction in Newboro and New Salem and to support housing rehabilitation projects.
The state Department of Community and Economic Development administers the grant program.
The township also plans to apply for a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist with the purchase of a new truck for the township.
Through the grant, the township can receive funding for 35 percent of the cost of the truck.
In other matters, the supervisors:
n Announced that burning can only take place on Saturdays and all fires must be out by 5 p.m.
n Announced the paving of Duck Hollow Road has been completed. The township will install road signs and berms, which will draw the project to its completion.
n Announced the next regular meeting of the supervisors will be held at 7 p.m. June 3.