Monongahela Planning Commission recommends expanding uses for riverfront
The Monongahela Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that council adopt an amended ordinance that would allow for new uses and potential development on the riverfront in the city.
The proposed new mixed riverfront use (MRU) district would provide for mix and integration of compatible commercial, residential, recreational, light industrial and light manufacturing uses to capitalize upon the Monongahela River and the riverfront.
“This is not a specific application-based amendment,” said Todd Pappasergi, solicitor for the city. “This is an actual change to the zoning map as a new mixed-use riverfront district. It is a change that will affect the zoning map on both ends of town. It combines the uses of the riverfront district that already exists as well as the I-1 light industrial commercial district.”
Added Pappisergi, “Everything I just read applies to the geographic area I described, from Sixth Street to the New Eagle line and from directly underneath the Monongahela Bridge toward where the junkyard is at. And it’s also from the railroad tracks to the river.”
Pappisergi read a long list of permitted uses for the riverfront property, such as hotels and motels, restaurants, health clubs, small stores, light industry, dwellings, fishing piers and docks.
He said that lot sizes are restricted to 12,000 square feet, front yard setbacks must be at least 25 feet and buildings can not exceed three stories tall.
He added that the amended ordinance requires buffer zones, specific automatable access and circulation, and compliance to specific landscaping regulations.
“The city took very careful consideration into making sure those areas that abut residential areas are well thought of,” he said. “The intent of the council behind this amendment is to keep the health, safety and welfare of city residents in mind while building up the riverfront.”
One resident asked Pappisergi if a company can come into the city and expropriate private property for development in the MRU district. He said that does not apply to this situation.
“You’re talking about eminent domain, which pertains to government,” he said. “(Here), anyone can offer something for your land. That doesn’t mean you have to take it. All this ordinance is doing is opening up the things that can be done in this area.”
Another resident asked Pappisergi if the proposed ordinance could increase the value of homes.
“I can’t comment on that,” he said. “But the hope is that will be yes. We’re potentially bringing some new businesses into town.”
The first reading of the ordinance occurred at council’s March meeting. Pappisergi said that council will schedule a special meeting to vote on the amended ordinance, which will be posted on the city’s website.