Westmoreland County officials excited for development of Jayhawks Commons

Westmoreland County officials worked tirelessly in 2017 to strengthen the county’s commitment to development.
Commissioner Gina Cerilli is excited for the plans that are underway for the development of the new Jayhawks Commons business development along Route 30 in Jeannette that will be a mixture of retail and commercial space.
She added that remediation is near completion at the blighted 13-acre former Jeannette Glass site.
Commissioner Charles Anderson added that the old glass plant was torn down in hopes of revitalizing and bringing jobs to the downtown area, and that is now becoming a reality.
Commissioner Ted Kopas said he feels the sale of the property along Route 30 in the county where the former Monsour Medical Center Hospital once stood was a huge accomplishment in 2017.
“It’s going to be a very significant project in the county that has been years in the making thanks to a lot of hard work, dedication and the creation of the county’s landbank, which made this all possible,” he said.
“To have the property under agreement once again and for it to be productive and generate taxes and jobs is a very big deal,” Kopas added. “Five years ago, there were a lot of doubters, but this is great news for the city of Jeannette. It proves what we can do when we work together and set ambitious goals and see them through.”
Anderson said other accomplishments within the county in 2017 was a successful air show with the Blue Angels in Latrobe, the growth of the Tenska power plant and steps to expand and grow Historic Hanna’s Town.
Cerilli said The Corner in New Kensington has received loan commitments and grant money for building renovations, and the newest industrial development project is Commerce Crossing, located in Sewickley Township, which, she said, will draw more companies into the county.
“These projects promote growth in terms of job creation, economic output and a stabile tax base,” said Cerilli. “This in turn creates a community where more families want to live.”
Kopas said there is a very real possibility of a casino coming to Westmoreland county within the year.
“Cordish Company based in Baltimore, was awarded a license about two months ago to operate a mini casino within the county,” he said. “They haven’t identified yet where exactly it could be located, but it will more than likely be within a 30-mile radius of a point that originates in Derry Township.”
Kopas added that this will mean more jobs, economic development and recreational opportunities for residents and tourists.
“I think if it’s done right – and I think it will be – our communities stand to benefit greatly,” he said.
Cerilli said for this year she is looking forward to the continued growth of the county.
“We have a rich historic foundation on which to build a viable community where people will come to work, live and play,” she said.
Belle Vernon
Like many communities across the country, Belle Vernon has been hit hard by problems associated with opioid addiction.
“We had 26 drug overdoses in 2017; seven of those ODs were fatal,” said Mayor Gerald Jackson. “This is everyone’s problem because each of us knows someone who is addicted to opioids. The borough is working hard to clean up our town from drugs and keep everyone safe.”
In 2017, officials in the Westmoreland County borough took many steps to try and fight the growing problem, including working with Crystalline Technologies to mount surveillance cameras throughout the borough. In addition, the borough increased police patrols throughout town and sponsored a drug awareness summit last summer.
Another priority for Belle Vernon was fixing its roads. Last year, the council approved a 2 mills tax that will raise money to pay for blacktopping and other repairs. Also during 2017, the borough provided around-the-clock monitoring to keep track of flooding from the heavy rainfalls and it helped clean up water and debris from the streets.
“Our fire department, under the direction of Chief Rich Saxburg, did a great job of helping out people who were affected by the flood,” said Jackson. “They also provide prompt service for fires and drug overdoses.”
Belle Vernon officials hope tourism will help reinvigorate its economy. The borough held its first annual Belle Vernon Canoe/Kayak Race, which drew participants and spectators from the near and far. Also, the borough held its third annual Fishing Derby and it received a $500 grant from the Mon River Towns to promote riverfront activities.
Frank Monack and William Puckey were the newest additions to the council this past year.
North Belle Vernon
Public works projects were a top priority for North Belle Vernon’s council in 2017.
The borough followed through on its pledge to pave a least one street last year and it finalized preparations to complete a storm water/sewage project. Former Councilman Mark Frederick has agreed to oversee that project to completion.
Council also created an Infrastructure Committee, which is currently being chaired by Councilman Jack Curran.
In addition, the borough reported fewer crimes last year. Council President Brett Berish praised police Chief Eugene Lipari and the North Belle Vernon Police Department for keeping the streets safe.
“Even though North Belle Vernon is a small community, we continue to provide 24/7 police coverage for our residents,” said Berish. “Our police department is doing a great job to curtail drug activity. To better protect our community, we purchased a new police cruiser and expanded patrols throughout town. Our police officers were also able to take part in trainings to enhance their knowledge of law enforcement.”
During 2017, council continued to make upgrades to Community Bank Park and it cleaned up several blighted properties. The borough also sponsored a fundraiser for Kelsy Lawson, a Belle Vernon woman who has cancer.
Berish was proud that the borough was able to balance its budget without having to raise taxes.
“Kudos to Councilwoman Barbara Day, borough Secretary Lisa Pollack and borough Manager Mary Lou Berish for their great work managing our budget,” he said. “North Belle Vernon is also fortunate to have such a dedicated council. Our staff promptly respond to any concerns the public may have.”
As 2017 drew to a close, Paula Usher became the newest member of the North Belle Vernon Council.
Rostraver
In 2017, the Rostraver Township Commissioners passed several new ordinances that will improve efficiencies and encourage more business development.
Last year, the commissioners adopted a uniform construction code (UCC) to streamline permitting for residential and non-residential development. To ease the workload for its office staff, the commissioners hired K2 Engineering to handle zoning code enforcement as well as sewage enforcement. That will save the township from $40,000 to $60,000 each year.
In addition, the township updated its zoning ordinance to make it easier for businesses such as agritourism to open their doors
“Rostraver Township is predominately a rural area without a traditional downtown district,” said Devin DeRienzo, chairman of the Rostraver Township Board of Commissioners. “We wanted find a way to help entrepreneurs who are interested in opening businesses in outlying areas of the township. Thanks to our new policies, Vinosky Winery was launched in 2017 and more agritourism businesses will be added in the coming years.”
Also during 2017, the township signed an agreement with the Westmoreland County Land Bank to put delinquent properties back on the tax roll and it continued to offer electronics recycling for residents. Fiscally, the township remains in good shape. While it experienced a minor deficit in 2017, the township was able to cover expenses without raising taxes.
Following last fall’s elections, Henry S. Boldyzar Jr. became the newest member of the board of commissioners.