North Strabane Holds Public Hearing on Proposed Townhouse Development

Editor's Note: In its original form, this story indicated that the board would vote on the ordinance next week. This was incorrect, and has been omitted. The board will vote on whether or not to advertise the ordinance. Our apologies for the error!

Residents raised concerns about landslides, traffic issues, noise and road maintenance during a public hearing on a rezoning request for a townhouse development held prior to the regularly scheduled North Strabane supervisors meeting Tuesday.

Joseph DeNardo of JND Properties in Bridgeville presented the board with his proposal to rezone 13.7 acres of land located along Weavertown Road from R-3, residential, to C-1, commercial highway. If approved, DeNardo would move forward in submitting plans for a multi-family plan of townhomes.

Current ordinance for an area zoned R-3 requires a minimum of 30 acres to construct multi-family dwellings. DeNardo's plan would accommodate 90 new dwellings—a number that drew a large reaction from the public in attendance.

Resident Michael Sebetich voiced his opinion that this zoning change and plan approval has already been negotiated and approved behind the scenes based on the fact that a water vault was recently placed on that property.

DeNardo explained that this was a move by Pennsylvania American Water as they sought out strategic locations in the township to upgrade water facilities. JND gave approval for the water company to have a right of way on the property for this purpose.

Sebetich also questioned how this would affect local roads and how the roads would be maintained, arguing that, despite the taxes he pays, North Strabane does not cover the maintenance of his road, Queens Court, a private roadway.

“I don't understand why we pay all the tax that we pay and we are benefitting nothing from this township. I'm sorry,” said Sebetich, before leaving the meeting in frustration.

Several other residents in the area also had concerns regarding how development of the property would impact recurring issues with landslides and ground shifting occurring at the property that neighbors the proposed development site.

Bob Kness is one of those residents who have been impacted by the land shifting, and he said he hates to see DeNardo throw money away. In addition, he hates to see himself and his neighbors go through the inconvenience and stress that previous slides have caused.

“Victoria Drive has had two major land shifts in the past and we are experiencing land shifting on a continual basis,” said Kness. “It is not something to be overlooked. It is something to be considered. If it were my money, I know I would consider it.”

Concerns also brought before the board were the impact on traffic and increased noise for residents in the area of Route 79.