A Pain in the Grass for Scott

It was supposed to be a celebratory Scott Township Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday. The commissioners said they were looking forward to the township’s 150 year anniversary being held on the Fourth of July, but the event was marred by a group of citizens who claim that the township reneged on a 40-year-old promise.

Forty years ago, homes along Lindsay Road were told that if they removed their fences, the Scott Township Public Works Department would cut their grass since it encroached on the Scott Park, back when it was being constructed.

As soon as public comments on the agenda were welcomed, Tony Chiodo of Lindsay Road took to the podium. He spoke of the promise made to him decades ago.  He told the commissioners that his advanced age prevents him from cutting the grass. He took his oxygen tank to the podium with him as he spoke out.

Albert Wendland, Chiodo’s neighbor, also spoke: “I was told that when I moved into the house that the township was to continue cutting the grass in this area. I have a heart condition and I would have never bought the house if I knew I had to cut it.”

Township Commissioner Bill Wells also took to the podium. “I know this is unusual, but I stand before you not in my usual role, but as a concerned citizen. The township made a promise to these people 40 years ago. Where I come from, we honor our promises. We’re having our 150 year anniversary party in the park and now there’s this section, where the public likes to sit and watch fireworks, where the grass is six inches high!”

He went on to mention that there was very little discussion of the matter, and the residents of Lindsay felt blindsided by the news that they now had to mow their own yards after years of having the task performed for them.  

Board President Pat Caruso, suggested that the grass be cut, especially in lieu of the impending celebration, until the matter could be discussed further at the next meeting.

Also during the meeting...

• There was one other major issue on the agenda; in May there was an motion to adopt Ordinance No. 1593-11 which amended the Zoning Ordinance to provide gas, oil and natural gas processing plants and compressor stations as conditional uses in several zoning districts in the Township. Even though, the Board of Commissioners already voted on this ordinance, Allegheny County Economic Development insisted that the matter be advertised before a vote was reached. The commissioners were to re-vote on the matter. The board split its vote.

• The rest of the evening proceeded without much incident. The Planning, Zoning and Code Enforcement granted approval to the Bottom Dollar Super Market for a subdivision submittal for a property located on Washington Avenue, the Family Video location.

• Almost all other voting was unanimous, except for the replacement of Kenneth Lee who is leaving his position on August 12, 2012. Two candidates were discussed to replace Lee. The board nominated Margie Dixon and Brandon Dukes for the position. Dukes won the majority vote.

• Caruso closed the meeting by wishing everyone a happy Fourth of July and encouraged everyone to attend the 150 year anniversary party in Scott Park on the Fourth.