The first Public hearing went well. The Board of Commissioners asked some key questions. They appear to have listened to our comments. It was stated that at the end of next months hearing the Board of Commissioners will have the right to approve, reject, or call for a third hearing. The second hearing is scheduled for 7:30 on October 3 at the USC Recreation Center on Boyce Rd.
WHY? Why is this developer trying to change our Zoning Laws? Because of a VISION that he has had and developed to develop this piece of property. Requesting to have this property re-zoned from SB - Special Business to Mixed Use doesn't satisfy his vision.
So his group, 1800 Washington Road Assocites, has RE-written the Mixed Used Zoning Laws to meet his desired purpose for this property. Or maybe his group has wriiten an ADDITION to the Mixed Use portion of USC Zoning laws. It's not quite clear.
This developer lives in USC, and his partner lives in a near-by community. They believe, and wants us to believe that they have Upper St Clairs best interest at the heart of His Vision and their plan. He has asked a FEW of the neighbors for some input to improve his plan. This has had some positive, and maybe some negative impacts on what might get built here.
This appears to have slowed the fight against His efforts to change our zoning laws. BUT, there are still many unanswered questions. Yes, there are still some who believe that this is bad for USC, bad for this community, bad for near-by schools, bad for anyone who drives by this property on any regular basis, and bad for the immediate neighbors of this property.
He makes very convincing arguments that he cares about our community, and that their plan is the best thing that could happen for USC. But then again, he is not only an attorney, he is in charge of a large group of attorneys. If there is one thing an attorney can do, it is to make a convincing presentation. That is worth keeping in the back of your mind. His almost 2 hour presentation convinced our Planning Committee to recommend his plan.
Has he already won this case? Has he already convinced the township leaders that this is good for our community? He does not have the approval from OUR Board of Commissioners yet. So, our Zoning laws have NOT been changed to meet his vision. There will be Two (2) Public hearings before he can get this approval.
Is His vision good for our community? Many believe it is, while others are on the fence. BUT, there are many who believe it is simply a bad vision for this piece of property. It may be a bad vision for any property in Upper St Clair. What do you think? TRUE, this site has been developed to help people see why this is a bad vision for Upper St Clair. BUT, let's talk about it. I'll try to keep an open mind if you will.
Please post your comments below!
