Update: Public Hearing Set for New Dick's and Target Stores

Update: The public hearing is set for the new Dick's Sporting Goods and Target stores which may soon be moving into the former Boscov's building at the South Hills Village Mall. The hearing is scheduled for May 2 at 7:30 p.m. Following the hearing, the board of commissioners will vote.

The planning commission unanimously voted to recommend plans for a new Dick's Sport Goods and a new Target store at the South Hills Village Mall.

Representatives for Simon Properties Inc., owner of the mall, presented their updated plans to the planning commission on Thursday night.

The plans include a Target store to occupy the lower level of the building. The front entrance would face Washington Road.

Dick's Sporting Goods would take over the top two levels of the building, with its front entrance facing Fort Couch Road. There would be no access from the Target to the Dick's Sporting Goods within the building. Customers would have to walk up the stairs or use the mall's elevator to get to the new Dick's.

A Dick's Sporting Goods store is currently located behind the mall, next to a Macy's Furniture store. A representative for Simon Properties Inc. said during the meeting they would "retenant" the buildings.

Vice chairman of the planning commission, Scott Slagle, said he still had concerns about traffic.

"The added traffic is going to be significant," Slagle said. "I know because my wife flocks there frequently."

A representative for Target said the company is investing a lot in the store and wouldn't want any parking problems; they are comfortable with the amount of parking.

The township's traffic engineer concurs with Simon Properties Inc.'s traffic study.

Scott Brilhart, Director of Community Development, brought up concerns about how the trash compactors and cart corrals would look.

Michael Takacs, the consultant representing Simon Properties, said that vegetation and loading trucks would provide a screening for the trash compactors at the landing zone. 

As for the cart corrals, a Target representative said the traditional corrals have an advantage over any other structure. He said a heavier structure would pose problems for security, snow removal, animal control and cart control.

Simon Properties Inc. also addressed the board's previous concerns about sidewalks. They plan to build a sidewalk extension near the Jared Jewelry store. Also in the plans, a redesign of the parking lot, including a sidewalk, between Macy's and the T station on the opposite side of the mall. 

A resident from Fieldgate Drive said he is still worried about safety; he said people will continue to cross the street to get to the mall from the Port Authority garage without using the sidewalk.

A number of other residents who live across from the mall expressed their concerns on Thursday, including worries about illuminated signs.

Brilhart said township code prohibits signs from being illuminated when stores are closed.

Joel Helmrich, Slagle, David Wade, James Sekela and Philip Tanner voted to approve the recommendation. Marvin Haddox and Robert Stevenson were absent.

The next step in the project is to hold a public hearing and get final approval from the board of commissioners, which will possibly take place in May.