Commissioners to Consider New Lots in Deerfield Manor

commissioners will decide on whether to give tentative approval to J.T. Thomas Homes to build 10 new lots in Deerfield Manor.

The proposed development would extend Turnberry Drive in the rear of the Upper St. Clair neighborhood.

Township staff recommends the new development connect Turnberry Drive to Circle Drive, which would provide emergency vehicles and traffic on the street a more direct way to get to and from Route 19.

"If you can make that connection, you should," said Scott Brilhart, director of community development.

However, J.T. Thomas Homes would like to keep Turnberry Drive a cul-de-sac street to increase values of the "private and higher-end" homes. The developer also said creating a cul-de-sac would allow them to preserve more natural trees.

The Upper St. Clair Planning Commission sided with the developer, recommending commissioners give the development approval with a cul-de-sac.

Nearly a dozen Deerfield Manor residents attended the planning commission meeting on Jan. 19. Three residents on Turnberry Drive spoke at the meeting, asking planning commissioners to keep their street a dead end.

One resident from Hollow Tree Drive spoke and was in favor of the connection to Circle Drive. He was concerned about increased traffic on Hollow Tree and Pinetree Drives without the additional connection.

The matter is on the agenda of the next board of commissioners meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6.

Do you think Turnberry Drive should connect to Circle Drive or be a cul-de-sac? Tell us in the comments.