Small Subdivision Proposed for Morrow Road

A new, albeit small, residential development is in the works for Upper St. Clair.

The township planning commission last week heard about plans by Dr. Andrew Zahalsky to build on property he purchased off Morrow Road, across the street north from the Engelwood Drive intersection.

Zahalsky, an oncologist who lives in Peters Township, said he plans to build his family’s home on the property. The subdivision would include six other lots, each about 1 acre.

An access road would run north from Morrow and end in a cul-de-sac. The plan calls for an optimal placement for motorists’ visibility.

“If you were directly across from Engelwood and going south on the newly created street, you would have a terrible sight line because this road is coming right around a curve,” Zahalsky explained. “So we wanted to offset that street further down the road so they have a much better sight line.”

The area is heavily wooded, and Zahalsky said he intends to retain that type of character.

“They’re gorgeous old pine trees, old walnut trees,” he said. “I really want to keep it as nice and pristine as possible.”

His presence at the planning commission meeting represented a preapplication process, prior to his started to go through all the necessary steps of gaining approval for the subdivision. He said his hope is to have his new home built by September 2012.

Also last week, the planning commission recommended these items for approval by township commissioners:

• Final plans for expansion at Friendship Village of South Hills, off Boyce Road. Plans call for renovations including an enlarged meeting room and atrium space, enhanced dining and kitchen areas, more parking spaces, improved access for emergency services and new landscaping.
• An outdoor dining area at Bonefish Grill, which is in the works for an outparcel at South Hills Village, near First Niagara Bank. The area requires approval as a conditional use. Township commissioners already have approved the site plan and transfer of a liquor license to the restaurant.

Last week, the planning commission also recommended for approval a revised preliminary subdivision for Deerfield Manor Plan No. 9, which calls for the connection of Turnberry Drive with the Circle drives in Upper St. Clair and Peters townships.