Politics & Government

Township Looking into Developing Land on Route 19 and Boyce Road

Nearby residents are furious that the township wants to build on the land.

Every ten years, the township of Upper St. Clair performs a comprehensive plan which determines the goals of the community.

The latest plan recommends determining the potential development capacity and accessibility on the northwest corner of Route 19 and Boyce Road.

Aaron Richardson, a LEED-certified engineer for The Gateway Engineers, was assigned to the project. 

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After a number of concept drawings and discussions, Richardson's team determined the best use for the 16 acres would be to build apartments, retail and office space, and possibly an assisted living building. He said traffic prohibited a grocery store.

A number of residents from the Deerfield Manor neighborhood, which is located across Boyce Road from the proposed development, voiced their opposition at Thursday's planning commission meeting. 

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The residents said traffic on Boyce Road is already a nightmare. They are also worried the nearby apartment complexes would erode property value and cause safety concerns for the students next door at Boyce Middle School.

Richardson and the township's engineer, Ruthann Omer, reminded the residents and the planning commissioners, the plan is "just a concept" and stressed that "there was a lot more work to be done."

A Duquesne Light transmission line and a stream on the property add to the challenges the engineers face. 

Their current conceptual drawing preserves the wetland and has ample green space.

Scott Brilhart, Director of Community Development, said the closest comparison in Upper St. Clair to the conceptual plan is Pinebridge Commons Plaza on McLaughlin Run Road.

Superintendent Patrick O'Toole, of the Upper St. Clair school district, said because of the budget, he has not had the chance to study the plan and its impact on Boyce Middle School. However, Dr. O'Toole said the township and the school district have always worked together on planning matters to address concerns about school safety and traffic patterns.


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