COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
James R. Morrison, Director
urrysville MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE NEWS
DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
The Department continued the plan review process and inspection of building activity throughout the Municipality. Murrysville has experienced an increase in construction activity over previous years. In 2016, 56 single family residential permits were issued which represents an increase from the 2015 total of 43 permits.
There were a total of 17 commercial occupancy permits issued for new commercial activity which included additional build-out and occupancy of several businesses in shopping plazas. Two new large commercial establishments were also given site plan approval in 2016. A site plan was approved for Conley Auto Body on Route 22, directly across from the Manordale Farms plan. The other development involves a total rebuild of the the Sheetz Store at the intersection of Route 22 and School Road South. The new Sheetz will feature an indoor seating area as well as a drivethrough facility.
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING ACTIVITIES Implementation of the Traffic Impact Fee Plan and Capital Improvement Plan, which was adopted by Council in December 2015, began in 2016. The Plan included the development of a Transportation Capital Improvements Plan and Traffic Impact Fees that are assessed to developers to assist in its implementation. In 2016, the recommendations of this Plan were incorporated into the five-year Municipal Capital Improvements Plan and Budget. Specifically, the Transportation Advisory Committee and Council reviewed projects recommended by the Plan and decided to program dollars toward a project that would construct a new bridge from Logan Ferry Road to Sardis Road on a site slightly north of the existing deteriorating bridge connection. The new project will provide for safer access and assist in the alleviation of traffic congestion at the intersection of Sardis Road and Old William Penn Highway.
MARCELLUS SHALE ZONING EFFORTS
During the first quarter of 2016, substantial efforts were made by the Municipality to provide education on the important issue of Marcellus shale drilling. Three educational sessions were conducted in the Council Chambers and broadcasted live on Channel 19. The first session included representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection( DEP) who discussed the role that they play in the permitting and inspection process of these well sites. Particular attention was given to recommended new regulations on drilling that enhance these efforts.
The second session featured representatives from Huntley and Huntley, a drilling company. At this session, examples were given on how the industry utilizes“ best management practices” to reduce impacts of drilling operations. The speakers also presented an overview of the intricacies of the drilling process.
The final session included researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and West Virginia University who discussed findings of their research on health and safety impacts of unconventional drilling. The presentation focused on potential impacts on air quality from diesel engines associated with delivery trucks and
54 Murrysville engines on the site. Also discussed were potential hazards on a drilling site.
All of the programs were very well attended and excellent questions were presented by attendees to allow for a very civil dialogue on these important issues. As a result of these sessions, revisions were made to the draft pending ordinance. These revisions were presented and discussed by Council and received extensive public input. A formal public hearing was held in December 2016, and discussion and voting on the proposed ordinance is projected to be completed in spring, 2017.
A third-party reporting system for enforcement of code inspections was acquired to assist the Code Enforcement officers to collect, organize, and track fire and life safety test results. There was no capital outlay for this program by the Municipality, as fees will be paid by third party contractors.
CODE ENFORCEMENT
The Department remains active in code enforcement activities and responses to violations reported by residents or observed in the field. In cases where compliance is not achieved due to inability to locate a property owner or obtain a response in a timely manner, property violations are addressed, where possible, and then liens are placed on the properties for the cost of any enforcement actions. There are two full-time building inspectors / code officials to carry out these tasks.
The Department continues to update its mapping, using parcel data from Westmoreland County and any approved subdivision plans. In addition, the staff is continuing training to maximize its use of the Geographic Information Systems technology to keep property data organized, log all permit activity, and improve mapping.
ZONING ORDINANCE UPDATES
The Planning Commission continued their efforts to recommend revisions to certain portions of the Zoning Ordinance in response to recommendations made by the adopted 2015 Comprehensive Plan. The areas of focus include sections of landscaping, architectural standards, sign provisions and parking requirements. The Ordinance has also been reviewed by staff to assure consistency with the new Comprehensive Plan.