Feb 11, 2014 3 min read

McMURRAY – When property owners on Center Church and Johnston roads asked Peters Township Council to install measures to slow traffic at the intersection and nearby streets, the request was referred to the township’s traffic calming committee. The recommendation received from the committee included three-way stop signs, or the installation of two medial islands and two permanent speed display signs. All of the recommendations were discussed during the regular council meeting Monday.

In the past, when residents complained of excessive speeds, council authorized installation of speed bumps, and that is what the residents in the Center Church and Johnston area want, aid Michael Silvestri, township manager. Any of the recommendations, with the possible exception of the stop signs, would be expensive, including the two medial islands, which could cost as much as $42,000 and would take part of some property owners’ front yards. Any of the land taken would be from the township’s rights of way, Silvestri said.

Installing speed bumps was not well received by council members.

Councilman David Ball said the township is already known as the “land of the speed hump.”

The options presented by the Traffic Calming Committee will be forwarded to the residents for a vote. The final decision will be made by council.

In other action, council:

• Set 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 as the time for a public hearing on a request for a liquor license transfer to the proposed Ichiban Bistro at the Donaldsons Crossroads shopping center at the site of the former Hibachi Japanese Steak House. Ichiban also will take over the space formerly occupied by GNC.

• Heard a request by Lou Siyufy, 140 Sherwood Drive, to install a pipe to divert a stream on the property that flows under an entryway at the house to take the water around the house before reconnecting it to the stream. Siyufy, who has lived at the address since 1999, said the potential for flooding seems to increase each year. He asked council for help installing the new pipe, which he said will cost more than $30,000. Council Chairman James Berguist said council will confer with township professionals to see what, if any, help can be given, and then contact Siyufy.

• Appointed Bill “Buzz” Garner and John Hilzendeger to fill vacancies on the parks and recreation board, effective for three years with terms to expire in January 2017. Reclassified Rebecca Bowman from an alternate to a full member on the construction appeals board. Her term will expire in January 2017.

• Heard from police Chief Harry Fruecht concerning formation of a special team through South Hills Area Council of Governments to deal with more intensive investigations. The township currently is involved with SHACOG’s Critical Emergency Response Team, which responds to high-intensity police situations.

• Announced another firm, McDonald Land Services Co. and Seitel, wishes to conduct additional seismic testing in the southern half of the township. Some of the land eyed for testing is on township-owned properties such as Peters Lake Park. Testing could begin in the spring, Silvestri said. Some of the properties proposed were recently part of seismic testing done by another firm. Silvestri said no complaints were received. Some of the properties already tested would be included in the second request. Solicitor John Smith said council did not need to vote on the request at this time.

• Granted a request for additional sewer capacity at the Donaldsons Square plan. No new buildings or sewer connections will be included, but the increased usage will include two restaurants that will increase flow.