Sep 22, 2014 3 min read

WAYNESBURG – A public hearing held Monday by the Franklin Township supervisors on a request to change the zoning designation of a property off Dark Hollow Road from residential to agricultural drew about 10 residents opposed to the change.

Ronnetta Benamati of 120 Dark Hollow Road requested the curative amendment to the zoning ordinance to change the zoning designation of about 13 acres she owns behind her house so she could construct a carriage house/ barn.

Benamati told the supervisors the building would include storage space and several stalls that would allow her small children to have animals such as a pony and a goat.

She said she has a horse she keeps at another farm, but would not be bringing that animal to the property. “It’s just to have a couple of small animals for the children,” she said. She also noted the 92.5 acres behind her property currently is zoned agricultural.

Residents said, however, they were concerned about the possibility of having farm animals in a residential area, and while they seemed to have no problem with Benamati’s proposal, were concerned the zoning change would be permanent, which could allow future owners of the Benamati property to raise cows or even pigs on the property.

“Our fears are what might happen down the road,” said Barbara Nelson, who said she has lived in the area for more than 30 years and has watched it develop into a nice residential community.

Nelson commented on Benamati’s beautiful home and said she was sure Benamati would construct an attractive building, but she was concerned the amendment that was being considered was “all or nothing” covering the entire 13 acres.

Several others had mentioned that if the area for the zoning change was more limited it might be acceptable.

The township planning commission earlier had voted 2 to 2 with one abstention on approving the amendment, said township code enforcement officer Steve Coss. The commission sent the amendment to the supervisors recommending the supervisors limit the change only to the area directly behind the Benamati house.

Benamati’s attorney, Greg Hook, also spoke and noted the 13 acres abuts the 92.5 acre parcel already zoned agricultural. Anyone who would want to buy the 13-acre property from Benamati also would have to purchase her house, and probably, because of the nice condition of the house, would not want to use the property to keep cows, he said.

The supervisors tabled action on the amendment until their next meeting Oct. 14, which they said also will give them time to discuss the matter with supervisor John Higgins, who was absent Monday.

In other business, the supervisors voted to seek bids for the demolition of a dilapidated manufactured home at 205 McNay Hill Road. The supervisors earlier began condemnation proceedings against the property, owned by the City Mortgage Co.

The company had been given 90 days to correct conditions with the house. The house will be demolished and a lien will then be placed on the property in an attempt to recoup the condemnation and demolition costs.