Feb 29, 2016 2 min read

North Strabane Township residents identified two key areas of concern in a 2015 survey: handling increasing traffic volumes and maintaining the characteristics of existing neighborhoods.

With those issues in mind, township officials are close to updating a 2003 comprehensive plan, the strategy for development and future land use.

A representative of Environmental Planning & Design presented the latest draft to the board of supervisors Tuesday with points of discussion including a rapidly growing – and aging – population and retention of rural attributes.

Andrew Schwartz, managing principal, said the survey revealed areas of the 27-square-mile municipality where residents want to see development, such as public sewer and water, but “they clearly delineated where they do not want to see services.”

Rural areas comprise the largest land use in the township at almost 40 percent.

The plan provides for no public sewerage for 4,000 acres in the eastern portion of the township to retain its characteristics.

But the designated “heart” of North Strabane will be a mixed-use area close to routes 19 and 79. An example of such a district includes a planned residential development incorporating residential lots adjacent to offices or retail space.

The township’s demographic is aging. As a result, the firm recommended an expansion of public transportation and appropriate housing, including emphasis on single-family residential.

Manager Frank Siffrinn said improvements will be planned with development consequences in mind.

Another priority is the construction of a new municipal complex, with space for safety and public works departments. The plan calls for a feasibility study as the next step.

The comprehensive plan draft will be sent to neighboring communities, then a public hearing will be set for April.

In other business, the board approved a conditional use application by Range Resources to place a 9,000-barrel freshwater corral on the Bier well site property on Route 19 for water distribution to well sites outside the township.

Supervisors approved the hiring of a full-time secretary/receptionist at a rate of $15.50 per hour and full benefits. Siffrinn said the position will eventually encompass more duties as the township evolves.

The 2016 road pavement maintenance contract was awarded to Youngblood Paving for $1.2 million.