South Strabane rejects apartment proposal
An apartment building project at the Old Mill complex was rejected Tuesday by South Strabane Township Board of Supervisors, which denied an application from HCB Foundry.
The developer proposed a mid-rise complex on a 12-acre pad in the rear of the Route 19 development.
Attorney Jonathan M. Kamin, representing HCB, requested a waiver in the commercial district to proceed without the condition a retail or office space be located on the first floor.
Kamin told supervisors the plan complies with all other imposed conditions. Kamin requested the board waive the requirement, because, among other issues, the difference in elevation would make viable retail a challenge. He said the 150,000 square feet of retail that already exists at Old Mill fulfills the mixed-use requirement.
“It is in line with your comprehensive plan,” Kamin said.
Patrick Cooper of Gateway Engineers prepared three options of permitted uses, including an office complex, a retail center and a combined apartment and retail/office space. He said the proposed plan of apartments only would result in far less traffic than the other three permitted options.
The developer was originally denied a variance from the township’s zoning hearing board and later secured a recommendation from the planning commission.
Supervisors were concerned about the access point at Berry and Manifold roads, because of the problematic intersection there. At the May 24 meeting, Kamin agreed to continue a public hearing on the matter, giving the developer time to perform a traffic study.
Traffic engineer Michael Haberman presented a possible solution to the problem Tuesday that included building up 250 feet of Berry Road to make it even with Manifold.
Supervisor Edward Mazur made a motion to approve the application, with the condition that turning restrictions be implemented. He also requested the developer work with the township to fix traffic issues at the intersection. The motion died for lack of a second, and the board later voted to deny the application.