Nov 14, 2016 2 min read

South Fayette commissioners are considering a recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Board to close the Dog-Run-Free zone at Fairview Park after a recent incident in which an off-leash dog attacked and injured another dog near the water towers.

The attack resulted in $7,000 worth of medical bills for the dog, Parks and Recreation Director Paula Simmons told the commissioners during their Nov. 9 meeting.

Simmons brought the recommendation to the board for review, citing more people using the park and more unlicensed dogs as reasons to consider requiring all dogs to be on leashes in the park.

“When this dog park opened, Fairview wasn’t as crowded,” Simmons said. “It’s very crowded now with all the sports and everything going on. I think it’s time to close the dog park.”

The commissioners requested that more information on how many people use the park, whether they’re South Fayette residents and the number of dog incidents there. Commissioner Jessica Cardillo, who mentioned she has a pitbull, proposed the addition of fences to separate a leash-free zone from the rest of the park.

The Board of Commissioners also reviewed plans for new signage for the Abele Business Park. The new signs, designed by Kolano Design, blend sculpture, art and information, all while adhering to code. The largest sign will be a marquee visible from the exit from 79 designed to orient drivers to the direction of the business park without being lost in a sea of signage at the end of the off ramp.

Meanwhile, South Fayette may be a little brighter soon with the installation of LED streetlamps. Township Manager Ryan Eggleston said more than 1,000 lights will be changed, the majority of those on South Fayette streets.

The South Fayette Board of Commissioners will present the township’s 2017 draft budget during the Nov. 16 meeting, which will begin at 6 p.m. instead of the usual 7 p.m.