Jul 21, 2017 3 min read

North Strabane Township supervisors will decide whether to allow development of a mobile home park during their voting meeting Tuesday.

A public hearing was closed this week after supervisors heard testimony from the developer and neighbors who said they have safety concerns because one of the access roads to the development crosses railroad tracks on Francis Street.

“It’s a big public safety issue,” Councilman Marcus Staley said.

North Strabane Properties of Bridgeville submitted a conditional-use application for 228 units to be completed in six phases. The 182-acre site, called Hidden Acres, is located off Baltimore Avenue in an A-1 agricultural district. Mobile home parks are a permitted use in that district.

The township’s planning commission recommended approval, with conditions, during a February meeting. But commission chairman Harold Close told supervisors Tuesday members recommended approval believing the developer already had secured an agreement with CSX Transportation to use the railroad crossing.

Christopher Passodelis Jr., an attorney representing the developer, said they do have permission as owners of the property, but would need to obtain expanded permission to develop.

CSX did not respond to specific questions Thursday, but spokesman Rob Doolittle said in an email, “Safety is CSX’s highest priority, and we work closely with communities across our network to help them plan effectively to ensure safe access to communities while preserving our ability to effectively serve the freight customers who rely on CSX for their shipping needs.”

Another issue discussed by supervisors is the plan calls for only one access road during the first four phases. Chairman Brian Spicer said the zoning ordinance requires two access roads for a development of that size.

Attorney Kenneth Yarsky II, also representing the developer, said they believe only one access road is required for the first phase because fewer than 50 units would be constructed.

“We are phased,” he said. “There’s nothing we can see that suggests those access points have to be done instantaneously.”

A group of residents calling themselves “Friends of Christy Road” have been represented by an attorney at previous meetings to oppose the development, citing issues with traffic, safety and the widths of Christy Road and Francis Street.

Solicitor Gary Sweat advised supervisors to review the conditions recommended by the planning commission before voting. He said they have 45 days to render a decision, but he expects supervisors to vote at their next meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday.