Apr 19, 2018 2 min read

For a second time, the conditional-use hearing for the proposed Walnut Grove development in North Strabane Township has been continued.

The hearing is scheduled to resume next month, when representatives for Waterdam LP will present revisions to a conditional-use application for the 23-acre, 31-unit, single-family development in an R-2 district off Thomas Road, between Ross and Springdale roads.

The board of supervisors is deciding whether or not to approve the proposed conservation subdivision application, amid complaints from residents the housing plan will add to flooding woes in the area.

Steven Victor of Victor Wetzel Associates, representing Waterdam LP, told supervisors Tuesday the developers will move the proposed retention pond from its original location on the other side of Thomas Road, which is zoned A-1, to the same side where the homes will be constructed. Moving the retention pond will reduce the size of the development from 31 homes to 29.

Supervisors, however, are concerned about repeated flooding, caused by intense rains in Southwestern Pennsylvania, and the impact of a housing plan in that area.

“It’s already flooding there right now, without any houses built,” said Supervisor Bob Ross. “Your retention pond won’t help that. Your runoff will make it worse.”

Victor contends the retention pond will not contribute to flooding.

“Our runoff will make it better because we will slow down the runoff from our area. Our release rates do not increase the runoff rate for this,” said Victor, arguing improved storm water management can alleviate flooding.

Supervisor Markus Staley countered development contributes to the flooding issue.

“I think it used to be when it rained, we’d have fields and trees, we had ground to soak up the water. Now, we have rooftops, parking lots, driveways, roads, and it’s not soaking in,” said Staley. “The area can’t handle this.”

The date for the conditional-use hearing has not yet been set.