Feb 14, 2019 3 min read

McMURRAY – As a 30-year resident of Peters Township, Thomas Robinson has demonstrated an interest in improving the aesthetics of the community.

For example, he has overseen the renovations of two of the township’s early schoolhouses: Thompsonville School on Camp Lane, built in 1907, which now houses Arlecchino Ristorante, and the former Bower Hill School, which dates back to 1908 and opened in September as Bowers School House Preschool and Learning Center.

His latest proposal, to improve a portion of unused land along Valley Brook Road, has received the blessing of Peters Township Council.

At their Monday meeting, council members voted 6-0-1 – Monica Merrell abstained – to authorize township manager Paul Lauer to negotiate lease terms for a 1.38-acre parcel of municipally owned property, which contains a stormwater management facility.

Also on the property is a dilapidated concrete-block building once used for mine ventilation. Robinson proposes converting it to a concession stand, primarily for users of the nearby Arrowhead Trail, or razing it if renovation isn’t possible and constructing a new building.

A letter to Lauer from Christopher Passodelis Jr. of Sherrard, German and Kelly, the law firm representing Robinson, outlines some of his other intentions:

• Beautifying and maintaining the property, including the township’s stormwater facility, by “removing all weeds, invasive shrubs and dead trees, and reseeding the area with appropriate grass and plantings so that it is aesthetically consistent with the landscaped areas surrounding the property.”

• Installing a driveway and parking lot providing at least 15 spaces, along with a “fitness area” featuring several stations for the public’s use.

• Building and maintaining a bridge across Brush Run to create a new access point to the Arrowhead Trail. A permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection is required for the stream crossing.

In addition to leasing the applicable property, Robinson also proposes donating an adjacent 2.5-acre tract he owns, to allow the township to better pursue a long-term strategy for stormwater management. He seeks to operate the stand pursuant at a rental rate equal to 2.5 percent of gross revenues generated.

According to Passodelis, Robinson will be footing the bill for an estimated $250,000 initially to complete the projects he proposes, plus another $25,000 annually for regular landscaping, maintenance and repairs.

“Mr. Robinson’s aim is to make the property usable open space that is desirable for Arrowhead Trail users and the community of Peters Township,” the letter states. “Such aim is consistent with the guiding principles of the township’s comprehensive plan to promote, locate and create ‘usable open spaces that contribute to the overall character and experience of the community.”

The proposal to improve the area originally came before council in April, and in August, council authorize exploring the possibility of leasing the property to Robinson. The process involved a request for proposals, and Robinson’s was the only one received by the township.