Sewer Issues a Hot Topic at Peters Township Council Meeting

Audience comments at Monday’s council meeting centered around the ongoing problem with the Peters Creek Sanitary Authority not issuing sewer taps in the watershed.

Three local builders voiced strong concerns that nothing is being done and it is impeding progress and costing builders and the township money. They asked council for assistance in getting this settled.

“We can’t get lots sold because no sewer permits are being issued,” said local builder Ted Taylor.

Peters Township Manager Michael Silvestri said he's been talking to authorities to try to speed up the process and has “hit a brick wall.” He also noted that the Peters Creek Sanitary Authority Board was meeting on Monday and hoped there would be some progress on this issue.

Council also passed a resolution amending the sewage facilities plan for the Brush Run watershed to include the Tuscany plan of lots adjacent to Simmons Farm.

Sewers will be extended 1,500 feet from their current terminus on Justabout Road. Comments were heard from Bob Simmons and developer Steven Victor, but the vote passed unanimously.

Final plans for the Tuscany Plan of lots were approved for the 51-acre parcel to be developed with 18 large lots on a cul-de-sac. Plans included a tree and shrub buffer between the parcel and Simmons Farm.

Bob Simmons expressed concern that what was proposed wouldn’t provide enough of a buffer from noise and spray, but it was determined the plan was providing the required amount of trees because they received tree credit for leaving existing trees on the property.

In other news Monday night...

Funeral Home Appeal

Silvestri reported Monday that the funeral home appeal on the zoning variance was upheld by the Washington County Common Pleas Court and was appealed to the Commonwealth Court. Solicitor William Johnson indicated that it could take about a year and may stall additional development of the property during that time.

 Board Appointments

• Tony Sulkowski was reappointed to the Cable Television Board and discussion included adding an alternate member to the board, but no motion was made.
• Doyle Holiday was appointed to the Youth Commission Board for a three-year term.
• Stacey Noble was reappointed to the Zoning Hearing Board for a three-year term as the alternate.

Additional Business

Council accepted the resignation of tax appeal counsel Lane Turturice and a motion was made to accept a proposal from Susan Key of Peacock Keller to perform tax appeal representation contingent upon the PT school district’s approval.

A motion was approved that will allow a portion of property currently owned by Forest Lawn Gardens to be rezoned from residential to general commercial for an addition to .

Several proposals on long-term disability and life insurance were discussed and a motion was made to adopt AUL as the carrier for three years.

The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m. in .

Editor's Note: PT Council also said it plans to take action on the new Marcellus Shale Bill. Read the full story .