Council clears way for development

Office/warehouse on Venetia Road

A public hearing was held prior to the Monday Peters Township Council meeting to receive comment about a proposed office/warehouse development on 1.86 acres at 430 Venetia Road.

The owner of the property, Five Hundred Nineteen Properties LLC, of Canonsburg, filed a conditional use application with the township in order to develop the parcel into space for local plumbing and electrical contractors.

The site is currently zoned West Venetia Road Mixed-Use Corridor, and office/warehouse is conditional use in that zoning district.

Up to three buildings consisting of about 4,000 square feet each are proposed for the site.

Some of the conditions the developer must meet to move forward include the installation of a sprinkler system in the building and a fire hydrant outside. Additionally, the exterior front and rear facade must be faced with brick, stone or other suitable material, not just metal.

No one from the public commented during the hearing.

The matter will go to the township’s planning commission and then back to council for a final vote.

Other business: Council approved a settlement agreement with Edward and Susan Courtney concerning a structure at 214 Valley Brook Road. The settlement, handed down in Commonwealth Court on Jan. 13, states Mr. and Mrs. Courtney have 60 days to demolish the longvacant building and are solely responsible for removing debris from the property.

Council approved the purchase of a Ford Explorer from C. Harper for use by the chief of police at a cost of $39,329. The vehicle will replace an existing police car.

Council also voted to amend the township’s personnel manual to create two new jobs — fire captain and media specialist.