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The Penn Township Pipeline

Penn Township Comprehensive Development Plan Adopted - February 2, 2006

The Penn Township Comprehensive Development Plan (also known as the "Comp Plan") is a guide for balancing future development of Penn Township with the rural nature of the community.

Guided by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), the Comp Plan process took several years to examine the current conditions of our infrastructure and facilities, the current land development levels, as well as the demographics of the township in order to measure the future needs of the community. The Comp Plan also incorporates the ideas of residents, farmers, business interests, land developers, and local officials in determining the goals and needs for the future of the community.

The Penn Area Library has a reference copy of the Comprehensive Development Plan available, or you can purchase a copy of the Comp Plan for $50.00 or the Executive Summary for $25.00 (containing all of the maps and plan recommendations) at the Municipal Building.

PTARC / Shelly Proskin Center Named

The PTARC / Shelly Proskin Center, located along Route 130 in the Level Green, provides a recreation facility for residents of the Penn-Trafford area. The building was recently named “The PTARC / Shelly Proskin Center” through a $25,000 donation from Shelly Proskin’s family.

Through a series of grants and a dedicated volunteer labor force, the converted school provides a great facility in the township to enjoy activities, have meetings and social functions, learn new skills, get fit, and spend time with family, friends and neighbors. For more information about activities available through PTARC, go to www.ptarc.org, or for rental information at the facility call 724-744-2171 extension 204 or 205.

Burrell Hill Grant Awarded

Improving the infrastructure of the township is a costly and lengthy process that many times is helped with the assistance of other government agencies. Some of this assistance has recently come from the Westmoreland County Planning and Development Office in the amount of $585,000, with a subsequent amendment for an additional $55,000.00.

This grant was applied for by Township Manager, Bruce Light for the design and installation of a sewage system to service Depot Street, Burrell Hill Circle, and a portion of Burrell Hill Road in the township. This project will be implemented in future months by the Township Commissioners.

Three Business Zone Changes

The Penn Township Commissioners continue to try to balance the rural and residential nature of Penn Township with the needs of small business and a desire for more balanced tax base through three recent zone changes. The three rezoned properties include:

• Photography by Pati --The property was changed from R-2 to B-2 for a photography business along Harrison City Export Road.
• LP Aero Plastics -- The property was changed from A-1 to M-1 for an expansion of an existing light manufacturing facility in Boquet.
• Level Green Shops -- The property was changed from A-2 to B-2 for a soon to be built retail development in Level Green along Route 130.