Apr 28, 2016 2 min read

Maronda Homes Inc. asked Washington County Court to overturn the North Strabane Township board of supervisors’ decision denying the development of a 96-acre tract in the township’s high-density residential zone.

In late October, the Clinton, Allegheny County-based development firm, which also operates in Florida, Ohio, Kentucky and Georgia, filed an application with North Strabane seeking approval of its residential subdivision, which proposed building homes on 152 single-family lots.

In November, the North Strabane Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the development.

Later that month, North Strabane’s engineer, Gateway, evaluated the proposed development, identifying several concerns regarding traffic on Lindley Road that would be generated if the subdivision were built.

The board of supervisors, according to court documents, granted preliminary approval of the subdivision plan on Nov. 24, and in January, Maronda’s traffic consultant, David E. Wooster and Associates, “addressed all concerns raised by the township engineer.”

Maronda followed up with additional information at a meeting of the board of supervisors, but on March 22, the supervisors voted to deny its application, stating in a written confirmation of their vote that “the township is concerned about traffic flow that will be caused by development and wants a clear understanding of PennDOT requirements before it can approve a final site plan.”

Gateway Engineers wrote that there are very residential units in the area of the proposed development and along Lindley Road, and that the roadway and intersecting roadways are used as alternate routes to Racetrack Road and to points west of Interstate 79.

Maronda claims the township is being arbitrary and capricious, is abusing its discretion and that its decision is not supported by substantial evidence.

No court date has been set on the case, which was filed Monday.