Sep 7, 2016 3 min read

McMURRAY – Peters Township Council held a final public hearing Tuesday for residents to voice their opinions about proposed ordinances that would allow conservation-residential and mixed-residential zoning districts to be considered overlay districts.

According to township manager Paul Lauer, the overlay districts would promote development that provides additional housing options while protecting natural resources by preserving scenery and conservation areas.

“The goal is to provide individuals at all stages of life to have a chance to live in Peters Township,” said Lauer.

Council is expected to vote on the ordinances Monday.

The zoning changes, which would affect 2,331 acres of area conservation residential and 370 acres of mixed residential, is what Lauer and township planning director Ed Zuk consider to be the first step in implementing Plan Peters 2022.

“This came out of a long process and is believed it will help begin to achieve the goals of the comprehensive plan,” said Zuk.

The seven goals of the comprehensive plan are: promote unique activity centers, emphasize housing choice and housing diversity, stay forever green, build township character and identity, increase transportation choice and walkability, enhance municipal advantage and excel in education and township services.

“The comprehensive plan is a policy guide,” Zuk explained. “It’s not law, just a blueprint on how Peters Township wants to grow over the next 10 to 20 years. Everything the township is doing going forward, we are keeping those seven things in mind.”

If the overlay districts are approved by council, along with the development of future commercial areas that are part of “hybrid development,” it could increase the number of residents to more than 36,500.

If there is no change in zoning, studies conducted by the steering committee for the comprehensive plan have shown the population will remain below 34,500.

Municipal officials said the ordinance changes would not force people looking to develop their large lots of land into strictly townhouses, condominiums or apartments. Rather, they would allow for them to have those kinds of options along with development of detached, single-family homes. Changes were made from the previous plan as presented at previous hearings, including provisions that developers must demonstrate access to water and public sewers, open space cannot be developed unless certain criteria are met and approved by council, and that conservation residential developments are limited to areas larger than five acres.

Councilwoman Monica Merrell said she has reservations because of the effect the developments could have on the rural character of Peters Township.

Similar comments were echoed by several township residents who spoke at the hearing.

“I moved here six-and-a-half years ago,” said resident Jim Harrington. “One of the attractions of Peters Township was its lot size and rural attractiveness. One of the reasons why people moved here are the rules, and now you plan on changing them. How do you fix something that really isn’t broken?”