North Strabane supervisors hold off on vote for potential zoning change
The North Strabane Township Board of Supervisors voted to punt rendering a decision on a zoning change for a plot where a developer hopes to build a “personal warehouse” for large-scale storage.
Canonsburg-based CC Realty Advisors is seeking to have the lot at the corner of Curry Avenue and Morganza Road rezoned from highway commercial to industrial. Earlier this month the supervisors held a public hearing on the application, and on Tuesday voted to table the matter until next month. Officials are concerned that “personal warehouse” use does not fall under any existing definitions in the zoning code.
The site is currently a vacant, overgrown lot.
Rich Erenberg, an owner of CC Realty, explained that the facility would essentially be self-storage for those who have a need for significant space – such as businesses and car enthusiasts.
“We’re building a condominium complex for people to rent,” Erenberg said.
The application filed with North Strabane refers to the project as a “garage condominium.” The proposal calls for five buildings ranging from 10,800 to 17,600 square feet.
Erenberg attended the supervisors meeting Tuesday evening and during public comment expressed frustration that the board did not make a decision. Township solicitor Gary Sweat told Erenberg that the supervisors are wary about the proposed use.
“I think the sentiment of the board is that you really want a better definition for the public than a personal warehouse. That’s something that I believe they’re going to assign to the planning commission to make some recommendations,” Sweat said.
Erenberg tried to make the case that the zoning of the property and how it may be used in the future are separate issues, and implored the supervisors to take a vote.
“We’re only asking you to vote on a rezone for that property. I think it’s unfair to us to then table it because of the use that we brought before you. I think that’s very unfair to us after we’ve been here for nine months,” Erenberg said.
Council refused to reopen the issue for a vote. Sweat told Erenberg that throughout the process the definition of “personal warehouse” has been at issue, and the township does not feel it has been addressed.
“From day one though we have always pressed for you to give us a definition of personal warehouse. Now you can’t deny that. Every time we’ve had a public hearing, that has been a topic of discussion,” Sweat said.
CC Realty initially applied to build the storage facility as a conditional use. A public hearing was held on that application in January. According to Sweat, the group withdrew the application and filed a request to have the lot rezoned.
Erenberg continued to insist that his company deserves a yes or no vote on the zoning issue. Council member Harold Close responded that the township is not trying to stop the project from happening.
“From the start of your application you were trying to put something that doesn’t fit necessarily in C-2 and it doesn’t fit in industrial. We are making an attempt to get you what you want. We’re not opposed to the project,” Close said. “I understand your frustration that we tabled it, but we’re trying to make it work in zoning that it’s not designed to be in. Because, one, we don’t know what it is.”
Following the meeting, Erenberg said CC Realty will continue to work with the township on the issue.
“I understand the supervisors’ concern is that our use doesn’t fit any of the current ordinances,” Erenberg said.
The supervisors will hold their next voting meeting at 7 p.m. July 23.