County Ordinance Could Squash North Buffalo LERTA Opportunity

by Jonathan Weaver

For the past few years, Jeff Hollabaugh has considered developing on his family’s 103-acre farm in North Buffalo Township.

However, Armstrong County’s Subdivision and Land Development ordinance might delay his plans since his father, John, currently also resides on the property.

County ordinance that dates back to 1973 restricts him from doing so without subdividing the land.

“I think for this township it would be beneficial if we got rid of that ordinance because it is against growth. If we want to grow the township, grow the tax base, we have to make it easier for people to build,” Hollabaugh said.

Jeff, currently a mechanic who also boards horses on 20 acres in Kittanning Township, was approved for a zoning permit but didn’t know the ordinance.

Supervisor Chair David Wolfe agreed that the ordinance is “counterproductive to growth and what (supervisors) want to do in North Buffalo Township.”

“We agree 110 percent,” Wolfe said. “The only way this township is going to grow is by doing what (Hollabaugh) wants to do, and that is to add houses to this. We’re not going to bring in a mall or a company to put in the middle of our agricultural township.

“I don’t think the county should govern us. We’re our own entity.”

Wolfe hopes to set up a meeting with County Commissioners Pat Fabian and Jason Renshaw, but agreed supervisors should issue Jeff a variance before a zoning hearing or subdivision survey as long as Jeff follows other applicable building codes.

Wolfe estimated it would cost Jeff $6-8,000 to subdivide the property and another $500 for the zoning hearing.

Jeff, who will farm the land with his wife if able, is to complete his LERTA application within the week. The ordinance is also delaying plans for Jeff to sell his current property.

New Road Employee David R. Stitt, of North Buffalo officially began Monday after passing a physical and drug test.

Stitt was one of about nine applicants, and was hired last month pending the tests.

“We tested him on all the equipment – he was exceptional,” Wolfe said last month. “We think he can go right in and be a benefit to our township.”

After an executive session, Stitt was unanimously approved for full-time employment at the rate of $15.38 per hour during a 90 day probationary period. That rate will increase to $16.12 per hour after completing that period.

Supervisors engaged in five executive sessions during the past month – two of which for personnel reasons.

Road product bids were received and opened last night.

Supervisors unanimously agreed for Wiest Asphalt Products and Paving in Butler to provide Superpave and Suit-Kote, Corp. based in Meadville to provide oil to the municipality.

Prices from Wiest reportedly dropped from last year, and the offer was unanimously approved.

Specific township roads that will be addressed have not been finalized.

 

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