A Cranberry Township resident raised additional concerns over proposed zoning during this week’s supervisors meeting.
Property owner Scott Snow wants to develop a .69-acre parcel along Route 322 for a small market village similar to one that exists in Tionesta.
At a public hearing on Feb. 23 regarding the zoning proposal, township Manager Eric Heil said the parcel is split-zoned with approximately one-half being mixed use and half being residential. The requested change would make the entire property mixed use, which would allow the development to take place.
Township resident Beth Reed questioned the unequal zones on either side of the highway. Heil explained the 300-foot zone on the northern side of the road and the 200-foot zone on the southern side were not strictly commercial but mixed use. He said the Planning Commission established the zones.
Reed also questioned the storm water runoff in the area. She said the runoff accumulates in a ditch in which it “doesn’t evaporate.” Heil explained any storm water runoff must be managed.
“There have to be controls in place,” he said. “We have been receptive to the concerns of the township residents.”
A public hearing on the matter will be held as part of the supervisors meeting on April 27.
Other business
– The supervisors granted two requests for the use of the Samuel Justus Recreational Trail in the township.
The first request is for a “Color Dash” on Saturday, May 20. The Sandycreek Elementary School PTO would use the trail from the Saltbox toward Oil City for a 2.5K race, which would start at 9 a.m.
The color chalk to be used is nontoxic and will not harm animals or the environment and will wash away with water. In addition, there will be a concession area. Proceeds benefit the school.
The second request is for the use of the trail on Saturday, May 27, for a superhero-themed 5K run/walk to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of Venango County, a nonprofit that serves abused and neglected children in the court system by providing trained volunteers who act as an advocate for the child. The race will begin at 10 a.m. at the Oil City end of the trail and go 1.5 miles toward Franklin.
“It’s nice to see the trails being used,” township Supervisor Matt McSparren.
– Heil outlined a program from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor that is designed to give young people, ages 16 to 21, vocational experience.
He said the state provides the workers, a supervisor and insurance for the workers. Only two workers might be available and they would only be on the job for a few days each week. Heil will report back to the board as details became available.
