CRT
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
FOR THE BOROUGHS OF
CRAFTON
ROSSLYN FARMS
THORNBURG
ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
1991
Joint Planning Commission Vincent J. Grogan, Chair Allen Biehler, Vice-Chair Allen Herrle, Secretary/Treasurer Richard Glance, Assistant Secretary Craig Easterly Betsy Martin J. Keith Manning Adopted by Joint Planning Commission June 24, 1991; Public Hearing July 22, 1991; Final Recommendation to Borough Councils July 22, 1991 PREFACE
The CRT Comprehensive Plan for the Boroughs of Crafton, Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg is a timely and vital document. It carefully addresses the range of strengths and weaknesses of the physical development and economic well-being of the three Boroughs. As a future oriented document, it analyzes and recommends a sound and logical arrangement of future land uses. A major objective of this plan is to provide a basis to update the Joint Zoning Ordinance, and create supporting planning legislation to reflect both changing land use and the evolving wisdom of the planning profession. The Comprehensive Plan is the product of a shared recognition by Borough leaders of their common goals, shared challenges, and interdependencies. The preparation of this Comprehensive Plan is a direct result of each Borough's participation in a joint planning program over the past several years. The Boroughs today face important challenges. New residential demands are felt; a changing business and economic environment is evolving; the municipal fiscal framework is changing. These challenges, and others as yet unforeseen, require the guidance of this joint Borough Comprehensive Plan.
i CONTENTS
Page
PREFACE ...... i OVERVIEW ...... 1 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ...... 5 THE PLAN ...... 9 THE LAND ...... 9 EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME ...... 11 FISCAL STUDY ...... 16 POPULATION ...... 24 HOUSING ...... 28 TRANSPORTATION ...... 37 COMMUNITY FACILITIES ...... 44 SOLAR ACCESS ...... 50 THE LAND USE PLAN ...... 52 RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 59 OVE RVI EW The Plan The CRT Comprehensive Plan for the Boroughs of Crafton, Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg is a - basic guide for the development of the area. The Plan is a policy framework, examining existing conditions and anticipating the paths of future development. The Plan includes positions on the use of the land and development of programs to adequately serve the joint communities present and anticipated residents. The Purpose It is its purpose to indicate the nature of the changing environment .and point to opportunities available to the Boroughs to guide their development over the next few years, enrich the life of the communities, and protect the safety and health of children and all residents. There is a long history of planning in the three Boroughs. The Suburbs From the start, the Boroughs were part of an American phenomenon at the turn of the century-the rural railroad suburb, built within walking distance of the railroad stations which provided quick access both to and from the city center of Pittsburgh. Design Examples of early design included a small business area near the railway stop, as in Crafton; rectangular street patterns and streets, curving to the topography of the land, with shade trees lining the streets; and Some areas of streets and homes built linear in form to allow for streetcar lines. From the beginning, the 'three Boroughs were planned as cohesive towns. Early Planning Since their incorporation*, the Boroughs of Crafton, Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg have each continued the tradition of planning, as a part of their overall administration. In the beginning, the Borough Councils handled all planning tasks, which were concerned primarily with the installation of roads and intrastructure and actions for the protection of public health and safety.
*Incorporation dates: Crafton: January 8, 1892 Rosslyn Farms: May 10, 1913 Thornburg: June 1909
-1- 1. I The Results The results of some early cooperative planning that showed concern for aesthetic beauty and conservation of the neighborhood character are still in evidence today. Biggert Manor, a planned development, the homes of "old" Thornburg and Rosslyn Farms, and Creighton Avenue are some outstanding examples. Early Regulations As growth of the Boroughs progressed through the 1930's, the Councils, each in turn, created ordinances to regulate land use and planning commissions to act as knowledgeable advisory bodies. The advice of these commissions has traditionally been respected by the Councils. The Borough's regulatory ordinances reflected the the best policy goals of the Borough councils in light of existing conditions at the time of their adoption. A Beginning In the mid 1970's individual planning officials from the three Boroughs came together in recognition of the Boroughs' interdependencies and their mutual strengths,problems, and community background. This Ad Hoc Joint Planning Committee I determined that a joint approach to planning would be both economical and beneficial to the future development and operation of the three Boroughs. Motivations Several factors motivated the communities to begin the work of operating their individual plans and ordinances into a joint planning program. The leaders recognized the commonalities of the communities: * shared boundaries * shared flood plain and slopes * common housing types * shared roads * shared shopping centers * shared schools and other social institutions * changing legislative authority and legal rulings.
-2- I
These planners were also responding to the Pennsylvania state mandate to consider and "indicate the relationship of the municipality and its proposed development to adjacent municipalities and areas." (Act 247 of 1968. . Article 111, Section 301.5.) The Pitt Study The Ad Hoc Committee began developing a framework for investigating common areas of concern. About this time, the committee was formally approached by the Urban and Regional Planning Department of the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. The University was looking for study sites in area communities as part of their planning program. "The CRT Report" The Ad Hoc Committee, in coordination with the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, designed a regional comprehensive planning project for the four Boroughs. The region was entitled CRIT, an acronym for Crafton, Rosslyn Farms, Ingram, and Thornburg. The project began in the spring of 1980 and was completed in December of that year. Their study report, Choices for the Future, prepared as an academic exercise with the cooperation of the Ad Hoc Committee and Borough Councils, became the first step in the development of a joint Borough planning program. Ingram later indicated that it did not wish to participate in the joint planning effort. The CRIT Report was considered by the Boroughs of Crafton, Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg and adopted. The Boroughs of Crafton, Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg adopted joint Zoning, Grading and Subdivision Ordinances on December 18, 1984, November 12, 1984 and December 10, 1984, respectively. Minor amendments were adopted in March, 1987 by the Boroughs. While the Comprehensive Plan and related ordinances have proven to be well conceived and implemented, each of the Boroughs believes that it is appropriate to review the goals and objectives of the plan and update them as appropriate to reflect changing conditions. The Plan, as revised, considers the Boroughs' current assets and liabilities. Assets Assets include: - the close proximity of the region to major centers of employment including downtown Pittsburgh and the Airport Impact Area;
-3- - the variety of its housing stock to meet the needs of a varied population; - a stable supply of housing in good structural condition, some of which is of architectural significance; I' - a stable residential base; - well located and maintained parks and recreational facilities; - the varied topography within the region; - a variety of land uses including light industrial, commercial, multi-family and single family. Liabilities Liabilities include: - the natural problems of maintenance accompanying aging infrastructure and housing stock; - very little vacant land is available for development; - some residential roads are burdened with excessive traffic: - declining population and tax bases. Pittsburgh The City of Pittsburgh abuts each of the three Boroughs. This is the outer fringe of the City and is used for some purposes which tend to create economic, public protection, or environmental problems for the Boroughs.
Less People, The Boroughs' population has declined \ More Household steadily since 1960. The absolute number of Units people has dropped in the past decade. Households are smaller in size but greater in number. Thus, there is a greater demand for dwelling units. The Automobile Automobile ownership has created parking problems in some areas. And the old business districts, originally designed for pedestrian traffic, have declined in activity and in purpose. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PLANNING PROGRAM In developing the Plan, certain priorities for development are established. These policy statements, which serve as general guidelines, are considered to be realistic and attainable for the region. They take into consideration the developed and older nature of the community. A set of objectives is established to achieve the goals. Since the Plan is the foundation of a zoning ordinance and other intergovernmental policies and arrangements, the goal takes on an authoritative aspect. The general goal for the development of the Boroughs of Crafton, Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg is to provide a pleasant, attractive, healthy, safe and convenient environment for living, workinq, education, shoppinq and recreation. This should be pursued by the creation and implementation of intermunicipal plans and programs. The following objectives are integral aspects of the overall goal: (1) Provide safe, adequate and attractive housinq; (2) Preserve and improve the natural environment; (3) Provide the necessary infra-structure of utilities and transportation arteries;
(4) Increase property values, employment opportunities, and the economic base of the community; Provide recreational and community facilities; and To attract new families and new businesses to the CRT Region.
1. Housing and Population Basic Goal - To provide a variety of safe, adequate, and attractive housing for the entire population of the community. Objectives: (1) Maintain housing in good structural condition,remove housing in deteriorating condition, or renovate such housing to a safe and sound condition; (2) Encourage residential rehabilitation including the reconversion of large older homes from multi-family to single family where appropriate; (3) Encourage open space and amenities, as well as creativity in design, in new development;
-5- Maintain uniform zoning, subdivision, and construction codes throughout the region to guide development in a safe and healthful manner; revise existing ordinances to meet current conditions and the best planning wisdom; Pursue local avenues of technical, historical and/or financial assistance for area residents with special attention to those programs which encourage private efforts to rehabilitate older housing consistent with the architectural integrity ofthe house and neighborhood. 2. Environment Basic Goal - To preserve natural topography and wooded slopelands, protect property from flood plain development, and continue development of the regional lands in a manner consistent with proper environmental protection, economic qrowth, aesthetic concern and recreational needs. Objectives: Protect steep slope lands from intensive development by prohibiting earth movement in such areas, by maintaining drainage patterns and ground cover, and by limiting the intensity of such development; Regulate all future land development in the Chartiers Valley flood plain and adjacent low-lying areas by strict zoning controls and monitors for protection of property and the environment; Enforce uniform flood plain management ordinances throughout the region; Encourage the municipal acquisition and the dedication of natural open space and wooded slopeland to link the existing and proposed park sites and neighborhoods, and to prevent ecological problems resulting from wooded slopeland development; Improve the overall image of the environment through the elimination of visual and physical blight such as overhead utility lines, concentration of signs of excessive size and proximity, large expanses of unbroken pavement, dilapidated structures and litter. 3. Transportation .. Basic Goal - To increase the Pfficiency and availability of the various methods of transportation (auto, bus, pedestrian, bicycle) and provide a balanced system to serve the needs of the community residents while minimizing the adverse impacts of travel.
-6- Objectives: Ensure adequate traffic planning and control which will provide safe, rapid, and convenient movement of people and goods within and through the municipalities, with a separation of through and local traffic, provision for pedestrians, and,minimal disruption of existing and proposed development patterns and community integrity; Require new roads and rehabilitate existing roads, both public and private, to meet certain minimum standards to assure proper design and the least expensive long term maintenance. Undertake all necessary circulation improvements to correct congestion within the existing rights of way; Create and upgrade alternative mode systems, such as separate paths or space for pedestrian travel and bicycling, where appropriate; Promote the use of higher occupancy vehicles; To maximize mobility of community residents, employees, shoppers and visitors by integrating the design of the Airport Busway into the physical fabric of the CRT Region wherever possible and practical. 4. Business Districts Basic Goal - To strengthen the two primary business districts-- Crafton Core, and the Crafton Ingram Shopping Center- -by undertaking certain municipal actions aimed at stimulating and encouraginq patronage, providing additional off street parking in the core areas, and by improvinq their visual image. Objectives:
(1) Take appropriate action to assure the continued viability of the Crafton Ingram Shopping Center. (2) Increase off street parking adjacent to the commercial areas;
(3) Achieve visual improvement of the Crafton Core through cooperation of public action and private commitment of the building owners and merchants; (4) Ensure that shopping center access for vehicles and pedestrians is clearly marked for clarity and safety, and designed for a smoother traffic flow to, from, and within the shopping center.
-7- 5. Recreation and Community Facilities
Basic Goal - To insure the provision of adequate recreational and community facilities, schools, parks, library, places of assembly, open space and other amenities to accommodate the existinq and future population and provide for the pleasure of the people of uhe boroughs. Objectives:
(1) Increase recreational facilities and enhance the varieties of recreation available to the public;
(2) Encourage publicly and privately sponsored educational and recreational programs for all age groups.
6. Land Use
Basic.Goa1 - To protect against the detrimental effect of land uses incompatible with each other or with the land itself.
Objectives:
Maintain uniform zoning legislation throughout the region which encourages a decrease in residential density and an increase in open spaces; Stabilize the residential areas and commercial core areas in present locations, and discourage additional commercial growth into the surrounding residential areas ;
Protect against the detrimental effect of incompatible land uses through the use of strong visual and noise deadening barriers, such as planting, open space and natural breaks in topography;
Concentrate development where possible to prevent sprawl, to conserve open space, to minimize conflicts with other land uses, and to make full use of utilities and services;
Provide site plan control for the health, safety and economic protection of present and future property owners, as well as the stability of the land; Promote economic growth and employment opportunities, and conc2ntrate commercial and industrial uses in the areas where streets and utilities can provide the necessary services and where conflicts with other uses can be minimized through site design and transitional provisions.
-8- THE PLAN THE LAND Topography Development of the Boroughs is fundamentally shaped by the physical characteristics of the land. Southwestern Pennsylvania is characterized by the older hills and valleys of the Allegheny Mountains. The region of the three Boroughs, as a part of this, has a varied topography which rises in parts to a height of 1110 feet, dropping to 735 feet along the Chartiers Creek floodway. Chartiers Creek, a large feeder stream of the Ohio River, winds its way from Washington County to the south through Bridgeville, Heidelberg and Carnegie. At this point it enters the region. It forms the eastern border of Rosslyn Farms and moves north.as the western border of Crafton and the southern and eastern boundary line of Thornburg. The flood plain of the Creek is approximately 105 acres, currently used for industrial and recreational purposes. Thus, the variations in topography of the region create and have created great opportunity for valley transportation and industry, high bluff vistas, and hillside development. Climate The climate in the three Boroughs region and the Pittsburgh area has a generally humid continental type which is modified to some extent'by its proximity to the Atlantic seaboard and the Great Lakes. The freezing and thawing cycles tend to disrupt the stability of physical structures and roads. The most common result is the forming of potholes. Rain Total annual precipitation is fairly well distributed throughout each month of the year. The annual average amount of precipitation is approximately 36 inches. Sun During the course of an average year, the seven months from April through October have sunshine more than 50 percent of the possible time. The mean number of clear, partly cloudy, and cloudy days for the metropolitan Pittsburgh area is given in Table 1.
-9- TABLE 1
MEAN NUMBER OF CLEAR, PARTLY CLOUDY & CLOUDY DAYS For Pittsburgh before MEAN NUMBER OF DAYS - SUNRISE TO SUNSET
MONTH Clear Partly Cloudy Cloudy
January 3 6 22 February 3 6 19 March 4 6 21 April 4 8 18 May 5 9 17 June 5 12 13 July 5 13 13 August 7 12 12 September 8 10 12 October 9 8 14 November 4 6 20 December 2 6 23
TOTAL 59 102 204
SOURCE: Climatography of the United States No. 60 National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration
The Railroad In the mid 19th Century, railroads developed the rail right of ways through this unincorporated region. The rails followed the course of the Chartiers Creek, but approximately two-thirds of a mile to the east. The railway offered quick access to downtown Pittsburgh and the region developed as residential "bedroom" communities. Early homes were built principally for the executives and managers of businesses in Pittsburgh. However, it was not long before many middle income families were attracted to the atmosphere and convenience offer4 here. Since then the CRT communities have provided a variety of home types for different styles of living.
- 10 - Business Growth In the beginning the railroad provided the impetus for development. Around the passenger station in Crafton, the business district grew with a variety of service shops. When the street car arrived the district expanded along these lines into the surrounding residential areas, the core areas were successful during the first half of this century. As automobiles became more popular, and rail commuting declined, the core business area lost its importance and convenience. Principal business decline in old commercial areas due to lack of parking space followed World War 11. In 1956 developers of the Crafton-Ingram Shopping Center effectively moved the local downtown away from the core by successfully responding to the societal change in marketing demand. The shopping center provides large area commercial space with ample parking facilities. Despite the inadequacy of design, and lack of coordination among the various owners, the public responded positively to the Shopping Center. The continued viability of the Shopping Center is threatened by Robinson Towne Center and the public's move away from strip shopping centers.
EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME In 1980, 4413 residents of the three Borough region were in the labor force, which represents 51% of the Boroughs' population. Forty-five percent of the labor force was female. This is a significant increase from that of the previous level of 37% in 1970, in keeping with the increasing high proportion of working women in the labor force in the rest of the nation. It can be expected that there will be an even greater number of working women based on the 1990 Census.
- 11 - TABLE 2 - SELECTED LABOR FORCE STATISTICS 1950, 1960, 1970, 1975, 1980
Employed Unemployed Total Labor %Labor Force Total %Male Total %Male Force
Crafton
1950 3336 3247 -- 89 -- 2.7% 1960 3163 3087 64.4% 76 68.4% 2.4% 1970 3312 3209 61.4% 103 66.0% 3.1% 1980 3930 3691 53.2% 239 61.1% 6.1%
Rosslyn Farms
1950 163 160 -- 1.8% . 1960 195 190 68.3% 2.6% 1970 196 196 72.4% 0% 1980 237 233 68.7% 1.7%
Thornburg
1950 110 108 -- 2 -- 1.8% 1960 130 125 82.4% 5 0% 3.8% 1970 210 206 79.6% 4 100% 1.9% 1980 246 235 60.0% 11 63.6% 4.5%
CRT Totals
1950 3609 3515 N/A 94 N/A 2.6% 1960 3488 3402 65.3% 86 60.4% 2.5% 1970 3718 3611 63.0% 107 67.3% 2.9% 1980 4413 4159 54.5% 254 60.2% 5.8%
* Labor Force = All Residents age 14 and over I SOURCE: U.S. Census, 1960, 1970 and 1980
- 12 - Income Analysis Income analysis in Table 3 shows the median income in 1973 dollars for each of the three municipalities in the CRT Region. That is, there were as many income earners in the Boroughs who earned at least these figures or over that year as there were those that earned under that amount. Median income in the Boroughs is significantly higher than in the City of Pittsburgh or in Allegheny County, excluding Pittsburgh. This indicates a favorable distribution of income in each Borough. There is also a significant difference between the Crafton figures and the Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg figures. The differences in the median incomes can be explained by employment classification statistics, and to a lesser extent, median education. Education Education figures for the region indicate higher education levels in Thornburg and Rosslyn Farms. Location of Almost all (95.1%) employed residents work Employment in Allegheny County. Nearly one-third hold jobs in the City of Pittsburgh, which is, of course, the major employment center in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Another 63% work in other parts of Allegheny County.* *Source: GSPIA Planning Group, Choices for the Future, December 1980.
TABLE 3 MEDIAN INCOME (1973 DOLLARS) I
1973 1980 (1973 $) % Chanqe 1980 (Actual)
Craf ton 11,228 9,349 -16.7% 17, 487 Rosslyn Farms 23,927 19,618 -18.1% 36 ,347 Thornburg 23,927 24,660 + 3.1% 45,687 City of Pittsburgh 8 , 800 7,238 -17.8% 13,408 Rest of County 10,654 10,301 - 3.3% 19 , 083
Dollar conversion factor from "Statistical Abstract of the U.S." Table 748: Purchasing Power of the Dollar: 1950 to 1987 For consumer prices, $2,251 in 1973 = $1,215 in 1980
- 13 - Transportation The vast majority of workers drove to work in 1980, a total of 72.1% of those employed, or 2927 people. Another 20% used public transport. Six percent of the employed, 252 people, walked to work in 1980. Employment In 1985 the Region's businesses and industries employed 3891 people in a variety of establishments. The Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Planning Commission 1985 estimates that this figure will remain stable to the year 2000. Table 4 details this breakdown. Occupational As shown on Table 5, two occupational Categories categories, clerical and professional/technical, account for 38.5% of all CRT jobholders in 1980. The largest occupation group, clerical, increased in number from 904 to 945 employees during the decade, an increase of 4.5%. The next largest occupation group, professional and technical, had a decrease of 5.7%. Of all other occupational categories, all but three increased between 1960 and 19'70, although their relative proportions in total employment changed little. The three occupation groups which declined in employment from 1970 to 1980 were the craftsman, non- transport operators and farm worker categories. Crafton had the most pronounced increase in the fields of manager/administration and non- householder workers.
TABLE 4 TOTAL EMPLOYMENT AT WORK SITE I
Crafton Rosslyn Farms Thornburg 1985 2000 1985 2000 1985 2000 Government/ Education 191 196 31 33 22 22 Manufacturing 30 21 140 97 0 0 Retail 514 599 13 14 0 0 Other 2686 2673 14.0 138 13 12
. Total 3421 3489 324 282 106* 146*
*Thornburg Boy Scout Census showed 146 employed, 12 businesses. SOURCE: SPRRC Cycle 4, 1985 Estimates, 2000 Forecasts
- 14 - I
TABLE 5 - Employment 1980 (Source - 1970 and 1980 Census)
1970 1980
Rosslyn Rosslyn Crafton Farms Thornburq Total Crafton Farms Thornburq Total
Prof. Tech 587 36 71 694 520 58 77 655
Mgr ./Adm. 242 92 67 401 433 71 40 544
Sales 277 34 31 342 434 27 32 493
Clerical 873 20 11 904 873 30 42 945
I Craftsmen, Fore. 432 5 22 459 408 17 10 435 P cn Non-Transport I Operatives 237 4 241 207 4 6 217 Transport Operatives 105 105 181 189
Non-Farm Workers 89 a9 149 155
Farm Workers 5 -- 5 0 0
Non-Household Workers 325 325 473 15 22 510
Household Services 19 28 13 2 1 16
Totals 3191 196 206 3593 3691 233 235 4159 The Boroughs are part of the Pittsburgh Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA), and as such are dependent on the economic vitality of the region as a whole. Pittsburgh For the Pittsburgh SMSA, there was a significant decline in manufacturing employment since the mid-point of the 1970's. In direct contrast to the factory sector, the non- manufacturing industries have recorded steady growth with the exception of construction employment, particularly home construction. Wholesale and retail trade has seen steady employment growth, as has finance, insurance, and real estate employment. The various service industries together showed the largest employment growth of any other non- manufacturing industry sector: 29.7% (1973 to 1979). CRT Employment In examining the employment of CRT residents industrial group, it is clear that the joint communities have followed the national trend and converted to a service economy. See Tab e 5.
FISCAL STUDY The fiscal study is an important element of the Comprehensive Plan. The Boroughs' fiscal structure exerts much influence in establishing the workability of the Plan. Difficult Squeeze Municipal financial planning is difficult at this time. The municipal fiscal picture is changing. There are some fundamental changes taking place: * withdrawal of federal grants-in-aid and other direct and indirect municipal subsidies; * stabilization of the real estate tax base; * a recent increase in income producing population, reversing the trend of 'flight' away from these older suburbs; * continued increase in service costs; * use of contract municipal service providers; * despite frequent challenges, the taxing limitations by State rsstrictions, and also intergovernmental competition (the desire to forestall emigration of taxpayers to competing municipalities).
- 16 - This plan will briefly examine two aspects of municipal finance: how money is raised and how money is spent.
Taxes All money raised through municipal taxes is ultimately paid out of income, whether the base of the tax is income, sales, or property.
Taxable Capacity As a measure of the taxable capacity in the Boroughs, the value of residential property per capita has been calculated for 1989 and appears on Table 6. This is considered to be a good single figure indication of the average income of families in the Boroughs, since people tend to spend money on their housing roughly proportional to their income. This single figure is a measure of the ability of residents (not commerce) to finance municipal services. Table 7 is a measure of the per capita assessed value of all taxable real property, which includes the commercial and industrial contributions to taxable capacity. As a rule, taxes paid by commerce and industry exceed the costs of municipal services to them; therefore, the ability of the Boroughs to provide services to residents is enhanced through taxes on commercial property.
Tax Burden Table 7 also points to the changes in the per capita real estate valuation over time. Matched with the changing millage rates (Table 8), one can perceive the increased tax burden placed on the property owners in the Boroughs. For 1989, rankings are placed on the millage rates. From this we can see that with the exception of Thornburg, the Boroughs' property owners are some of the most highly burdened in the county. However, it should be noted that this is not a perfect measure, since such factors as quality of service or quantity of service are not considered here. Also, other taxes are not considered, such as earned income tax and real estate transfer tax, which are of lesser importance. Nevertheless, Tables 6, 7, and 8 are useful as an indication of what the Boroughs can expect from its tax base and what the Boroughs actually effect.
- 17 - TABLE 6 PER CAPITA ASSESSED VALUATION OF RESIDENTIAL REAL PROPERTY
Rosslyn Crafton Farms Thornburq 1968 Amount ($) 1,156.02 3,866.72 3,861.68 Rank* 61 125 124
1989 Amount ($) 1,525.88 10,537.19 10,512.87
*See Text. Sources: Local Fiscal Problems (IUPA, GSPIA, University of Pittsburgh) 1970. Control Unit of Deed Assessment Registry Office, Allegheny County. CRT Ad Hoc Joint Planning Committee.
TABLE 7 PER CAPITA ASSESSED VALUATION OF TOTAL TAXABLE REAL PROPERTY
Ross lyn Crafton Farms Thornburq
1,353 5,630 1,976
1968 ($) 1,594 6,062 6,343 Rank* 43 123 125
1978 ($) 2,929 9,029 7 , 395
3,363 11,246 8,774
1989 ($) 4,251 12 , 996 11,481
- 18 - TABLE 8 .COMBINED SCHOOL AND MUNICIPAL REAL PROPERTY MILLAGE
Ros s lyn Crafton Farms Thornburq
1968 Mills 58 51.5 51 Rank * 121 90 88 (City of Pittsburgh: Millage - 47.4; rank - 46)
1981 Mills 79.96 84.46 93
(City of Pittsburgh: Millage - 201)
1989 Mills 114 131** 99 Rank* 105 114 55 (City of Pittsburgh: Millage - 197.5)
Source: Boroughs, Pennsylvania Economy League, School Districts. * Rank of 130 municipalities in Allegheny County, with 81 having the lowest millage rate and #130 the highest. ** Includes 15 mils road tax adopted by Rosslyn Farms for the years 1989 - 1991 to finance major road repairs. Tax exempt properties are not a significant burden on the three CRT municipalities. These properties traditionally consist of schools, religious institutions, hospitals, public housing facilities, and government properties. Table 9 below shows that no CRT Borough has more than five percent of its jurisdiction as tax exempt property. This lends strength to the taxable capacity of the Boroughs.
- 19 - TABLE 9 TAX EXEMPT PROPERTY AS A PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL ASSESSED VALUATION
CRAFTON 4.8% ROSSLYN FARMS 2.3% THO RNBURG 0.6%
SOURCE: Control Unit of Deed Assessment Registry Office, Allegheny County - 1989
Expenditures Boroughs' expenditures have risen steadily in recent years as a result of inflation, rising costs of services and, depending on the service, expansion of service delivery. As an example of the mounting costs of contracted and employee service, the yearly costs of refuse collection and police and fire protection is displayed on Table 10 below.
~~ TABLE 10 SERVICE COSTS
Rosslyn Crafton Farms Thornburq REFUSE 1980 96,000 9 ,120 7 I 800 1981 96,000 9 ,750 7 ,800 1982 137I 652 11,600 9 ,200 1987 117,948 11,360 7 ,750 1988 159,691 14, 000 9 ,439 1989 175,691 17, 000 9 ,440
POLICE/FIRE 1980 313,613 61/70? 56 , 875 1981 343,415 63,546 63 , 175 1982 390,525 73,067 66 ,875 1987 481,676 96,239 51,486 1988 516,532 104,773 55 , 266 1989 539 ,250 109 ,532 66,500
SOURCE: ANNUAL BUDGETS, CRT BOROUGHS , ..
Increased Costs As Table 11 shows, municipal costs have increased since 1977.
TABLE 11 TOTAL BOROUGH EXPENDITURES
I. Rosslyn Crafton Farms Thornburq
1977 1,218,424 172 ,287 N/A 1980 1,472,415 227 ,122 178,550 1981 1,542,350 243,449 223,335 1982 1,746,060 286 ,428 190,375 1987 2,044,900 353,113 234,073 1988 2 ,022 ,918 509 ,938 248 ,653 1989 2,188,111 405 ,I92 275,685
SOURCES: ANNUAL BUDGETS OF CRT BOROUGHS
Table 12 has been prepared to show the various types of services in the three Boroughs. These expenditures include most of the major costs for general government operation, police and fire protection, health and sanitation service, road maintenance, and various miscellaneous ana interest costs that the Boroughs must meet each year. Per Capita Costs For the operation line costs in Table 12, the figures have been converted to a per capita basis. That is, they are given as the cost of that service to each Borough resident. In this way, the municipal service cost can be read in a standardized fashion. Looking at the current figures with this in mind, it can been seen that Thornburg and Rosslyn Farms still tend to spend significantly on service delivery (Note Row 3). Rosslyn Farms also has a very high relative cost in Administration, Debt Service, and Refuse. The category of "other" includes insurance, buildingsfand employee benefits. Rosslyn Farms reported no employee benefits or insurance; thus, their figure may be inappropriately low.
- 21 - TABLE 12 PER CAPITA EXPENDITURES
1981 1989 C R T C R T
1. Population 7,623 521 526 6,787 484 460
2. Total Expenditure $202.33 $467.27 $424.59 $320.77 $1,002.46 $599.32 (Rows 3 & 18)
3. Operation and 149.95 328.50 392.58 266.47 597.50 599.10 Maintenance (Total)
4. General 9.84 44.14 10.07 15.66 35.30 27.10 Administration
5. Cost of Tax 4.66 9.06 9.32 7.97 14.46 15.65 Collection
6. Police 40.38 105.84 107.17 72.24 168.30 120.65
7. Refuse Collection 12.59 18.71 14.82 25.89 35.12 20.52
8. Streets and 31.49 86.58 84.46 59.63 134.59 110.54 Highways
9. Fire 4.66 16.12 11.97 7.25 25.62 23.91
10. Zoning and 0.80 0 0.95 3.04 4.13 14.67 Planning
11. ALCOSAN Rental 2.80 2.88 1.50 2.39 1.65 18.70
12. Libraries 2.36 0 0 3.68 0 0
13. Civic 1.31 0 1.71 .24 0 0 Celebrations
14. Parks 3.34 3.07 15.21 4.65 5.58 14.63
15. Swimming Pool 8.59 10.46 0 14.12 15.70 0
16. Shade Trees 0.08 0.19 n. . hl 0 6.52
17. Interest 8.14 15.98 1.39 4.81 59.08 0
- 22 - 1981 1989 C R T C R T
18. Transfers, 52.38 138.78 32.02 55.93 404.96 0.22 Debt, other non-gov't expenses
19. Other 17.59 12.13 56.79 44.52 98.00 179.87
SOURCE: Borough Annual Budget 1980, U.S. Census and CRT Ad Hoc Planning Committee, and 1989 Budgets
Highway Aid The Street and Highway costs are offset somewhat by the liquid fuels tax, through which the state assumes some of the cost incurred to finance local highway construction and maintenance. The state shares with each municipality a portion of the proceeds from its tax on gasoline, using a formula based on local road mileage and population. See Table 13.
TABLE 13 TOTAL LOCAL HIGHWAY EXPENDITURES FINANCED BY STATE GASOLINE TAX S"JNG PLAN - 1989 BUDGET (Percentage of Total Highway Expenditure)
CRAFTON 18.5% ROSSLYN FARMS 13.7% THORNBURG 14.9%
High cost capital improvements, beyond the certain capital investments normally carried out each year, require careful financial planning. Two of the Boroughs have commitments which involve both long term debt and some floating debt. Because of this, future capital improvements will have to be carefully selected and given intelligent timetables for work completion and financing Intergovernmental Intergovernmental transfers such as Trans fers liquid fuel funds make up a small percentage of total tax receipts. The federal
- 23 - government no longer provides direct revenue sharing. Table 14 outlines the liquid fuel transfers.
TABLE 14 LIQUID FUEL TRANSFERS
Rosslyn Crafton Farms Thornburq
As %.oftotal budget ' (1989)
Liquid Fuels 3.4% 2.0% 2.8%
Liquid Fuels
1987 $72 ,000 $ 8,567 $ 7,172 1988 $74 ,074 $ 9,423 $ 7,350 1989 $75,000 $ 9,500 $ 7,586
SOURCE: 1987-1989 budgets
The fiscal picture for the three CRT Boroughs is stable. Assessed valuations and generated revenues appear to be moderately strong with no outstanding weaknesses. Increasing costs and reduction in intergovernmental aid will increase the necessity for careful financial planning.
POPULATION Less People The CRT Region is a community experiencing declining population and changing family structure. This is common for the nation as a whole and is especially true for other industrial areas such as the one in which the CRT region is lxated. Since the late 1950'~~when the region saw its greatest rate of population growth, the population has been dropping at an increasing rate. In 1970 the number of people peaked at 9,458; by 1989, the estimate of people living in the three Boroughs declined to 8,179, the lowest since the 1940 enumeration fifty years ago.
- 24 - TABLE 15 POPULATION
1970 1980 Change 1990 Change
Crafton 8,233 7,623 -7.4% 7,188 - 5.8%
Rosslyn Farms 608 521 -14.3% 484 -7.1%
Thornburg 617 526 -14.7% 460 -12.5%
Total 9 ,458 8,670 -8.3% 8,132 - 6.3%
SOURCE: 1970, 1980 and 1990 U.S. Census.
Births, Deaths Three factors determine population size: and Migration births, deaths and migration, or movement into or out of the region. An increase in the birth-death differential in Table 16 can be seen. However, that has been offset by the migration out of the region. Table 16 displays the figures for the eight year period from 1980 to 1987 during which time births exceeded deaths by 408.
- 25 - TABLE 16 BIRTHS AND DEATHS 1971to 1979 and 1980 to 1987
1970 - 1979 Births Deaths Differential CRAFTON 1,033 766 267 ROSSLYN FARMS 27 60 -33 THORNBURG 38 23 15 CRT TOTAL 1,098 849 249 1980 - 1987 Births Deaths Differential CRAFTON 1 ,004 618 386 ROSSLYN FARMS 39 39 0 THORNBURG 52 30 22 CRT TOTAL 1,095 687 408
SOURCE: Allegheny County Health Department, Office of Biostatistics Size of Households Changes to the size and makeup of households--families--reflect area wide trends. (Table 17) According to the US Census, one person households in the CRT Area increased by nearly 60 percent comparing 1970 and 1980 census data. Two or more person households decreased by 11.4% percent. Total households increased from 2,476 to 3,415 between 1970 and 1980. Socio-Economics Table 17 illustrates several socio-economic family characteristics for each of the three Boroughs. Perhaps most significant here is the difference in median income between Crafton and Thornburg and Rosslyn Farms. TABLE 17 SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS
Ros s lyn Avy. / Crafton Farms Thornburq Total
Median School years not given in Census,Report for 1980 Median Income - Families 23,118 55,870 57 ,285 27,449 Total No. Households 3,071 185 159 3,415 No. Husband-Wife Families 1,624 141 134 1,899 Living Alone 898 26 13 937 Family Households 2,029 157 145 2,331 Nonfamily Households 1,042 28 14 1,084 Family w/Children, no husb. 143’ 7 2 153 Unrelated, Share Home 144 2 1 147
SOURCE: 1980 Census Along with the increase in number of single family households and the decline in population, there are actually more households now than there were ten years ago. This is explored further in the “Housing” section on Table 20. Shift in Balance Tables 18 and 19 clearly reveal the decline in population and the shifting balance between age and sex in the Region. The decline in birth rates is represented by the drop in the children and school age group. The number of people in . the early working years is increasing. The number of people in the over 65 group has increased.
- 27 - TABLE 18 POPULATION TRENDS AND PROJECTIONS
Population Absolute (C+R+T) Chanqe %
1970 9458 1980 8670 -788 - 8.3% 1990 8132 -538 - 6.2% 2000 7514 -618 - 7.6%
SOURCE: 1970, 1980 and 1990 Census, SPRCC Cycle 4 forecast
TABLE 19 AGE - SEX POPULATION
1980 1980 1980 1980 1970 Ai! Male Female Total %
0-19 1174 1136 2310 26.6% 37.0% 20-34 1202 1370 2572 29.6% 19.1% 35-44 395 442 837 9.7% 8.2% 45-54 424 501 925 10.7% 8.3% 55-64 415 478 893 10.3% 16.1% 65+ 397 736 .1.133 13.1% 11.3%
Total 4007 4663 8670 100.0% 100.0%
~~ SOURCE: 1970 and 1980 Census (C+R+T) HOUSING
A community's housing availability, the demand for housing, and the condition of its existing stock roflect the essence of all other aspects of that community--its wealth, community pride, and the age and nature of its families. This study of the CRT Boroughs is
- 28 - based on assessment of the economic, demographic, and physical parameters of the community which affect the housing market. Housing Assets The two prime assets of the housing market in the CRT region are: * the quality of much of the housing stock, * the excellent location of the joint CRT region in proximity to the City of Pittsburgh and the Greater Pittsburgh International Airport, which is undergoing a major upgrading. To these assets can be added: * the diversity of the housing stock * the convenience of the Crafton-Ingram Shopping Center and other local shopping facilities * good community service delivery, such as Fire and Police protection. These amenities make the CRT region attractive to both newcomers and native families.
TABLE 20 HOUSING UNITS, 1990 Total % Change Total % Change Housing Units 1970 to Housing Units 1980 to 1980 1980 1990 1990
CRAFTON 3202 +12 * 3 3 r 384 +5.6% ROSSYLN FARMS 189 + 3.3 194 +2.6% THORNBURG 164 + 2.5 177 +7.9% CRT TOTAL 3555 +11.3 3 ,755 +5.6%
Future housing In determining future housing needs, one may begin by surveying what is available. An indication of this is given by examining existing vacancy rates in the CRT Boroughs. Unfortunately, the census data is quite old. Vacancy rate is the percentage of housing stock left unoccupied and therefore available for new residents.
- 29 - TABLE 21 Vacancy Rate at Time of 1980 Census
Housing Units Vacant For Sale For Rent Other
Crafton 147 (4.6%) 18 80 (5.4%) 49
Rosslyn Farms 5 (2.6%) 1 0 4
Thornburg 4 (2.4%) 1 0 3
Total CRT 156 (4.4%) 20 80 (5.3%) 56
SOURCE: 1980 Census
TABLE 22 AVERAGE ANNUAL HOME SALES: 1975-1988
1975-1980 1984-1988
CRAFTON 75 102 ROSSLYN FARMS 5 5 THORNBURG 3 6
SOURCE : Sales Blotters from Allegheny County Tax Assessor's Office and Boroughs
The vacancy rate for apartments is indicated on Table 21. Home ownership is examined on Tables 22 and 23. To arrive at an indication of home vacancy rates the average number of sales per Borough (Table 22) and the length of years residents live in their home before selling it (Table 23) are listed. TABLE 23 YEARS OF HOME OWNERSHIP
CRT AVERAGE 15 years CRT MEDIAN 11 years CRT PERCENTAGES Properties owned: Years Percentaae 0- 5 28.9% 6-10 19.0 11-15 14.9 16-20 10.7 21-25 11.6 26-30 4.1 31-35 5.0 36-40 0 41-45 1.7 46-50 0 51-110+ 4.1 Total 100%
SOURCE: CRT Ad Hoc Joint Planning Committee 1981 Allegheny County Deeds and Assessments
TEXT : The above property chart is the result of a five percent survey of all CRT assessed properties of record December 23, 1981. For all surveyed listings, the past two property transfer years were noted. In calculation, the assumption is made that all homes will be sold in 1982. Thus, the results of the above chart are highly conservative. The "mean" represents as many properties sold before 11 years as are sold beyond 11 years. In the survey, the least time was six months, the most time 107 years. Previous survey was based on a large sample of Homeowners in all 4 communities (including Ingram). Since home sales have increased since that time, it is expected that the balance has moved toward more recent homeowners. It is evident from these tables that the general availability of both apartments and homes is low. The average period of retention is fifteen years, an indication of relative stability of home ownership. A regular apartment vacancy of 5% is considered low. (See Table 21).
- 31 - .
Factors of Demand The vacancy rate and housing demand is related to many social and economic conditions, the most influential of which are: * increasing number of ever smaller families ; * increasing number of adults who live alone; * new employment generators (commerce and business) in the West Hills and Airport corridor, which are expected to bring new people to the CRT Boroughs to live. The result is that there is a greatly increased demand for small housing units. Availability Lack of available housing will create major unmet housing needs principally for the elderly, for singles, and for young families looking for their first homes to purchase. Unable to find homes in the CRT region, some people will elect to look for a home elsewhere. A continuance of this trend will deplete the region of the number of new families needed to provide a community base in the years ahead. Older Adults The demographics of the three Boroughs indicate a large and growing population of older residents. This has several effects on housing. Traditionally, older adults tend to reconsider their ownership of large, single family homes. In some cases, the entire home will be put on the market as the older adults move to smaller homes, such as a one to two bedroom rental unit or townhouse. From this exodus, many homes become available to young families. In Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg this has had and will have an important and direct impact on the future of the Boroughs. Heretofore, a large percentage of homes were owned or occupied by older adults. As young families take up residence this will keep the community vital in the years ahead. Apartments In the past, apartment demand has been addressed through the construction, in Crafton, of two highrise apartments for the elderly. Crafton Towers and Crafton Plaza were both made possible through assistance from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Crafton Towers was assisted in
- 32 - ..
.)
construction through "Section 236" aid; Crafton Plaza is assisted on an ongoing basis in rent subsidies through "Section 8." The great demand for such units is reflected in the number of applications for such area apartment buildings. Conversions In Crafton, there are many Victorian and other period homes. The real estate investment boom of the past, stimulated conversion of large homes into apartments. This tended to destroy the historic and architectural integrity of the homes and discourage a feeling of ownership in the community. If Crafton is to survive into the 21st century as a healthy community, conversions of single family homes to multiple dwellings must be discouraged. Recently however, there appears to be a move toward reconversion of multiple unit dwellings into single family homes. These conclusions can be reached concerning the conversion of homes to multiple dwellings: * Absentee owned conversion properties in Crafton showed more minor and major deterioration than owner occupied conversion properties. * Conversion properties are more likely to have major architectural changes that are not in harmony with the neighborhood or the house style. * Converted homes are often owned by non- residents.
- 33-k- TABLE 24 CONVERSION OF SINGLE FAMILY STRUCTURES All in Crafton
Units per Structure Structures Total 2 units 50 100 ~ 3-4 units 27 95 5 units -1 5 Total 78 200
SOURCE: GSPIA Planning Group 1980
Housing Stock The physical condition of the Boroughs' homes is an important indication of the health and future of the CRT area. Nearly all housing stock in Thornburg and Rosslyn Farms and most homes in Crafton are well maintained and in good condition in spite of the age of these buildings (Table 25). The homes showing signs of deterioration are scattered throughout the Boroughs; there is no one major section of area wide deterioration. Major deterioration, which would signal a need for demolition or rehabilitation procedures, is minimal. Maintenance and upkeep of properties is an important characteristic of the region.
TABLE 25 AGE OF HOUSING UNITS*
Built Built Built Built Built Built '39 or '40-'49 'SO-'59 '60-'69 '70-'80 '80-'89 before
* included in this table are major rehabilitations and rebuilding of existing units
I* included are two "elderly" high rises, 200 units
SOURCES: US Department of Census, Population and Housing Allegheny Construction Trends 1970-1977 Borough's Building Permits ..
J
TABLE 26 CRT VACANT LAND ACREAGE
CRAFTON 34* ROSSLYN FARMS 63 THORNBURG 55"
* excluding the Chartiers Flood Plain acreage SOURCE: Choices for the Future, GSPIA Planning Group, 1980 CRT Planning Commission
TABLE 27 EXISTING CRT NET RESIDENTIAL DENSITY BY TRACT
Dwe11 ing 1980 Tract Acreage Units Population Density** Crafton 4655 207 458 1152 Low 4656* 251 1383 3074 Low 4657 250 1361 3393 High Rosslyn Farms 4670 300.8 189 521 Low Thornburg 266.8 164 526 Low
*Residential portion of tract - minus Crafton Core and Crafton- Ingram Shopping Center
**28 CRT REGION DENSITY STANDARDS Dwelling Units per Net Acre Density Scale Housing Type
1-6 Low Single Family 7-10 Medium Duplex, Townhouse 11-20 High Two- and Three story High Rise Apartments (See Table 29) SOURCE: 1980 Census - 35 - TABLE 28 DWELLING UNITS BY TYPE OF OCCUPANCY, 1980
Owner Occupied Renter Occupied Vacant
CRAFTON 1574 1480 147 ROSSLYN FARMS 177 7 5 THORNBURG 156 4 4 CRT TOTAL 1907 1491 156
SOURCE: US Department of Census 1980 RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING HOUSING The following recommendations would help stabilize the Boroughs' population, housing and quality of life and preserve them for future generations: 1. Maintain, enforce and revise as circumstances require, zoning and subdivision ordinances which address standards for regulating the rate and quality of new construction, rehabilitation, and subdivision. The Boroughs should adopt and amend ordinances as necessary to conform to prevailing national building, housing, plumbing,and electrical codes to guide rehabilitation of older structures and construction of new ones. The Boroughs must then enforce all zoning, subdivision, and codes uniformly and impartially. 2. Recognize the need of programs to assist elderly citizens with housing problems. 3. Institute construction, repair and maintenance of public roads, facilities and buildings. 4. Legislate/encourage private property upkeep and restoration consistent with the historic nature of a particular structure, its impact on surrounding structures and the community as a whole. 5. Encourage greenspace maintenance, acquisition and use compatible with the community goals.
- 36 - 6. Strongly encourage reconversion and rehabilitation of multiple family units to single family homes by, but not limited to, restricting expansion of non-conforming uses, time limitation on breaks in continuous non- conforming use, and considering tax incentives for reconversion. 7. Discourage the closing of front or side porch areas in order to gain additional living space or storage at the cost of historic and architectural integrity. 8. Continue the Planned Residential Development concept. 9. Strongly encourage the development of additional recreational opportunities, including bicycle and hiking trails, greenspace or nature areas (the Chartiers Creek is an ancient stop for migrating birds), boating, sports facilities and supervised and structured activities for our young and not so young residents. TRANSPORTATION A Pattern Streets and highways provide for movement and flow of people and goods, and therefore form the framework for the physical dynamics of the community. Pavement surface should'be as smooth as possible. Roadway width should be sufficient to handle the average daily volume of traffic. Signs and other traffic control devices should be arranged to allow for a hierarchy of convenience based on the functional classification of the street. Proper access for pedestrian movement must be considered. Finally, the transportation system should be harmonious with the tone of the community. Classification Streets may be classified into four categories based on their function: 1. freeways/expressways, 2. arterials, 3. collectors, and 4. local streets. Freeways/ Those streets which move the largest Expressways volumes of traffic and are thus regional paths of travel are freeways and expressways. This highest functional category is typified by highways which have partial or complete control
- 37 - . ., .
of access, wide lanes, and high design speed characteristics. Interstate Route 279, known locally as the Parkway West, is the only highway located directly in the CRT area which falls into the freeway/expressway category. The Parkway West interchange within Rosslyn Farms provides a direct freeway connection to the three CRT Boroughs. Other nearby freeway interchanges which serve the CRT area include the Carnegie and Greentree interchanges along the Parkway West and the Route 60 interchange on Interchange Route 79. Arterial Streets The next level of streets are arterials. They provide primary travel paths between areas in the county, but are less regional in scope compared to freeways. We think of roads outside the CRT area such as Saw Mill Run Boulevard and McKnight Road as true, major arterials. Nevertheless, Steubenville Pike, Steuben Street and the disjointed pattern of streets that make up Route 60, provide the function of minor arterials. The CRT minor arterials all have moderate daily volumes of traffic which originate and end outside the region. These roads are the primary paths of travel between parts of the City of Pittsburgh and the commerce and residences of the outer West Hills. Route 60, while being composed in part by Steuben Street, is also made up of Crafton Avenue, Crennell, Noble, Disnmore, Bradford, and a portion of Crafton Boulevard. None of the streets were designed to arterial street standards. Collector Streets Next to arterial streets are "collector" streets, which serve mostly local commercial and residential traffic. They provide the functional bridge of distributing traffic from freeways and arterials to local streets and conversely collecting traffic from local areas for connection to arterials. In Rosslyn Farms, these include Rosslyn Road, Kings Highway, Park Road and Pilgrim Road. In Thornburg, collector roads include Baldwin, Harvard, Cornel1 and short portions of Dartmouth and Hamilton. Crafton collectors include Crafton Boulevard west of Noble; portions of Noble Avenue, Union Avenue, Center Street and Cross Street; Foster Avenue, portions of Linwood, Emily, Hawthorne, Woodlawn, and Chartiers Avenues; Ingram Avenue and Baldwick Road.
- 38 - Local Streets All other streets in the region are local streets, primarily providing direct access to area homes and businesses. Percent of Land Streets in the CRT Region occupy about 15 percent of all land. This is typical for older, built up communities such as these. .Many of the streets, especially in Crafton, flow over political boundaries to become part of an intermunicipal regional system connecting the CRT Region to Pittsburgh neighborhoods and adjacent townships. Many streets of these Boroughs were designed and built without a hierarchal classification in mind. Recommended minimum right of way (ROW) widths (the street from property line to property line) call for a minimum sixty foot ROW for arterial streets and 50 foot ROW for local collector streets. Requirements Arterial streets typically include 12 to 13 foot traffic lanes and no parking lanes; collector streets should include 10 to 11-foot traffic lanes and 8-foot parking lanes. Many of the existing arterial and collector streets in the CRT area do not meet these standards. Details of the deficiencies of selected regional streets and recommended actions which can be taken to rectify the problems are listed on Table 29. One deficiency located in Rosslyn Farms is worth special mention. The continuous collector roadway comprised of Kings Highway, Park Road, Pilgrim Road and Rosslyn Road contains long steep grades, tight turns and a continuous stream of trailer truck traffic. This truck traffic is prevented from accessing arterial streets in neighboring Carnegie due to a restricted height railroad underpass. It is recommende'd that the CRT Boroughs pursue the improvements on Table 29 as opportunities arise.
- 39 - TABLE 29 SURVEY OF EXISTING ROAD CONDITIONS
Functional -Road Owner Width Classification Deficiencies and Remedies
1. Baldwin Road County 2 lanes, 24’ Collector Poor. shoulders; poor horizontal and vertical geometry, but difficult to improve; resdesign intersection at TR 60; improve drainage.
2. Crafton Blvd. PennDOT 2 lanes, 22-38’ Minor Arterial Too narrow for two lanes; some poor Collector horizontal and vertical geometry; redesign in the intersection of Crafton Blvd., McMunn and the connection to Clearview.
3. Kings Highway County 2 lanes, 20-22’ Collector Narrow, no shoulders. (Rosslyn Rd. to Ba 1dwin )
4. Noble Ave. PennDOT 2 lanes, 22’ Minor Arterial, Bad horizontal curve at Sidney; (TR 60, LR257) Crafton Collector poor curb radii.
5. Union Ave. Craf ton 1 lane, oneway 22’ Collector Redesign intersection with Center (Steuben-Center) (1 Parking Lane) Street.
6. Railroad Underpass Conra i 1 NIA Collector Increase height to permit passage (Rosslyn Rd. in of truck traffic. Carnegie) Parking Automobile parking presents a number of challenges to the Boroughs. Regulations must adequately serve the parking needs of the residents, allow for traffic passage, maintain pedestrian safety and fit with the character of the community. Traffic flow problems, related to auto parking have been alleviated for the most part by the Borough Councils designating many of the narrower streets as one way and permitting one side parking only. Other problems can be alleviated by off street parking requirement; however, this must take into consideration limited lot areas as well as the often hilly terrain on which many lots are located. Parking stalls normally are 9' X 18', or about 162 square feet per stall. This will use a large expanse of land, on residential, commercial, and even industrial lots. Examples Evidence of problems exist at the Crafton-Ingram Shopping Center. Many parking spaces are poorly laid out in terms of vehicular safety or traffic flow. A second problem exists in the older commercial/business section of Crafton Borough. There is an inadequate supply of off-streets parking spaces thus creating overflow onto area streets such as Crennell and Crafton Avenues. Alternatives Alternatives which have yet to be used in the Boroughs include parking on separate yet nearby lots for non-residential use, more extensive use of raised concrete islands in large lot parking areas to separate circulating traffic from parking movements, and landscaping. RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING CIRCULATION FOR VEHICULAR TRAFFIC
The following recommendations would help ease the parking of automobiles and provide smooth traffic flow: 1. Adopt uniform off-street parking regulations in all Boroughs of two (2) spaces per dwelling unit, for all new units. Existing off-street parking requirements should be considered in light of topography and land availability.
- 41 - 2. Adopt regulations requiring development of off- street parking for certain commercial, industrial, or multiple dwelling uses where it is currently not available. 3. Specify certain green areas or landscape large parking areas. Break up solid rows of stalls. 4. Provide clear, barrier protected travel paths through the Crafton-Ingram Shopping Center parking lots. 5. Establish a public works program to bring the surface condition of streets and roadways in the CRT area up to an acceptable comfort and safety standard . 6. Utilize'high design standards for future street construction or rehabilitation. Concrete surfacing costs, initially, are approximately twice that of asphalt, plus labor. Asphalt surfacing, while initially less expensive than concrete, is nevertheless more expensive in maintenance and resurfacing costs in the long run. 7. Provide new pedestrian walkways where sidewalks are broken or nonexistent. Cut down weeds where overgrown. 8. Encourage elimination of overhead electrical wiring along public streets. REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION Location to Regional accessibility by highways and Expressway transit is a prime asset of the CRT region. The location of the CRT Region is such that it derives substantial benefits from nearby expressways but suffers few of the liabilities. The interchanges along Route 60, Rosslyn Road, and in neighboring Greentree and Carnegie Boroughs provide ready access to the two major freeways in the Pittsburgh area, Interstate Road 79 and the Parkway. These two highways allow limited-access connections to other highways and metropolitan areas. This accessibility is .a prime asset of the CRT Region for residential, commercial, and industrial users. Nearly 50 percent of the respondents to a survey conducted by the GSPIA Planning Group in the early 1980's listed ease of traveling among the major positive features of the region. In addition, the rolling terrain of the CRT communities effectively shields most of the area from the noise and pollution that accompanies high-volume urban expressways, preserving the residential atmosphere. - 42 - Public Transport Public transportation has been an important asset to the CRT region for many years. Crafton, the area's first municipality, grew as a suburban community centered around a commuter station along the Pennsylvania Railroad. The Pittsburgh Railways Company augmented public transport service with extensive trolley and bus service. In 1964, Pittsburgh Railways was one of 33 private companies purchased for Port Authority of Allegheny County. Since then the area trolley routes have been replaced by bus service. The former Pennsylvania Railroad right-of-way no longer contains tracks and was purchased in the mid 1980's by a local Pittsburgh developer. Today, the CRT communities are linked to locations throughout Allegheny County by six Port AuthoriLy bus routes. Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg are served by Routes 26E and 26F while Crafton is served by Routes 24A, 26A, 26C, 26E, 26F and 31A. Port Authority's bus and light rail routes are primarily arrayed like spokes of a wheel radiating from downtown Pittsburgh. All CRT area routes, except Route 24A, provide east/west transit service ending in downtown Pittsburgh. Once there, riders can transfer to one of about 150 bus and trolley routes which serve destinations throughout Allegheny County. Port Authority also provides door-to door, shared ride paratransit service from the CRT region to any location in Allegheny County. Called ACCESS, this service operates seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight. Airport Busway In 1989, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Planning Commission (SPRPC) completed a multi-modal study of the Parkway West Corridor. One of the study's central recommendations was construction of a two-lane busway between downtown Pittsburgh and the new terminal at Greater Pitt Airport. Phase 1 of the Airport Busway would utilize the former Pennsylvania Railroad right-of-way which passes through Crafton and a small portion of Rosslyn Farms. Port Authority is currently conducting planning and engineering studies to implement the Airport Busway. Transit travel times from the CRT area to downtown Pittsburgh can be cut in half with the Airport Busway. The Busway will provide transit service from the CRT area to Greater Pittsburgh
- 43 - Winter Facilities In the early 1930's a part of Crafton Park was developed through modest cut and fill as a skating rink, maintained by spraying water through Volunteer Fire Department hoses. Since then, the area has been taken over for other uses, and now, little outdoor recreation designed for the winter months exists in the Boroughs, except for the sledding hill located each winter in Crafton Park. Park and Shade Crafton has a public committee with the Trees responsibility to oversee maintenance or development of trees in public parks and in street rights of way. Equally important, but not always addressed, is the placement and maintenance of shade trees in the Boroughs. Shade trees provide a residential aesthetic,.one which reflects the nature of the Boroughs as residential communities.
TABLE 30 CRT ASSOCIATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Crafton Women's Club Crafton Community Club Crafton Civic Club Masonic Hall Association of Crafton American Legion Knights of Columbus Rotary Club Char Val Kiwanis Catholic Daughters of America Christian Mothers Holy Name Society Meals on Wheels Boy Scouts of America - Crafton Girl Scouts of America Little Cougars CIT Baseball Association Crafton Children's Corner Daycare Birth Place Alternative Childbirth Alcoholics Anonymous Golden Age Club Crafton Celebrates Crafton Performing Arts Association Boy Scouts of America - Thornburg and Rosslyn Farms
'e Thornburg Community Club Thornburg Players Women's Club of Rosslyn Farms Rosslyn Farms Country Club (Men's) . Crafton Historical Society
- 46 - RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RECREATION FACILITIES
Since World War I1 the Boroughs of Crafton, Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg have focused on building new facilities and allowing existing recreation centers to grow. In the coming decade, the challenge will be to maintain and develop these existing facilities in order to best serve the Boroughs' residents. A full evaluation and precise recommendation is beyond the purview of this Plan. Nevertheless, the following general guidelines can guide the Boroughs in future activities: 1. Develop a comprehensive land use plan for the Chartiers Creek flat bottom area as a combined CRT recreation district. Uses would include golf, ball fields, hiking, biking, boating, community gardens and other hobby and recreational facilities. These recreational uses would not exclude the utilization of the perimeter of the land, above the floor plain elevation, for PRD development. 2. Develop winter recreation facilities such as marked sled and toboggan trails, ice skating and cross country skiing. 3. Encourage private recreation facilities in the CRT region. 4. Encourage appropriate recreation facilities and programs for teenagers in the region, especially for the summer months. 5. Maintain public support of civic celebrations in the future. Borough activities, such as Crafton Celebrates, and Crafton Performing Arts Association have been expanding in recent years and are an excellent indication of the community's interest and desire for such activities. 6. Form a cooperative arrangement of recreation programming with private associations, with the two school systems, or with the other Boroughs. This would possibly allow better utilization of available facilities, and, at a lower cost to each, funding source. SCHOOLS Two Districts The public education function in the CRT region is the responsibility of two school districts; 1. The Carlynton School District, which encompasses the Boroughs of Crafton, Rosslyn Farms, and Carnegie; and,
- 47 - 2. The Montour School District, which encompasses the Boroughs of Ingram, Thornburg, Kennedy Township, Pennsbury . Township, and Robinson Township.
Adequate School facilities are believed to be at a Facilities level which will adequately serve the educational needs of all the communities for the foreseeable future. Specific school enrollment projections are examined on Tables 31.
TABLE 31 Enrollment Projections
Projected Projected Enrollment Amount % Enrollment Amount % Car lynton Change Change Mon t our Change Change
1988-89 1,851 2,716 1989-90 1,809 -42 -2.0% 2,673 -43 -2.2% 1990-91 1,778 -31 -1.8% 2,675 +2 + .l% 1991-92 1,761 -17 -1.0% 2,694 +19 +l. 1x 1992-93 1,713 - 48 -2.7% 2,693 -1 - 1993-94 1,676 -37 -2.0% 2,747 +54 +2.1%
Total Change 1988-8911993-94 -175 -9.5% +3 1 +l. 1%
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SCHOOLS Because the three municipalities and the two School Boards are separate government entities, precise recommendations for the School Districts are beyond the scope of this Plan. The Plan supports the goals of the School Boards to provide quality education to children of the Boroughs. 1. Renovate existing school facilities as needed, as construction of additional school buildings is unnecessary, provided the present structures remain in tact. 2. Consider utilizing the gymnasiums and auditoriums on a wider community basis, to provide a greater degree of both active and passive recreation.
- 48 - POLICE AND FIRE The level of safety is of paramount PROTECTION importance to the strength of the Boroughs' neighborhoods. Central Several law enforcement agencies serve Services the CRT area. The Crafton police department maintains a central switchboard for all calls for the CRT area. Crafton police are under contract to Thornburg Borough to provide police services. An effective centralized communications network, combined with inter- agency cooperation and strategically located stations, provides residents of the CRT region with adequate police protection.
TABLE 33 POLICE PROTECTION
Full Time Officers Part Time Patrol Cars
CRAFTON 9 0 2 ROSSLYN FARMS 2 1 1 THORNBURG Police Protection contracted from Crafton TOTAL 11 1 3
SOURCE: Boroughs Fire The Crafton fire station, located in the Borough Building, is the central switchboard for all fire and emergency alarms in the CRT area. All calls are directed to this station, which then sends out calls to other stations, depending on the location and seriousness of the fire. This concentration and coordination greatly facilitates fire fighting capacity. The CRT region has volunteer emergency, ambulance and fire departments in Crafton. Location Location of fire departments is critical to their ability to deal with fires. The Insurance Services Office (ISO) has developed standards of distance between a fire department and areas of protection: Critical covprage, 3/4 mile radius from the station. Adequate coverage, 4 mile radius from the station, the eastern half of Crafton receives critical coverage, while all of the region receives adequate protection.
- 49 - Equipment A cooperative agreement between Crafton, Ingram, and Greentree has strengthened the fire fighting capability in the three Boroughs. Extra manpower and specialized equipment is shared-on-loan by bringing in the other comDanies when needed, such as Greentree's scoie (cherrypicker),. Ingram's 85 foot ladder truck, or Crafton's light truck or 750 gallon pumper. Similar agreements exist for higher priority fires with companies in Moon and Kennedy Township.
TABLE 34 INVENTORY OF FIRE AND EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
CRAFTON INGRAM Trucks Trucks 1 Rescue Truck (250 gallon light (1) 85 foot ladder Pumper ) 1 Aerial Ladder Truck (85 foot ladder) 2 Pumper Trucks (750 gallon) 1 Air Truck (with cascade feature) (2) 750 gallon pumper
Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg - Fire and Emergency contracted from Crafton
The Police and Fire services for the three Boroughs have focused on upgrading of equipment and improving the quantity and quality of their forces. Precise recommendations for the public safety are beyond the purview of the Plan. SOLAR ACCESS Short Supply All forms of extracted energy sources commonly in use today are in short supply, will apparently remain so for the near future, have finite limits of economic recovery, and face ultimate depletion. Conservation Conservation of energy is an essential part of the federal government's goal to achieve energy self sufficiency.
- 50 - Energy Costs In addition to this, the personal costs of gas and electricity to the residents of the three Boroughs is expected to rise significantly in the next decade. Solar Energy As technologies for utilizing solar energy are being refined with increasing efficiency and cost effectiveness, the addition of both passive and active solar energy systems to existing and future structures may become an attractive alternative source of energy in the coming years. However, such development raises new types of potential problems for property owners and the community welfare. Possible areas of conflict involve the rights of shading and sunlight, effects of adjacent trees and structures, placement of solar equipment, and building orientation preferences. Skyspace and. Table 35 shows hourly values at varying Shadowspace latitudes for solar altitude, azimuth, and percent radiation falling on a surface perpendicular to the direction of solar radiation. The percent radiation value is the portion of daily solar radiation falling in the hour-long time period 1/2 hour before and after the time given on the table. For example, for the 2:OO column, it is the percent radiation falling from 1:30 until 2:30. The sum of the hourly values equals approximately 100 percent. This value gives an idea of how much energy a solar collector will be deprived of if shaded during a given time of day.
- 51 - TABLE 35 TABLE OF HOURLY ALTITUDE, AZIMUTH, AND PERCENT OF AVAILABLE RADIATION AT WINTER SOLSTICE (DECEMBER 21) 40 DEGREES NORTH LATITUDE
Time of Day 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4
-A1t 5.5 14.0 20.7 25.0 26.6 25.0 20.7 14.0 5.5 Az -53.0 -42.0 -29.4-15.2 0.0 15.2 29.4 42.0 53.0 %Rad 4.5 11.0 13.2 14.1 14.4 14.1 13.2 11.0 4.5
SOURCE: Protecting Solar Access for Residential Development, US Depts. of Energy and HUD and American Planning Assoc. 1980.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SOLAR ACCESS
1. Continue zoning ordinance provisions which specifically define the rights of property owners in reference to: a. Shadow space (access to light). b. Height and bulk requirements for accessory equipment 2. Zoning ordinance provision relating to solar devices should consider the appearance of such equipment and strive to minimize unsightly effects. LAND USE PLAN A major objective of the land use portion of the CRT Plan is to propose measures to maintain and protect existing development and encourage future compatible growth in the residential commercial and recreational areas of the three Boroughs.
Goals The Land Use Plan is a schematic representation of the development objectives of the CRT region. In summarizing the recommendations of the earlier sections of the report, the land use plan reflects the goals of the municipal councils, Joint Planning Committee, and residents as they have considered the nature and conditions of the region.
- 52 - Dynamic , The Land Use Plan is not intended to be a not rigid rigid standard by which to measure all new development and change. Rather, it is a suggestion of where the region stands today in the early go's, and in which direction the region would like to move for the next five to ten years. As such, the plan should be viewed as dynamic, changing to newly observed conditions and reflecting new movements of people and ideas. Common Links Just such a changing idea is the joint perspective of the Plan. For many years, residents of the three Boroughs have loosely perceived themselves as being of a similar group. People attended the same schools and churches and, so, knew each other personally. In recent years the idea of environmental unity has made apparent the other ways the Boroughs are linked together: road and public transportation systems, housing types, common commercial centers, common greenspace, and the nature of the land upon which they are located. All of these flow over and are not limited by city limits. The joint perspective was given formal acknowledgement by the municipal councils in authorizing the Comprehensive Plan.
A Synthesis The Land Use Plan is a synthesis of the physical elements of the region and the goals and objectives of both the Borough officials and residents. The Plan draws heavily from existing land patterns and concerns itself with appropriate development of the acres of land now vacant and redesigning the under used but already built up land. In structuring the Land Use Plan, the following should be employed as general guidelines: * Accommodation of a diversified and attractive residential pattern in association with the wide ranging age and income groups in harmony with the historic and architectural nature of the community.
I: * Location of facilities and services within I- safe and convenient access to residents. * Strict regulation of steep slopes, floor plain, unstable hillsides, and other areas of fragile environmental balance.
- 53 - * Provision of greenery and buffers between those lots of divergent and conflicting land uses. * The Land Use Plan is designed to protect existing commerce from the influences of decline, to preserve and provide housing for the entire population, to encourage private maintenance and rehabilitation of buildings and homes, to allow continued use of the land for recreation,for adequate circulation, and the continuation and development of light industry. Land Use categories are as follows: Residential Residential land is divided into subcategories based on the division between higher and lower densities. * The highest density areas are those with a pattern which typically includes highrise apartment units and multiple family dwelling units. Presently, all the existing areas are not differentiated from those with a lesser density. As a result, an occasional high density unit grouping occurs in an area of single and two family homes. * Medium density areas are those with a pattern of use of single and two family dwellings, and some multi-family dwellings. Many of the residential areas of Crafton are-medium density areas, where the lot sizes of single family homes range from 2500 to 5000 square feet. Multi-family apartment buildings exist here but are not clustered into a definable area; rather they occur sporadically. Most of the change in residential density in this district has occurred through conversion of existing single family dwellings to two and three units. Because of the limited availability of off street parking and the need to preserve thP historical character of the neighborhoods such conversions should be discouraged.
- 54 - * Lower density areas have less than five families per acre on lots of 10,000 square feet or larger. This area is composed of Thornburg and Rosslyn Farms where homes exist on the hills and hilltops. * Planned Residential Development (PRD) is a tool which permits medium and high density housing while maintaining the amenities of low density housing. It includes special incentives for amenities and open space and allows greater administrative control. PRD is a land development which is comprehensively planned as a single entity. It permits flexibility in building siting, mixtures of housing types and specified land uses, usable open spaces, an efficient and safely designed circulation system, and the preservation of significant natural features. This type of development is provided for in the Joint Zoning Ordinance, and it should be continued. Commercial * The main community business district is the shopping center. The existing arga, while compact, does not have a clearly defined boundary, direction signs, or circulation system. The shopping center's continued success in the face of new competitors in Greentree and Robinson may depend on several corrective actions taking place simultaneously. * Because a portion of the Crafton-Ingram Shopping Center lies in Ingram Borough and is not subject to the Joint Zoning Ordinance, a close working relationship with Ingram Borough should be maintained and encouraged. This working relationship will enable the communities to address common problems of the shopping center in a coordinated manner. * Neighborhood Shopping Districts are those areas of retail shops servicing residential areas immediately surrounding them. These areas are entirely in Crafton Borough--along Crafton Boulevard at Emerson; along Crennel, from Linwood to Broadhead; .Station Street; and the shops peripheral to the shopping center along Steuben Street.
- 55 - * Retail sales and service areas is the center "old core" of Crafton. A revitalization project for the Station Street would be beneficial. Office Space While no single area with this use exists now, four areas of land are suited for such use. One is located within the Crafton Core. This would extend from White to Division Street east of the railroad right of way. The second area considered for an office classification is the Steuben Street corridor in Crafton. Steuben Street, from the Conrail underpass to the Thornburg Bridge, is an area of mixed single family and multi-family apartments and conversions, Crafton Park and Athletic Field, a post office, church, and retail businesses. The distribution of land use by frontage is revealed on Table 36.
TABLE 36 STEUBEN STREET CORRIDOR
USE FRONTAGE PERCENTAGE
Single Family 2800' 43% Two Family & Multi 1633' 25% Recreation 767' 12% Public 666' 10% Commercial 666' -10% 100% For that area, from the ConRail Bridge to the Crafton Borough line, total frontage = 6532', excluding streets and vacant lots (3)
SOURCE: Ad Hoc Joint Planning Committee August 1981
As a major traffic route, this corridor is a unique area in the Boroughs. Many of the structures along Steuben Street are large mansion-type buildings, which by their size and design add prestige to the street. The trees which line the street reinforces this, enabling
- 56 - International Airport as well as Robinson, Moon, Carnegie, Heidelberg, Bridgeville, Collier and surrounding areas. Busway stations which will serve the CRT Boroughs are planned to be located in Carnegie, Crafton and Ingram. Mini-bus Service One non-radial bus route, Route 24A, serves Crafton and none serve Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg. Port Authority is currently experimenting in Monroeville with a mini-bus shuttle service known as "LINK" which provides both feeder service to long-haul bus routes as well as service between neighborhoods. LINK- type mini-bus service in combination with the Airport Busway could enhance the mobility of the CRT residents and simultaneously reduce dependence on auto travel. RECOMMENDATIONS ON REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION 1. Support implementation of the Airport Busway and work with Port Authority to integrate station design with municipal streets and sidewalks. 2. Encourage Port Authority to expand the bus service or initiate mini-bus shuttle service to and through the CRT area to maximize access to the Airport Busway.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES The Boroughs recognize the importance of good community facilities in creating a desirable place to live for region residents. P'lanning for community facilities must take into account the adequacy of existing facilities, the needs, priorities and feasibility of new facilities and the location of new facilities. Community facilities should complement other desirable land uses and improve the appearance of the community. RECREATION Public The facilities for parks and recreational activities for the Boroughs' residents are plentiful. All of the Boroughs have historically recognized the value of recreation as a necessary part of good living. They have developed a variety of recreation services within their boundaries. Some facilities, such as tot lots, playgrounds, and parks, are openly used by anyone. Others, such as the swimming pools in Crafton and Rosslyn Farms, are restricted for the use of the respective Borough residents only.
- 44 - I'I I'
Lying within the three Boroughs are 105 acres of contiguous parcels of flat bottom land. The Chartiers Creek flows through this large land area. The Chartiers Creek has been placed in a flood control district under The control of the U.S. Corps of Engineers, which has dredged and relocated the stream, constructed levees and established other effective floor control measures upstream. At the present time the part of this land in Thornburg is utilized for a public golf course. Another portion of the land is being striped of its top soil. The land is accessible by several public roads, although it is separated by the Chartiers Creek, approximately 50 feet in width. It is surrounded by woody hillside. The physical features of the land, its location and topography offer a unique opportunity to create a public recreation facility which will tremendously benefit the CRT Boroughs and make them very attractive as places to live and work in the future. Private Aside from the golf course in Thornburg there are no private (for profit) recreation facilities, such as theatres, in the three Boroughs. However, because of the excellent location of the CRT area, with regard to Pittsburgh and the West Hills and South Hills commercial areas, such facilities are a close drive away. Aside from these facilities, people of the region also take advantage of parks and facilities in Pittsburgh and throughout the County, such as Settler's Cabin Park and its Wave Pool. However, Settler's Cabin Park is in a location convenient only to CRT residents with automobiles. This is a location problem for many area teenagers and children. Clubs Local organizations, associations, and religious groups are popular among the people of the region and serve many social and civic foundations. While most of the groups are limited to the municipal boundaries in which they are located, some, such as the Rotary Club and Kiwanis, CRT Baseball and Little Cougars, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Birth Place Alternative Childbirth, are not limited to political boundaries and include residents from some or all of the three Boroughs in the Region. Table 31 lists the larger associations and groups in the Region. The number of social service groups on the list is significant.
- 4s - Steuben to connote a residential quality and dignity which extends throughout the CRT Boroughs. At the same time, Steuben is an area which is a natural draw for an extension of commerce. This is due to the abutting shopping center, high traffic, high exposure, and the increasing costs of maintaining the large structures as residential uses. The final sites available are the strip of land west of Rosslyn Road and the 40 acre hillside south of the Parkway. Use of either of these sites would continue the uses to which Carnegie Borough assigned to the abutting land and which have already been developed as such. Both sites are described in more detail separately in a later section. Industrial Industrial land in the region is of two types: heavy and light. * The heavy industrial land is located entirely along the Chartiers Creek in Rosslyn Farms, where flat land, railroad access and the Chartiers Creek itself have all contributed to the development of that part of the valley. Much of the industrial area is owned by Salem x Corporation. This industrial area is uniquely industfial, with the exception of a small area of residential homes along Arch Street just South of the Rosslyn Farms Borough line. Very little land is available in this area for new development. * The area of light industry currently exists in Thornburg just south of the Thornburg Bridge. Environmental constraints on this area limit the expansion of light industry. These constraints are detailed separately in a later section. Vacant Land - Southwest Rosslyn The southwest corner of Rosslyn Farms is a large area of undeveloped land, lying entirely across the Parkway from the rest of the Borough. Access to the undeveloped southwest corner of Rosslyn Farms is essential to the future use of that area. The existing bridge across the Parkway connecting to the In-Bound (easterly) lane is one way, and as a part of the state highway it has a limited access status. Therefore, a change of this road to a two way access route for the site is precluded unless the Borough obtains responsibility for this portion of the roadway. This would
- 57 - involve assuming maintenance of the bridge, which is beyond the fiscal capability of the Borough. An alternative access route would be possible by extending either Reamer Avenue or Bell Avenue from Carnegie Borough north into the site. The cost of purchasing land and constructing the road could be offset by sharing the cost with the owner/developer of the tract through negotiation. In the long term the investment would be offset by increased property and occupation revenue. A more detailed analysis of the costs related to this alternative than is presented here must be undertaken. Two uses of this land would be both proper and compatible: low and medium density residential and office space. Both uses are extensions of existing uses in abutting . Carnegie Borough. By allowing the residential use only on the most southern portion of the plot, the privacy and safety of the neighborhood would be strengthened. Undeveloped Steep Slopes; Flood Sensitive Area; Fragile Land Steep slope areas and the area of the flood plain require special management controls. Slopes, subject to erosion, land slide and water drainage problems, need special consideration when being developed in order to minimize an upset to the balance of the land on surrounding properties. Preparation of these areas for construction is expensive and creates problems for the Boroughs in providing public services. The Boroughs have designated such areas within their borders as protected land, permitting only development of low intensity while encouraging complete preservation of these areas. The steep slope areas are on either side of the flood plain; east of Grandview Avenue; as a ridge along Crafton Boulevard; the eastern portions of Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg, particularly below Edgecliff, Club and Winthrop Drives and Old Thornburg; and the area between the built up sections of these two municipalities. Any intensive use of this land which involves considerable construction must be limited. Special architectural and engineering design must be utilized in developing the area in line with the soil constraints and the possibility of earth movements. Along the
- 58 - re.-
e Chartiers Creek the flood plain area remains as the largest and most accessible vacant land in the Region. Although there is no direct road to the area, it is possible to extend existing 1 roads into the site. t Appropriate development of this tract can be a major financial and aesthetic asset for the region in the coming years. The way in which this land is used can enhance the quality of life in the Region. The flood plain consists of about 105 acres of flat land with some additional acreage of steep hillsides which rise sharply from either side of the flood plain. At the north end is a warehouse unit, office building and light industry. Along the northern fringes in the City of Pittsburgh are s. few older homes and, beyond the Thornburg Bridge, the Chartiers Industrial Park warehousing complex. c The southeast-ernhalf of the flood plain, in Crafton, is vacant except for a community garage, some houses, and two businesses. The extreme southern part of the regional floodplain is the heavy industrial district in Rosslyn Farms, which extends beyond the Borough line into Carnegie. This area is, for the most part, completely built up. Nearly all of the flood plain is below the 100 year flood level and is protected from flooding by a dike. It has a water table four feet below the surface; the remainder of the land at the south end has a water table just below surface. Soil types are of two types: Huntingdon Silt Loam and Melvin Silt Loam, both well drained but with low shear strength. The northern part of the Thornburg flood plain is accessible from the 1st Avenue Bridge and Steuben Street. A storm sewer line (6") and waste sewerage line, size unknown, are also on site. a RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE LAND USE PLAN While the Boroughs' pattern of land use has been long established, the following recommendations are given for improving vacant land, maintaining environmental stability, and responding to the changing nature of the CRT joint area: 1. Conversion and reconversion of older homes. The conversion of older stately homes in Crafton Borough should be discouraged. Incentives should be given to reconvert such homes to single family. This will enhance property values and add to the gentrification of Crafton Borough. c
2. PRD. Encourage the use of PRD classification of land as it permits creative, flexible land development while encouraging conservation, amenities, and occasionally lower housing cost to the buyer/renter. 3. Crafton-Ingram Shopping Center. Define the boundaries of the Center to give it a visual identity, to differentiate the Center from surrounding non-business uses. There is also no main entrance(s) to the shopping area. The entrance must be placed in such a way that people who approach the area see the entrance as soon as they see the center itself. 4. Cooperative measures with Ingram Borough should be taken to address common problems in a coordinated manner. 5. Airport Busway. The Airport Busway proposed by Port Authority presents a unique opportunity to utilize public transportation to serve and enhance land uses in the three Boroughs. Walk, kiss and ride, and feeder bus access to busway stations and entry points should be maximized. Special attention should be given to access at the Crafton Station to encourage revitalization of the old commercial core area. 6. Mixed Use. Permit mixed use structures in the old cores, with certain conditions for safety and health. The upper floors above core businesses should be actively used for offices and apartments. 7. New Recreational Area. Develop a comprehensive land use plan for the Chartiers Creek flat bottom land as a combined CRT recreation and conservation district. Uses would include golf, ball fields, hiking, ice skating, boating, community gardens and other hobby and recreational facilities. These recreational uses would not exclude the utilization of the perimeter of the land, above the flood plain elevation, for PRD development. a. Light Industry. Encourage industrial growth to be of a similar light industrial nature, as that which presently exists, which produces a much lower level of smoke, glare, noise, vibration or odors than does heavy industry. Warehousing and light manufacture in a fully enclosed structure are the most typical light industrial uses. 9. Aesthetic. Prevent any major disturbance of the flood plain, as it would tend to upset the residential nature balance of the surrounding neighborhoods. Aesthetic
- 60 - considerations of this flood plain are also significant because of the central in-view location of the flood plain to homes in Crafton and Thornburg.
Respectfully submitted, Joint Planning Commission of Crafton, Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg,
Vincent J. Grogan, Chair Allen Biehler, Vice-Chair Allen Herrle, Secretary/Treasurer Richard Glance, Assistant Secretary Craig Easterly Betsy Martin J. Keith Manning
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I -- .- -I
OFFICIAL
BOROUGH OF CRAFTON ORDINANCE NO. 1560
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF CRAFTON, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 38 OF THE CRAFTON BOROUGH CODE OF ORDINANCES, PLANNING COMMISSION, TO CREATE A PLANNING COMMISSION FOR CRAFTON BOROUGH.
WHEREAS, Section 201 of the Municipalities Planning Code (“MPC”), 53 P.S. $10201, as amended, authorizes the Council of the Borough of Crafton (“Borough”), to create or abolish, by ordinance, a planning commission for the Borough; and
WHEREAS, the Borough is currently a member of the Joint Planning Commission of the Boroughs of Crafion, Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg pursuant to the Joint Zoning Ordinance of the Boroughs of Crafion, Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg, Ordinance No. 1418, as amended; and
WHEREAS, on October 23, 2003, the Council of the Borough enacted Ordinance No. 1551, whereby the Borough: repealed and withdrew from the Joint Zoning Ordinance of the Boroughs of Crafton, Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg, Ordinance No. 1418, as amended, the Joint Subdivision Ordinance of the Boroughs of Crafion, Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg, Ordinance No. 1420, as amended; withdrew from the Joint Planning Commission and Joint Zoning Hearing Board of the Boroughs of Crafton, Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg; and provided an effective date for Ordinance No. 1551 as one year from the date thereof; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the Borough desires to amend Chapter 38 of the Crafton Borough Code of Ordinances, Planning Commission, in order to create a Planning Commission for the Borough for the purpose of advising Council on land use, zoning and planning matters, and to undertake those responsibilities set forth in the MPC.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the Borough of Crafton hereby ordains and enacts as follows:
SECTION 1: Chapter 38 of the Crafton Borough Code of Ordinances, Planning Commission, is hereby amended as follows by inserting the underlined text and deleting the stricken text:
ARTICLE I Borough Planning; Commission
3 38-1. Creation: ComDosition: Terms: Vacancy; Oualifications: Compensation.
There is herebv created a Borough Planning; Commission consisting of five (5) persons to be appointed by Council. Each member of the Planning Commission shall be apuointed for a term of 4 years or until his successor is aupointed and qualified, which term shall begin on April 14* of the year appointed. exceut that the terms of the members first appointed pursuant to this Chapter shall be so fixed that the terms of two members shall be for one year, the term of one member shall be for two years, the term of one member shall be for three years, and the term of one member shall be for four years. An appointment to fill a vacancy shall be only for the unexpired term. All members shall reside within the Borough. and no more than two members may be officers or employees of the Borough. All members shall serve without comwnsation. but may be reimbursed for necessary and reasonable expenses.
4 38-2. Conduct of Business: Reports.
The Planninv Commission shall elect a chair and vice-chair and such other officers as it determines necessary. Officers shall serve annual terms and may succeed themselves. The Planning Commission may make and alter bylaws, rules and regulations for its own organization and procedure. consistent with the ordinances of the Borough and the laws of the Commonwealth. The Planning Commission shall keep a fill record of its business and shall annually make a written rwort of its activities and transactions to Borough Council by March 1" of each year. The Planning Commission shall also make such interim rmorts as requested by Borough Council.
4 38-3. Removal.
Any member of the Planning Commission. once qualified and appointed, may be removed from office for malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance in office or for other just cause bv a maioritv vote of Borourzh Council taken after the member has received 15 daw' advance notice of the intent to take such a vote. A hearing shall be held in connection with the vote if the member shall request it in writing.
8 38-4. Powers to Employ and Contract.
The Planning Commission may em~loypersons. whose salaries and wages and other necessary expenses of the Planning Commission, are approved by Borouph Council. The Planning Commission may contract for professional services, the costs and expenses of which. when approved by Borough Council, shall be provided for through proper appropriation by Borough Council.
8 38-5. Jurisdiction and Powers.
The Planning Commission shall have the powers and duties as provided by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. EjlOlOl ef.seg., as amended. this Code and other ordinances adopted by the Borounh.
2 ..
I.
1 5 38-6. Assignment of Additional Duties and Responsibilities. The Planning Commission shall have such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned to it fiom time to time by amropriate action of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the Borough Council.
ARTICLE I1 Joint Planning Commission
3 38-14. Creation.
Pursuant.to Chapter 225 of the Crafton Borouh Code of Ordinances, Zoning, &the 3a jloint Planning Commission is created between the Boroughs of Crafton, Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg with such terms and representation as defined therein.
0 38-e. Powers and duties.
The Joint Planning Commission shall have the powers and duties as provided by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. 810101 et. seq., as amended, and Chapter 225 of the Crafton Borough Code of Ordinances, Zoning-
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SECTION 2: As of the effective date of Ordinance No. 1551, the Borough shall withdraw fi-om the Joint Planning Commission of the Boroughs of Crafton, Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg and Article I1 and Sections 38-7 and 38-8 of Chapter 38 of the Crafton Borough Code of Ordinances, Planning Commission, as amended, shall be repealed.
SECTION 3: All prior ordinances and resolutions, excluding Ordinance No. 155 1, are hereby repealed in whole or in part to the extent inconsistent herewith.
SECTION 4: This Ordinance shall take effect in accordance with applicable law.
3 ORDAINED and ENACTED this 14* day of April, 2004, by the Council of the Borough of Crafton in lawful session duly assembled.
ATTEST: BOROUGH OF CRAFTON
3a5, j;-u&+ BY&flA/Q r/tnurr 2 Mary Trgmblay Michael J. C&m Borough Secretary President, Borough Council
I (Seal) EXAMINED and APPROVED this day of //‘,tit- ,2004.
Ivan Hull, Mayor
4