Nicholson Township Comprehensive Plan

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ADQPTED July 6, 2000

Prepared by:

Ma c kin Eizgiii cering Company I I

I A CKNO WLEDGMENTS I This project was funded entirely through a Small Community Planning Assistance Program (SCPAP) Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of I Community and Economic Development (DCED).

I This report was prepared by: I Mackin Engineering Company

I With assistance from the Nicholson Township Supervisors: John Black, Chairman I Charles McClain, Secretary Gerald Porupski

I And former Supervisor 1 Ronald Diamond I I I I I I I I I li TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 SECTIONI I HISTORICALPERSPECTIVE 3 I ENVIRONMENTAND PHYSIOGRAPHY 5 1 POPULATIONAND DEMOGRAPHICS 7 I HOUSING 14 I ECONOMICCHARACTERISTICS 17 I EXISTINGLAND USE 22 I TRANSPORTATION 26 1 COMMUNITYFACILITIES AND SERVICES 28 I SECTION2 GOALSAND OBJECTIVESPRIORITZATION 32 I SECTION3 1 PLANELEMENTS 42

1 SECTION4 I INTERRELATIONSHIPSTATEMENT 65 I SECTION5 CONTIGUOUSMUNICIPALITIES STATEMENT 66 I 1 1 SECTION 6

RESOLUTION 67

LISTOFTABLES

Table 1 Nicholson Township Historic Structures 4 Table 2 Nicholson Township Soil Associations 5 Table 3 Nicholson Township Population Change 1950 - 1990 7 Table 4 Population Change 1960 - 1990 8 Table 5 Age Distribution 1990 11 Table 6 1990 Percent of Owner and renter Occupied Housing 15 Table 7 1990 Median Housing Value and Median Rent 15 Table 8 1990 Percent of Persons 16 Years of Age and Older Employed in Professions 20 Table 9 1990 Percent of Population Age 19 - 64 that are Unemployed 21 Table 10 Unemployment Rates for March 2000 21 Table 11 Existing Land Use in Nicholson Township 23 Table 12 Zoning Districts and Permitted Uses 24

LISTOF CHARTS

Chart 1 Population Change 1950 - 1990 7 Chart 2 Population Trends 1950 - 1990 8 Chart 3 1990 Population 9 Chart 4 Population Per Square Mile 1990 9 Chart 5 Percent of Population by Race 1990 10 Chart 6 Percent of Persons by Age 1990 11 Chart 7 Nicholson Township Educational Attainment Persons Age 25 and Older 1990 12 Chart 8 Educational Attainment Persons Age 25 and Older 1990 13 Chart 9 Percent of Vacant or Unoccupied Housing Units 14 Chart 10 1990 Median Housing Age, in Years 16 Chart 11 Percent of Persons Living Below the Poverty Level, 1990 18 Chart 12 1990 Median Household Income 19 Chart 13 1990 Percentage of Nicholson Township Employed I Population with Commute Times 20 APPENDICES I STRENGTHSAND WEAKNESSES I DANGEROUSBUILDING ORDINANCE I TCESOURCE LIST I 2

The formation of Nicholson Township, which was created fiom portions of Springhill Township and German Township, was not an easy process. The idea was first proposed in September of 1841; however, due to objections presented to the court (December 11, 1841), the motion was rendered void. A few years later, the idea of creating a separate township out of German and Springhill Townships was renewed and this time was successful. In June of 1845, the court appointed James Paull, James H. Patterson and Jacob Murphy as commissioners. On December 19, 1845, Nicholson, which was named after a prominent resident of New Geneva, James Witter Nicholson, was chartered as a township.

Perhaps the most famous and influential resident of Nicholson Township was Albert Gallatin. Mr. Gallatin founded the village of New Geneva, which was named after his home of Geneva, Switzerland. New Geneva was a place where European immigrants could live and experience the same customs as they had in their homeland.

Albert Gallatin’s contributions went much further than the founding of New Geneva. Gallatin also contributed globally as a scholar, politician, entrepreneur, diplomat, and financier. By 1800, Gallatin and his partners had a general store, gristmill, saw mill, gun factory, and glassworks operating along Georges Creek.

Mr. Gallatin’s responsibilities as a diplomat often took him to Washington, D.C., New York, France, and England. While away, his brother-in-law, James Witter Nicholson, ran the businesses. However, business suffered with Gallatin out of town, and his family felt alienated living in the Monongahela frontier, so they relocated to New York where Gallatin became a prominent banker.

Nicholson Township, like Fayette County, had its beginnings influenced by coal mining and coke production. The remnants of these once booming industries can still be found throughout the municipality. Coal mining began in the 1760s and expanded steadily until the 1860s, coinciding with the beginning of steel manufacturing. One of the advantages to mining in this part of the commonwealth was the Pittsburgh seam of bituminous coal, which was very high in quality. This helped Fayette and Westmoreland Counties to become the top two coal producing counties in western Pennsylvania. In the 1840s it was determined that the Pittsburgh seam of bituminous coal was very good for coking. Heating bituminous coal without air creates Coke, a hard, gray, porous fuel with high carbon content. This was an important discovery because up to this point charcoal had been used for smelting iron. Unfortunately, charcoal required a tremendous amount of wood and as local supplies of wood dwindled, the cost skyrocketed. In the 1860s, the emergence of beehive coke ovens, bank ovens, and rectangular ovens were built along the hills, valleys and riverbanks. As the steel manufacturing industry developed, the demand for coke grew exponentially, as did the importance of coal mining and coke production in Fayette and Westmoreland Counties. In the late 1890s, early 1900’s Griffin No. 1 and No. 2 Coke Works were established along Cats Run just outside of the southeast boundary of Masontown Borough. Griffin No. 1 coal mine and coke works had one battery of double-block rectangular coke ovens. When in full production, 3 10 ovens were in operation. These coke 3 1

I ovens, along with those at the Alison No. 1 site, are the best-preserved rectangular ovens in Fayette County. This site was built by the Bessemer Coke Company and placed in operation between 1899 and 1903. At its maximum, the plant had 310 employees, 160 of which were 1 involved in coke production. On average 150,142 tons of coke were produced at this site per year. In 1921 the Hillman Coal and Coke Company purchased the plant.

I The Griffin No. 2 site is very similar to No. 1. When in full production, approximately 196 ovens were in operation. This plant was also built and operated by the Bessemer Coke Company, and was built between 1899 and 1903. The Griffin No. 2 plant had 181 employees, 80 'I of which were involved with coke production. Approximately 72,043 tons of coke were I produced each year. There are a number of sites in Nicholson Township that are considered historic sitedstructures by the Bureau for Historic Preservation. The following table lists the site/structure and the map ID I number. These sites are treasures from the past that should be restored and preserved for future generations. I I -LR579 Bridge 1 New Geneva Petroglyph Site 36FA37 2 Harmony House 3 I Front Street New Geneva 4 PA Route 166 at New Geneva 5 I Deffenbach Residence 6 8 See Figure 2 for site locations. 1 I 1 I I I I 4

I I

I Nicholson Township is located in the Appalachian Plateau Province. A province is defined as a region in which all parts are similar in geologic structure, climate, relief, and has a unified I geomorphic history. The Appalachian province is a northeast-southwest tending highland that occupies large parts of Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia, eastern Ohio and small parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama. This highland is underlain by nearly horizontal sedimentary I rock beds of the Paleozoic age. In western Pennsylvania, typical summit elevations range from 1,800 to 2,000 feet above sea level. In some regions, the surface of the plateaus have been I deeply eroded by streams to produce mountainous areas. Bedrock The rock underlying Nicholson Township was formed in the Pennsylvanian Period of the I Paleozoic Era, 360 million years ago. There are two specific rock groups that comprise Nicholson Township:

I 1) Monongahela Group - Cyclic sequences of limestone, shale, sandstone, and coal; I commercial coals present; base is at bottom of Pittsburgh Coal. 2) Casselman Formation - Cyclic sequences of shale, siltstone, sandstone, redbeds, thin, impure limestone, and nonpersistent coal; red beds are associated with landslides; base is I at top of Ames limestone. Soil Characteristics I Soil is produced through the interaction of five natural forces. They are climate, plant and animal life, parent material, relief, and time. The degree and influence of each of these factors differs from place to place and influences characteristics of the soil. Nicholson Township has I soil landscape variations which have occurred as a result of relief, slope and drainage qualities. I The following chart describes the soil associations found in Nicholson Township. Soil Associations Characteristics Monongahela-Philo- Atkins Deep moderately drained and poorly drained, medium I textured, nearly level to sloping soils on stream terraces and floodplains Guernsey-Westmoreland-Clarksburg Deep, well-drained to somewhat poorly drained, medium I textured and moderately fine textured, nearly level to moderately steep soils influenced by limestone strata in the bedrock; on uplands I Gilpin- Wharton-Ernest Moderately deep and deep, well-drained and moderately well drained, medium textured, nearly level to very steep soils underlain by acid shale and some sandstone bedrock; I on uplands. I I 5 The following attributes, which are associated with the soil types, will provide a basis for future land use recommendations.

Monongahela-Pltilo-Atkins association is formed primarily from alluvial deposits. This is a common association which provides several prime agricultural regions. These soils are suited for field crops but they can also be developed. The slow permeability associated with these soils limits the use of onsite sewage disposal.

Guernsey- Westmoreland-Clarksburg association consists of soils that are derived primarily from limestone formations and often underlain by the Pittsburgh Coal Formations. The I associated landscape includes rounded hilltops and series of benches located along slopes. This soil type is one of the better soils for farming; however, surface runoff can be rapid if slopes are steep. Additionally, the Guernsey soils have a slow permeability rate; therefore, they are not I suited for onsite sewage disposal and farm ponds. Gilpin- Wharton-Ernest soil association is characterized by smooth rounded hills and irregular I undulating slopes. Moderate to severe building limitations exist with the association due to steep slopes associated with these soils. Springs and wells are common and generally supply enough water for livestock and households. The poor soil permeability places severe limitations on the I use of septic tank absorption due to the ground water contamination factors. The classification also includes several regions of prime agricultural soils on slopes up to 15%.

I Steep Slopes Slope,is defined as rise over run, or height over distance. The slope of the land can have dramatic effects on development, and on the cost of development. Slopes of 14% and less have I little effect on development. Areas with a slope of 15%-24% require special precautions when the land is being developed to prevent landslides, excessive erosion and building failure after I development is complete. Engineers recommend that no development take place in areas where there is a slope of 25% or greater. If development occurs in these areas, extensive steps must be I taken to ensure that structures are secure and that landslides do not occur. There are several areas in Nicholson Township where the slope is 25% or greater. As is typical, most of these areas are adjacent to floodplains and stream corridors. In Nicholson Township, the I steep slope areas are concentrated in the southern and western portions of the township. See Figure 3.

I Floodplains There are several streams which run through Nicholson Township. Whenever development occurs in close proximity of a stream, the developer must be aware of the designated floodplain. I A floodplain is defined by The Illustrated Book of Development Definitions as the channel and the relatively flat area adjoining the channel of a natural stream or river which has or may be covered by floodwater. In Nicholson Township, York Run, Georges Creek, a section of Jacobs Creek, and the Monongahela River have established 100-year floodplains. Buildings and other structures proposed within the floodplain must be either elevated or flood-proofed to or above the elevation of the 100-year flood. See Figure 3. 6

I I POPULATION AmD EMOGRAPHICS

I Nicholson Township is surrounded by German Township to the north, Georges Township to the east, Springhill Township to the south, and the Monongahela River to the west. This I southwestern Pennsylvania municipality encompasses 2 1.8 square miles of rolling hills. I Compared to the surrounding municipalities, Nicholson is considerably smaller in size. German, I Georges and Springhill Townships, contain 33.3,47.9 and 3 1.2 square miles, respectively. With the closing of many of the region’s coal mines during the 1970s and 1980s, the economy and population of the township decreased dramatically. However, recent population estimates, I prepared by The Southwestern Pennsylvania Corporation (SPC) projected a slight increase in population in the 1990s.

I During the 1950s, the heart of the coal mining years, Nicholson Township’s population was 3,185 persons. The decline in the mining industry became evident in the 1960 population figures, as the population of Nicholson Township had decreased by 990 persons to 2,195. This I trend continued, and in 1970 the population of the township was 1,754, a decrease of 441 residents. The 1980 US Census showed a slight increase in population to 2,143; however, by I 1990 the population had decreased again by 148 persons. Table 3 Nicholson TownshiD PoDulation Change 1950 - 1990 1 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 Population 3,185 2,195 1,754 2,143 1,995 Number Change NIA - 990 - 441 389 - 148

I Percent~~ Change NIA - 31.0 - 20.1 22.2 - 6.9 ” I I I I I I Source: 1990 US Census I

Chart 1 Population Change 1950 - 1990 I As noted earlier, SPC estimated an increase in Nicholson Township Population population in the 1990s. Change 1950 - 1990 4,000 I The 1996 SPC estimates 2 3,000 have Nicholson Township’s 2.000 g 1,000 I population at 2,015, an no increase of 20 residents. 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 I Year Source: 1990 Census

I Nicholson Township’s population from the 1950s closely mirrored what was occurring in Fayette County. In 1950, Fayette County’s population was 189,902 persons. During the 1950s, I a period of out-migration saw the population decrease by over 20,500 persons. Between 1960 7 I I

I and 1970, the population decreased another 14,673 persons making the total population 154,688 persons. During the 1970s, this trend began to change. The 1980 US Census reported a slight increase in population for the township (4749 persons) from 1970. However, by 1990 the I downward trend had returned and the county’s population declined by 14,066, leaving a population of 145351. Chart 2 depicts both the county and Nicholson Township’s population I trends since 1950. I Chart 2 Population Trends 1950 - 1990 Fayette County and Nicholson Township Population Trends 1950 - 1990

I 200,000 3,500 180,000 3,000 160,000 0 C .-w I 0 140,000 2,500 $ - n a 0 8 120,000 n n 2,000 ,p c I 9 100,000 In 5 1,500 80,000 6 l- 0 C I 3 60,000 1,000 2 r, -0 c I? 40.000 0 500 5 I 20,000 0 OllFayefteCOunfy1 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 +Nicholson Township I Year I mrce: 1990 US Census Nicholson Township’s population is smaller than that of the surrounding municipalities, I according to 1990 Census figures. Please refer to chart 3. The townships surrounding Nicholson Township experienced the same population fluctuations as I Nicholson and the County. Table 4 illustrates these changes. Table 4 Population Change 1960 - 1990 I I Source: 1997 Pennsylvania County Data Book: Fayette County I I 8 I

I Chart 3 1990 Population 1 1990 Population 7,000 1 1 6.000 1 5.000 E 0 -J 4.000 1 3 3,000 n 2,000 I 1.000 0 Nicholson German Springhill Georges 1 Township Township Township Township Municipality

I ource: 1990 US Census

Nicholson Township, as a rural area, has a lower population density, especially when compared I to other townships in Fayette County. According to the 1990 Census, Nicholson Township had 95.1 people per square mile. When compared to the surrounding municipalities, Springhill Township had the lowest density at 89.7 people per square mile, while the other townships had I much higher densities (German Township, 168 people per square mile; and Georges Township, 136.2 people per square mile). All of these townships were lower than that of Pennsylvania, which had a population density of 236.7 people per square mile, and Fayette County which had a I density of 18 1.2 people per square mile. These comparisons are shown in Chart 4.

I Chart 4 PoDulation Per Sauare Mile 1990 1 Population Per Square Mile 180 , 160 1 140 c 120 0 -'3m 100 2 80 0 1 n 60 40 20 I 0 Nicholson German Springhill Georges Township Township Township Township I Municipality I Iurce: 1990 US Census 9 I I Nicholson Township, Fayette County and the surrounding municipalities had very similar population numbers for racial composition. The majority of residents that resided in Nicholson Township were White and accounted for 98.4% of the population. The other 1.6% of the I population consisted of: Black, (13%); Other (0.3%); and those of Hispanic Origin, (0.4%). German Township (92.9% White, 6.8 YOBlack, 0.2% Other, and 0.6% from Hispanic Origins), Springhill Township (98.7%White, 0.7%Black, O.G%Other, and 0.8% from Hispanic Origins), I and Georges Township (98.8% White, 1.O% Black, 0.2%0ther), and Fayette County (96.2% White, 3.5% Black, 0.3% Other, and 0.3% of Hispanic Origin) show similar racial characteristics. Please see Chart 5. I Chart 5 Percent of Population bv Race 1990 Percent of Population by Race

I 102 I 100 98

2 96 Q I 2 Q n 94

I 92 , 0 Hispanic Origin

I OOther 90 i I W Black El White 88 i

Municipality

urce: 1990 US Census

In 1990, fifty-four percent (54%) of Nicholson Township's 1,995 residents were between the ages of 18 to 59. These years are considered the "working years", or the years when people are the most productive. Pre-school age children (0 - 4) totaled 6.8% of the population, school age children (5 - 17) accounted for 19.8% of the population, and those that were 60+, or retirement age, made up 19% of the population. See chart 6.

10 1 I Chart 6 Percent of Persons by Age 1990

I Percent of Persons by Age I 100% 80%

I 60%

40% I , OAges 60 - 64 I I 20% OAges 18 - 59 I

I I 0% j HAges5-17 1 I

I lurce: 1990 US Census

The following table provides a more detailed breakdown of age distribution in Nicholson I Township, the surrounding municipalities, the County, and the State.

Table 5 Age Distribution 1990 I i I Nicholson 1 German I Springhill I Georges I FayetteCounty I PA I Toyvnship I Township I Township I Township 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I

I Source: 1990 US Census I 1 11 1

I As shown in the table above, Nicholson Township was very similar to the surrounding townships and the county in terms of age distribution.

I According to the 1990 US Census, 42.1% of people aged 25 years and older in Nicholson Township had less than a high school education, 57.9% had graduated high school, 5.8% had I earned a BA Degree, and 1.7% had a Professional or a Graduate Degree. Chart 7 Nicholson Township Educational Attainment, I Persons Age 25 and Older, 1990 Educational Attainment, Persons Age 25 and I Older, 1990 5.8 1.7 42.1 I , HLess than High School .At least High School OAt least Earned BA I Prof./Graduate Degree

I iurce: 1990 US Census

Compared with the other municipalities, Nicholson had a slightly higher percentage of residents I (25 years of age and older) without a high school diploma. German Township (38.0%), Springhill Township (41.6%) and Georges Township (37.9%) all were a lower percentage of adults over 25 years of age who did not graduate from high school or its equivalent. These I statistics are typical of rural communities in western Pennsylvania. I I I I I I 1 I 12 I

1 Chart 8 Educational Attainment, Persons Age 25 and Older, 1990 I Educational Attainment. Persons Age 25 and Older, 1990

I 70 I 60 50

c 40 I 0) 2 30 I 20 Less than High School ' =At least High School I I 10 0 At least Earned BA i 0 Rof./Graduate Degree ; I 0 I Municipality

I Source: 1990 US Census

When educational attainments were compared with Fayette County and the state, Nicholson I Township was eleven percentage points higher than the county (32.2), and almost fifteen percentage points higher than the state (25.3), in the percentage of residents age 25 and older without a high school diploma. This discrepancy may be attributed to: (1) the coal mining 1 history of the area; many young men quit high school to work in the mines; and (2) the role that agriculture played in the community; young men quit school to work on their family farm and I did not return to school to finish their education. I I I I I I 13 I I

I Housing units are commonly classified as structures intended for residential use; for example, single-family home, duplex, apartment house, boarding house, manufactured home, or mobile home. The condition and type of a community's housing stock provides a good indication of the I economic conditions in the municipality. Typically, a higher number of owner-occupied homes result in a community that has well maintained homes and properties.

I In Nicholson Township, 6.6% of the housing stock was vacant or unoccupied, as compared to 5.9% in Georges Township, 5.4% in German Township, and 6.7% in Springhill Township. All I of which were far better than the numbers for both the state, 9.0%, and the county, 8.6%.

I Chart 9 Percent of Vacant or Unoccupied Housing Units I Percent of Vacant or Unoccupied Housing Units 9.0% 8.0% I 7.0% 6.0%

f 5.0% I Y 5 4.0% P, 3 .O% I 2 .O% 1 .O% I 0.0% I Municipality

I urce: 1990 US Census Figures show that this area is above the state and county average in percentage of owner- I occupied units. Of the Nicholson Township housing units, 75.5% were owner-occupied and 17.9% were renter-occupied. These figures were better than the percentages for Pennsylvania (64.6% owner-occupied rate and a 26.7% renter-occupied rate) and Fayette County (66.1% I owner-occupied and 25.3% renter-occupied). Georges, German and Springhill Townships had a 73.2%, 76.6%0,and 71.0% owner-occupied rate for dwellings respectively; and a 20.8%, 18.0% I and 22.4% renter-occupied rate respectively. I 14 I I I

I Owner-Occupied Renter- Units Occupied Units Pennsylvania 64.3% 26.7% I Fayette County 66.1% 25.3% Nicholson Township 75.5% 17.9%

I ~ GeoFes Township 73.2% 20.8% German Township 76.6% 18.0% I Springhill Township 7 1 .O% 22.4%

An examination of median housing values in Fayette County and the surrounding municipalities I revealed that these figures were lower than the state. Pennsylvania had a median housing value of $69,700 in 1990, while Fayette County (median housing value of $39,700), Nicholson Township ($29,600), Georges Township ($35,400), German Township ($29, loo), and Springhill I Township ($35,700) were significantly lower. The following table lists the 1990 median housing value and 1990 median rent for Nicholson Township and the surrounding municipalities as well I as the county and the state.

I Table 7 1990 Median Housing Value and Median Rent I I Median Housing Value I Median Rent 1 . Pennsylvania $69,700 $276 I Favette Countv- J $39.700 $186 Nicholson Township $29,600 $130 Georges Township $35,400 $159 I German Township $29,100 $138 I The median age of the housing stock in Nicholson Township was 5 1 years and only German I Township, with a median age of 59 years, was higher. Both of these communities were higher than Fayette County (50 years) and Pennsylvania (49 years), while Springhill Township (39 years) and Georges Township (49 years) were lower than Nicholson Township, the County I average, and the State average. I I I I 15 I e

I Chart 10 1990 Median Housing Age, in Years

Median Housing Age, in Years

I I

a 1Mu nici pali ty

Iurce: 1990 US Census

According to statistics obtained from the Fayette County Department of Community and I Economic Development, there have been 50 building permits issued for single-family residences between 1994 and 1997 in Nicholson Township. This is a good indication of housing growth I and economic vitality. Mackin performed a windshield survey in Nicholson Township that revealed the housing stock is in relatively good condition. There were no areas identified where there was an abundance of I dilapidated housing. However, houses were identified where general maintenance was needed, I such as painting, removal of debris and yard maintenance. I I I I

16 I I I The analysis of a community's economic vitality is made up of many factors such as I unemployment rates, income characteristics, and levels of poverty. Nicholson Township had the highest percentage of persons living below the poverty level of any of the surrounding municipalities (23.6%). Georges Township was second with 23.0%, followed I by German Township with 22.9% and Springhill Township with 20.6%. While these numbers appeared high, they were comparable with the county average living below the poverty level 6 (20.9%). Poverty statistics presented in census publications were based on a definition originated by the Social Security Administration in 1964, and modified by Federal interagency committees in 1969 1 and 1980 and prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget in Directive 14 as the standard to be used by Federal agencies for statistical purposes.

I At the core of this definition was the 1961 economy food plan. It was determined from the Agricultural Department's 1955 survey of food consumption that families of three or more I persons spend approximately one-third of their income on food; hence, the poverty level for these families was set at three times the cost of the economy food plan for smaller families and persons living alone. The cost of the economy food plan was multiplied by factors that were I slightly higher to compensate for the relatively larger fixed expanses for these smaller households.

I The poverty thresholds are revised annually to allow for changes in the cost of living as reflected in the Consumer Price Index. The average poverty threshold for a family of four persons was 412,674 in 1989. Poverty thresholds were applied on a national basis and were not adjusted for I regional, State, or local variations in the cost of living. I I I I I I I 17 I Chart 11 Percent of Persons Living Below The Poverty Level, 1990 I

L n" Municipality

The median income divides the income distribution into two equal parts, one having incomes above the median and the other having incomes below the median. In 1990, Fayette County and all of the municipalities within the county were well below the state median household income of $29,069.

18 Chart 12 1990 Median Household Income

Median Houehold Income 1990

30,000 , I

25,000

al 20,000

0E 15,000 C .-m U I" 10,000

5,000

0

I -~ _..___ Source: 1990 US Census

With the exception of Springhill Township, Nicholson Township and the surrounding municipalities had a median household income below that of the county average.

Nicholson Township varied dramatically when comparing occupations of employed persons 16 years of age and older to Fayette County and the state. The occupational categories used in the 1990 Census were: Managemenflrofessional Specialty, Technical Sales/Administrative Support, Service, Farming/Forestry/Fishing, Precision Production CrafVRepair, and OperatorRabricator Laborer.

Nicholson Township had 14.4% fewer persons employed in the ManagementProfessional Specialty field than the state (25.2%) and 7% less than the county (19.8). There were also significant differences in Technical SaledAdministrative Support, Precision Production Cramepair, and Operator/Fabricator Laborer. One category in which Nicholson Township had a higher percentage of workers than both the county and the state was in FarmingRorestryRishing. This reflects the townships roots and reinforces the fact that these professions still play an important role in the township today.

19 1

I Table 8 1990 Percent of Persons 16 Years of Age and Older Employed in Professions Fayette Nicholson German Springhill Georges Pennsylvania County Township Township Township Township I Managemenflrofessional Specialty 25.2% 19.8% 12.8% 9.8% 16.9% 15 2% Technical Sales/ I 31.7% 27.8% 17.6% 30.6% Administrative Support 29.7% 25.4% Service 13 .o% 14.8% 14.5% 13.5% 14.0% 16.3% 1 FarmingRorestryEishing 1.7% 1.9% 5.8% 1.9% 2.2% 2.5% Precision Production 11.6% 14.4% 23.1% 17.1% 14.4% 14.2% Crafmepair OperatorEabricator I 16.9% 21.3% 26.2% 27.0% 22.8% 26.3% Laborer I Whde the township had more similarities with the surrounding municipalities than it did with the county and the state, differences were evident in the Technical Sales/Administrative Support and lI Farming/Forestry/Fishmg categories.

In 1990, there were 585 people in Nicholson Township who were employed. Of these people, I 55 1 commuted to work: twenty three percent of the population had a commute time of less than 15 minutes to work. A majority of persons in the township (36.7%) had a commute time between 15 and 29 minutes. Twenty percent of those commuting had a 30 - 44 minute drive, '1 11.3% had a 45 - 59 minute commute, 7.1% had a 60 - 89 minute commute, and 1.3% of I Nicholson's working population had a commute of 90 minutes or longer. Chart 13 1990 Percentage of Nicholson Township Employed 1 Population with Commute Times Percent of Population with Commute Times I' 7% 1% II

'II 1045 - 59

209 11 090 or more I I Source: 1990 US Census 20 I The following charts and tables show unemployment statistics for Nicholson Township and the surrounding municipalities. The following table reveals the percent of individuals between the ages of 19 and 64 who are able to work, but have not found employment. Excluded are persons 1 in school, enlisted in the United States armed forces, those who are disabled, and persons who remain unemployed but are no longer able to collect unemployment. While the percentage of persons between the ages of 19 and 64 that are unemployed is high for the entire area, there is a I positive aspect. Communities with high unemployment rates have a large available work force. Both skilled and unskilled labor availability are important factors for industries identifying potential new locations.

1990 Percent of Population 1 Table 9

Source: 1990 US Census

Unemployment rates are not kept yearly for communities that have a population of less than 25,000. However, it is assumed that Nicholson Township's unemployment rates generally I follow those of Fayette County.

Table 10 Unemployment Rates for I March 2000 I I I March2000 I Allegheny County 3.7% 1 Greene County 7.1% Washington County 5.0% Westmoreland County 5.1% c I I Source: 1990 US Census I I

I

21 EXISTINGLAND USE I I

1 The existing land use in Nicholson Township is typical of rural municipalities in western Pennsylvania. Generally, these communities have large amounts of open space and agricultural land, and smaller pockets of residential, industrial, and commercial developments. Information I for this section was gathered through a windshield survey completed in the fall of 1998. I Agricultural Land Use: According to The Illustrated Book of Development Definitions, agricultural land is used for the I production, keeping of maintenance, for sale, lease or personal use of plants and animals useful to man, including, but not limited to: forages and sod crops; grains and seed crops; dairy animals and dairy products; livestock, including beef cattle, sheep, swine, horses, ponies, mules, or goats, I or any mutations or hybirds thereof, including the breeding and grazing of any or all such animals; bees and apiary products; fur animals; trees and forest products; fruits of all hnds, including grapes, nuts and berries; vegetables; nursery, floral, ornamental and greenhouse I products; or lands devoted to a soil conservation or forestry management program.

There are 4,147 acres of agricultural land in Nicholson Township that is scattered throughout the I municipality. There are concentrations of agricultural land around the Jim King Road (T-334), Boy Scout Road intersection (T-370); along Thorpe Drive (S.R. 3009); Morris Buncic Road; I directly north and south of New Geneva Back Road. See Figure 4. I Open Space Land Use: Open space is defined in The Illustrated Book of Development Definitions as any parcel or area of land or water essentially unimproved and set aside, dedicated, designated or reserved for I public or private use or enjoyment, or for the use and enjoyment of owners and occupants of land adjoining or neighboring such open space. Nicholson Township has approximately 8321 acres 1 of open space land. Open space is scattered throughout the township. Residential Land Use:

I According to The Illustrated Book of Development Definitions residential land use is identified as property on which a building, or portion thereof, containing one or more rooms for living purposes, together with separate and exclusive cooking and sanitary facilities, accessible from I the outdoors either directly or through an entrance hall shared with other dwelling units, and used I or intended to be used by one family. There are concentrations of residential land in New Geneva, Martin, Sunshine, Gallatin, and Grays Landing. Also, there are residential developments along the major roads in the township, I Including State Routes 3006 and 3009, Blue Rock Road, and several other local roads throughout the township. Residential uses occupy 804 acres of the total land area within the township. I I 22 I I Commercial Land Use: Commercial land use, as defined in The Illustrated Book of Development Definitions is land I which is dedicated to activities carried out for monetary gain. By far, commercial land is the smallest land use in Nicholson Township, accounting for only 87 acres. Approximately one-half of the existing commercial areas are “in home” businesses; such as beauty salons, small I appliance repair, etc. Commercial ventures, which are not part of “in home” business category are located on State Route 01 19, Lovers Leap Road and State Route 0166.

I Public Land Use:

Public land use includes public parks, playgrounds, trails, paths, other recreational areas and I other public open spaces; scenic and historic sites and other public buildings and structures. Examples of public land in Nicholson Township include the Post Office properties, Township I Building, churches, etc. Public areas occupy 47 acres in the township. Nicholson Township also has a land use which is considered public/restricted access. This parcel I of land is located along the Monongahela River and is owned by the Army Corps of Engineers I (ACOE). This land has restricted access because of the ACOE’s locks and dams in the area. The I Army Corps of Engineer’s land occupies 62 acres of land in the township. Industrial Land Use:

I Industrial land is land on which, according to The Illustrated Book of Development Definitions economic activity including forestry, fishing, hunting and trapping; mining, construction; manufacturing; transportation, communication, electric, gas, and sanitary services; and wholesale I trade is observed.

Industrial land in Nicholson Township falls mostly under the category of mining. There are 539 I acres of industrial land in the township. Industrial land is concentrated in a few areas of the township. These areas are: War Branch Road and S.R.3006; directly northeast of Martin; I between Gallatin and Grays Landing, on S.R. 0 166; and the border of Nicholson Township and Georges Township.

I Table 11 Existing Land Use in Nicholson Townshiu I Land Use I Acres I Percent ofTotal I Agricultural 4,083 29.1 I Open Space 8,457 60.4 Residential 804 5.7 Commercial 87 0.6 I Public 47 0.3 Industrial 539 3.9 I I TOTAL I 14,016 I 100.0 I Source: 1998 Land Use Survey I 23 I I

I Nicholson Township does not have its own zoning ordinance; therefore, the township is covered under the Fayette County Zoning Ordinance. The largest zoning district in the township is agricultural, followed by conservation, residential, manufacturing and business. See Figure 5. I Table 12 lists the permitted uses in each of the zoning districts. I District Permitted Uses Apcultural Accessory use, agriculture, beauty-barber shop- I residential, deep coal mining and surface facility, essential services, forestry, grange, mobile home, oil and gas wells, professional activity-limited, I professional activity (as amended 84-30), public 1use, seasonal homes, single family dwelling, underground gas storage, bed and breakfast I (amendment 94- 1) Business Accessory uses, automotive sales, boarding house- lodging house, business services, clothing services, I commercial school, entertainment facility, equipment facility, essential service, food service, hotel-motel, mortuary, offices, passenger terminal, I personal service, professional activity, public use, retail business, semipublic use, social activity, tourist home I Conservation Accessory use, agriculture, beauty-barber shop- residential, essential services, farm recreation enterprise, forestry, noncommercial recreation I facility, oil and gas wells, park, professional activity, limited, public use, seasonal homes, single family dwelling, underground gas storage I Light Industrial Accessory use, agriculture, automotive repair (as amended 84-30), automotive maintenance (as amended 84-30), business services, essential services, food services, gas station, manufacturing- I restricted Residential Accessory use, beauty-barber shop-residential, dwelling-single family, essential services, plant I cultivation, professional activity-limited, public use Source: Fayette County Zoning Ordinance

I In March of 2000, the Nicholson Township Supervisors passed a resolution approving petition for creation of an Agricultural Security Area within the township. Agricultural Security Areas I are a tool for strengthening and protecting agriculture in Pennsylvania. Farmers who have land in an Agricultural Security Are entitled to special consideration from local and state government agencies, this helps to ensure that the land continues to be used for productive agricultural I purposes. I Some features of Agricultural Security Areas include: 24 I Initiation by petition of farm landowners Minimum area of 250 total acres May include non-adjacent farmland parcels 'I A local government level program Seven year lifetime, then reviewed I Parcels may be added during the seven year period Participation by landowners is voluntary Use of land is not restricted (this is not a land use law) I Participants receive special consideration regarding: local ordinance effect on farming activities and nuisances; state agency rules and regulations; review of I farmland condemnation by state and local government agencies; review of state-fbnded development projects I Participants are eligible to sell agricultural conservation easements. Figure 6, on the following page indicates the lots in Nicholson Township's Agricultural Security Area.

25

I

I T-spoRTATION A good transportation network is essential for a community’s viability. The transportation I system consists of more than just roads running through the community. Airports, rail lines and waterways provide additional forms of transportation. Nicholson Township relies on the state road system for access into and out of the community. State Route 0166 runs through the I western portion of the township and connects with S.R. 0021 which takes travelers through Greene County and eventually into Ohio. State route 0166 also runs south to S.R. 01 19 for access to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. State Route 002 1 intersects with Interstate 79 in Greene I County, thereby providing residents with access to a major north-south expressway.

Nicholson Township contains 62.22 miles of roads, of which they are responsible for the I maintenance of 34.55 miles. Approximately 27.67 miles of roads in the township fall under PennDOT’s jurisdiction for maintenance and upkeep.

I The township roads can be placed into one of three categories: paved, gravel or dirt. There are approximately twice as many paved roads ( 18) as there are graveled roads (7), and there are I twelve dirt roads. According to the results of the community survey, residents feel that the roads are all maintained well. See Figure 7. 1 Rail: At one time, the railroads were the most heavily used mode of transportation. Railroads were the cheapest, fastest and most efficient way to transport coal and coke throughout I the region and across the United States. With the decline of the steel industry, coal and coke is not being produced in the vast quantities it once was; and with the development of a nationwide interstate system, the use of trucks for the transportation of goods has I become more prevalent. An existing rail line in the township, owned and operated by Conrail, is used to move coal from Greene County mines to various users.

I Monongahela River: River transportation occurs both commercially and recreationally along the river. An I average of seven different barge companies operate on the river each day. Commercial barges transport coal, petroleum products, scrap metal, and limestone along the river. Recreational boating also occurs on the river and creates additional traffic volumes during I the summer months. Grays Landing Lock: I Grays Landing lock is located at river mile 82. This lock sees approximately 2,500 vessels, five million tonnage of material, and 3,000 lockages each year. A lockage is I calculated each time a lock chamber equalizes the water levels between pools. Airports: The Connellsville Airport is located off of S.R. 01 19 in Lemont Furnace, PA. The airport I is a regional public airport established in 1938. Annual operations are approximately I 6,000 and there are approximately 80 aircraft based from the airport. 26 I I I Trails: There is no trail system that runs through Nicholson Township; however, there are I several in close proximity. Friendship Hill National Historic Site includes approximately ten miles of hiking, biking, I and some cross country skiing trails. Friendship Hill is on R.R. 0166, just over the Nicholson Township border in Springhill Township.

I The Youghiogheny River Trail is a multi use recreational trail which allows hikers, I bikers, cross country skiers, and horseback riders. The trail extends from McKeesport, Allegheny County to Confluence, Sommerset County. ~~I The Sheepskin Trail is a proposed multi-use recreational trail, which would extend 32 I miles from Point Marion to Dunbar, connecting with the Youghiogheny River Trail. I I I I I I I I I I I 27 I I I I Community facilities and services are important aspects of a community and should represent the current and future needs of residents of Nicholson Township. The amount of community I amenities provided by the municipality provides an indication of citizen demand and the municipality’s financial stability. This section will provide a brief description of the facilities I and services provided in Nicholson Township. Municipal Government: Nicholson Township operates under the township supervisor form of government. I Currently, the township has three supervisors which are elected for a term of six years, a rotating schedule is used so that a new supervisor is elected every two years. Supervisors are responsible for making policy decisions, levying taxes, borrowing money, authorizing I expenditures, and the direct administration of their government by their employees. One of the most important responsibilities of the Township Supervisors is ensuring that local I services are adequately provided to township residents. The supervisors meet the first Thursday of each month at 6:OO PM at the township building located at, Box 95, R.D. #2. The supervisors are responsible for making policy decisions, levying taxes, borrowing money, authorizing expenditures, and the administration of township employees.

In addition to the three supervisors, the township employs one full-time employee to help with maintenance in the township.

Public Water Service: Nicholson Township is served by three water authorities, including Albert Gallatin Water Authority, Mountain Water Authority, and North Fayette Water Authority. Approximately 70 percent of Nicholson Township residents are serviced by public water. The map on the following page illustrates the areas covered by each water authority. See e Figure 8.

Garbage Collection: The township has a contract with Diamond Transit Company for garbage disposal. The cost to township residents is $9.50 a month. The township also has a recycling program. Recycling of glass, aluminum and paper occurs on the first Saturday of the month at the township building.

Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services: Fayette County has a countywide 91 1 system. All emergency calls are routed through 9 1 1 operators who dispatch the appropriate emergency responder. To make this system most effective, the Fayette County Department of Emergency Management has implemented city-style addressing for all of Fayette County. This has been a long and sometimes difficult process for both the county officials and the residents of the county. I 28 1

I Police protection in Nicholson Township is provided by the State Police, Uniontown Barracks. One car is assigned to cover Nicholson, Smithfield, Masontown and Point I Marion Boroughs. Response time is good and very few complaints have been filed. Emergency medical services are provided by Laurel Ambulance, Point Marion, and METS out of Masontown Borough. Both Laurel Ambulance and METS are paid I departments, Point Marion is a volunteer department. Laurel Ambulance, the largest of the three companies, has 38 employees, 32 full-time and 6 part-time.

I Some problems arise due to the fact that there are three emergency medical providers for the township. One particular problem is that service areas are laid out poorly. In some cases, the closest ambulance does not respond due to the response zones and agreements I with the volunteer fire departments. The transition to countywide 91 1 has presented some additional problems because some residents are not using the recognized road I names and new addresses which increases response time. There are three volunteer fire departments that service Nicholson Township, they are: I Masontown Volunteer Fire Department, Point Marion Volunteer Fire Department, and the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department. Each department services a different section of the municipality. As with all volunteer fire departments, finding money for needed I equipment upgrades presents the biggest dilemma. Smithfield and Point Marion have pumper trucks, but all agreed that additional fire hydrants throughout the township would make their jobs easier. The transition to countywide 91 1 also presented problems for the I fire departments, but adjustments have been made and no longer present a problem.

Institutions: I Public Education: The school age children in Nicholson Township attend schools in the Albert Gallatin School District. The school district serves approximately 4,400 students from Nicholson Township, Point Marion Borough, Smithfield Borough, Fairchance I Borough, Masontown Borough, Springhill Township, Georges Township, and German Township. There are 250 teachers employed in the nine schools operated by the district. I There is one high school, two junior high schools and six elementary schools. The school district is involved with Intermediate Unit 1 in California, PA, and with the Communities-In-Schools program. Albert Gallatin School District also hosts a number of I extra-curricular sports, including football and basketball. For the 1999-2000 school year, the district may be implementing cross country and track programs.

I Public Libraries: Nicholson Township does not have its own library; however, in the communities surrounding Nicholson, there are several accessible libraries which are part of the German-Masontown library system. The libraries are the Smithfield Public I Library, the Point Marion Library and the German Masontown Library. Residents of Nicholson Township have access to these libraries at no charge.

I Post Office: Nicholson Township has two post offices, one in New Geneva and one in I Martin. Grays Landing has a mailbox. 29 I I Hospitals:

I There are two hospitals located in Fayette County, one in Westmoreland County, and one in nearby West Virginia. They are Highlands Hospital, Uniontown Hospital, and Frick Hospital and Community Health Center in Westmoreland County, and Monongalia I Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia. Uniontown Hospital is the closest to Nicholson Township, but all four are accessible. The following is a brief description of the I hospitals: Highlands Hospital located at 401 East Murphy Avenue, just off Rt. 119 and 71 1 I in the City of Connellsville. This facility offers approximately 150 beds in addition to 24-hour emergency room, cardiac care, mental health services, pediatric care, physical therapy, outpatient surgery, respiratory care, radiology, I and community education programs. At this time, there are approximately 200 doctors and nurses employed at this facility.

I Uniontown Hospital is the largest Fayette County medical center. Uniontown Hospital is located near US 40, approximately 20 minutes from Nicholson Township. The hospital offers 250 beds, an emergency room and several health related services. There are over 400 doctors, nurses and other trained hospital employees on the payroll at Uniontown Hospital.

I Frick Hospital and Community Health Center Ths hospital is located on South Church Street in Mt. Pleasant. It provides many special services including emergency health care and a maternity ward. Currently, there are approximately I 200 beds, and 150 doctors, nurses and other skilled personnel employed. I Monongalia General Hospital Monongalia General is located in Morgantown, West Virginia has a medical staff of approximately 150 physicians. Ths is a full I service hospital providing emergency services, maternity and a cardiac care ward. Recreation: Currently, there are no formal recreational facilities in Nicholson Township; however, the I surrounding municipalities and Fayette County provide a multitude of amenities.

In nearby Springhill Township, on State Route 166, is Friendship Hill National Historic 1 Site. Friendship Hill offers approximately 10 miles of hiking trails, some cross country skiing trails, picnic areas, as well as guided tours of the Albert Gallatin’s homestead are I available at the site. Nicholson Township also happens to be in relatively close proximity to Ohiopyle State I Park. Ohiopyle State Park and the Youghiogny River Trail offer a variety of recreational activities throughout the year. Available activities include: white water rafting, hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, horseback riding, snowmobile riding, and camping facilities. 30 I I Just north of Nicholson Township in Masontown Borough is home of the German- Masontown Community Park. This park offers a wide variety of recreational activities I including basebalVsofIbal1 playing fields, soccer fields and picnic pavilions available for use throughout the summer, and an amphitheater for concerts. 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I D 1 31

I I I I I I I I, I I I 1 I Mackin I I I I I

I The goals and objectives for this plan were developed by Mackin Engineering Company through a series of public meetings and stakeholder interviews. Public meetings were held March 23, 1999 and April 27, 1999. An Issues, Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Exercise I (ISWOT) was completed at the first public meeting. Residents were asked to list attributes of the township which they consider to be an issue, a matter that is in dispute between two or more parties; a point of debate or controversy; strength, what is good, what are the positive attributes; I weakness, What is wrong, what are the problems; Opportunities, What can be done to improve the situation both short and long term; and threats, What are the external and internal threats in I the future. The results of this exercise can be found in Appendix 1. The results of the ISWOT exercise were used to develop goals and objectives for the township. I A goal is a general statement of a future condition which is considered desirable for the community; it is an end towards which actions are aimed. Goals should reflect the desires and needs of the township residents. An objective is a statement of a measurable activity to be I accomplished in pursuit of the goal; it refers to some specific aspiration which is reasonably attainable. These goals and objectives were presented to the township residents at the second meeting, April 27, 1999. At this meeting, residents were asked if they had additional goals and I objectives to add to the ones provided. Residents were then asked to rank the objectives by their order of importance. The higher the number, the more important the objective. The results of I this exercise can be found on the following pages. I I I I i I I I I 32 I[' I HISTORICAL, CULTURAL, AND NATURAL FEATURES I GOAL: IDENTIFY AND PRESERVE HISTORIC STRUCTURES WITHIN THE I TOWNSHIP 21 Objective: Identify structures within Nicholson Township that are eligible for the National I Register of Historic Properties and Structures.

20 Objective: Establish a housing rehabilitation program for historic structures within the I township. .

11 Objective: Include language that will amend the county zoning ordinance to protect and I preserve historic structures. I GOAL: PROMOTE THE LOCAL CULTURE AND HISTORY OF NICHOLSON 11 TOWNSHIP I 23 Objective: Establish a local history awareness week in the Albert Gallatin School District.

I 24 Objective: Contact Friendship Hill National Historic Site to determine the possibility of conducting a satellite program in Nicholson Township. (For example, a tour of New I Geneva as part of the park activities.) 26 Objective: Create a landing site for Steel Industry Heritage Corporation river tours along I the banks of the Monongahela River in Nicholson Township.

I GOAL: PRESERVE AND MAINTAIN NATURAL AREAS WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP 10 Objective: Perform community assessment of cultural, historical, and environmental I lands within the township and make appropriate changes to county zoning ordinance and map to ensure that they are protected. I I I I I 33 I

I HISTORICAL, CULTURAL, AND NATURAL FEATURES I CONTINUED I GOAL: REDUCE NEGATIVE IMPACTS FROM LOCKS AND DAMS 10 Objective: Reduce noise and visual impacts of Grays Landing Locks and Dam.

I 11 Objective: Discourage the development of a hydroelectric plant on the western bank of I the river. GOAL: REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS FROM PAST MINING ACTIVITIES

'I 25 Objective: Remediate acid mine drainage within the township.

20 Objective: Make inquiry to the Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Mine Reclamation regarding reclamation of slag dumps in the Township.

I 11 Objective: Provide a list of potential clean-up sites within the township to Fayette Forward Infrastructure Committee for inclusion in the countywide clean up program.

GOAL: INCREASE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP

5 Objective: Organize a community day that coincides with a holiday or an historically significant day in the Township.

=Objective: Clean up of unsightly stream bank corridors within the township. I I

34 HOUSING

GOAL: IMPROVE HOUSING CONDITIONS WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP

18 Objective: Participate in the county's housing rehabilitation program.

28 Objective: Establish a demolition program for dilapidated structures.

GOAL: PROMOTE EFFECTIVE HOME AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE TECHNIQUES THROUGHOUT THE TOWNSHIP

26 Objective: Implement a neighborhood clean up program to improve the overall appearance of the township.

I I I I 35 I

I LAND USE 1 GOAL: AMEND COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE/MAP TO REFLECT THE DESIRES I OF THE RESIDENTS WITHIN NICHOLSON TOWNSHIP 14 Objective: Rezone underutilized areas to allow for the highest and best use of housing, 1 commercial and industrial facilities. 0 Objective: Restrict inappropriate development in floodplains.

I 12 Objective: Development of land should be consistent with, and visually compatible to, surrounding land uses.

1 12 Objective: Identify suitable property for a community park. I GOAL: PRESERVE THE RURAL ATMOSPHERE OF THE TOWNSHIP

I LObjective: Promote Agricultural activities in the township. I1 5 Objective: Identify possible Agricultural Security Areas. 8 Objective: Develop growth boundaries around densely populated areas which have I adequate infrastructure. I 10 Objective: Implement greenspace requirements for subdivisions over 50 acres. I I I I I I I 36 I

I COMMUNITY FACILITIES 1 GOAL: IMPROVE SAFETY THROUGHOUT THE TOWNSHIP I 23 Objective: Locate additional fire hydrants and/or dry hydrant sites in the populated areas of the township.

I 21 Objective: Organize a community crime watch. I 18 Objective: Provide densely populated areas with streetlights. 12 Objective: Enforce speed limits within the township. I I GOAL: IMPROVE RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP 24 Objective: Locate a suitable area for a municipal park. I 10 Objective: Identify abandoned rail lines within the township which could be used for possible rail-to-trail. Link these trails with existing trails at Friendship Hill and the 'I Sheepskin Trail. 36 Objective: Identify areas for public river access along the Monongahela River. I GOAL: IMPROVE CODE ENFORCEMENT

I 27 Objective: Hire a part-time code enforcement officer. I 15 Objective: Work with the county on improving enforcement of the county zoning ordinance. 1 I I I D 37 I GOAL, : PROVIDE A CENTRALIZED LOCATION FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

I 15 Objective: Locate suitable land and construct a new municipal building to accommodate meetings, offices, equipment storage, and community activities.

I 1 I 1 I I 1 1 I 1 I I I I I 38 I

1 INFRASTRUCTURE

1 GOAL: PROVIDE SEWER SERVICE TO THE POPULATED AREAS OF THE 1 TOWNSHIP 4 Objective: Develop an Act 537 Plan to locate the most feasible areas for sewers and apply for Community Development Block Grants and PENNVEST funding to pay for the 1 improvements.

1 GOAL: REDUCE THE COST OF CABLE TELEVISION I * 7 Objective: Re-negotiate contract with the cable company to reduce the cost of service. I GOAL: IMPROVE CONDITION OF ROADS THROUGHOUT THE TOWNSHIP 1 19 Objective: Include important state road projects on the PennDOT Twelve Year Plan. 20 Objective: Improving existing shoulders and berms on state roads.

I 1 1 Objective: Prioritize local road maintenance schedule using PennDOT publication 70 “Guidelines for Design of Local Roads and Streets.”

1 11 Objective: Incorporate important transportation projects on the countywide transportation plan.

I -Objective: Participate in the PennDOT “Agility Program”. I 1 I I I 1 39 1 I I TRANSPORTATION

1 GOAL: INCREASE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP

I AObjective: Participate in the county’s existing public transportation programs. I 11 Objective: Work with Fayette and Monongalia Counties about possible bus route from Uniontown to Morgantown with stops in Nicholson Township. I GOAL,: DEVELOP ADDITIONAL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION, OTHER THAN 1 VEHICULAR. 10 Objective: Identify abandoned rail lines within the township which could be used for possible rail-to-trail. Link these trails with existing trails at Friendship Hill and the I Sheepskin Trail. I 19 Objective: Contact the Steel Industry Heritage Corporation regarding the possibility of locating a landing site for river tours along the banks of the Monongahela River in I Nicholson Township. ,- 24 Objective: Widen shoulders to roads to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. I I ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT I GOAL: INCREASE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP 10 Objective: Post career opportunities on a community bulletin board, on the Internet and 1 also at the township building. 19 Objective: Promote the Rt. 119 and Monongahela River as Pennsylvania Enterprise I Zones. GOAL: ASSIST TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS WITH OBTAINING VALUABLE JOB I SKILLS

LObjective: Work with Fayette Forward to utilize the Mobile Computer Lab which they are I now developing to support small businesses. 1 40 1 22 Objective: Utilize Fay Perm’s program which provides job readiness training to county I residents. I I I I I I 1 I I I

11I 1 1 I 1 I 41 I I 1 I I I 1 I I I I I I

I I ~Mackin I I I 1

1 HISTORICAL, CULTURAL AND NATURAL FEATURES PLAN I I I

I Objective: Identify structures within Nicholson Township that are eligible for the National Register of Historic Properties and Structures.

I Recommended Action: Contact the Fayette County Historical Society and the Friendship Hill Historical Society for assistance in determining which structures within Nicholson Township that are eligible for the I National Register of Historic Properties and Structures. Once the structures have been selected, contact the Fayette County Department of Community and Economic Development about I adopting a Historic Conservation Ordinance to protect these structures. I Responsibility: Township Supervisors Time Frame: Short-Term (1-3 years)

I Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Fayette County Redevelopment Authority, Fayette County Office of Economic Development, Fayette County Historical Society, Friendship Hill Historical Society, National Park Service, U.S. I Department of the Interior. I Objective: Establish a housing rehabilitation program for historic structures within the township.

I Recommended Action: Contact the County about establishing an historic building rehabilitation program. Because of I the cost associated with restoring historic structures, a widespread rehabilitation program may not be possible. If this is the case, the County should be contacted about developing an ordinance which would require anyone who purchased these properties and planned on I rehabilitating them to do so in a manner that would not endanger the property’s historic status. This could be done as a stand-alone ordinance or as an amendment to the county zoning I ordinance. Responsibility: Township Supervisors, Fayette County Department of Community and Economic Development

Time Frame: Short-Tern ( 1-3 years)

42 I

Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Fayette County I Redevelopment Authority, Fayette County Department of Community and Economic I Development Objective: Include language that will amend the county zoning ordinance to I protect and preserve historic structures. Responsibility: Township Supervisors, Fayette County Historic Society, Fayette County 1 Department of Community and Economic Development I Time Frame: Mid-Term (4-7 years) Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: PA Department of Community and Economic Development, Fayette County Department of Community and I Economic Development I Objective: Establish a local history awareness week in the Albert Gallatin I School District.

Recommended Action: 1 The Township Supervisors should work with the school board and Superintendent to create a local history awareness educational program. There is a unique history to the area that should be I passed along to the children. The best way to do this is to have it incorporated into the school curriculum. Local historians or senior citizen residents may be interested in assisting in the I development of the program. Responsibility: Township Supervisors, Township Parent Volunteers, School District

1 Time Frame: Short Term (1-3 years)

Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: National Park Service, I Department of the Interior I Objective: Contact Friendship Hill National Historic Site to determine the possibility of conducting a satellite program in Nicholson Township. (For I example, a tour of New Geneva as part of park activities.) Recommended Action: Contact Friendship Hill National Historical Society to determine the possibility of conducting a I satellite program in Nicholson Township e.g. a tour of New Geneva. In the Long Range Interpretive Plan for Friendship Hill National Historic Site, developed in 1999, the National Park u Service wanted to encourage visitors to visit the Monongahela River and the surrounding I 43 municipalities because Gallatin did not build Friendship Hill to exist in isolation. The river and the surrounding municipalities played a very important role in the development of Friendshp Hill. New Geneva is the town that Gallatin established; as such, it played an integral role in the I development of Friendship Hill and the township should make sure that New Geneva continues to be a part of the Long-Range Interpretive Plan.

I Responsibility: Township Supervisors, Resident Volunteers, National Park Service, Fayette County Office of Community and Economic Development, Fay Penn

I Time Frame: Mid Term (3-5 years)

Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Friendship Hill National I Historical Society, Fayette County Historical Society, National Park Service, Fayette County Office of Community and Economic Development, Fay Penn, Department of the I Interior Objective: Create a landing site for Steel Industry Heritage Corporation river I tours along the banks of the Monongahela hver in Nicholson Township.

Recommended Action: I Begin process by contacting the Steel Industry Heritage Corporation and the Army Corps of Engineers to investigate a potential partnership and to determine feasibility. River land sites were a recommendation of the Monongahela River Conservation Plan; therefore, the township I could also seek finding from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to establish a landing site if they are not successful in receiving money from Steel I Industry Heritage Corporation. I Responsibility: Township Supervisors Time Frame: Short Term (1-3 years)

II Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Department of Community and Economic Development, Fayette County Redevelopment Authority, Steel Industry Heritage Corporation, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Fay Penn, Historical Societies, Department of the Interior.

I I Goal: Preserve and Maintain Natural Areas within the Township - ^,,:- Objective: Perform a community assessment of cultural, historical, and I environmental lands within the township and make appropriate changes to I county zoning ordinance and map to ensure that these areas are protected.

I Recommended Action: 44 I I

The cultural, historic, and environmentally sensitive lands within Nicholson Township are a rare I resource that once gone can never be replaced. So that these resources will be available for future generations to enjoy, the township should begin a dialogue with the Fayette County Department of Community and Economic Development to make appropriate changes to the I county zoning ordinance and Official Map to ensure that these resources are protected. I Responsibility: Township Supervisors I Time Frame: Mid-Term (1-3 years) Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Department of Community and Economic Development, Fayette County Redevelopment Authority, I Fayette County Office of Community and Economic Development I

0 Objective: Reduce noise and visual impacts of Grays Landing’s Lock and I Dam. I Recommended Action: The Grays Landing locks and dams built on the Monongahela River are necessary for the commercial traffic to travel the waterway; however, township residents find them unattractive I and a noise nuisance. The Army Corps of Engineers should be contacted about possible remediation. Remediation could include a vegetative buffer or sound barrier. This may be more I successful if a partnership is forged with Greene County. Responsibility: Township Supervisors, Fayette County Department of Community and I Economic Development, Greene County Planning Department, Army Corps of Engineers Time Frame: Short Term (1-3 Years)

I Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: DCNR, Fayette County Redevelopment Authority, Penn State Agricultural Extension, Army Corps of Engineers, I Greene County Planning Department

0 Objective: Discourage the development of the proposed hydroelectric plant I located on the western bank of the Monongahela River.

Recommended Action: I Establish dialogue with County Commissioners, Fayette Forward and Fay Penn by formal written notice and write in campaigns, attendance at Fayette County Commission Meetings to I educate them on the wishes of Nicholson Township residents. As with the preceding objective, a partnership with Greene County would increase the chances of success with this project. I 45 I Responsibility: Township Supervisors, Fayette County Commissioners, Greene County I Commissioners I Time Frame: Short-Term (1-3 years) Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Fayette County, Greene I County I I Goal: Reduce Environmental Impacts From Past Mining Activities I Objective: Remediate acid mine drainage within the township. Recommended Action: Contact the Department of Environmental Protection regarding acid mine drainage remediation I procedures and mine reclamation projects. IdentifL and catalogue all areas of mining activity (past and present), slag dumps and other potential sites of environmental contamination as a I result of mining activities. Responsibility: Township Supervisors, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental I Protection I Time Frame: Short-Term (1-3 years) Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: DCNR, DEP, Fayette County Redevelopment Authority, Growing Greener Initiative, Bureau of Mine I Reclamation,

I 0 Objective: Make inquiry to the Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Mine Reclamation regarding reclamation of slag dumps in the I township. Responsibility: Township Supervisors

I Time Frame: Short-Term (1 -3 years)

Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: DCNR, DEP, Fayette I County Redevelopment Authority, Growing Greener Initiative, Bureau of Mine I Reclamation, Objective: Provide a list of potential clean-up sites to Fayette Forward Infrastructure Committee for inclusion in the county wide clean-up program.

Responsibility: Township Supervisors

46 Time Frame: Short-Term (1-3 years)

Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: DCNR, DEP, Fayette County Redevelopment Authority, Growing Greener Initiative, Bureau of Mine Reclamation, Fayette Forward

:I Objective: Organize a community day that coincides with a holiday or an historically significant day for the township.

I Recommended Action: Identify local residents who would be interested and available to participate in a volunteer pool to assist Township Supervisors with organizing community activities. Activities may include I organizing a community day around a holiday or an historically significant day, community clean-up projects, or conducting resource inventories. Activities such as those mentioned above I promote a real community atmosphere and make residents feel like they are a part of something. Responsibility: Township Supervisors

I Time Frame: Long-Term (8- 10 years) I Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Fayette Forward Volunteers, Albert Gallatin School District, Local Businesses, Resident volunteers

I Objective: Clean up of unsightly stream banks and corridors within the township.

I Responsibility: Township Supervisors E Time Frame: Short-Tern (1 -3 years) Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Fayette Forward I Volunteers, Fayette Chapter of PA Cleanways I I I I 47 I I I HOUSING PLAN I

I 0 Objective: Participate in the county’s housing rehabilitation program.

Recommended Action: I The Township Supervisors should investigate the housing rehabilitation programs available through the Fayette County Redevelopment Authority.

I Responsibility: Township Supervisors I Time Frame: Short-Tern (1 -3 Years) Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Org nizations: Fayette County Redevelopment Authority, Community Development Block Grant Money, Pennsylvania I Department of community and Economic Development

1 0 Objective: Implement a demolition program for dilapidated structures.

Recommended Action: I The Township Supervisors should implement a demolition program for dilapidated structures. By demolishing blighted structures, neighborhoods will become safer and more attractive. Rehab for Resale Programs and Habitat for Humanity are other alternatives, but strict procedures, I timelines and guidelines should be established and followed.

Responsibility: Township Supervisors, Fayette County Department of Community and I Economic Development I Time Frame: Short-term (1-3 years) Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Center for Local 1 Government Services, DCED, Fayette County Redevelopment Authority, Volunteer organizations (local churches, the United Way).

VI I I Goal:’,Promote Effective Home and Property Maintenance Techniques‘s I,’ I I [throughout the Township Objective: Establish a neighborhood clean-up program to improve the I appearance of the township. I 48 I Recommended Action: To ensure minimum housing standards within Nicholson Township, the supervisors should adopt ordinances that would set minimum standards for maintenance of housing, occupancy and construction, such as a dangerous buildings ordinance (see Appendix 2). Supervisors should I meet with the Fayette County Office of Community and Economic Development to ensure minimum compliance with County standards.

Responsibility: Township Supervisors

I Time Frame: Short-Term (1-3 years)

Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Redevelopment I Authority, Fayette County Office of Community and Economic Development, I I I I I I I I I

49 I I LAND USE PLAN I

I Objective: Rezone underutilized areas of the township for the highest and best use suitable for appropriate development. (Housing, commercial, and industrial).

Recommended Action: Coordinate with the Fayette County Office of Community and Economic Development to rezone the Township to meet the future land use needs. Since the township is covered by the county’s zoning ordinance, it is imperative that the township supervisors maintain communication with the county regarding the township’s zoning needs.

Responsibility: Township Supervisors, Fayette County Office of Community and Economic Development I Time Frame: Mid-Tern (4-7 years) Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Fayette County Office of I Community and Economic Development, Center for Local Government Services

0 Objective: Restrict inappropriate development in floodplains.

Recommended Action: Identify land within the township that should not be developed including, flood plains and wetlands. The Supervisors should coordinate with the Fayette County Office of Community and Economic Development to zone land within the identified areas as conservation.

Responsibility: Township Supervisors, Fayette County Office of Community and Economic Development

Time Frame: Short-Term (1 -3 years)

Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Fayette County Office of Community and Economic Development, Center for Local Government Services, DCNR, DCED

Objective: Development of land should be consistent with and visually compatible to surrounding land uses.

50 1

Recommended Action: I To accomplish this objective, the township supervisors will have to work closely with county I officials regarding the zoning ordinance. Responsibility: Township Supervisors 1 Time Frame: Mid-Term (4-7 years) Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: DCNR, DEP, Fayette County Redevelopment Authority, Growing Greener Initiative, Bureau of Mine I’ Reclamation, ~I Objective: IdentifL suitable property for a community park. I Responsibility: Township Supervisors 1 Time Frame: Mid-Term (4-7 years) Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: DCNR, DEP, Fayette County Redevelopment Authority, Growing Greener Initiative, Bureau of Mine 1 Reclamation, I I I 1 Objective: IdentifL and protect Agricultural Security Areas. Responsibility: Township Supervisors

I Time Frame: Long-Term (8- 10 years)

Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Fayette County Office of I Community and Economic Development, DCED, Fay Perm, Fayette Forward

I Objective: Develop growth boundaries around densely populated areas which have adequate infrastructure.

0 I Recommended Action: Nicholson Township is a rural area and the residents would like it to remain that way. Due to the fact that the township currently has limited public water and sewage, it would be possible to I create a “boundary” around these areas and allow development only within the boundary. This I would allow a large portion of the township to remain rural. Responsibility: Township Supervisors I Time Frame: Long-Term (8- 1 0 years) 51 I I

I Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: DCNR, DEP, Fayette County Redevelopment Authority, Growing Greener Initiative, Bureau of Mine I Reclamation, 1 0 Objective: Implement greenspace requirements for subdivisions over 50 acres. Recommended Action: I Require future developments over ten lots to set aside land for greedopen space. I Responsibility: Supervisors Time Frame: Mid-Tern (4-7 years) I Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Fayette County Office of Community and Economic Development

1 See figure 9 illustrates Nicholson Township’s Future Land Use Map. 1 1 I R 1, I 1 I I I 52 I

I I COMMUNITY FACILITIES PLAN

I Goal: Improve Safety Throughout the Township

I 0 Objective: Locate fire hydrants and/or dry hydrant sites throughout the populated areas of the township.

'I Recommended Action: A study should be conducted to determine the cost of placing additional necessary fire hydrants throughout the populated areas of the township. The study should identify areas most under- I served, potential sites for hydrants, cost of such an effort and possible alternative methods of increasing fire safety.

1 Responsibility: Township Supervisors, Volunteer Fire Department, Fayette County Emergency Management Agency, Fayette County Department of Community and I Economic Development I Time Frame: Short-Term (1-3 years) Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Volunteer Fire Departments, Water Companies, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic I Development, Fayette County Department of Community and Economic Development I Objective: Organize a community crime watch program in populated areas. Recommended Action: I Contact with the Pennsylvania State Police to inquire about beginning a Community Crime Watch Program. Trooper Mosser will come to the township and provide orientation and a step- by-step instruction on what a community crime watch program is and what is necessary to have a I successful crime watch program. I Responsibility: Township Supervisors, Community residents, State Police Time Frame: Short-Term (1-3 years)

1 Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: N/A 1 Objective: Provide densely populated areas with streetlights. Recommended Action: I Township Supervisors should begin to identify those residential areas that are lacking adequate lighting. Once a list has been developed and areas prioritized, supervisors should begin to seek I 53 I I

funding and conduct a bidding process to determine the cost and identify an appropriate 1 contractor. 1 Responsibility: Township Supervisors, Local Electric Company 1 Time Frame: Short-Term (1-3 years) Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Nicholson Township

I Objective: Enforce speed limits within the township.

Recommended Action: I Contact Township residents to inquire about excessive speeding in their area. Contact state police about noted areas of speeding and ask them to monitor these areas. Ask State Police about alternative methods of passive speed control i.e. Painting yellow lines across roads to imply area I of speed enforcement. I Responsibility: Township Supervisors State Police I Time Frame: Mid-Term (4-7 years) Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: N/A I

I Objective: locate a suitable area for a municipal park.

Recommended Action: i Conduct an assessment of suitable properties to determine if it would be appropriate for a municipal park. Once a parcel has been identified, supervisors should begin to seek monetary 1 support to acquire property and build a playground or other recreational facility. Responsibility: Township Supervisors

I Time Frame: Short-Term (1-3 years) a Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Fayette County

I Objective: Identify abandoned rail lines within the township which can be used for possible rail-to-trail projects. Link these trails with existing trails at I Friendship Hill and the Sheepskin Trail. I 54 I Recommended Action: Begin a process to locate any abandoned rail lines for the development of a rail-trail network in Nicholson Township. Once lines have been identified, supervisors should begin to seek monetary support and explore network opportunities to prepare a feasibility study and for the construction process. The goal when building a trail should be to create network throughout the township by linking with trails at Friendship Hill and any other suitable trails within the county.

Responsibility: Township Supervisors

Time Frame: Mid-Tern 4-7 years)

Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Township Supervisors, Fayette Forward Tourism Committee, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Regional Trail Corporation, Department of the Interior, National Park Service

Objective: Identify areas for public river access along the Monongahela River.

Recommended Action: The Township Supervisors should begin to explore potential for river access which could initiate opportunities for boat launch areas, economic development, tourism and recreational opportunities. Supervisors, along with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission should begin to identify sites within the township and bordering the river that would be sufficient for a public river access site.

Responsibility: Township Supervisors, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Army Corps of Engineers, Steel Industry Heritage Corporation

Time Frame: Short-Term (1-3 years)

Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Steel Industry Heritage Corporation

I Goal: Improve Code Enforcement

Objective: Hire a part-time code enforcement officer.

Recommended Action: The Township Supervisors should hire a part-time code enforcement officer to enforce building and sign ordinances adopted by the supervisors. This person would work in cooperation with the County’s Code Enforcement officer and would notify the County of violations within the Township. The township may be able to partner with the surrounding municipalities to reduce the cost of the code enforcement officer.

Responsibility: Township Supervisors 55 Time Frame: Short-Term (1-3 years)

Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Surrounding Municipalities, Fayette County Department of Community and Economic Development

Objective: Work with the county on improving enforcement of the county zoning ordinance.

Recommended Action: Township Supervisors should begin immediate and ongoing meetings with the Fayette County Office of Community and Economic Development to initiate a working relationship to share code enforcement concerns and priorities.

Responsibility: Township Supervisors

Time Frame: Mid-Term (4-7 years)

Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: N/A

[Goal: Increase Partnership Opportunities with Albert Gallatin School District 1

0 Objective: Encourage expanded use of school facilities for community needs and activities.

Recommended Action: Contact Albert Gallatin School District to see if they are interested in working with the municipalities that make up the school district on joint projects.

Responsibility: Township Supervisors, Parent Volunteers, Albert Gallatin School District

Time Frame: Mid-Term (4-7 years)

Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Albert Gallatin School District, Parent Teacher Organization

0 Objective: Locate and acquire suitable land and construct a new municipal building to accommodate meetings, offices, equipment storage, and community activities. 56 Recommended Action: The Township Supervisors should begin to plan to build a facility that will house all municipal services, including municipal office and meeting room, fire and safety services, road maintenance equipment and other municipal needs. This facility should also serve as a community meeting place.

Responsibility: Township Supervisors

Time Frame: Mid-Term (4-7 years)

Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

57 INFRASTRUCTURE

IGoal: Provide Sewerage Service to the Populated Areas of the Township

0 Objective: Develop an Act 537 Plan to locate the most feasible areas for sewers.

Recommended Action: Once Supervisors have determined optimal locations to begin sewage projects, funding should be identified to provide for construction. Supervisors may allocate Community Development Block Grant for sewer projects or seek out additional or alternative funding sources to pay for sewer I projects; such as PENNVEST funding. Responsibility: Township Supervisors, Fayette County Redevelopment Authority

I Time Frame: Long-Term (8-10 years)

Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Fayette County I Redevelopment Authority, Fayette County Office of Community and Economic Development, Fayette Forward Infrastructure Committee, Community Development Block Grant, PENNVEST

Objective: Renegotiate a new contract with the cable company to reduce the cost of cable service for township residents.

Recommended Action: Township supervisors may wish to begin a discussion with surrounding townships and boroughs to identify potential partnerships that could enter into a cost sharing agreement.

I Responsibility: Township Supervisors I Time Frame: Long-Term (8-1 0 years) I Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: N/A I Goal: Improve Road Conditions Throughout the Township ..

1 Objective: Include important state road projects on PennDOT’s twelve-year plan.

58 I

Recommended Action: I Improve existing shoulders and berms. I Responsibility: Township Supervisors I Time Frame: Mid-Term (4-7 years) Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Pennsylvania Department of I Transportation, Fayette County 0 Objective: Improve existing shoulders and berms on state.

1 Recommended Action: Establish and continue a dialogue with PennDOT and county partners to inform them about the I Townships Transportation plans and priorities. Notify Fayette County Commissioners of important transportation projects so that they can be incorporated in the countywide Strategic I Plan. Responsibility: Township Supervisors

I Time Frame: Short-Term (1-3 years)

Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Partners include 1 PennDOT, Fayette Forward, Fayette County Commissioners, adjacent Township Supervisors, Fayette County Redevelopment Authority.

I Objective: Prioritize local road maintenance schedule using PennDOT I publication 70 “Guidelines for Design of Local Roads and Streets.” I Responsibility: Township Supervisors Time Frame: Mid-Term (4-7 years)

I Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: DCNR, DEP, Fayette County Redevelopment Authority, Growing Greener Initiative, Bureau of Mine I Reclamation, PennDOT. Objective: Incorporate important transportation projects to the countywide I transportation plan. I Responsibility: Township Supervisors I Time Frame: Mid-Term (4-7 years) 59 I I

Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: DCNR, DEP, Fayette I County Redevelopment Authority, Growing Greener Initiative, Bureau of Mine I Reclamation, Fayette Forward, Fay Penn. Objective: Participate in PennDOT’s “Agility Program”.

I Responsibility: Township Supervisors I Time Frame: Short-Temi (1-3 years) Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: DCNR, DEP, Fayette I County Redevelopment Authority, Growing Greener Initiative, Bureau of Mine Reclamation, PennDOT. I I I I I 1 I I I I I I 60 I I I TRANSPORTATION

1 I Goal: Increase Public Traizsportation opportunities within the Township 1

1 0 Objective: Participate in Fayette County’s existing Public Transportation programs.

I Recommended Action: Contact the Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation Office for information regarding existing programs, and discuss potential opportunities to begin new programs within the township. Begin I a partnership or establish dialogue with Fayette and Monongalia Counties regarding potential bus routes from Uniontown to Morgantown, West Virginia, with stops in Nicholson Township.

I Responsibility: Township Supervisor I Time Frame: Long-Term (8-10 Years) Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Fayette Area Coordinated I Transportation, Fayette Forward

Objective: Contact Fayette and Monongalia Counties about a possible bus route I from Uniontown to Morgantown with stops in Nicholson Township. I Responsibility: Township Supervisor 1 Time Frame: Mid-Term (4-7 Years) Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Fayette Area Coordinated I Transportation, Fayette Forward

~~ ~ IGoal: Provide.for Additional Modes of Transportation,other than Vehicular I I Objective: Identify abandoned rail lines within the township which can be used 1 for possible rail-to-trail projects. Link these trails with existing trails at Friendship Hill and the Sheepskin Trail.

I Recommended Action: Begin a process to locate any abandoned rail lines for the development of a rail-trail network in Nicholson Township. Once lines have been identified, supervisors should begin to seek I monetary support and explore network opportunities to prepare a feasibility study and for the construction process. The goal, when building a trail should be to create network throughout the I township by linking with trails at Friendship Hill and any other suitable trails within the county. 61 I I Responsibility: Township Supervisors I Time Frame: Mid-Term (4-7 years) Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Township Supervisors, I Fayette Forward Tourism Committee, I Objective: Develop public river access along the Monongahela River. Recommended Action: The Township Supervisors should begin to explore potential for river access which could initiate I opportunities for boat launch areas, and tourism or recreational opportunities. Supervisors, along with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, should begin to identify sites within the 1 township and bordering the river that would be sufficient for a public river access site. Responsibility: Township Supervisors, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Army I Corps of Engineers, Steel Industry Heritage Corporation I Time Frame: Short-Term (1-3 years) Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: DCNR, PA Fish and I Boat Commission, ACOE. I Objective: Widen shoulders of roads to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. Recommended Action: The Township Supervisors should investigate potential to widen shoulders of roads suitable to I accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. Contact PennDOT to determine minimum standards for bike lanes.

I Responsibility: Township Supervisors I Time Frame: Short-Term (1 -3 years) 1. Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: PennDOT 1 I I 62 I I ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT I

0 Objective: Post career opportunities on a community bulletin board, the I Internet, and also at the township building.

Recommended Action: I Connect residents with job opportunities by posting positions on a community bulletin board, on the Internet and also at the township building.

~I Responsibility: Township Supervisors and Township Secretary I Time Frame: Mid-Term (4-7 years) Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Pennsylva ia Industry I Council, Department of Public Welfare, Pennsylvania Unemployment Office Objective: Promote the Rt. 1 19 and Monongahela River corridors for inclusion I in the Pennsylvania Enterprise Zones and Keystone Opportunity Zone.

Recommended Action: I The Township Supervisors should begin to meet with the Fayette County Commissioners and Fay Perm Economic Development Council to initiate conversations regarding these key I development areas. I Responsibility: Township Supervisors Time Frame: Short-term (1-3 years)

I Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Fay Penn, Fayette County Redevelopment Authority, Fayette County Office of Community and Economic I Development, DCED. I 0 Objective: Partner with employment agencies and job skills development I organizations to begin programs in Nicholson Township Recommended Action: Work with Fayette Forward to utilize the Mobile Computer Lab which they are now developing I to support small businesses. Utilize Fayette Forward’s job readiness training programs. Contact 1 Pennsylvania Industry Council to identify employment and job skill training programs. 63 I I

I Responsibility: Township Supervisors I Time Frame: Long-Tern (8-10 years) Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: Fayette Forward, PIC, I Pennsylvania Unemployment Office Objective: Utilize Fay Penn’s program which provides job readiness training to I county residents. I Responsibility: Township Supervisors, Fay Penn Time Frame: Short-Tern (1-3 years)

I Potential Funding Sources and Partnership Organizations: DCNR, DEP, Fayette County Redevelopment Authority, Growing Greener Initiative, Bureau of Mine I Reclamation, I I I I I I I I I I 64 I 1 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I aMackin I I I I I

I To ensure that the goals and objectives of the various parts of this document are integrated into this process, the Nicholson Township Supervisors are aware of the importance of coordinating I planning activities within the township. Nicholson Township’s environment and specific needs for services have been reflected in the community facilities recommendations. These recommendations are focused to promote and I enhance the available facilities and services located within the township, and are integrated with those services offered on a countywide basis.

1 In order to offer the best land use recommendations, a thorough analysis and review was conducted and recommendations developed that will promote and compliment current land uses. 1 These recommendations will provide for new development of opportunities and preserve historic, cultural, and natural features.

I Movement of people and goods (transportation) recommendations have been developed to identify specific issues and integrate the countywide plans to accomplish the goals that will benefit the township residents. The recommendations for this essential element have been made I with full consideration of existing and future land use objectives. Development of future recreational goals were recommended to coincide with existing and planned local and regional projects.

Nicholson Township Supervisors are fully aware that each plan element has an integral relationship with one another and should be implemented in respect to other plan elements. This will ensure that the development of one plan element be completed in harmony with the overall goals of the comprehensive plan.

65 I I 1 I I

I I I I NMackin I I I As per Article 111, Section 301 (5) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, a statement has been prepared indicating the relationship of the existing and proposed development of Nicholson Township to the existing and proposed plans of adjacent municipalities, to the objectives of Fayette County and the region.

It is the belief of the Nicholson Township Supervisors and the residents of the township that the goals and objectives of this plan are in concert with those of adjacent municipalities (Georges Township, German Township, and Springhill Township). The goals and objectives of this plan were submitted to each adjacent municipality, the Albert Gallatin School District, and the Fayette County Department of Community and Economic Development. There being no objections to the goals and objectives of this pfan, the plan is to be adopted by resolution with no changes from the above mentioned institutions or governments.

Land use patterns mirror those of adjacent municipalities at the boundaries of Nicholson Township. Those land uses which do not reflect the adjacent municipalities land use patterns do not cause conflict with those municipalities.

This plan promotes the concepts of regional planning and intergovernmental cooperation.

66 1 I I

I I I 8 1 8 ~Mackin I I I

I Nicholson Township, Fayette County I RESOULTION NO. 00 I A RESOLUTION OF NICHOLSON TOWNSHIP, COUNTY OF FAYETTE, 8 COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA ADOPTING THE NICHOLSON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, JULY 6, 2000-AS PREPARED BY THE NICHOLSON TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS, AND FACILITATED BY I MACIUN ENGINEERING COMPANY, PURSUANT TO ARTICLE I11 OF ACT 247, AS AMENDED, OF THE PENNSYLVANIA MUNICIPALITIES I PLANNING CODE. WHEREAS, A copy of the Comprehensive Plan, which includes text, maps, charts and any other items which form the whole of the Comprehensive Plan is attached hereto as 1 Exhibit “A”; and I WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Plan was sent to the Fayette County Department of Community and Economic Development for review and comment by July 3, I 2000; and WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Plan was sent to the contiguous municipalities for review and comment by July 3,2000; and

WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Plan was sent to the school district for review and comment by July 3,2000; and

WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Plan had been made available for public review in the Township Building; and

WHEREAS, the Nicholson Township Supervisors held a public hearing on July 6, 2000 to hear and consider public comments; and

WHEREAS, the Township has found that the Comprehensive Plan is beneficial to the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the Township.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE NICHOLSON TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS, and it is hereby resolved and enacted by the authority of the same:

SECTION I. The Nicholson Township Supervisors, by this resolution, adopts the Comprehensive Plan, as attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, pursuant to Article I11 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.

SECTION 11. Any and all previous Comprehensive Plan documents are hereby repealed.

67 1 I M RESOLVED AND ENACTED THIS 6\&DAYOF *.

I NICHOLSON TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS I

1 John Black, Chairman 1 0

1 cY7McC1ain I I I I I I 1 I I I I 68 Historic, Cultural and Natural Features:

Strengths: Weaknesses: Centrally located to metropolitan area Slag dumps/strip mines Good community to raise kids Lack of preservation activities Peaceful, quiet Deteriorating historic structures Good people Lack of historical awareness Centrally located to hospital, river and Acid mine drainage universities Noise from lock and dam - no sound barrier Proximity to Friendship Hill Several historical locations and structures within the township Albert Gallatin Woods and rivers (good places to walk) Wildlife Friendship Hill is performing a study on Hunting and fishing Lock and dam increasing flood plain of the Monongahela River 1 Good community to raise kids Housing:

Strengths: Weakness: New home construction Abandoned housing Plenty of space for new homes Areas of poor home maintenance

Land Use:

Strengths: Weakness: Significant areas of open space No code enforcement Bureau of Mines is reclaiming strip-mined Declining property values land No zoning for business and industry DEP is doing mine clean up County zoning

70 Community Facilities and Services:

Strength: Weakness: Low crime rate Garbage, litter on roadways Good public school facilities (newly Post office does not deliver to all of remodeled) township Low county and municipal taxes High school taxes 91 1 Poor response time of state police 2 post offices Poor education system Good school bus transportation State mandates handed down to supervisors, Strong church but no funding to implement Lack of recreation facilities and opportunities (playground, little league, nothing for seniors) No senior center or activities “Repeated cycle of poverty”, low high school graduation rate, high teen pregnancy, high unemployment rate No library People are riding ATV’s on slag dumps Lack of streetlights in several areas Lack of public transportation No traffic enforcement for speeding Low voter registration and voter turn out Feeling of apathy- “Belief that nothmg will happen, this is the way things will always be” Not enough community involvement and follow through” Abandoned cars

71 Infrastructure:

Strength: Weakness : Cable television Not all of the township has fire hydrants Proximity to Route 43 Electric disturbances and interruptions from Three Water Companies (Mountain Water the Masontown substation Authority, Albert Gallatin Association, Lack of streetlights in several areas North Fayette) No sewage Cost of cable TV - only one provider No money is available for infrastructure projects Quality of water Condition of state roads (shoulders and berms) Alleyways not paved

Transportation:

Strength: Weakness: Good school bus transportation Lack of public transportation Roads are not congested

Economic Development: Strength: Weakness: Close to jobs Land along the river owned by the Army Land along the river is able to be developed Corps of Engineers Lack of industry jobs

72 , I I

I Pennsylvania Department of Community Pennsylvania Department of and Economic Development Environmental Protection (DEP) Centerfor Local Government Sewices Southwest Regional Office I Forum Building 400 Waterfront Drive Harrisburg, PA 17120 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 I (888) 223-6837 (412) 442-4199 Ellen Kight, Regional Director Bureau of Mineral Resources- 1405 State Office Building Armburst Building I 300 Liberty Ave. R.D. #2, BOX603-C Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Greensburg, PA 1560 1 (412)565-2635 (724) 925-5500 I 0ff;ce of Strategic Planning- Bureau of Water Quality Protection Forum Building 11'" Floor, Rachel Carson Building Harrisburg, PA 17120 P.O. 8465 I (717) 720-7400 Harrisburg, PA 17105-8465 (717) 787-2666 Comm un ity Empowerment Ofice Bureau Of Deep Mine Safety I Forum Building 167 Fayette County Health Center Harrisburg, Pa 17120 100 New Salem Road I (717) 783-7435 Uniontown, PA 15401 Pennsylvania Department of Conservation USDA Rural Development and Natural Resources (DCNR) One Credit Union Place I Rachel Carson State Office Building Suite 330 P.O. Box 8767 Hamsburg, PA 17 110 Hamsburg, PA 17105-8767 (717) 327-2185 I (717) 783-2758 Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Fayette Forward Authority (PENNVEST) P.O. Box 2101 I Keystone Building 2 West Main Street, Suite 504 22 South Third Street Uniontown, Pennsylvania 15401 Harrisburg, PA 17101 (724) 439-4963 I (717) 787-8137 Pennsylvania Department of Fayette County Office Of Community I Transportation (PennDOT) and Economic Development Bureau of Municipal Services Fayette county Courthouse 8"' Floor, Forum Place 61 East Main Street I 555 Walnut Street Uniontown, PA 15401 Hamsburg, Pa 17 101- 1900 (724) 430-1210 I (717) 787-2183 I I 73 I I Pennsylvania Rural Development Council Fay Penn 506 Forum Building Integra Bank Building , Suite 407 m Hamsburg, PA 17120 Two West Main Street (717) 787-1954 P.O. Box 2101 Uniontown, PA 1540 1- 170 1 I (724) 437-7913 US Environmental Protection Agency Fayette Area Coordinated Small Communities Infrastructure Assistance Transportation I Program (215) 569-7562 First Floor, Public Service Building 22 East Main Street I Uniontown, PA 15401 (724) 430- 4600 PA Cleanways Fayette County EMN911 I 105 W. Fourth St. 24 East Main Street Greensburg, PA 170 19 Public Safety Building Fayette County Uniontown, PA 1540 1 I Contact Patricia Coyle (724) 430-1277 (724)-785-54 12 Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Greater Connellsville Chamber Of I Commission Commerce P.O. Box 1026 923 W. Crawford Ave. Harrisburg, PA 17108-1026 Connellsville PA 15425 I (717)- 3362 (717) 628-5500 Regional Trail Corporation Pennsylvania Fish and Boat I P.O. Box 95 Commission West Newton, Pa 15089 121 1 Chestnut St. Suite 900 (724) 872-0100 Philadelphia, PA 19170 I (215) 563-0250 Heinz Endowment Eberly Foundation 30 CNG Tower P.O. Box 2043 I 625 Liberty Avenue 600 National City Bank Building Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Uniontown, PA 15401- 1643 (724) 438-3789 I Hillman Foundation, Inc. 2000 Grant Building I Pittsburgh, PA 152 19 (412) 338-3466 I I I I 74