Cambria County Planning Commission Westmont Borough Planning Committee WESTMONT BOROUGH COMPREHENSIVE

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W ESTMONT 1BOROUGH PREHENSIVE PLAN 1980

Cambria County Planning Commission Westmont Borough Planning committee WESTMONT BOROUGH COMPREHENSIVE

0 PLAN e 1980

prepared by: the Cambria County Planning Commission Court House Annex Ebensburg, Pennsylvania 15931 (814) 472- 5440 for: the Westmont Borough Planning Committee 1560 Menoher Boulevard Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15905 (814) 255-3865

'The preparation of this report was financed in part through an Urban Planning Grant from the Department of Housing and. Urban Develop- ment, under the provision of Section 701 of the Housing Act of 1954, as amnded and administered by the Bureau of Planning, Pennsylvania Depart- ment of Community Affairs." CAMBRIA COUNTY COWISSIONERS

T. T. Metzger, Jr., President W. Donald Templeton Joseph P. Roberts

CAMBRIA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

Thomas N. Crowley, Chairman John P. Kupchella Fred J. McFadden, Vice-Chairman Gilbert Salsgiver Daniel Byme , Secretary Leonard LaPorta James J. Long, Trea.-m-er Mark Blaisdell Elvin Overdorff

WESMNT BOROUGH COUNCIL

Eugene Riek, Mayor Cynthia Friedman John P. Roddy, President Sharon H. McGrath Robert S. Hanson 111, Vice-president Leonard Paul Joseph A. Dalesandro Robert G. Wallace

WESMIIT BOROUGH PLANNING COM4IlTEE i Cynthia Friedman, Chair Sharon H. McGrath Robert S. Hanson, I11 Robert G. Wallace

CAME3RIA COTJNTY PLANNING COINISSION - STAFF

Bradford G. Beigay, Fxecutive Director Norman R. Berzonsky, Planner David L. Belz, Principal Planner Colleen A. Schall, Administrative Assistant Richard F. Truscello, Principal Planner Maryann Koza , Stenographer Gerald P. Parisi, Senior Planner Nanette G. Ludwig, Stenographer Thomas E. Koch, Planner 3IBLIOGRAPHIC DATA 2. 3 RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO. jHEET I TITLE AN0 SUBTITLE 5. REPORT OATE

Westmont Borough Comprehensive Plan 1980 '

' AUTHOR(SI 6 PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REP1 Staff 110 PERFORMING ORGARIZATION NAWC AN0 AOORESS IO PROJECT/TASM/WORK UNIT NO Cambria County Planning Commission Courthouse Annex II CONTRACT/GRAMl NO Ebensburg, Pennsylvania 15931 P-1127

2 SPONSORING ORGAYIZA~IONNAMC AN0 AODRLSS 13 rrPE OF REPORT e PERIOO COVERED Westmont Borough Planning Committee Final 1560 Menoher Boulevard I Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15905 I4

~~ 5 SUPYLtHtHTARY MOILS.

6. ABSTRAC 1s

The purpose of this report is to provide guidance for improvements and future development in Westmont Borough. Through an Inventory and Analysis of various conditions in Xestmont Borough, a Policy and Long Range Plan was prepared. Included are; Future Land Use, Future . Community Facilities, and Future Transportation. An Implementation and Control section is also included in order to provide direction for the Borough to follow in its endeavors to improve and guide further development in the comity.

la 7 lrEV WORDS AM0 OOCUMEMT ANALYSIS 170 OCSCRiPTORS

15 IDEr(TlflCRS/OPEN-ENDED TERMS

8. AVAILABILITY ST~T~MCNT I9 SECURITY CLASS (THIS 21. NO OF PAGES 164 100 Copies 20 SECURITY CLASS ;THIS 22. PRICE TABLE of CONTENTS

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LIST of MAPS page

LIST of FIGURES Typical Temperatures and Precipitation - Johnstown Area -- 13 Population - Westmont Borough - 1930-85 ------31 Population F'yramids - Westmont Borough - 1960 and 1970 --- 34 Labor Force Trends - Westmont Borough - 1970-78 ------52 Occupational Trends - Westmont Borough - 1970-78 ------53 Summary of Receipts - Westn-tont Borough - 1974-78 ------118 Summary of Expenditures - IVestmont Borough - 1974-78 ----- 122 e ~ a e e e a

Introduction e INTRODUCTION Comprehensive community planning is a systematic and continuing process to help solve current cornunity problems and provide for future e needs. It includes the identification and continuous refinement of objectives and criteria; collection and analysis of pertinent data; consideration of alternative courses of action; policy decisions on selected courses of action; coordination of local plans, programs, and activities affecting the development of the area; the formulation, maintenance, and updating of a comprehensive development plan; and measures to implement the plan. The goal of any comprehensive plan is to develop a healthy, live- able environment sustaining adequate housing, comity facilities, and transportation facilities, thus, enabling the residents to maintain both an individual and collective pride and identity with the comity. To Q attain this goal , objectives aimed at establishing policies for preservation and creation of desirable physical elements must be promoted. Also, agencies actively involved in providing social services aid economic stabilization must be established and retained in the comity. The purpose of this study is to develop a community plan that will lead to the attainment of these desired goals. To effectively initiate and successfully develop a comprehensive comity plan, physical analysis of topography, climate and land use factors mst be evaluated together with studies of population and economic conditions, recreational and community facilities, transportation systems, and public utilities. Once examined thoroughly, the existing conditions may shed light on why the comity has deteriorated, and therefore may hold the key as to what future proposals and develcpment policies must be established to correct and prevent any future deficiencies.

This plan contains an in-depth detailed study of the Borough of Westmont, utilizing all the elements of a comprehensive plan. It is presented in three parts with individual chapters and subheadings of the various topics.

Part I, Inventory and Analysis, addresses the physical, economic and social aspects of the Borough. Its purpose is to provide an overall view of Westmont Borough utilizing te-xt, graphs, tables, and maps.

Part 11, Policy and Long Range Plan, presents goals and objectives developed through an understanding of the Borough gained from the analysis phase which sets a sense of direction for the Borough to follow. Specific recommendations and proposals are outlined following the basic policies.

Part 111, the Implementation and Control, suggests and explains various ways of; implementing the recommendations set forth in the Policy and Long Range Plan. A Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and Capital Budgeting are the means in which the Borough of Westmont can implement the Comprehensive Plan.

The preparation and adoption of a Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and Capital Budgeting is not a cure-all for any municipality. It is, however, a systemtic approach prescribed by law for municipalities to establish a direction for the future of their community.

I PUBLIC INPm SURVEY

The following tabulations are a result of a random survey of 600 residents e' of Westmont Borough. The purpose of the survey was to obtain general public input and to determine their attitudes toward several components of the Borough's Comprehensive Plan. Of 600 surveys sent, over 300 were returned for a SO%+ response. The condensed comments following the tabulations are included to show the most frequently mentioned topics or locations and also to show a range of various attitudes. e

1. Do you feel that there is a need for mre single family residental development within the Borough? -123 Yes *181- No -304 Total Mound, - Grove, llOld'l Wesmont , Lehigh St. , Shelburne Dr. , Menoher past St. Clair Rd., Westmont High School area, subdivide large properties past St. Clair Rd., Greystone, Woodcrest Dr., Parkview Dr., Vacant lots. 2. Do you feel that there is a need for more multi-family residential development within the Borough? "184- Yes -118 No -302 Total

If yes, what type(s) : 44 High Rise (More than 3 stcries) "105- Tom House -86 Low Rise (3 stories) -99 Condominhum (owner-occupied) At what approximate rental range? .$ 200-400 per month bund, Edgehill Dr., Grove, l'Old'' Westmont, Tioga St. , edge of Stackhouse Park, Lehigh St., behind Synagogue, near Sunnehanna, near shopping cen.ter, Goucher St., Shelburne Dr., Woodcrest Dr., corner of Menoher and St. Clair, vacant land, near public transportation.

3. Do you support the conversion of older single family houses into two or mre aparbnent units? "189- Yes -121 No -310 Total parking problems, only with strict building codes, only if omer occupied, with proper upkeep, limit to only two apartments, conversions can some- a times destroy the quality and character of an older home and in turn destroy the quality and character of the neighborhood. 4. Do you feel that certain sections of the Borough suffer from residential blight ? -125 Yes "161- No -286 Total e "Old" Westmont , ttOld'' Westmont towards Brownstom, higher population density in "Old" Westmont , sidewalk repairs needed in "Old" h'estmnt , Elknaud Lane, Luzerne St., Spear Ave., Wnoher and St. Clair.

ECONOMIC BASE

5. Do you feel the Borough should pursue the establishment of light industrial. enterprises in order to increase job opportunities within the brough 1. limits? -95 Yes "223- No -318 Total no room, keep residential, industry belongs in the city.

2 6. Do you feel that additional commercial service areas (commercial shops, professional or business offices, etc.) should be expanded within the Borough Limits? "179- Yes -136 No -315 Total shoe repair, meats, bakery, conversion of some present buildings into offices, only in commercial areas, belongs Downtown. COWITY FACILITIES 7. Do you feel that the water, sewer, and street lighting service within the Borough is adequate? Water "269- Yes -46 No -315 Total low pressure in area around St. Clair Rd. water tank, water turbulance. -Sewer "275- Yes -31 No -306 Total Storm: need more storm sewers, houses letting rain water into sanitary sewers, poor drainage at corner of Albright and Venango Streets, runoff on Bucknell from temporary housing road at b4ound.

Sanitary: must use septic tanks in St. Clair Rd. area, back ups, houses letting rain water into sanitary sewers, should flush lines occassionally, Club Dr. stuffed up, PO~OMDr. clogged. Street Lighting *247- Yes -62 No -309 Total "Old" section too dark, Luzerne St. only good one but used tax money, more alley lights, spotty lighting, can't read street signs, need better 4 intersection lighting, update system to quartz units, nickinson, Slater and Pitt-poor, Crestwood area - poor. 8. Do you feel that you are adequately senred by the brough's fire and "298 Yes 17 ?!CI 315 Total ambulance departments? - - - 4 Fire: consolidate and have paid firemen, paid firemen, move to central location, switchboard improvements needed on weekends.

Ambulance: excellent, slow, mre training, not always available.

9. Do you feel that you are adequately served by the brough's police depart- 4 ment? "268- Yes -43 No -311 Total

excellent, need police dog, cover-ups, too many police, too littlt: police, censolidate with Johnstown, drug problems, youth problems, appreciate checking home while away. 4

10. Do you feel your children are receiving or have received an adequate 3 education from the Westmont Hilltop School District? "207- Yes -57 No -264 Total excellent, facilities are good, too many extra activities - not enough education, weak in English and math -- the basics, partiality and permis- siveness, teachers wages low, need better teachers, school system is extremely overrated. ll. Do you feel that the Borough of Westmont provides good recreational facilities for children, adults, and senior citizens? Children Adults Senior Citizens a "206 Yes 85 No *173- Yes 92 No -84 Yes "132 No. -- 291 TotaT -265 Totar -216 Totar develop Mound into better recreation area, more use of the Ridge, need a municipal swimming pool, nothing for senior citizens, maintenance and upkeep, vandalism.

'IRANSPORTATION

12. Do you feel that the existing street system is adequately maintained? (pot hold repair, snow removal, street signs, etc.) *195- Yes -118 No -313 Total generally okay, Menoher Blvd, is terrible, potholes, gcod and bad snow removal, some bad sidewalks, street sign vandalism.

13. Is your neighborhood adequately serviced by the Cambria County Transit Authority? *254- Yes -40 No -294 Total direct bus from Westmont to Richland Mall, mini-bus to Westwood Plaza from Incline Plane, mini-bus to Downtown areas from Incline Plane, utilize Incline Plane more, need Sunday morning buses, no service in Woodcrest area. 14. Would you favor the elimination of parking along certain narrow arterial streets (streets that provide access to different residential areas within the Borough) to facilitate the flow of traffic (ex. Bucknell Avenue and Luzerne Street)? *198- Yes -100 No -298 Total

Eucknell St.: remove grass strip for angled parking, parallel parking between trees, widen street, provide off-street parking areas, some older homes do not have garages, converting houses into apartments increases parking needs.

Luzerne: No.

Elknaud Lane and Tioga Street also mentioned.

15. Do you feel that pur Borough officials are cost-effective in spending local government revenue? "185- Yes -79 No -254 Total officials not qualified, consolidate, need more "community" projects , stop special studies and surveys, garbage, police and recreation need help, police spending too high, too much money for public works department equipment, lower taxes, increase millage only by referendtun, access all homes on a more equal basis, buying of Borough insurance should be on a bid basis, not all of Westmont is made up of wealthy people.

4 16. Do you feel local government services could be delivered more efficiently on a regional basis? *171- Yes -121 No -292 Total If yes, which method would be most appropriate: -67 select services agreements between local governments (Council of Government) 72 consolidation of services *E- consolidation of local governments consolidation will come out of necessity if a regional police force is supported, noise pollution on St. Clair Road, would cut costs, Westmonters are spoiled.

5 i. d) e e e

INVENTORY and ANALYSIS a

The following material contains an inventory of existing conditions within Westmont Borough. Conclusions to be developed from an analysis of this inventory will form the framework for the Policy and Long Range Plan to be presented later in the planning program.

Although this data has been prepared as a part of the fmmal planning program, it is by its very nature subject to continual change. Additional growth and changing internal and external presstlres, which may invalidate certain assumptions and projections, will create a constant need for review, and r if necessary, certain revision. Therefore, when a formal planning program has been completed, the Planning Committee should, as a matter of normal routine, periodically update all inventory studies. "his procedure will provide current data from which to proceed with additional studies, and result in a continuing program of community improvement.

6 History and Regional Setting 0

HISTORY

9 1 18 2, the Borough of Wesmont was created from por ions of Upper Yoder and Lower Yoder Townships. Until this time, Westmont had been a small farming community known as I'Yoder's Hill." There had been little residential development because of the steep hillside and the transportation . problem it posed. As a result of the Johnstom Flood of 1889, in which several thousand lives were lost and tremendous property damage occured, rn people began to look at higher elevations as a safer place to rebuild their homes.

The Cambria Iron Company, then the area's largest industry, took a particular interest in the hilltop land, Not only was the land out of the hazardous flood area but they also realized that the prevailing westerly winds a would serve to keep the dense smoke of the steel mills from the hilltop. Aboilt two months after the Flood, the Company purchased 600 acres for homesite development. Initially, only the company's highest officials made the mve to West- mont. The Cambria Iron Company soon realized the area's residential potential and began to promote the project, Charles R. Miller, the landscape artist who laid out Bryn bhwr and Grandview Cemetery was engaged to plan the developriierit. a They began to subdivide their acreage into 101s and announced plans to lay water and gas pipes, and to plant shade trees. Later, the company financed the construction of homes and formed the Cambria Improvement Company to rrranage the construction of the new suburb. There remained only one obstacle which prevented the development of a this new residential community and that was a direct mute into the city. To make the hilltop mre appealing and solve the transportation problem, the Cambria Iron Company announced plans to build an incline plane that would transverse the hillside and connect the new suburb with the city below. With the proposal of the incline plane, the previously slow sale of lots soared. In 1890, Westmont had only 30 residents; two years later, the population was established 0 at 312.

On June 1, 1891, the Cambria Incline Plane was completed and would provide the people of Westmont with direct and easy access to the City of Johnstown. This immense project cost $133,295.90. Since this time, the Incline Plane has continued to operate and is today one of the area's most e fanlous landmarks. Early residential construction in Ikstmont took place in the areas between Venango and Tioga Streets with scattered housing being constructed throughout the remaining areas of the borough. Growth in the borough was strongest between 1890 and 1910 and from 1950 to 1960. During the early growth period from 1890 to 1910 Westrriont was influenced by the wealth and position of its residents. Tkiis wealth and influence, in mny cases, dictated the nmer in which Nesbnont's housing stock was constructed.

e 4

Homes were constructed in the fashion of late Victorian period drawing from the irregularity of plan and massing together of materials accented by a variety of color and-texture. Construction has continued in Westmont from the 1890's to the present. In reviewing the various architectural styles existing in Westmont today, there is evidence of a strong continuum of style representing the finest of late Victorian to a strong usage of classical revivals, influenced in part by the Johnstown Architect, Walter Myton, to newer contemporary styles fashioned to meet the needs of Westmont's continued growth.

The original Borough stretched from the Incline Plane to what is 4 now the Junior High School. Two later annexations on July 7, 1924, and August 23, 1953, increased Wesbnont's size to its present 2.3 square miles or 1,474.22 acres.

REGIONAL SETTING (I Westmont Borough is located in the southwest portion of Cambria County known as the Greater Johnstown Urbanized Area or Planning Region Six. (See attached maps.) This region includes the City of Johnstown and nineteen (19) suburban municipalities, contains over one-half of the total population of the County, and is the focus of most industrial, commerciai and financial c activities. Major land uses include mining, light and heavy mnufacturing, transportation and conunw,ication and residential. bbst development in this region is as a result of the role of the Johnstown as an economic hub. kring the period 1967-1977, the number of manufacturing jobs in this region declined by nearly 24% higher than the decline for the County as a whole. However, it is estimated that this decline was totally offset by increases a in non-manufacturing jobs. The entire region has experienced suburbanization over the last two decades, evidenced by an out-migrati.on of people, retail establishments and industries from Johnstom to the surrounding municipalities. The Townships of Upper Yoder Lower Yoder , Stonycreek and Conemaugh, and the Boroughs of 4 Geistown, Westmont and Southmont have retained their residential characteristics with scattered commercial development. However, residential development in Richland Township has been accompanied. by comercial and industrial development as well. In this regard, the Johnstown Industrial Park, the Johnstown- Cambria County Airport, a regional shopping mall ? shopping centers and a host of other commercial establishments and ecixational institutions are located in 4 Richland, which is also well-served by the highway network.

8 PLANNING REGIONS MAP 0ULJLfTt 2 4 miles CAMBRIA COUNTY COMPREHESIVE PLAN Cambria County Planning Commission e e e c e

Physiography 0 To properly determine and project the long-range potential of any area, it is necessary to fully explore and study all existing physical conditions. An investigation was made of seven major physical characteristics of Westmont Borough in order to determine the related effects of these characteristics upon the Borough's future development. These include: Climate a Geology, Soils, Topography, Slope, Watersheds, and Woodlands. Through the use of a Slope Map and Watersheds bkp, included in this section, as well as the Land Use Maps and others, a graphic representation is provided to accompany the narrative on aspects of Westmont Borough's physiography. e CLrMATE In comprehensive planning, it is important to include an analysis of the area's climate. Natural vegetation, formation of soils and land forms, and consequently, human activity are all influenced by climate. Detailed data on temperature, rainfall, wind, and frost are important in rural and urban e planning. Likewise, building and structural requirements, storm sewer design, and heating and air conditioning design all may be influenced to a significant degree by climatic factors. Climate is also obviously important in site selection, feasibility, and planning of recreation areas. The climate particular to Westmnt Borough and Cambria County as a 0 whole is a humid mesotheml @FA), characterized by four distinct seasons: spring; ymer; fall; and winter. A freeze-free period of 140-150 days is average for this climate and occurs between early May and early October. The mountains are, in some instances, prominent enough to have a deflecting effect on storms, wind, and also in directing shcwers and thunderstorms up the valleys.

In Westmont Borough, precipitation is usually adequate, dependable, and well distributed throughout the year. The average annual precipitation, based on a nine-year period, is approximately 49.63 inches; however, short periodic dry spells are not uncommon during the hot smner mnths.

Temperature extremes experienced throughout the year may range from above 90' to below 0°F. Figure P-1 is a graphic representation of a nine-year average of monthly tenperatures and precipitation in the Johnstown area.

Westmont's location places it in a climate between the polar continental air masses to the north and the niaritime continental tropical air masses to the south and southeast. Contrasting air inasses and severe frontal activity are sources of periodic, highly changeable weather situations.

For planning purposes, the extreines of climatic conditions mJst be recognized and allowed for, because these are the conditions which tend to be mst uncomfortable or destructive. Westmont Borough's temperature extremes should be considered when building so that adequate cooling and heating sys- 0 tems are provided. The typically large amounts of spring precipiration should be allowed for when building ditches, storm sewers, etc. In October when precipitation is generally at a minimum, care should be taken to provide adequate water supplies for the Borough. Because the tenperatures fluctuate near 32'F during the winter mcjnths, allowance shoGld be provided for the effects of contin- a uous freezing and thawing. Table P-1 presents monthly average temperatures and total precipitation for the years 1976 through 1978. Also, the yearly average temperatures and total precipitation by year is presented.

11 TABLE P-1 Al&RAGE TEMPERA'IURE AND PRECIPITATION JOHNSTOWN AREA 1976/1977/1978

Iwi\JuAL mvAL -JAN. -FEB . MAR.- -MAY -JUNE -JULY AUG.- --SEPT. OCT. -NOV. -DEC. AVERAGE TOTAL 1976 .__ Temperature (in degrees F.) 25.4 37.5 45.1 53.1 57.1 71.8 70.5 68.7 62.0 47.5 36.8 26.3 50.2 Precipitation . (in inches) 3.71 1.28 4.48 .85 1.41 3.57 6.04 3.37 3.78 8.22 .90 2.99 ---- -1977 Temperature (in degrees F.) 15.2 27.6 44.5 51.6 65.2 66.3 75.5 68.8 65.1 49.9 '44.6 29.3 SO. 30 Precipitation (in inches) 1.96 3.27 6.5 4.2~ 1.92 3.12 14.01 4.08 5.2, 4.58 3.67 2.25 --_- -1978 Temperature (b degrees F.) 22.6 21.2 37.3 50.4 60.6 68.5 72.7 71.6 67.3 50.2 46.0 35.8 SO. 35

Prec ipita t ion .. (in inches) 5.32 .98 2.16 2.86 4.70 5.38 2.90 3.91 4.24 2.05 3.18 4.90 ----

*1977 Elood SOURCE: Climatological Data - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association 7

-_ 5

0 JAN FEB MAR APR MY JUN JUL AUG SEP ET NOV DEC

Precipitation Temperature

SOURCE: Climatological Data, U.S. Department of Commerce

FIGURE F-1 TYPICAL TEE.lE'ERATURES AND PRECIPITATION - JOHNSTOWN AREA The age and history of geologic formations are not primary consideration for development, but data such as the physical and chemical characteristics of the underlying surface is significant. These characteristics partly determine natural conditions that have an effect on developnent such as land fom, soils, groundwater and mineral resources. The geological rock formation of Westnont Borough is in the Pennsyl- vania Period. Within the Pennsylvania Period, there are two rock series which cover the Borough. The Conemaugh Series covers about 70% of the Borough and consists of a variable sequence of a sandstone, shale, clay, thin coals, and thin beds of limestone. The Allegheny Series covers the remainder of the Borough and consists of a sequence of sand stone, coal and clay. The Allegheny Series which occurs throughout portions of ruambria County overshadows the importance of all other rock formations in past development because it contains almost all of the workable coal beds. Mining of bituminous coal in the immediate Johnstown area has occurred in the past, I however there is presently no active mining in the Wesmnt area nor is any proposed for the near future. SOILS Soils constitute a prime physical characteristic a..d a future land use determinate. Soils which have excess slope, a seasonal high water table, and large boulders or hard bedrock conditions may present problems when building houses. On the other hand, soils with some of these qualities my be desired for other land uses such as road construction, farming, parks, etc. Although soils have limiting factors for some land uses, if need for development occurs, almost any limitation can be overcome at a cost. There are sixteen basic types of soils found in Westnont Borough. Soils throughout Cambria County have been classified and mapped by the United 4 States Department of Agriculture - Soil Corservation Service. Soil Survey Maps and Soil Survey Interpretations that locate and describe the specific soil types can be obtained upon request from the Soil Conservation Service - Ebensburg office. Areas covered by the Soil Survey Interpretations that relate to various types of development include; engineering, town and county planning, recreational development, woodlands, and soil erodibility. 4 Westmont's soils are generally considered good for mst types of residential and related developlent. In the Wesbnont area, the effect of soil type on land development has been overshadowed by slope considerations. With 82% of the Borough already developed as residential and related land use, slope considerations will continue to override soil conditions. 4 For the purpose of general planning, the available soil survey information is adequate. However for actual construction, a more detailed soil malysis should be mde. In certain areas of the Borough where sanitary sewer service is unavailable and the need for septic systems or other alternative methods are required, detailed soil investigation is a nrdst. 4

14 TOPOGRAPHY Westmnt Borough lies totally within the Allegheny Mountain 0 physiographic province. Elevations range from 1,160 feet above sea level at the base of the Incline Plane to a high point of 1,916 feet above sea level where a water tank is located along St. Clair Road (see Slope Map) Generalized physical features of Westmnt Borough can better be understood by referring to the characteristics of the existing physiogrpahic 0 province. The entire province is greatly dissected by numerous northeast to southwest oriented ridge/valley formations which in turn have been bis- sected by various rivers and their tributaries. The geological structure of the ridges and valleys along with the down cutting from various tributaries give the Borough an overall topography of a gently rounded hilltop with relatively large flat areas surrounded by gradual to steep slopes. SLOPE When considering any kind of development, slope is a major factor

I in determining the full potential and prospective land use of an area. The term "slope" denotes the relationship between the steepness of the land and its horizontal distance. Slope is usually illustrated as a percentage (the amount of rise divided by the horizontal distance, multiplied by 100) and is generally designated by four categories -- 0-8 percent, 9-16 percent, 17-25 percent, and 25 percent and above. A slope consisting of 0-8 percent is considered predominantly level and is classified as being very good for any type of development. Slopes of 9-16 percent are also good for most types of development. The 17-25 percent slope areas are usually difficult for most types of development. Factors such as high construction costs, difficulty in maintenance, and general overall inconveniences detract from the land's full potential. Slopes in excess of 25 percent are difficult to service with roads and utilities and are considered highly impractical for construction purposes. Steep slopes within and bodering the Borough need not hinder the comity in as far as revitalization is concerned. This area of natural scenic beauty can encompass various beautification and recreztional areas, which are also imperative for total comity enhancement and liveability. The data presented in Table P-1 and the Slope Map provide an idea of the slope conditions within Westmont Borough. Analysis of these conditions, in conjunction with the other physical features of the Borough provides a framework for long-range development potential of the comity.

15 TABLE P-2 SLOPE ANALYSIS OF ImmNT BOROUGH

Acres Acres % of Slope % of Land Area # of Acres- Deve 1oped* Undeveloped* 0- 8% 51.8% 763.5 720.0 43.5

9-16% 24.8% 365.6 301.7 63.9 17-25% 10.3% 152.5 79.9 72.6

25%+ 13.1% 192.6 107.4* 85.2 TOTALS 100% 1474.22 1208.99 265.23

"Acres developed and undeveloped follow the Land Use categories fomd on Page 25. *Includes that portion of Stackhouse Park within Westmnt Borough, approximately 80 acres of 25%+.

SOURE: Cambria County Planning Conmission, 1980

Analysis of Table P-2 and Slope bfap shows how Westmont Borough's tcpography truly is a gently rounded hilltop with relatively large flat areas surrounded by gradual to steep slopes. The table and map also show how developmnt generally has occurred in the 0-8% and 9-16% categories, primarily because these are the favored slopes for residential developmnt. Approximately 107.4 acres of scattered sites with generally desired to suitable slopes remain undeveloped within the Borough. In comparison, approximately 157.8 acres of scattered sites make up the 17-25% and 25%+ categories of difficult to unsuitable slopes. Therefore, because of the larger percentage of undeveloped land in the steeper slope category, any future development proposals should be analyzed closely for Fnviromntal Implications for Planning by Slope.

Fmvironmental Implications for Planning by Slope Various types of land use are highly dependent on the degree of slope. The reason for this is related to the functional requirements of the use and the way in which these are most economically treated by building. design and construction techniques. Below, various slope categories are listed with their developmental suitabilities. It is important to note that the extent of slope area is also important for many types of construction.

.. a

1. . 0-8% Generally Desired for Development 0-3% - Suitable for slab on grade building types, most large buildings, major road and highway development. ? e

3-5% - Suitable for single family development on small i lots, secondary roads, and large parking areas and most of the activity noted above. These slqpes provide a minimum of plan restrictions, are of minor interest , and conducive to geometric schemes. Th6 circulation patterns are not dictated by topography. 5-8% - Suitable for single family development on medium sized lots, minor roads, and smaller parking areas. Large apartment buildings require special attention. 1

2. 9-16% Generally Suitable for Development

9-10% - Suitable for single family developmnt on large 11 lots and townhouses. Dynamic quality for site planning I on these slopes is becoming a factor 1 *I e 10-16% - Suitable for 2 1/2 story garden apartments, walk- up units, and terraced construction methods. Land con- tours are major plan factors. Normal grade is perhaps too steep for wheeled traffic and suitable access points :I may be limited. Use of retaining walls, ramps, steps, a will be a major engineering element. 3. 17-25% Generally Difficult for Development Townhouses with multi-level entrances and certain cluster techniques required. Cost of development is an important factor. Groundwater and surface water may 0 not be intercepted or diverted, erosion to slopes prevalent. Good views add a dynamic landscape quality. Development here is particularly dependent on the extent of the slope area.

4. 25%+ Generally Unsuitable for Develmment Avoid development in these areas. Very costly and likely to be severe bedrock, erosion, and drainage problems. Destruction to vegetation high. Difficdt to create use areas. High costs for building and foundation excavation, pa-Jing, grading and wall con- st ruct ion.

e 17 Recreat3onal - Recreation areas and facilities can be developed on almost any degree of slope. Certain activities can only be planned and constructed on specific slopes. Many of the steep wooded areas may be preserved as scenic buffers or hiking areas. Level to moderate sloped areas may support ballfields, paved play areas, and other recreation facilities.

Residential - As previously mentioned, moderately sloping sites are preferable for residential sites over steep or very level land. In the conventional treatment of hillside land, final imyroved lot costs will be higher than if more expensive, nore level, and well drained land were purchased. In recent years, there has been a changing attitude toward slopes for residential uses by both developers and potential purchasers.

Increasingly, steeper slopes are being found attractive for development becatlse there is relatively little competition for these sites and land prices tend to be lower. This trend for residential development is in potential conflict with the ecological function and conservation theory. For this reason, it should be noted that steep slopes are an integral part of the natural open space system.

The analysis of watersheds, or drainage areas, is a significant supplement to topography and slope analysis. The topography and slope analysis determine the relief and steepness of the land within the Borough, whereas the watershed analysis identifies the dividing ridges from which water flows into areas of lower elevation on either side. Westmont Borough lies within the Stony Creek and Conemaugh River Watersheds. Fly definition, a watershed is that area of the land surface that contributes water to a given stream. With few exceptions, the boundary limits of a watershed determine the area that can be served by an integration of stonn sewers and natural drainage. Furthermore, knowledge of the size of the watershed as well as the extent and type of urbanization within it, determine the quantity of surface runoff that would be produced by a given rainfall. The quantity of predicted runoff is used, in turn, to plan and design various development and its related storm water facilities. The topographic features of the Borough divide the community into the headwaters of six minor watersheds within the Stony Creek and Conemaugh River Watersheds (see Watersheds Map). The following is an approximte breakdown of the size, the extent of urbanization, and the significant features of the various watersheds within the Borough boundaries.

A. Conemaugh via St. Clair Run 342 acres 60%urbanized - area of most recent major residential development - area still largely wooded - approximately 135 acres - gradual to steeper slopes are prevalent - special flood hazard areas along portions of St. Clair Run within the Borough and downstream - public waste and acid mine drainage can also be found downstr earn. B. Conemaugh via Elk Run

635 acres 60% urbanized - largest drainage area - 43%of the total Borough - entire area is basically flat within the exception of e Stackhouse Park's steep slopes - residential area is generally void of any major vegetation - Stackhouse Park's densely wooded slopes and Sunnehanna Country Club's semi-wooded and grassed slopes are a large part of this watershed - special flood hazard areas along portions of Elk Run within the Borough and dormstream - contains public waste C. Conemaugh via Brownstown Hillside a 55 acres 60% urbanized - much of the area is comprised of very steep slopes with about half of that being wooded

20 D. Stony Creek via Incline Plane Hillside 62 acres 55% urbanized - the.top edge of the hillside .. - steeper slopes remain wooded and undeveloped. - the Mound and Reservoir Park which are located in this area are considered basically non urbanized

E. Stony Creek via Cheney Run and Cherry Run . 4 155 acres 100%urbanized - very little open space or major vegetation occur in this area - area within Borough is basically flat - special flood hazard areas along portions of Cherry 4 and Cheney Runs - contains public waste F. Stony Creek via Mill Creek and Bens Creek 225 acres 65% urbanized - area will face increased residential develqxnent in the future - parts of the area remain largely wooded - approximately 65 acres - gradual to steeper slopes make up the majority of the undeveloped lad - runoff from this area is collected in Mill Creek Reservoir for public water supply - special flood hazard areas along portions of Mill Creek Runoff from the study area is very rapid and of greater quantity than 4 is generally found in Pennsylvania. The increased quantity is the result of steep slopes and high concentration of clay soils prohibiting rainfall from perculating into the soil. Thus streay levels vary from high stream flows during rainy periods and very low levels during dry periods. Development in the study area has increased the amount of impervious ground surface areas resulting in increased storm runoff to local streams and ultimately increased flows to the valley areas receiving streams. In the past, control of surface runoff consisted of measures such as storm drains, storm sewers and culverts designed to drain the rainfall from the area to receiving streams as fast as possible. Although such measures have reduced the drainage problems in the uplarid areas, they have passed these problems on and compounded their magnitude for the people living in the lowland areas. A recent publication entitled 'The Cambria/Sornerset County Disaster Recovery Plan" published by the Gmiria County Planning Commission addresses various measures which would help to solve the runoff problems for people in both the highland and lowland areas. This plan suggests various runoff retention and 4 delaying measures which can be eqloyed to reduce runoff problems. (See table starting on page 140.)

21 The flood of 1977 caused significant damages in adjacent municipalities along portions of St. Clair, Elk, and Cheney Runs, all of which originate from Westmont Borough. The Borough itself, experienced only substantial minor damage which is summarized below*:

Streams Affected: Local streams overflowed their banks but no extensive stream repairs were required. Housing: Minor Damage: 205 Major Damage: 1 Destroyed: 0 Housing total 206 Percent of Housing Units Damaged: 8.9% Public Utilities/Facilities: Miscellaneous local roads sanitary, storm and water facilities, comity and recreation areas were affected.

State and Federal Highway Network: Approximately 0.4 miles of St. Clair Road. L.R. 11065. was affected. Approximately 0.3 miles -of Millcreek Road, was affected . No storm or flood control projects upstream within the Borough, however, would have been of sufficient magnitude to greatly affect the outcome of such a period of intense rainfall.

"Special Flood Hazard Areas", as determined by the Deparbnent of Housing and Urban Development's - Federal Flood Insurance Program are indicated on the Watersheds Map. Westmont Borough residents are eligible for Federal Flood Insurance. The Pennsylvania Storm Water Mamgement Act. No. 167 (Approved by the PA Legislature on October 4, 1978), requires counties to prepare and adopt a storm water management plan for each designated watershed in the county. Act 167 further requires municipalities to adopt or amend ordinances and regulations "as are necessary to regulate development in the municipality in a manner consistent with the county-adopted watershed plan". The Department of Environmental Resources, designated to administer the Act, has targeted June, 1980 as the date to complete necessary guidelines, model ordinances, and rules and regulations. After approval of the guidelines by the PA legislature, the counties are required to prepare and adopt management plans within two years. The municipalities will then be required to adopt the county plan and implement ordinances within 6 months.

*SOURCE: Cambria/Somerset Disaster Recovery Plan Cambria County Planning Commission, 1979

23 4

"DS Vegetation or tree cover is a prime physical characteristic of the landscape. Beyond being a chief aesthetic component of the environment, vegetation can serve as a bctional element to stabilize slopes, retard erosion, conserve water quality and quantity, maintain local micro- climates, filter the atmosphere, decrease noise, screen views, and provide habitat for wildlife. Existing tree massings or woodlands in Westmont Borough are indicated on the Existing Land Use Map. This-information was obtained utilizing recent aerial photography and United States Geological Survey Mapping. The majority of tree coverage, as seen on the map, is located in undeveloped areas of the Borough, particularly, Stackhouse Park and western portions of the Borough. bkch vegetation exists in the form of home landscaping and street trees and contribute greatly to the overall appearance of the Borough. Municipalities in Pennsylvania are authorized by their respective municipal codes to establish Shade Tree Commissions or otherwise provide

I that all street trees be directly under the care of duly appointed officers who are responsible for their planting and upkeep or removal. Westmont Borough has done so and has a three member Shade Tree Commission. 4

Land Use The Land Use Study provides basic information necessary for contpre- nhensive planning. Within the community, the mount of land that is developed and undeveloped is identified and the arrangement or patterns of activities are noted. This arrangement of land uses provides an insight into the quality of the environment by showing basic relationships among such activities a as living, working, shopping, and recreation. The Land Use Analysis is not an end in itself; but, based on this information, judgements can be made as to how existing patterns can be adapted to meet future needs. 1 ! Parcel-by-parcel land use information was gathered by the Cambria e County Planning Commission. This information was collected from the County Assessment Office Records and verified by a field survey. The collection and analysis of this information will help to provide a basis for future development with reasonable objectives, which may be achieved by the use of such development tools as zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, municipal codes, and fiscal planning.

LAND USE CATEGORIES

, Two major components have been included in the discussion of present land uses: developed; and undeveloped. The land use categories employed to define the developed portions of Westmont Borough are as follows:

A. Developed Land a 1. Single Family Residential One-family detached dwelling units, including trailers. Yard areas utilized for residential purposes are included in the acreage. a 2. Multi- Family Residential Any residential structure accomrrtodating two or mre dwelling units, including converted single family structures, double houses, and apartinent structures. Yard areas are included in this residential category.

3. Public and Semi-Public Includes schools, libraries, museums, art galleries, historical sites, recreation not elsewhere classified including playgrounds, parks and related open space, golf courses, country clubs, winter sports areas, halls, churches and other religious services, hospitals and rest homes, municipal buildings, police and fire stations, non-profit membership groups, parking, and other spaces incidental to these activities. 4. Transportst ion Includes streets, highways, dedicated right-of-ways and related storage, service, parking and other areas incidental to these activities.

25 i

5. Commercial Included are neighborhood and highway oriented commercial activities such as retail trade including eating and . 4 drinking establishments, gas stations, wholesale trade with or without storage premises, and customer or employee parking, loading, service, and other related areas. The commercial category also contains uses which are sometimes considered as a separate land use. These are the a service activities which consist of the following types: firm headquarters, finance, insurance, real estate, personal . services, beauticians and barber shops, banking, ware- houses or storage areas, automotive repair and services that do not sell gasoline, miscellaneous business and repair services, medical and health services except hospitals and rest homes, funeral homes, offices and other professional services including professional associations, labor unions, customer or employee parking, loading, service, and other areas. B. Undeveloped Land 1. Wooded Predominantly wooded forest land not improved for any activity purpose.

2. Vacant Open land (non-wooded) and single lots void of structures, etc. showing no evidence of agricultural or other use.

3. Water Areas

Creeks, rivers, lakes or reservoirs.

A distinction between developed and undeveloped land is necessary to properly interpret present development patterns and forecast future 4 growth trends. Table LS-1 illustrates the significance in the delineation between developed and undeveloped land use categories. With only 18 percent of the Borough's land available for future development, a program to guide this limited growth is essential. The various components of the existing'land use must be analyzed in terms of their relationship to one another, and in particular, their relationship to the remaining undeveloped land. Once 4 this is complete, trends and guidance for future development can be established.

26 TABLE LS-1 DEVELOPED AND UNDEVELOPED LAND WESVDm BOROUGH

Land Use Category Acres Percent Developed 1,208.99 82.0 Undeveloped 265.23 18.0

Total 1,474.22 - 100%

SOURCE: Cambria County Planning Commission

In order to summarize the existing land uses in Westmont Borough, a land use tabulation is provided in Table LS-2. The Existing Land Use Map graphically portrays the percentages of those land uses present in Westmont Borough. This map was developed from infomation obtained from the Cambria County Assessment Office, Westmont Borough Sewage Records, and a field survey conducted by the Cambria County Planning Commission. From the infomation received through these various sources, it is felt, that this map is an accurate representation of the land uses in Westmont Borough.

TABLE LS-2 LAM) USE TABULATION PERCENTAGE AND ACREAGE \ErnNT BOROUGH

Percent of Percent of Category of Land Use Acres Developed Land Area Total Land Area Single Family Residential 636.56 52.65 43.17 Multi- Family Residential 47.15 3.90 3.20 pUblic/Semi-Public 298.95 24.73 20.28 Transportation 222.87 18.43 15.12 Commercial 3.46 .29 .23

TOTAL DEVELOPED 1,208.99 100.0% 82.0%

TOTAL UNDEVELOPED 265.23 18.0%

TOTAL AREA 1,474.22 100.0%

0 SOURCE: Cambria County Planning Commission

0 27 Westmont Borough contains 1,474.22 acres of land. The most pre- domjnant use is residential which accounts for 683.71 acres, or 46.37 percent of the total land area. This category can be further broken down with 636.56 acres being designated for single family use and 47.15 acres for multi- family purposes. Public-semi public is the second largest land use in the Borough. Generally included in this category are neighborhood and community facilities such as municipal buildings, police and fire stations, schools, parks, churches, parking lots, civic and fraternal uses. These uses constitute 298.95 acres or 20.28 percent of the total-land area. The streets, highways, dedicated right of ways, and related parking facilities account for over 15 percent or 222.87 acres, of the Borough's total land area. The remainder of the developed land, 3.46 acres, or .23 percent of the total land area, is broken dwn into the commercial category. There are 265.23 acres in Westmont Borough which can be considered undeveloped. This includes woodlands, vacant, and water areas. The undeveloped category can be expected to diminish as the Borough experiences the pressures of future development.

a a 8 e

Population Population analysis is a vital component of the local planning program. Population size, growth rate, composition and distribution influence other processes in society. They provide valuable insight to the existing 0 educational, economic and environmental characteristics of the community as well as a basis for projecting future needs. Recognition can be the first step toward making effective planning decisions to reach social goals in these areas.

In order to understand the composition and characteristics of a 3 population, past and present population summaries must be examined for distinct tendencies. These tendencies can be further defined as trends, which may result in useful data sources when characterizing the local population. For example, school enrollments, housing types and capacities, recreation, water and sewerage facilities, utility and transportation systems are all dependent upon population growth or stabilization for their own and the community's well- being.

POPULATION TRENDS Table PS-I shows the population trends for Westmont Borough from 1930 to 1970 with estimates for 1973, and 1978. The Borough's population has been increasing steadily from 1930 with the greatest gain occurring in the 1950's. During this decade, the population increased by 49 percent. Most of this growth is a result of in-migration and nat'clral increases. Population grokth was at its lowest during the 1960's with estimates for the 1970's reflecting a noticeable decline. This trend is graphically depicted in Figure PS-1.

TABLE PS-1 POFULATION TRENDS - WEWm BOROIJGH Chanpe over Drevious decade -Year Population Absolute Percent

I 1930 3,388 1940 3,741 + 353 10.4 1950 4,410 + 669 17.9 1960 6,573 +2163 49.0 1970 6,673 + 100 1.5 *1973 6,596 - 77 - 1.2 **1978 6,274 - 322 - 4.9 1980 6,022 - 651 - 9.8

SOURCE: U. S. Census (for respective decades)

*Estimate; U. S. Census Bureau (percent change relates to 1370). **Estimate; CCPC (percent change relates to 1973).

30 ___---- __ -. .. ._ IrlEsWNi' BOROUGH CWRMENSIVE PLAN 1980 Cambria County Planning Cormnission ?#esmont Borough Planning Conmi t tee

1930 1940 1 1950 1960 19 70 1980 ~ -_._-

650;

- 6000 t, 1

- i - 7. 4500

c - - 4000

- e - - 3000

SOURCE: U.S. Cerisus Bureau *1985 - CCPC Projection

POPULATION - IES?TvlONT BOROUGH POPULATION CHARACIERISTICS For planning purposes, the principal population characteristics of 0' Westrnont Borough that are analyzed include age-sex composition, comparison of male and female population, household and average family size. Age-Sex Composition

The examination of the age-sex composition of the population is e significant for several reasons. It provides insight into determining the types and locations of community facilities (schools, recreation areas , libraries, etc.) required to meet the needs of the existing and future population. In-addition, -the data provides a means for determing natural growth potential, exclusive of migration. For example, a large portion of the population in the child bearing age groups 25-45, will reflect a higher birth 1, rate than would a predominately older population.

During the 1960?s, the population of IVestmont Borough stabilized after , several decades of substantial growth. Upon comparison of the age-sex composition in Table PS-2, a major shift in the age groups from 1960 to 1970 is evident. This change is better portrayed by the population pyramids, Figure PS-2, which appears on page 34. Initially, the most obvious change occurs in the 25-34 (-18%), 35-44 (-27.5%), and under 5 (-34%) age categories. This sharp decline in the Borough's f~lyforming age group accounts for the decreasing population trend that the borough has experienced throughout the 1970's. The major portion of this reduction in population is due to out- migration as these age groups must leave the area to seek better employment opportunities. In this same time period, there has been a substantial increase of the older age groups in Westmont Borough. The 45-54,-.55-64, and the 65 and over age categories collectively reflected a 55% increase from 1960 to 1970.

Based on these two trends. it would indicate that there will be a growing imbalance in the Borough's population structure. In the future, Westmont will be characterized by low birth rates while the popdation of older people in the comity grows and raises the death rate.-

32 TABLE PS-2 4 AGE-SEX COMPOSITION WESDONT BOROUGH 1960-1970

-~ MAL4E FEMALE TOTAL --1960 1970 %-Change --1960 1970 %.Change --1960 17970 % Change d Under 5 286 194 -32.2 287 184 -35.9 573 378 -34.0 5-14 640 597 - 6.7 636 579 - 9.0 1276 1176 - 7.8 15-24 272 452 +66.2 279 461 +65.2 551 913 +65.7 25- 34 274 253 - 7.7 372 277 -25.5 646 530 -18.0 35-44 490 326 -33.5 541 421 -22.1 1031 747 -27.5

45-54 458 530 +15.7 518 562 + 8.5 976 1092 +11.9

55-64 375 410 + 9.3 433 478 +10.4 808 888 + 9.9 65 and Over 298 378 +26.8 414 571 +37.9 712 949 +33.3 ------4 TOTAL 3093 3140 + 1.5 3480 3533 + 1.5 6573 6673 + 1.5

XlLJRCE: U.S. Census of Population: 1960; and 1970.

33 -* . . . .------_.I - ~ . MFSJMW. BOROUM COMPREI33iSTVE'PLAN 1980 Canihria.County -Planningcormnission Westmont Borough Planning Consnittee -- . . . .- .- -- ~ ..

1960

700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 708 Male - - .- Female 1970

/ / / / / // / // // / / / / / / / 5'5, ' .\:\ \ \ \.\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ ., \ / / / / / / /' / / / / / / / / ,' / / / \ \ \ \. \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ > \ \ \ \ \ ' I///////////////////.. . \\ \\\ \\\\\ \\'.'\ \ \\\ \ \ \ II I

700 600 500 400 300 200 100 Q 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 Male Female

*. SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau

FImPS-2 POPULATION PYRAMIDS 1960/1970 - I~tTES~DI'TBOR3UGY Persons Per Household

A person per household average is reached by dividing the total population number by the number of dwelling units. 4 Once this figure is attained, it is used in conjunction with the analysis of the community's family size, overcrowding characteristics, and approximate population distribution.

In Westmont Borough, the average number of persons per household was 4 2.94 in 1970 and is estimated to be 2.68 in 1978.

This decline in household size is consistent with national trends evident since 1970. In 1970, the average household size in the Northeastern United States was 3.10 persons per household. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that by 1978 the average household size for the Northeast had declined to 2.83 persons per household. This change is generally due to declines in fertility which were first noticed during the 1960's, but have become more pronounced during the 1970's. This decline will have an impact upon population since it implies that a cGmmunity may generally have to experience at least a 10 percent ixrease in housing units in order to retain its 1970 population level. Since local records show only a 3.6 percent 4 increase in housing units in Westmont Borough during the 1970's it is not surprising that the Borough population is expected to decline during this period . Population Density and Distribution From 1960 to 1973, Westmont Borough had an average 4.5 persons per acre. The decline in population in 1976 and 1977 reflected a decrease of persons per acre to 4.2 and 4.1 respectively. Ffirzration Characteristics Population change in any community is the result of a cmtinuous process interrelating three basic factors: births; deaths; and migration. The numerical difference between births and deaths in a community determines the natural increase or decrease in.population over a specific time period. Migration is defined as the movement of people from one comity to another. bbvement by people into the comnunity is defined as in-migration, and movement out of the cornunity is referred to as out-mitration. Net migration is therefore explained as the numerical difference between in and out migration totals. The figures combined with natural changes (births and deaths) give a true picture of the direction a community is headed in terms of total population growth or decline.

4 35 e

The net migration rate for Westmont was computed as follows:

Let: Y = 1970 'Population Z = 1978 Population e B'= Total Births for 1970 to 1978 D = Total Deaths for 1970 to 1978 M = Migration Rate .01 = Percentage Factor

Then: (Z - Y) - (B - D) x .01 = M ' e Y As shown on Table PS-3, there were 514 births between 1970 and 1978. During that same time period, there were 449 deaths recorded. The natural increase for Westmont Borough would then be 65 people. Statistics indicate that Westmont Borough began to experience some out-migration in the a early 1970's with the rate increasing substantially after 1973. TABLE PS-3 MIGRATION WESWNT BOROUGH a 1970 1978 Births Deaths census Population Actual 1970 to 1970 to Natural Migration Migration Population Estimate Change 1977 1977 Change In/Out --Rate 0 6,673 6,274 -399 514 449 +65 -464 -6.95%

SOURCE: Bureau of Census, Pennsylvania Department of Health; Cambria County Planning Commission PROJECTIONS OF FunmE POPUIATICN LEVELS Natural Increase

The growing imbalance in Wesbnont Borough's population structure (age-sex composition, see Table PS-2) can be expected to continue to 0 place limitations on the rate of natural population increase. Continued declines in the child-bearing age will have a direct effect on the lower- ing of the birth rate. Also, past trends within the Borough reflect an increase in the proportions of older people in the community which raise the death rate. e Migration Future migration patterns in the Borough kill be the most important single element which will affect local population trends. Continued out- migration of persons in the young adult years will be the most persistant proglem to overcome if the declining population trend is to be reversed.

e 36 FUNRE FWULATION ESTTMATES AND PROJECTIONS

of methods available for estimating and projecting f: There are a number 3 . hture population levels, none of which are infallible and all of which must be tempered with judgement, selectivity and discretion. Any method has its strengths and weaknesses, thus, the method used usually depends upon the local situation and the data available. The best and mst recent data available for Westmont Borough is the housing unit count and new housing unit building permits since 1970, mentioned in the Eousing Study portion of this Plan. Therefore-, the housing data was used in the computation of West- mont Borough population estimates and projections. These projections and estimates are aggregate in nature and give no indication of the populations of age or sex subgroupings. For the sake of proper terminology, we are differentiating between "population estimates" and "populations projections". An "estimate'' refers to current population and is calculated in lieu of an actual census count. A "projectPon" refers to future population levels which may occur given the assumptions and data used in the methodology. This being the case, the statistics on Table PS-4 for 1971-80 represent population estimates, while the figures for 1981-85 are population projections.

TABU PS-4 ESTIMATED AND PROJECTED POPULATION LEVELS WES?MLINT BOROUGH 1970-85 -Year Occupied Dwelling Househeld Size Population 1970 2,263 2.94 6,673 i 1971 2.266 2.91 6,594 1972 2 ;276 2.88 6,555 1973 2,280 2.84 6,475 1974 2,287 2.81 6,426 1975 2,299 2.78 6,391 1976 2,315 2.75 6,366 4 1977 2,328 2.72 6,332 1978 2,341 2.68 6,274 1979 2,346 2.65 6,227 1980 2,355 2.62 6,180 1981 2 ;364 2.59 .6,134 4 1982 2,373 2.57 6,088 1983 2,382 2.54 6,042 1984 2,391 2.51 5,997 1985 2,401 2.48 5,952

4 XXlRCE: 1970 U.S. Census CCPC Estimates Primarily, the above series of estimates and projections is based on actual housing unit counts through 1978 and estimates of occupied units based on the 1970 vacancy rate, synthesized hith the estimated household 4 size based on a symmetrical declixe in household size betmen 1970 and 1978, as a proportion of the household size decline for the Northeastern United States. After 1978, the year for which the most recent household size estimate of the Northeast is available from the U.S. Census Bureau, it is a assumed that the household size will continue to decline at a comparable rate. Likewise, the housing unit count for 1980-85 is based upon the

assumption that occupied dwelling units will increase at a rate (9.1 units , per year) comparable to the average annual increase during 1970-79. Thus, population projections are based upon these two assumptions and should be viewed as broad parameters. Changes in the number of new units built through e 1985 and in household size, which differ from those above, will of course l alter the population levels.

The major advantages of this method are that an occupied dwelling unit count takes into account migration , natural increases/decreases and the fact that updating is simplified as well. As an example of the latter advantage, annual increases in new housing can be easily used to adjust the figures, after an allowance for vacant units is made. In essence, this is a trend extrapolation method based upon recent history and utilization of locally generaged data. During the period 1970-85, we are projecting a 10.5%decline in the population of Westmont Borough, averaging a 0.70% annual decline over the fifteen-year period. This decline is basically due to national and regional trends. As was mentioned earlier, average household size is declining throughout the country. Likewise, the condition of the regional economy (See the Economic Base Section) suggests an outmigration of persons seeking employment opportunities elsewhere. Any reversal in the Rational or regional factors cited above, will of course be felt in Westmont as well.

e 38 0 e 0

Economic Base The economic base study has become one of the most important elements in determining and anticipating the future development of the community. A primary objective for any comity is the production and distribution of 0 goods plus the rendering of services. Efforts must be made to insure a prosperous economy to act as an incentive for people to settle in the area. Residents should be given the opportunity to use their skills and talents to their fullest potential. The total of these activities equal the economy of the community. a In this study, we hope to direct our efforts to analyzing the economic resources in order to maintain an attractive economy for Westmont Borough. Economic planning seeks to determine the most effective uses of the factors of productivity: labor, land and capital. At the same time, it also aspires to fulfill the economic goals and hopes of-those residing in the community. a LABOR FORCE The labor force in a community is defined as the number of persons who live in a conununity and are either employed, unemployed or seeking employment. Table EB-1 has been prepared to show the total lzbor force of Westmont e Borough and a comparison with Cambria County and the Johnstown Labor Ehrket Area. It is important to show these surrounding areas because a small comity both affects and is affected by an area wide economy. As shown in Table EB-1, as of 1970, Westmont Borough had a civilian labor force of 2,654 persons. In terms of total population, it can be seen 0 . that a larger percent of Westmont Borough's population participated in the labor force than was. the case in either Cambria County or the Johnstown Labor Market Area. In addition, the Borough's unemployment rate is considerably lower than that of the Johnstom Labor lviarket Area or Cambria County With respect to the distribution of the labor force in Westmont Borough, it can be seen that 958 of the 2,654 members of the labor force in 1970 were female, or 36.1 percent of the total. At the same time, the percents of the labor forces in Cambria County and the Johnstown Labor Ehrket Area hhich were female were 34.4 and 34.5 percent respectively. Therefore, in 1970, women comprised a slightly higher percentage of the Westmont labor force than was the case in the larger region. 0

39 4

. TABLE EB-1

(XIMPARISQNS OF LABOR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS - 1970 4

Westmnt Cambr ia Johnstown Labor Characteris t ics Borough county Market Area

Total Civilian Labor Force 2,654 '63,987 91,8 30 Male (16 years old and over) 1,696 41,879 60,167 Fanale (16 years old and over) 958 22,108 31,663 Percent of Total Population 39.77 34.25 34.9

Number Employed 2,587 61,183 87,325 Male 1,674 40,136 57,148 Female 913 21,047 30,177 Percent Employed 97.5 95.6 95.1

hhber Unemployed 67 2,804 4,505 ' Male 22 1,743 .3,019 4 Female 45 1,061 1,486 Percent Unemployed 2.5 4.4 4.9

SOURCE : C~~SUSTracts, Johnsto\pL, Pennsylvania N9.4; 1970 census ; U.S. Census Bureau, March 1972 4 The figures presented in Table EB-1 show several additional distinc- ' tive labor force characteristics of \\'estmont &rough when comparisons are made with Both Cambria County and the bicounty Johnstown Labor bhrket Area. Approximately two-thirds of the unemployed Westniont residents were women, while women only accounted for 38%of the unemployed in Cambria County, and (I only 33% of the unemployed in the Labor Market Area. Thus, the larger scale unemployment of males evident in Cambria County and the Labor Market Area was not evident in the Westmont labor force. It is important to also analyze the general occupational groupings of the Westmont labor force, and make similar comparisons with the region, 4 to obtain a clearer understanding of the economic climate of Westmont, and the characteristics of the Westmont labor force. Table EB-2 reviews and compares the occupations of the Westmont labor force.

40 e

TABLE EB-2 OccUpAT~ONALANALYSIS - 1970

BnplOYd BnplOYd Employed Johnstown Labor Westmont Cambria County Market Area . Residents Residents Residents e # % # % # 8 Professional/Technical 782 28.14% 9,365 10.7 %

Managerial/ Administration 423 16.35% 3,601 5.89% 5,124 5.87%

Sdles Workers 316 12.21% 4,219 6.9 % 5,732 6.56%

Cle$rical Workers 470 18.17% 8,294 13.56% 11,344 12.99%

Craftsmen . 272 10.51% 10,384 16.97% 14,799 16.95%

Operatives 137 5.30% 12,218 19.97% 17,546 20.09%

Transport Operatives 25 0.97% 2,715 4.44% 4,338 4.97%

Non-Farm Laborers 65 2.51% 4,189 6.85% 5,922 6.78%

~~ Farm Workers - 0 ,o.o % 521 0.85% 2,097 2.40%

Service Workers 124 4.79% 7,585 12.40% 10,358 11.86%

~- -~ Private I-busehold Workers 27 1.04% 437 0.70% 700 0.8 %

~~ Totals 2,587 100% 61,183 100% 87,325 100%

!BURCE: Census Tracts, Johnstown, Pa. %SA; 1970 Census; U.S. Census Bureau; !:larch 1972.

41 Several specific facts are clarified by Table EB-2. First of all, the proportion of professional and technical workers to all employed wmkers in Westrnont Borough is rather high. Over 28% of all employed Westmont workers were in this occupational grouping, while the figure for Cambria County was d 11.47% and that for the Labor biarket Area was nearly 11%. This finding is especially significant when one considers that even though Westmont accounted for only 3.6% of the total Cambria County population in 1970, approximately 10.4% of all workers in the professional/technical grouping in Cambria County lived in Westmont Borough. Secondly, approximately 16.4% of all Westmont employed persons were classified in the managerial/ administrative grouping. Again, this percentage is significantly higher than the 4 figures for Cambria County and the Labor Market Area. Thirdly, the proportion of sales and clerical workers living in Westmont is again higher than the figures for the larger region as well, even though the proportions are less significant than those for the professional/technical and managerial/administrative categories. Conversely, the percentage of Westmont residents 4 employed as craftsmen, operators and laborers is considerably lower than that for the larger region. Therefore, what emerges from this data is the fact that while many of the labor and operative occupations are under- represented in Westmont Borough, it does provide the region with a large proportion of professional, managerial, sales and clerical workers. Fully 75% of all employed Westmont residents were in these latter fields, compared 4 to 38%for Cambria County and 36% for the Labor Market Area. Industrial Analysis As a refinement of the above occupational analysis of m’esbmnt Borough labor force, it is necessary to analyze the types of industries in 4 which the labor force is employed. Table EB-3 presents the data for Westrriont Borough, and for Cambria County and the Johnstown Labor Market Area for purposes of comparison. While the figures for Westmont reflect the regional economic situation, some distinctive comparable data require further explanation. As I Table EB-3 attests, the manufacturing industries of the area provided employment for approximately one-third of the County and Labor Market Area residents. However, only one-fifth of Westmnt’s employed residents are employed in this field. Conversely, approximately 27% of employed Westmont residents were involved in wholesale and retail trade, while the percentages for the region were somewhat smaller. Finally, over 41% of employed Westmnt residents were 4 involved in various service industries, excluding wholesale and retail trade, while only 29% of the Cambria County and Labor krket Area residents were

. employed in the service fields. Reflecting regional conditions, the only concentration in the service segment of the economy was in educational and health service fields. This data suggests that in terns of employed residents, Westmont Borough contains a more diversified economic base than is the case of Cambria County or the Labor Market Area. Thus, Wesmont residents would be less likely to be affected by fluctuations in any one industry than in a municipality or region where one industry is in dominance. Finally, the comparative overrepresentation of Westmont residents in the service and trade segments of the economy may be to the benefit of local economic stability and growth since these industries, as will be demonstrated later, are those which are showing growth throughout the region as a whole.

8 TABLE EB-3 INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION ANALYSIS - 1970

0 hrrployed Westmnt Employed Cambria Ehployed Labor Residents .. county Market

# % # % # %

Construction 36 1.4% 2,510 4.1% 4,572 5.2 % Manufacturing 540 20.9% 20,110 32.9% 27,372 31.3% Transportation 27 1.0% 2,483 4.1% 3,700 4.2% Communicat ions 179 6.9% 1,823 3.0% 2,466 2.8% Wholesale Trade 162 6.3% 1,660 2.7% 2,316 2.7% Retail Trade 525 20.3% 9,967 16.3% 13,918 15.9% Finance, Insurance Real Estate 168 6.5% 1,631 2.7% 2,313 2.7% Business Services 57 2.2% 992 1.6% 1,680 1.9% Personal Services 67 2.6% 1,903 3.1% 2,830 3.2% Health Services 235 9.1% 4,900 8.0% 6,478 7.4% Educational Services 334 12.9% 4,779 7.8% 6,547 7.5% Other Services 132 5.1% 1,861 3.0% 2,615 3.0% 0 Public Administration 69 2.7% 1,909 3.1% 2,715 3.1% Other 56 2.2% 4,655 7.6% 7,803 8.9% Totals 737 m 61,173-3 Tom 87,325 100%

SOURCE: Census Tracts, Johnstom, Pa. MSA; 1970 Census: I) U.S. Census Bureau, bhrch 1972.

B 43 Otherwise, the generalized labor force charactistics of Westmont &rough are representative of those found in the Cambria County and the Labor Market Area. Given this fact, and the asswaption that regional economic trends and characteristics will reflect trends and characteristics of the overal.'economic climate gf Westmont Borough, a review of the characteristics 4 of the economy of the Johnstown Labor Market Area since 1970 will aid in indicating economic trends and conditions in Westmont Borough.

Current hployment Trends In order to present employment and unemployment trends in the c region since 1970, it is necessary to refer to statistics prepred by the Pennsylvania &eau of Esnploynent Security (B.E.S.) and presented in Table EB-4. These records are compiled on a monthly basis by the Johnstown Office of B.E.S., but have been averaged for use in Table EB-4, so that the effect of seasonal fluctuations in employment levels will not distort the figures. As 4 a result, the data which was presented in Tables EB-1 and EB-2 are based on census information and hence reflect only one point in time during 1970. Several trends are noticeable in the bicounty Labor Market Area economy from the dzta presented in Table EB-4. First of all, during the period 1970-76 several general statements can be made, summarized below: 4 During 1970-76, the bicounty civilian labor force gradually increased; During this period employment levels gradually increased; and During this period the number of unemployed persons and the unemployment rate remained fairly constant, with slight increases evident in 1975 and 1976 reflecting the effects of a nationwide recession. 4 However, economic conditions worsened during.1977-79, reflecting the economic impacts of the July 1977 Flood and the subsequent cutbacks in segments of the area economy. However, even during this period employment levels were above pre-1977 levels, but this expanding labor force, coupled with the economic dislocations alluded to earlier resulted in an unemployment problem through the SicoTmty Labor Market Area. 4 Table EB-4 also demonstrates the changing economy of the bicounty Labor Market Area during the 1970's. In 1970 the manufacturing segment of the bicounty region provided approximately one out of every three nonagrucultural jobs, however, by 1979 manufacturing emplo-cent accounted for somewhat less than 23%of all nonagricultural jobs. Thus, mployment levels in manufacturing 4 declined by 20% during the 1970's. On the positive side, non-manufacturing employment increased by 26% during the 1970rs, indicating that an economy long dominated by manufacturing was gradually being diversified. Non-manufacturing industries provided in excess of 77% of all nonagrucultural jobs in 1979, while in 1970 they accounted for only 68% of all jobs. 4

44 a

TABLE EB-4 AVERAGE ANNUAL CIVILIAN WORK FDRCE, E?@LOyMEl\sr, UNEbPLOYMENT : JOHNSTOWN LABOR MARKET AREA

1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 Civilian Labor Force (in thousands) 94.5 95.5 96.4 98.1 98.7 102.3 104.4 107.4 107.1 108.7 Employment 88.8 89.0 90.3 92.5 93.1 95.2 96.8 96.8 96.4 99.1 Unemployment (in thousands) 5.7 6.5 6.1 5.6 5.6., 7.1 7.6 10.6 10.7 9.6 Unemplo pent Rate 6.0% 6.8% 6.4% 5.7% 5.7% 7.0% 7.3% 9.8% 9.9% 8.8%

Total Nonagricultural Employment (in thousands) 79.9 76.7 80.7 82.4 83.7 85.3 88.0 87.6 86.3 89.3

Mufacturing Employment 25.3 23.5 24.1 24.9 24.6 23.0 22.1 20.8 19.1 20.2 Nonmanufacturing Employment 54.6 53.2 56.6 57.5 58.9 62.8 65.7 66.1 65.3 69.1

SOURCE: Pennsylvania Bureau of Employment Security; NOTE: Figures are rounded off to nearest whole numbers.

P cn The anticipated impacts of the regional economic conditions on Westmont Borough have positive and negative aspects. On the positive side, since manufacturing employment of Westmofit residents was not pronounced in 1970, it is assumed that the decline in manufacturing employment evident since 1970 will affect Westmont less than it would affect comitys in which a large portion of its residents are employed in manufacturing. Like- wise, the steady improvement in the non-manufacturing segment of the area economy since 1970 will have a positive inpact on h'estmont since even in 1970, the vast majority of its employed residents (80%) were employed in the non- 1 manufacturing segment. On the negative side, the economic problems faced by the region will be felt in mst area communities. In addition to the job losses in manufacturing industries already, future employment levels in this segment will continue to decline. Actual employment losses in manufacturing industries are usually accompanied by multiplier effects on nonmanufacturing employment, since fewer supportive and service jobs would be 4 required to sustain manufacturers. However, the service industries are growing nationwide and there is no reason to believe that this trend will nDt occur in this region. Finally, the preponderance of professional, technical, managerial and service occupations in Westmont can at least cushion some of these anticipated multiplier effects.

Occupational Tabulation of Westmont Borough

Table €3-5 has been compiled to better describe the composition of the labor force in Westmont Borough, and to assist in delineating the occupational. trends in Westmont since 1970. This latter fact is noteworthy since 1980 Census Data will not.be available until 1981. Table EB-5 is 1 zn occ*qational breakdown for the years 1970, 1975 and 1978, using Cambria County Assessment Office data as a base. Data for 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976 and 1977 is not available in the assessment office at the present time. however, the data available will provide the necessary information for trend del heat ion. 1 Each of the occupations were grouped into four categories, which are described below, then plotted on graphic devices (See Figure EB-1 and Figure EB-2) to simplify analysis. Definitions of occupational grouping are as follows: Professional workers may be defined as those individuals who, 4 through additional years of schooling, have obtained academically-oriented skills. Such occupations included in this category are dentists, doctors, nurses, ministers, morticians, teachers, etc. The Labor Gro is comprised of all workers who do not have specialized'sk-ot Ti=er than those obtained by on-the-job training. Examples of workers thta compose this category include miners, steel workers, railroad engineers, conductors, brakemen, etc. Craftsmen are defined as industrial workers who possess specialized skills. Those that should be included in this category are carpenters, construction mrkers, electricians, plumbers, welders, pipefitters, etc. 4 TABU EB-5 CCCUPATIOW TABULATIONS WESLTDNT BOROUGH SELECTED YEARS

1970 1975 '1978 .. Accountant .9 6 17 Administrator 1 3 I) Agent .2 1 Architect 3 4 6 Artist 1 3 Attendant 1 4 4 Attorney 33 41 45 Auditor 2 3 1 Auto Dealer 3 2 Barber 6 8 7 Bartender 2 2 5 Beautician 3 4 9 Boiler Maker 1 Bookkeeper 1 6 t Bottler 1 '1 Brakeman 1 2 2 Brick Mason 5 3 3 Broker 1 .6 1 Budget Analyst 2 Butcher 1 0 . Fiuyer 8 1 13 10 Cantor 1 1 Carpenter 4 3 5 Cashier 1 1 3 Chauf f er '1 1 Chef 1 Chemist 1 1 1 Chiropractor 2 2 3 Claims Adjuster 2 Clerk 475 415 486 College Official 4 College Professor 3 6 0 Compos itor 1' 1 1 Computer Programmer 1 1 Confectioner 4 1 Congressman 1 1 Contractor 5 .4 13 Controller 1 5 2 Cook L .5 Counselor 1 3 Craneman 1 2 1 Day Worker 1

47 -. .' '& 4

TABLE EB-5 (Continued) OCCWATIO?Ai TABULATIONS WESDDNT BOROUGH SELEClm YEARS 4

1970 1975 1978

Dental Hygienist 2 2 4 Dentist 17 . 23 24 4 Designer 1 Dietician 1 1. 4 Draftsperson 7 11 8 Driver 7 2 1 Edi.tor 3 1 4 Electrician 6 12 11 Engineer 49 55 69 Estimator 1 1 1 becutive 8 33 71 Expeditor 1 Factory Vbrker 1 '1 Farmer 1 1 1 Farrier 1 Fireman 7 7 3 Foreman 25 . 23 20 Gas Station Employee 1 Gmlog ist 1 . Golf Pro a 1 4 Goodwill Services 1 Greenhouse 1 1 1 1 Guard e. Hotel 6 Saloon Keeper 1 1 IX Operator 1 IEM Representative 1 1 Industrial Designer 1 1 Industrial Relations 1 Inspector 3 3 2 Insurance Agent 25 20 24 Insurance Broker 1 Insurance Underwriter 1 9 4 Janitor 1 2 6 Jeweler 1 1 1 Journal ist 3 Judge 1 1 2 Justice of the Peace 1 Key Punch Operator '1 Lab Technician 4 2 Laborer 54 195 183 Leasing Officer 1 Legal Assistant 1 Lineman '3 2 1 Loan Officer 2 4 e

TABLE EB-5 (Continued) . OCCUPATIONAL TABULATIONS WESIMNT BOROUGH e SELECTED YEARS 1970 1975 1978

Looper 5 4 Machine Operator 2 1 e Machinist 2 3 10 Manager 126 127 153 Matron 1 Mechanic 6 4 12 Medical Assistant 1 Medican Technician 2 e Merchant 62 46 39 Metem 1 1 Millwright 107 15 2 Miner 2 4 Minister 18 20 16 1 0 Mission Model 1 Moulder 1 Music Director 1 1 1 Musician 2 1 4 Nurse 21 24 55 Nurses Aid 1 2 1 e Official 2 2 6 Optometrist 4 2 3 Painter 1 Part-time Einployee 3 7 Patient Coordinator 1 0 Personnel 3 Pharmacist 5 7 6 Physician 74 91 113 Photographer 2 1 Pipef itter 1 1 Plumber 1 4 3 Policeman 8 11 7 Postal Clerk 4 4 3 Principal 1 1 2 Printer 4 2 1 Pro j ection ist 1 Proofreader 1 1 1 e Proprietor 8 12 68 Psychologist 1 Publisher 1 Purchasing Agent 1 2 Rabbi 1 1 Radio Announcer 1 1 0 Railway .3 6

e 49 4

TABLE EB-5 (Continued) OCCUPATIONAL TABULATIONS WESlMoNT BOROUGH -YEARS 4

1970 1975 1978 Rehabilitation Specialist 3 Repairman 5 10 9 Reporter 6 5 3 4 Rigger 1 1 Roll Twiner 1 1 Salesman 123 100 107 Sanitation hployee 1 Seamstress 1 4 4 Secretary 9 18 124 Self Ehployed 9 Service 4 11 Sheriff 1 1 1 Social Worker 5 11 State Worker 1 d Store Manager 1 Stockbroker 1

SupervisorSuper intendent 10131 3895 13926 T.V. Commercial Writer 1 Tailor 1 1 1 Tax Preparer 1 1 2 Teacher 97 132 173 Teacher's Aid 1 Technician 3 2 19 Telephone Lineman 1 4 Telephone Operator 2 3 5 Teller 1 1 21 Time Keeper 1 Treasurer 3 2 7 Tipstaff 1 Transprtation 1 Truck Driver 4 7 8 Undertaker 6 5 7 Upholsterer 1 1 1 Vererinarian 1 1 1 Waitress 1 4 Welder 1 1 Window Decorator 1 X-ray Technician 3 Yard Master 1 Totals 1m 1,7961 231 The'classification of Service Worker is given to those workers who provide services either.on a- private or public level. Included in this group would be barbers, beauticians, clerks, waitresses, bartenders, etc. Table EB-6 summarizes the compilation of occupational tabulations into the four (4) identified groupings.

TABLE EB-6 GENERAL OCCUPATIONAL TABULATION WEs?MoNT BOROUGH 1970, 1975 and 1978

-1970 -1975 -1978 Q Professional 402 541 7 24 Laborer 219 368 420 Craftsman 153 60 91 0 Service -890 -827 1,161 Totals 1,664 1,796 2,396 a SOURCE: Cambria County Assessment Office (NOTE: Totals do not include retired or .I unemployed persons)

The above data demonstrates labor force increases in all categories 0 except for industrial craftsmen. Gains in professional workers and laborers are especially significant, while increases in service occupations are somewhat less pronounced. The increase in the aggregate labor force at a time of declining population suggests that more members of individual households were in the labor force in 1975 and 1978, than was the case in 1970. Figure EB-1 demonstrates this increase, xhile Figure EB-2 graphically demonstrates trends within each of the four (4) occupational groupings. Employment Opportunities in Westmont Borough Perhaps as important as an understanding of the occupational characteristics and trends exhibited by Westmont Borough residents, is an analysis of emplcyment opportunities within Westmont Borough. This analysis requires data generated by place of employment, rather than data regarding the residence of those in the labor force. Both types of data must be reviewed as a whole to gain a complete understanding of the economic base of the comity. The most recent data by place of employment was compiled by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), covering the First Quarter 1978. The data is compiled for all employers participating i.n the unemployment -_-_. 2500

2400

2300

1 2200

2100

2000

1900

1800

1700

1600 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1575 1975 1977 1978 mCE: Cambria County Assessment Office [Figures for intervening years are inferred due to lack of data) 1

FIGURE EB-1 LABOR FORCE TRENDS - WESTMOhT BOROUGH

i ' yIIEsfM3wT mmm CWRMENSrn PLAN 1980 i' -ria County Planning Commission kstmcmt Borough Planning Coxmnittee

0 1200

, 1100

890 900 - 800

*300

600

500 402

400

300

200 153 91 1QQ

1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978

SOLRCE: Cambria County Assessment Office (Figures for intervening years are inferred due to lack of data)

FIGURE EB-2 OCCUPATI@NAL TREhDS - WSF*IOhT BOROUGH .-

compensation insurance program. While the data has some limitations, . since not all'employers participate and some participating employers do not list the number of employees, the data does delineate major private and public sector employers, and allows general observations to be made. Table EB-7 reviews figures related to employment opportunities in Westmont Borough. The data was taken from the DLI printout, compiled on the basis of the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code and presented on a two-digit SIC basis. For the convenience of the reader, the groupings were translated to narrative descriptions of major industry classifications. Mst classifications are composed of several individual employers.

TABLE EB-7 FMPUYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN WESTMINT BOROUGH - BY MAJOR INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION, 1978

Number of Industrial Classification Employees Agricultural (Nurseries) 33 Special Trade Contractors 8 Miscellaneous Publishing 4 Food Stores 9 Service Stations 9 Eating and Drinking Establishments 8 Real Estate Services 16 . Automotive Repair Services 2 ! Sports and Recreational Clubs 77 Physicians and Health Practitioners 10 Educational Services 91 Day Care Services 17 Member ship Organizations 2 Engineer inglhchitectural Services 9 Public Administration Services 27 Public Safety Services 10 Miscellaneous Services -5 mAL 337

SOURCE: Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry; Bureau of Employment Services; 1978 The statistics reinforce the perception of Westmnt Borough as being primarily a residential community, since there are relatively few working within the Borough. The only major focus of employment is in the recreational and educational services. Generally speaking, employment opportunities that do exist are in the service industries, which comprise nearly two-thirds of the employment opportunities within Westmont Borough. A comparison was made between the figures for Westmont and those for Cambria County as a whole, so that the Westmont figures may be put into a context. This comparison noted that a greater percentage of jobs were in professional,

54 public administration and other service industry groupings than was the case for the county as a whole. Conversely, jobs in the categories of construction, manufactur'ing, transportation, wholesaling and retailing were at a rate lower than that of the county as a whole. The percentage of jobs 0' in the finance, insurance and real estate category was identical to the rate for the county. In summary, relatively few jobs exist within Westmont Borough, suggesting that commutation to other area cornunities is quite comm. Furthermore, the employment opportunities that do exist are generally in a the service industries. Family Income Family income can come from many sources including wages and salaries, self employment income, social security or retirement income, public '0 assistance and welfare income. This income is generally disposed of in three ways. It is given to the government in the form of personal taxes, it is saved, and it is spent for personal needs. Most of a families income is spent for personal needs and this flows back into the businesses. Accordingly, the family income characteristics of the community residents are an important factor in determining the community's ability to support local business activity. Table EB-8 has been prepared to show income distribution of Westmont Borough in comparison to Cambria County. Ths most recent data available on family income is the U.S. Census of 1970, and while the figures are dated,. they can still be useful for comparative purposes. a TABLE EB-8 COMPARISON OF PERCENTAGE DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILY INCBE, WESTMINT BOROUGH AND WRIA COUNTY, 1969

Westmont Borough Cambria County

Under $3,00 0 3.3% 9.1% $ 3,000-$ 4,999 3.9% 11.6% $ 5,000-$ 6,999 7.6% 14.5% $ 7,000-$ 8,999 10.4% 19.0% $ 9,000-$11,999 20.5% 22.9% $12,000- $14,999 15.8% 11.5% $15,000- $24,999 23.9% 9.2% $25,000 and over 14.6% 2.2%

SOURCE: Census Tracts, Johnstovn, Pa., %SA; 1970 Census; U.S. Census Bureau, March 1972 The obvious observation which can be made based on the data in Table EB-8 is that a larger percentage of Westmont Borough families are in the upper middle and upper income groupings, and a smaller percentage area

55 I in the lower income groupings when comparisons are made with Cambria County as a whole. In 198 , nearly 21% of Cambria County families had incomes of der $5,000, while the same figure for Wesbnont was only 7.2%. On the other hand, only 23% of Cambria County families had incomes above $12,000 while well over one-half of the Westmont families (54.3%) had incomes in this range. 4 In the middle income range of $5,000-$12,000, over 56% of Cambria County families were in this range, while approximtely 39%of Westmont families were in this range. Thus, family incomes in Westmontwere above those of Cambria County families as a whole. Additional insight into income characteristics of Westmont I families can be made by more localized comparisons between Westmont and surrounding municipalities. Table EB3 lis an attempt to put family income of Westmont into perspective by comparisons of poverty families, mdian income and mean income (NOTE: Median income is usually considered to be the more reliable of the two income criteria to ascertain trends, etc). I TABLE EB-9 COMPARISON OF 1969 FAMILY INCaMES WSIMONT BOROUGH AND SELECTED ARJ3l.S

Median Mean % of Families Family Family Below Poverty Income Income Level WWNT BOROUGH $12,822 $16,898 2.1% Souhont Borough $11,543 $13,382 2.9% . Ferndale Borough $ 9,265 $J j611 3.7% Y Upper Yoder Township $10,901 $12,72 2.9% Lower Yoder Township $ 8,510 $ 8,999 8.2%

' Richland Township (part) $10,291 $10,795 4.6% Stonycreek Township $ 3,074 $ 9,639 5.3% City of Johnstown $ 8,046 $ 8,735 10.9% Cambria County $ 8,563 $ 9,503 9.0%

SOURCE: Census Tracts, Johnstown, Pa., SEA: 1970 Census; U.S. Census Bureau; March 1972 4 As is evident from Table EB-9, Westmnt families exhibited higher family incomes than any other selected commnity, and a higher income than that of the County as a whole. In fact, according to 1970 Census Data, the Westmont family incomes were higher than those in any community in Cambria or Somerset County. 4

4 56 Ingeneral, the economic base of Westmnt Borough has been shown e to be good in comparative terms. No one industry dominates in terms of the employment-. of Bdrough residents. In addition, the proportion of residents in the professions, technical, administrative and service fields is much higher than that for Cambria County or the bicounty Labor Market Area. These two factors gain added significance when one considers that the service industries and professions have exhibited growth during the 1970's. Finally, Westmont family incomes are the highest of any community in the region. All 0 of these factors suggest a rather stable and diversified economic base. Data from the 1970 Census and other information suggest that most employed Westmont residents commute to work in other communities in Cambria County. In 1970, 49% of employed Cambria County residents, who reported 0 a place of work, worked in the City of Johnstown, while another 42% =re employed elsewhere in Cambria County. An additional 9% worked outside of Cambria County. However, a different picture emerges for employed West- mnt residents. In that same year, no less than 71% of the employed residefits worked in the City of Johnstown, while only 24% were employed elsewhere in Cambria County. The remaining 5% worked outside of Cambria County. It is obvious that a much larger percentage of employed residents commute into the City to work than is the case of County residents as a whole. The attitudinal survey of Westmont residents suggest that most people would like to keep it that way. Only 30% of the respondents favored the establishment of light industries within the Borough as a means of creating local jobs. bwever, 57% of those responding favored the establishment of additional 0 commercial enterprises within the Borough, such as a bakery, offices ayd other light commercial facilities. Given the above, the long-term economic stability of a residential community with a high commutation rate can only be assured by the economic stability of the region. Therefore, changing regional economic conditions 0 will certainly impact Westmont Borough.

0 57 a

Housing The overall character of a community is reflected by its housing, which has both direct and indirect influences upon the lives of its residents. Good housing not only assures a sound tax base for the future but also promises that residents are living in an environment that is conducive to e a healthy and satisfactory day-to-day life. Since the majority of land area in Westmnt Borough is already developed residentially and vacant land is diminishing quickly, it is essential that the citizens of the municipality recognize the need to maintain and develop good residential areas free from blight and blight-causing a conditions. The types of programs to combat these conditions range from simple housing and building code enforcement to more complicated activities involving housing rehabilitation, redevelopment and historic preservation in the form of historic districting and/or architectural review boards. The purpose of this report will be to provide detailed analysis e of the existing housing within Westmont Borough. The findings will serve as a basis for the ongoing studies dealing specifically with the development of a comprehensive program to assure the continued maintenance of sound, desirable residential neighborhoods.

HOUSING ClWWTERIST ICs Housing Units and Structural Types According to the 1970 U.S. Census, there were approximately 2,312 units in Westmont Borough. The most predominant type of housing being e single family with 1,820 units, or 78.7 percent of the total housing units. The remainder of the housing supply, 492 units, were distributed as follows: 315 units, or 13.6 percent, were two family unit structures; 124 units, or 5.4 percent, were three and four family unit structures; and 53 units, or 2.3 percent, were five or more family structures.** These characteristics are summarized on Table HS-1. TABLE Hs-1 HOUSING TYPES WES'IMONT BOROUGH - 1970

Type of Structure Number of Units Percent Single Family (includes mobile homes) 1,820 78.7 Two Family 315 13.6 Three and Four Family 124 5.4 Five or more Family 53"" 2.3"" Total 2,312" 100%

*Housing unit estimate based on a 20% sample rate. **A 1980 CCPC field survey shows the actual figure to be much less.

SOURCE: U.S. Census of Housing; 1970.

58 busing occupancy 4

One of the most important indicators of the current housing situation is its occupancy characteristics. The occupancy characteristics can be defined as follows: mer Occupied - the owner lives in the home; I

Renter Occupied - a tenant lives in a home owned by another individual; and

Vacant - housing units not being occupied by either of the abovecategories. 4

Basically, these characteristics deal with the extent of home ownership and housing rentals plus they provide some indication of the ratio of vacant housing in relation to the total housing inventory. I As shown on Table HS-2, 79.7 percent, or 1,840 units, were owner occupied in Westmont Borough. This high incidence of hme ownership is a positive factor as it reflects a relatively stable employment situation in the area. Also, home ownership enhances the quality of the community and its housing inventory since most home owners are more likely to remain permanently and tend to be more attentive in the care and maintenance of their property. 4 . The renter-occupied category accounted for 18.4 percent, or 424 units, of the housing supply. This percentage represents the most transitory segment of the population in Westmont Borough.

In regard to vacant housing nits, Table HS-2 indicates 1.9 percent 4 or 44 units fall within this category. Of this, the major portion is in the "Other Vacant'' category which includes units which were sold or rented and awaiting occupancy, units held off the market for various reasons, and dilapidated units not fit for occcpancy.

A comparison of the figures for the number of single family homes 4 and the number of owner occupied units shows that nost single family homes are owner occupied while most multi family homes are not. TABLE HS-2 HOUSING OCCUPANCY WESlMlhT BOROUGH - 1970

occupancy Number of Units Percent

Mer Occupied 1,840 79.7% Renter Occupied 424 18.4% 4 Available Vacant 44 1.9% For Sale ... 17 For Rent ... 4 Other Vacant ... 23 Total 2,308* 100% 4

"Housing count based on 100% sample rat.e. SOURCE: U.S. Census of Housing, 1970.

59 a Persons Per Household

The distribution of the population in relation to all occupied housing is an important measure of family size and possible future demand for certain types of housing. . a Excluding vacant units, there were 2,264 occupied housing units in 1970. As illustrated in Table I-LS-3, the distribution is as follows: 1,131 units, 52.1 percent, were one- and two-person households; 360 units, 16.3 percent, were three-person households; 325 units, 14.4 percent, were four- person households; 213 units, 9.4 percent, were five-person households; and a 176 units, 7.8 percent, contained six or more persons. .. In 1970, the average household size for the Borough of Wesmnt was 2.9 persons per househld. This rate is comparable to county, state and national statistics which were 2.9, 2.7, and 2.7 respectively. a TABLE HS-3 PERSONS PER HOUSEHOLD UNIT WSMNT BOROUBI - 1970 i Occupied Housing Units jo Number of Persons NLrmber Percent i One 366 16.2 Two 815 35.9 Three 369 16.3 Four 32 5 14.4 0 Five 213 9.4 Six or mre 176 7.8 Total 7pT loo%

SUURCE: Census of Housing, 1970 0 U.S.

Rooms Per Unit Analysis of the size of existing housing provides further insight into possible housing needs. Table HS-4 has been prepared to show the overall 0 size distribution according to the number of rooms per unit. Housing units sizes in 1970 ranged from 9 dwellings with just one room to 232 dwellings with nine or more rooms. The most predominant of these categories were the units with five, six, or seven rooms which compromised 1,533 units or 66.4 percent of Westmnt Borough total housing stock. One, two and three room units number YO, or 3.9 percent; four room units numbered 206, or 8.9 e percent; and eight or nine room units numbered 479, or 20.8 percent. The median size of all housing units in 1970 was 6.1 rooms.

The overall housing stock in Wesbnont Borough reflects a pre- dominance of larger housing units. This situation can be easily traced to the nature of the housing stock constructed -under the influence of the e Cambria Iron Works and the strong growth of higher incoine housing from 1890 to 1930. Many of these homes were styled after the late Victorian and early Classical Revival styles conunon following the turn of the 20th century. I Many of the larger homes, containing nine rooms or more, are representative ! of this influence of Victorian and Revival building trends. This can prove 'eI i 68 to be a positive factor for the conummityls future development as it guaran- tees a potential housjng inventory to accommodate the child-bearing and more productive age group. The absence of these larger homes could contribute to the loss of this age group resulting in a population imbalance and selective out-migration.

TABLE HS-4 m!S PER UNIT WEszTvDNT BOROUGH - 1970

pingUni;Zrcent Number of Rooms Mrmr One 9 .4 Two 16 .7 Three 65 2.8 Four 2 06 8.9 Five 446 19.3 Six 702 30.4 Seven 385 16.7 Eight 247 10.7 Nine or mre 2 32 10.1 Total m rn

!BURG: U.S. Census of Housing, 1970

Age of Housing

Based on data presented in Table "3-5, a large portion of Westmont Borough's housing inventory, 953 mits or 42.5 percent, vias built prior to 1940. Many of these units date back to the Borough's founding in the 1890's and are located in the eastern section of the municipality. Aging structures, as those that characterize "Old IVestmont" , require periodic investment in maintenance and improvements to prevent deterioration from occurring. In many instances, pride in his hone and neighborhood on the part of the homeowner, plus generous capitol investment, has deterred serious blight from surfacing in the community. Wlt with the increasing trend towards the conversion of these single family homes into multi-unit dwelling, the chances of deterioration grows as the area becomes characterized by absentee landlords and transients. During the 1950'~~Westmont Borough experienced its greatest development as the population grew by over 2,000 people. 811 housing units were constructed to accommodate this new growth. In 1970, these units accounted for 35.1 percent of the total housing inventory. Table HS-5 presents a Getailed tabulation of the number of houses built during specific time periods in Wesmont Borough.

61 TABLE HS-5 AGE OF HOUSING W€Wm BOROUGH - 1970

All Housing Units Year Built Number Percent - 1969 to 1970 20 .9 1965 to 1968 70 3.0 1960 to 1964 111 4.8 1950 to 1959 811 35.1 1940 to 1949 31 7 13.7 1939 and earlier 98 3 42.5 Total 2,312* 100%

*Housing unit estimate based on a 20% sample rate. SOURCE: U.S. Census of Housing, 1970

Housing Values

During the 1970 Census of Housing, data on housing values were obtained for ower occupied units only. Essentially, the respondent was asked the cost of his home and a fair estimate of the current market value if the home was offered for sale. Table HS-6 shows the distribution of the value of housing units. Of the 1,677 owner occupied units surveyed, only 309 structures, or 18.5 percent, were valued at less than $15,000. This figure is low when considering that 42.5% of the housing stock was built prior to 1940.

The remaining nits reported values are tabulated as follows: 377 units, or 22.5 percent, were valued at $15,000 to $19,999; 321 units, or 19.1 percent, were valued at $20,000 to $24,999; 358 units, or 21.3 percent were valued at $25,000 to $34,999; 204 units, or 12.2 percent, were valued at $34,000 to $49,000; and 108 units, or 6.4 percent, were valued at $50,000 and more. The mean market value of a home in the Borough of Westmnt was estimated to be $25,988 which is the highest in Cambria County.

The median monthly rent for dwelling unit in Westmont Borough was estimated to be $88. Table HS-7 shows a complete breakdown of the rent payments for Westmont Borough in 1970. It is important to remember that the data presented for the value of housing units and monthly rents reflect 1970 data, which is the most recent data available until the results of the 1980 Census are published. Obviously, the more current figures will demonstrate the effects of property appreciation, inflation and market forces.

62 TABLE HS-6 VALUE OF HOUSING UNITS WESIMlNT BOROUGH - 1970 1

Specified Owner Occupied Units* -Value NLrmber Percent Less than $10,000 68 4.1 $10,000 to $14,999 241 14.4 4 $15,000 to $19,999 377 22.5 $20,000 to $24,999 321 19.1 $25,000 to $34,999 358 21.3 $35,000 to $49,999 204 12.2 $50,000 or more 108 6.4 Total rn%

*Limited to one-family homes on less than 10 acres and no business on property.

souR(=E: U.S. Census, 1970

TABLE Hs-7 i MONTHLY RENT OF HOUSING UNIT WES'IMONT BOROUGH - 1970

Renter Occupied Units Rent Paid hber Percent Less than $60 45 10.7 $ 60 to $ 99 197 46.8 $100 to $149 101 23.9 $150 to $199 28 6.7 $200 or more 5 1.2 ' No Cash Rent 45 -10.7 Total 421 100%

SOURCE: U.S. Census of Housing, 1970 I

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MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVEL0P"T The distinctive feature regarding multi-family housing in Westmont Borough is the fact that very little of it is due to new construction. Near- ly all multiple units in Westmont are found in older duplex units, carriage houses and especially in converted structures fomrly inhabited by single families. This latter fact complicated an inaccurate housing unit count since Assessment Office records do not adequately delineate the conversion of former single family homes into apartmnt units. Local sewerage records and new building permits were, therefore, used to assist in the housing count. Based on this data, a total of 2,392 housing units are estimated to exist in West- mont Borough in 1979, emcompassing both single and multi-family units. Assess- ment Office records show only 2,091 housing units in 1979, far below the 1970 Census of Housing Count of 2,308 units. The accuracy of the Assessment Office Dwelling Unit counts is questionable since there have been no massive residential 0 demolitions in Westmont since 1970. Therefore, the local data is considered more reliable and is used for population estimates as well. While multi-family residential units can be found in most sections of the Borough, a Concentration of such units was found to exist in the section of the Borough commonly referred to as "Old Westmont". The area of concentration is generally bound by Luzerne Street, Edgehill Drive, 1. 1. Wyoming Street and the border of Stackhouse Park. Specifically, within this area, double and multiple units are most noteable along Burknell Avenue, Clarion Street, Colgate Avenue, Edgehill Drive, Erie Street, Fayette Street, Greene Street, Luzerne Street, Flifflin Street , Tioga Street, Venango Street, and Wyoming Street. A more specific location of multi-family units can be e found on the Land Use Nap.

64 HIUSING CONDITIONS Utilization of the 1970 Census of Housing Data has provided a basic profile of the housing conditions within Westmont Borough. The following classifications were used to distinguish the two general housing conditions. 1 Standard Housing - structures with all plumbing facilities; Substandard housing - structures lacking some or all plumbing tacilities. i The above criteria was proposed by the U,S.-Census Bureau in 1972. Table E-8 illustrates the number and percent of standard and substandard units in Westmont Borough.

T4BI.E HS-8 HOUSING CONDITIONS WE!SllDNT BOROUGH - 1970

Total Total Standard Percent Substandard Percent Units Occupied Units Units Of Total Units Of Total

2,308 2,264 2,293 99.4 15 .6

SOURCE: U.S. Census of Housiiig, 1970. i Appraisal of Exterior and Interior Housing Conditions Appraisal of exterior and interior housing quality is conducted by the Cambria County Assessment Office. Information is gathered about the exterior and interior features and the overall quality of construction. i The structure is then evaluated according to a grading scale based on workmanship and materials used. The four grades of quality have been established as follows:

Grade "A" - Excellent Quality Grade "B" - Good Quality Grade "C" - Average Quality Grade "D" - Cheap Quality These grades cover the entire range of dwelling construction from the cheapest to the finest quality. 4 When evaluating housing units, the Planning Commission utilized this appraisal system to categorize a structure as standard or substandard. This not only gave us an idea of the exterior conditions but also the interior quality of the structure. For our purposes, we specified that a substandard unit was anything rated as "D-20" or less. A dwelling in this condition would be characterized as being of the cheapest quality construction, inferior workmanship, and lacking sufficient normal facilities.

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According to Assessment Office figures, only three (3) units . have a grade of D-20 or less, out of 2,091 structures listed in the Assess- ment Office records. This accounts for only 0.14% of the total housing inventory in Westmont Borough. This is particularly noteworthy when one considers that 42.5 percent of all housing units in Westmont were constructed prior to 1940. However, the above figures should be analyzed with caution, due to several factors. First of all, even though the housing stock in West- nrmt is newer than that for the County as a whole, the effects of depreciation on wen the best built homes will eventually be felt if proper housing maintenance is not canied out. Secondly, the effects of depreciation in the future may be more pronounced in Westmont, given the high incidence of conversions of formerly owner-occupied units into rental units. Therefore, Borough officials should anticipate these changes and insure that the West- mnt housing stock remains in good quality. One method to accomplish this a is by linking the building penniting process with the establishment of building and housing codes, accompanied by a rigorous code enforcement program. This would maintain and enhance the residential character of Westmont Borough. Some results of the attitude survey have some relevance to points discussed above. First of all 61% of the 310 responding to a question about the conversion of older single family homes into two or more apartments supported the concept. However, many respondents even in favor of such ccn- versions noted some factors of concern to them such as parking problems, the need for strict building codes, problems with upkeep and maintenace, problems associated with absentee landlords and the fear that conversions may lo . destroy the character of the neighborhood. Secondly, the survey asked if they thought that sections of the Borough seemed to be blighted. Of the 286 reTondents to this question, 44% replied in the affirmative noting that . "Old Westmont" has a higher density and has blighted areas as well. These results show that a significant number of residents believe that certain sections of the Borough suffer from blight, and that steps should be taken to alleviate this problem and anticipate future similar problems.

A section of the Borough, which was not particularly pin-pointed in the survey responses but was field surveyed and suffers from blight not only in the form of housiqg conditions'but also in street, drainage, location and other infrastructure problems, is that area made up of Keller, hkKeever, Drew, and Bethel Streets. Approximately 20-25 single-family housing units are located here with a few being duplex units. The area, somewhat topo- graphically removed from the remainder of the Borough, is actually not known to exist by many people. Some people who know the area exists think it to be part of Brownstown Borough but it is actually located in Westmont Borough. Future Housing Needs

It is projected that Westmont Borough will have a population of 5,952 by 1985. The housing needs of future population will be met through the use of existing housing stock, the adzition of new housing units and the renovation of existing units in need of rehabilitation.

e 66 In determining the number of houses needed to meet future population levels, the Cambria County Planning Commission has utilized the Penns lvania Housing and Allocation bbdel. Although the entire model was not+ applie Parts I, 11, and I11 were used to determine the housing need for the Borough. Table HS-9 shows the procedure used to estimate the total housing units needed by 1985 to adequately fulfill the demands of the projected population. According to the future housing estimate, there would be a need for 105 new housing units by 1985, or 17.5 units per year. Figures compiled by the Cambria County Planning Commission show that between 1970 and 1979 there were 84 new units built in Westmont Borough, or 9.3 units per year. At this rate, it is obvious that the projected housing gap will not be realized resulting in a shortage of homes for persons who would otherwise reside in Westmont in 1985. If the 9.3 new units per year rate continues, housing may be available for nearly all of the projected population expected by 1985, but no vacant units for sale or fcr rent would be available. This would be a highly improbable situation since vacant units are necessary to satisfy individual choice and to assure modest residential stability and growth. i Therefore, an increase in new units constructed between 1980 and 1985 seems warranted. The projected housing gap can be realistically realized through the dual approach of single-family and multi-family structures. Fully 61% of the 302 respondents to an additudinal survey item supported more multi-family 4 development within the Borough. The respondents who answered in the affirmative were also asked what type of multi-family developments they favared. The sunrey included four options, allowing for multiple answers, and are summarized below: 4 High Rise developents (over 3 levels) - 44 Town House development - 105 Low Rise development (less than 3 levels) - 86 Condominium development (owner-occupied) - 99

Generally speaking, Westmont residents favored the lower density develop- 4 ments such as tom houses and condominiums, and to a lesser extent low rise apartment buildings rather than high-rise structures. Residents also recommended specific sites for these developments including Edgehill Drive, Tioga Street, other sections of "Old Westmont'' , Goucher Street, Shelburne Drive and the corner of Menoher and St. Clair Road. bhny respondents noted that such developments should be near public transportation routes. 4 Approximately 40% of the 304 respondents to another item on the survey favored the development of additional single family housing. Sites recommended for this development include some of the same sites recommended for nailti-family development, Additional sites recommended by residents for single family housing include Menoher Boulevard beyond St. Clair Road, \\'est- i mnt High School Area, Greystone A-ea, Parkview Drive and scattered vacant lots within the Borough.

Table HS-9 should be viewed as a model delineating future housing needs. The housing gap can be reconciled by various approaches as suggested above, but requires the renovation of substaribrd homes as well. Only an approach of a wide scope will assure that future housing goals are realized.

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TABLE Hs-9 CALCULATING FUTURE HOUSING NEEDS WES"T BOROUGH a Method of Calculation Data Required Calculations 1. BOROUGH HOUSING NEED I lo Projected Household Projection of regional' 5,952 (1985) population in households to target year

Household Size Average nunber of persons 2.48 per household

Projected Number of 2,401 (1985) Projected household Households population divided by household size

Projected Number of 96 4% of projected house- Vacant Dwellings holds

. Housing Units Needed 2,497 Projected number of to Support 1985 households plus Population projected number of vacant unit s

2. BOROUGH HOUSING SUPPLY Existing Housing Stock Number. of existing dwell- 2,380 (1970) ing units

Substandard Units 11 5 5%of existing housing stock

Depreciated Units 23 1%of existing standard housing

Overcrowded Units Number of existing dwell- 26 ing units with 1.0+ persons per room

68 TABU HS-9 (Continued)

Method of Calculation Data Required Calculations Supply of Standard 2,144 Existing housing stock Housing minus ,substandard, depreciated and over- 4 crowded units

New Units Built Building Permits Issued 84 1970-79

ADJUSTED SUPPLY OF 2,228 Housing Supply plus STNARD HOUSING UNITS adjustment (1979)

3. 8oROUGH HOUSING GAP

Housing Gap 2 69 Housing Units Needed minus Adjusted Standard supply

4. NEW HOUSING UNITS Needed 1980-85 105 Housing Gap minus substandard depreciated 4 and overcrowded units 6

"Denotes deviation from Pennsylvania Housing Model based on local data and/or conditions.

SURCES: Penns lvania Housing Need and Allocation Model; Pennsylvania Depart- ment+ o Community Affairs, 1973. Census Tracts; Johnstown, PA 9lSA: 1970 Census of Population and Housing; U.S. Census Bureau, 1972. Cambria County Planning Comiission

69 0 c 0

Community Facilities Every community must provide certain facilities and services to satisfy the daily health, safety and cultural needs of its residents. This section examines those services and facilities to determine whether or not they adequately serve the residents of Westmont Borough.

Community facilities include schools, fire stations, police protection, recreation, municipal buildings, and other related facilities. Also added to the list are the utility services, both public and private, that provide water, gas, electricity, sewage disposal, and refuse collection to the citizens. All of these facilities are basic to the general welfare and continued economic prosperity of each resident, and therefore should be constantly improved and extended to maintain an optimum level of operation. MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATION D Westmont Borough subscribes to the 'Weak Mayor-Council'' foxm of government. It consists of seven elected Councilmen and one elected Mayor. Each member of Council is elected for four years with terms being staggered to insure that at no time will a completely new, inexperienced Council be in office. The Borough Council determines municipal policy, en- acts laws, approves budgets, votes appropriations, establishes borough tax rates, appoints borough officials and exercises general supervision over all Borough business.

The Mayor is also elected for four year terms. He or she does attend Council meetings but can only vote in the case of a tie. Any ordinance 0 or resolution passed by the Wesmnt Borough Council must be signed by the Mayor to make it legal and binding. Also, it is the Mayor's duty to re- organize the newly elected Council and preside over the Council meeting until a president can be chosen.

In order to better handle the administration of Borough concerns, 0 the Council is divided into six standing committees. These committees investigate matters related to their specific areas and report their findings and recommendations back to the Council for final action. The committees are :

1. Finance a 2. Personnel 3. Public Works a. Streets b. Engineering, Street Lights, Signs, etc. c. Storm and Sanitary Sewers 4. Fire and Safety a 5. Accounts, Claims, Property, and Purchases 6. Long Range Planning

An important role in the governmental process is playea by the many citizen Boards and Commissions, appointed wholly or in part by Westmnt Boroug 1 Council. These groups specialize in selected types of problems and serve as a advisors to the elected Council of the Borough. The following is a current list of the Boards and Commissions which Council has either formed or partic- ipates in jointly with other municipalities.

0 70 - Westmont Borough Planning Committee - West Hill's Regional Police Commission - Zoning Board of Adjustment - Shade Tree Commission - Westmont Hilltop Recreation Commission - Westmont Hilltop Recreation Authority - Board of Health - Civil Service Commission - Vacancy Board - West Hills Council of Governments. - Cambria/Somerset Council of Governments - Greater Johnstown Water Authority - Cambria County War Memorial Board In addition to the various Committees, Boards, and Commissions, the following is a list of Council Appointed Officials. Director of Public Works Police Chief Borough Solicitor Borough Treasurer Borough Engineer ' Borough Secretary and Assistant Secretary Zoning Ordinance Officer Borough Auditors Civil Defense Shelter Official PUBLIC BUILDINGS.

At the present time, the number of public buildings owned and operated by the Borough consists of four structures: the nnmicipal building at 1560 Menoher Boulevard, the fire station at Dartmouth Avenue and .Wayne Street, the maintenance and public works building. just off Edgehill Drive, and the "Grove" a recreation and storage building also just off Edgehill Drive. Municipal Building - 1560 Menoher Boulevard The building, a converted wood frame church has been used since 1959 as Borough offices. Located in the building are: the Borough secretary's offices and all Borough files, the Borough tax office, the Police Department, and Council chambers as well as the radio equipment for the West Hills Regional Police communications network. Sewage and garbage fees can also be paid at the Secretary's office. Fire Station - Dartmouth Avenue and Wayne Street The building houses the Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Department and all their equipment. The building is said to be somewhat crowded and not centrally located in order to ideally serve all portions of the Borough.

71 0

hhintenance Building - Edgehill Drive

0 The maintenance building, built in 1975 adjacent to the "Grove" building, houses the entire Public Works Department with the exception'of some storage still at the "Grove" building. The "Grove" building had been used as the maintenance facility but became congested and inefficient as the Borough grew. The "Grove" site was chosen as the site for the new facility because of the availability of sufficient space as well as its location out of the main stream of traffic and is well screened from the surrounding residential area. The new facility includes garages, work space, restrooms, and office for the Public Works Director. The rrGrove" - Edgehill Drive Located on a wooded site deeded to recreation, the "Grove", a wood frame structure contains a gymnasium, locker rooms, restroom and office for the Westmont Hilltop Recreation Commission. With an addition, the structure was once used also as the storage and service center for Borough maintenance equipment. Currently the building serves as a limited recreation facility and storage area. Funds from the Westmont Hilltop Recreation Commission are used to assist with the operation and upkeep of the building.

. In addition to the Borough owned buildings necessary for local governmental operations , many community facilities for various public and private use, such as, churches, schools, recreation and open space areas are available to the residents of Westmont Borough. The Community Facilities Map included with this section, locates these facilities. PUBLIC WRKS DEPARTMENT

Located at the "Grove" site the Department employs a full time Director and approximately fifteen laborers. The Department is the main trouble shooting department of the Borough, handling everyday problems and keeping mjor problems from developing. Through year round maintenance this department is responsible for the general appearance of the Borough. It handles the maintenance of streets, traffic control devices, sanitary and storm sewers, public buildings, park maintenance, Borough equipment maintenance and at one time garbage and trash collection. The Deparlxent located in a new facility is one of the best equipped of any municipality of this size. A street sign making machine is also located with the Depart- ment for use of subscribers to the West Hills Council of Governments. POLICE DEPARTMENT Located at the Borough Building at 1560 Menoher Boulevard, the Department, currently the West Hills Regional Police Department, formed in

72 1978 serves both Westmont and Brownstown Boroughs. The combined municipal Police Department is responsible for the public safety and welfare of the two communities. Nine full time uniformed Policemen, a Police Chief and Secretary are employed by the department as well as four Dispatchers for 4 the West Hills Regional Police Network. The radio netmrk also established in 1978 provides a communications system including burglar alarm service, fire radio service and police radio service. The radio service is located at the Westmont Borough building and provides service to Westmont and Browns- tow Boroughs as well as East Taylor Township. Lower Yoder Township which also subscribed to the radio service recently dropped their contract and 4 joined the Richland Township Radio Network. The Police Department has two 1980 vehicles, a four-wheel drive jeep and a sedan. FIRE AND AMBULANCE DEPAR"T Located at the Fire Station at Dartniouth Avenue and Wayne Street, 4 the Department is a totally volunteer Fire Department. They are responsible for all fire as well as all ambulance calls. There are approximately 43 members of the organization, of which 18 are trained Emergency Medical Technicians. A Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief are elected by the volunteers to head the organization. The ambulance, a 1977 fully equipped Chevrolet, averages one run per day which serves both Westmont and South- 9 mnt Boroughs. The fire engine, a 1973 LaFrance attack and supply pumper, averages approximately 12 msper month which serves Westmont Borough and primarily the municipalities of the hilltop. The company will respond to emergencys outside the immediate area if needed. The same holds true for other Fire Departments from other municipalities, they will respond to . emergencys in Westmont if needed. 3 The West Hills Regional Police Network located in the basement of the Borough building provides fire calls for Westmont and Brownstown Borough and East Taylor Township. Other municipalities of the hilltop area sub- scribe to the Richland Township Radio Network. Westrnont Volunteers are alerted of an emergency by way of home monitors, therefore no sirens are used. 4 Although somewhat crowded and not centrally located in the Borough, the Fire Department is well equipped and maintained.

"E ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE (I Located at 1560 Menoher Boulevard, the Administrative Office handles all administrative functions; works in conjunction with the other departments, handles reports and records and assists residents with information covering a wide range of subjects. The accounting and financial management procedures are handled by this office. A Secretary and an

73 Assistant Secretary are full time employees of this office. Also located in the Borough building are office space for a Borough Tax Collector who works by commission and filing space for a part time Zoning Officer. Many maps of the Borough including property maps and various engineering maps are kept at the Borough building where at one time a full time Borough. Engineer was employed. Much of the mapping has not been kept up to date and some mapping such as the utility mapping could be kept with the Public Works Department along Edgehill Drive. e RECREATIONAL FACILITIES In recent times there has been a flourishing interest in recreation, open space, beautification, and improvements related to environmental quality. As natural resources and undeveloped land decrease, the demand for open space and more recreational areas and opportunities increase. In addition, greater mobility, higher incomes, and mre participation in recreation are ,e factors that will dictate a demand by residents for a more satisfying, health- ful, and stimulating living environment. Recreation is a means of fulfilling this demand. It is necessary for physical, mental, emotional, moral health and well being of not only the youth of the community but people of all ages. Providing these recreation 0 facilities is not only desirable, but an essential function of modern government. Whether it is a passive recreational facility that presents an opportunity for relaxation, or a more active recreational center for physical relief through exercise, the comity must consider plans to meet the recreational needs of the citizens. e Wesmont Borough has acknowledged this need and is a participant of the Westmont Hilltop Recreation Commission, a cooperative endeavor of the Westmont Hilltop School District, Boroughs of Westmont and Southmont, and the Township of Upper Yoder. Created in 1966, the Commission consists of nine members: three appointed by the Westmont Hilltop School District and, two appointed from each of the other participating political subdivisions. The a function of the Commission is "to carry out a comprehensive recreational program for those political subdivisions that are parties to the agreement and to make policy as to the planning and direction of a recreation program." Because of a recently completed 1980 Westmont Hilltop Recreation Study prepared by H.F. Lenz Consulting Engineers and Planners, a more indepth 0 analysis of the recreational needs of Westmont Borough will not be included in this section. However, a complete inventory of recreational sites and facilities located in Westmont Borough and their general condition follows. The Community Facilities Map attached with this section will locate those facilities. The Future Community Facilities section suggests improvements that can e be undertaken to improve conditions at sone of those recreation sites.

e 74 TABLE cs-1 INENTORY OF EXISTING RECREATION SITES AND FACILITIES IN wES"M)fl BOROUCH

hES"M0NT HILLTOP SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL AiATHLETIC FIELDS

Location: Fair Oaks Drive Site Acreage: 67.0 Acres hership : Westmont Hilltop School District Condition : Good. 4 Facilities : School - Gymnasium and Auditorium 1 Football Field 1 Baseball Field Minor Play Equipment on Grass Play Area IEmNT TENNIS COURTS 4

Location : Fair Oaks Drive adjacent to the Wesmnt Senior High School Site Acreage: 0.5 Acre (estimate) Ownership : Westmont Hilltop Recreation Authority 4 . Condition : Good Fac il it ies : 4 Tennis Courts WESTMONT HILLTOP JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL AND PRICE FIELD

Location : Luzerne Street and Dimnd Boulevard 4 Site Acreage: 9.9 Acres Ownership : Westmont Hilltop School District Cond it ion : Good Facilities : School - Cymnasuim 8.8+ Acres Developed Recreation Area 1 FGtball Field Bleachers 1 Track mzMAN PLAYGROUND

Location : Goucher Street and blenoher kulevard Site Acreage: 1.8 Acres Ownership : Westmont Hilltop School District Condition : Fair Facilities : Miscellaneous Play Equipment and Playground OUR M3THER OF SORROWS SCHOOL PLAYGROUND

Location : Tioga Street Site Acreage: N/A Owner ship : Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church Condition: Fair Facilities : School - Gynnasiun/Cafeteria 4 1 Outdoor Basketball Court Miscellaneous Play Equipment

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FERNDALE AREA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL e Location: Darmuth Avenue Site Acreage : N/A Ownership : Ferndale Area School District Condition : Good Facilities : School - Gymnasium Locker Rooms . e ENGH FIELD

Location: Goucher Street and Jaffa Drive Site Acreage: 12.9 Acres *Mership : Borough of Westmont 0 Condition : Good Facilities: 1 Baseball/Softball Field Backstop and Bleachers 1 Multi-Purpose Ballfield Maintenance Shed/Parking

Location : Bucknell Avenue and Green Street Site Acreage : 10.0 Acres *Owner ship : Borough of Westmont Condition : Poor Facilities: 1 Softball Field 1 Multi-Purpose Open Field Area 1 Basketball Court 2 Tennis Courts Miscellaneous Play Equipnent

Locat ion : Edgehill Drive Site Acreage: 3.8 Acres "Ownership : Borough of IVestmnt Condition : Fair Fac il it ies : 1 Story Frame Structure with 1 Gymnasium Office Space Maintenance and Shower Areas STACKHOUSE PARK e Location : Lower Yoder Towship, Wesbnont and Bromstom Boroughs Site Acreage: 266.9 Acres (approximately 30% or 80 acres are within IVestmont Borough) Owner ship : City of Johnstown Cond it ion : Poor a Fac il it i e s : 160+ Acres Woodland 2 PZvilions and Picnic Areas Hiking Trails 3+ Acres of Open Field to be used as STom Water Debris Dam e 76 4

TABLE CS-1 (Continiled)

?HE "RIDGE" 4 hcation: Menoher Boulevard Site Acreage: 63.0 Acres Ownership : Joint ownership of the municipalities conprizing the Westmnt Hilltop Recreation Commission 4 Condition : Poor Facilities : 7+ Acres Developed Recreation Area SEelters and Picnicing Areas with Barbecue Pits and Picnic Tables Occupied 2-Story Brick Structure Kitchen Fac il ities 4 Restroans Storage, Maintenance and Office Space Apartment 1 Cafetorium (200 Capacity) 1 Basketball Court Game Court/Parking Area/bhor Play Equipment 4 SUNNEHANNA CmmY CLUB Location: Sunnehanna Drive Site Acreage: 164.7 Acres Omership : Sunnehanna Country Club Condition: Good Fac il it ies : 18 Hole Golf Course (Psr 72) Total Yardage - 6,900 Driving Range Practice Green pro shop Clubhouse Lounge, Conference and Dining Rooms 2 Tennis Courts Outdoor Swimming Pool (3,600 sq. ft.)

WESWNT BIKEWY

Location : Primary Routes ; Luzerne ,' Tioga , and Cauche-r Streets Site Acreage : WA . *Mership: Borough of Westmont Condition Good Facilities : Class I11 Bikeway at 4.8 miles 2 bike sheds 5 bike racks

4 77 0

TABU CS-1 (Continued)

0 Locat ion : Wlcknell Avenue and Tioga Street Site Acreage: 5.82 Acres *Owner ship : Westmont Borough Condition: Fair Facilities : Open Space SI"ZMAN/PALLISER LOG CABIN Arts Associates Community Art Center and Gallery Location: Menoher Boulevard Site Acreage: 3.23 Acres Owner ship : Arts Associates Condition : Restored/Good Condition Fac il it ies : Display Areas/Library/Fleeting Area Outdoor Landscaped Sett ing/hi th Pond JOHNSTOWN INCLINE PLANE Location: Between Roosevelt Boulevard and Edge Hill Drive at Hillside Park Site Acreage: 3.1 Acres "Owner : Westmnt Borough/leased to the Cambria County Tourist Council Condition : Fair Facilities: Incline Plane Sowen ir Shop/ Comfor t Station Overlook Platform

SOURCE: 1977 Cambria County Recreation Plan Update, Cambria County Planning Commission

Westmont Hilltop Recreation Master Plan 1980, H. F. Lenz Company

a 78 4 WATER SERVICE

All residents of Wesbnont Borough are provided with water by the Greater Johnstown Water Authority with the exception of approximately a half dozen homes which have private wells. Services are provided for the Authority by Laurel Management Company which is responsible for 4 the administration, design, construction and maintenance of the water system. The existing water mains which range in size from 2" - 12" and the existing. fire hydrants located throughout the Borough are indicated on the Water Service Map included in this section. No major problems have been re- 4 ported to exist with the water system with the exception of reports of low water pressure in the area around the St. Clair Road water tank. This is &de to the fact that homes immediately adjacent to the water tank are at approximately the same elevation and gravity flow is not great enough to provide good water pressure. This situation is overcome by most residents with the use of in house water, pumps. Scattered reports of water turbulance were also reported. Providing water service to any type of new residential development in Westmont should be no problem.

SANITARY SEWER SERVICE Westnont Borough has a separate sanitary sewer system which serves approximately 95% of the Borough with the remaining areas being on separate septic systems or are undeveloped. Parts of the system date back to when the Borough was originally developed, which make some of the system very old and of possible concern. The sewage from the system flows into and is treated . by the Dornick Point treatment plaht operated by the City of Johnstown, Bureau of Sewage, which has been permitted as a public utility by the Public Utility Commission.

The existing sewer mins which range in size from 8" to 18" located throughout the Borough are indicated on the Sanitary Sewer Service Map included in this section. The only major problem reported to exist with the system is a section of 18 inch interceptor sewer pipe located under Bethel Street. Approximately 250-300 feet of that major interceptor is said to be cracked and deteriorated and is in need of replacement. A section of that damaged pipe, 50 feet has already been replaced within the past'year." Problems with this particular section have been noted for years with one reason being that the pipe is located in a swale which also handles a lot of surface drainage.

A T.V. Sewer Inspection Program coordinated by the Johnstown Redevelop- ment Authority and implemented by the Cambria County Redevelopment Authority ' after the 1977 flood inspected sewer lines under Parkview Drive and a section of sewer located under Tioga Street Extension (a paper street which at one time was proposed to be constructed in the East Avenue area on the boundary of Stackhouse Park). No problems were discovered with the Parkview line but were found with a section of the Stackhouse line and have since been corrected. Minor problems such as reports of clogged lines, backups and rain water getting into the sewer system as well as the need for separate septic 4 systems in sone areas, were reported in the survey conducted for this report. A continual maintenance program should alleviate most clogging problems. Tests were conducted in the early 1960's to determine areas where rain water was entering the system and the situations were said to be corrected.* Additional

4 79 a tests in various sections of the Borough have also been conducted as recently as 1978 and 1980." Another problem of concern is the overloading of two sewage pumping stations, one located in Upper Yoder Township just beyond the West- mcmt Borough line along Menoher Boulevard and the other in Westmont Borough in the same area. The pumping stations are used to lift sewage by force flow a from a portion of Westmont Borough and primarily a sewered portion of Upper Yoder Township to graviety flow down the Menoher Boulevard line. The overloading has resulted in periodic raw discharge into nearby surface waters. The problem will compound itself as future development takes place and will require eventual upgrading to handle the increased capacity. A pump station at the end of Drexel Avenue has also been noted to overflow during a periods of heavy rains. On a regional basis the most critical problem involves the Dornick Point treatment playt, which attains only primary treatment criteria and does not meet efficient standards. In addition, several communities in this service area have combined storm and sanitary systems which result in over- a flows during periods of extended wet weather. A recommendation that the Dornick Point plant be upgraded to meet secondary treatment criteria has not been implemented, due to a low priority ranking on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources - Mmicipal Discharge Inventory. The plan recommends that the reduction of infiltration into the system be realized prior to any treament plant upgrading or service extensions, since this will effect future a design capacity of the plant. SrORM SEWER SERVICE Storm sewer service can best be described as a system of inlets, catch basins and underground piping to collect excess runoff from rainfall . created in developed areas, For the most part, inlets and catch basins are found along the edges of roadways with lines under them t:, collect the water and move it by gravity flow to an area or stream where it, ideally, is no longer a problem. Westmont Borough, as mentioned before, has a separate sanitary and storm sewer system, where a few local comities, currently or in the past have a combined system. This practice is strongly discouraged and illegal in any new development. Storm sewer systems of some design can be found throughout the Borough in most all developments that have taken place over the years. Mappings of the systems for this report was unable to be accomplished due to the lack of updated information. Any storm drainage lines in the Borough would flow in accordance with the downhill topography and watersheds of the Borough (see Watersheds kp).

# Problems, such as the exact needs, for any type of major storm sewer projects were not revealed in the investigation for this report. However, the need €or approximately six additional catch basins was reported and visual inspection of Stackhouse Park revealed broken and non-functioning storm lines and erosion of the hillside present from the runoff generated in portions of "Old" Westmont. The same type of problems are expected to have occurred on the opposite hillside laown as Hillside Park. Storm water management, as stated in a previous section of this report, is a regional concern and problem, and ii coming years new solutions will need to be applied in solving them.

*SOURCE: Hinks and Locker, Conmlting Engineers i Westmont Borough - Public Works Department 80 CAS/ELEC”RIC/TEL,EPHONEEP”E/CABLETELEVISION SERVICES Natural gas is supplied to consumers in Westmont Borough by the Peoples Natural Gas Company. Electric service is provided by the’Pennsylvania Electric Company. Telephone service is supplied by General Telephone Company 4 of Pennsylvania. Cable Television is also available to residents of the Borough from Telepromter Corporation. All of these public utilities are responsible for the services they provide to the Borough including installation and maintenance.

SOLID WASTE COLLECTION 4 The collection of household solid waste in Westmont Ebrough is currently contracted to Bonitz Trucking Company, a private hauler. Bonitz is presently under a two-year contract for the period 1979-80. The contract establishes a weekly limit of four bags per household. The present rates per household are $30 per year for curbside collection and $65 per year for back- yard collection. It should be noted that until 1979, Borough forces collected and transported household solid waste. Operators of commercial establishments within the Borough must individually contract with private haulers for refuse collection. According to the Solid Waste Management Plan Update for Region Six @I.F. Lenz Company, 1979), it is estimated that in 1976, 35,071 pounds of solid waste was generated every day in Westmont Borough, translating into approximately six (6) pounds per day per person. This estimate includes all forms of solid waste encompassing household, commercial, institutional, construction, street and other wastes, summarized on a per person per day basis as follows: 4 Household - 3.2 lbs. per day Commercial - 2.3 lbs. per day Street - 0.1 lbs. per day Other - 0.4 lbs. per day TOTAL 6.0 lbs. per day (per person) Annually, the solid waste generated in Westmont Borough amounts to 6,400 tons. While no landfills presently exist in Westmont Borough, it must be noted that organic and inorganic wastes picked up by Borough forces are dmped 4 at various undeveloped sites throughout the Borough. The wastes consist mainly of street refuse, gravel, sweepings, leaves and other wastes generated I during routine street maintenance. One such dump was visually inspected, located at the eastern end of Pitt Avenue Extension. Examples of wastes dumped there include sweepings, empty drums, chunks of asphalt and leaves. While such wastes create no public health problems, damage to trees was quite 4 evident and the overall quality of the natural envirorxnent of a residential neighborhood is degraded. Of course, the disposal of these bulk street wastes in sanitary landfills or demolition landfills would be preferable, however, it would be rather expensive as well given the additional costs associated with transportation and disposal.

81 Westmont Borough is part of the Westmont Hilltop School District which covers all of Westmont and Southont Boroughs and Upper Yoder Town- ship. The district was first created in 1918 and established Cambria County's first joint high school. The district has a total population of 15,046 (1978 CCPC estimate) with approximately 3,160 or 21% being school aged children (5-18 year olds). (See Population section for further breakdown of age groups for Westmont Borough.) The approximate number of school aged children is higher than the actual number of student enrollment listed for the Westmont Hilltop School District 1978-79 year of 2,098. This can be attributed to the fact that some students are enrolled in the Parochial School system, tne Greater Johnstown Vo-Tech program and private or special schools. mBLE cs-2 WESIMONT HILLTOP SCHOOL DISTRICT ENROLLPVIENT 1970 - 19'79

-Year Elementary Secondary To tal 1970-71 1364 1519 2883 1971-72 1259 1456 2715 1972-73 1219 1416 2635 1973-74 1198 1332 2 530 1974-75 1207 1260 2467 1975-76 1217 1190 2407 1976-77 1207 1137 2344 1977-78 1059 1071 2130 i978-79 1084 1014 2098

SOURCE: Appalachia Intermediate Unit 08; Statistical Report

The above table represents a continuous decrease in the school district's enrollment from 1970-71 through the 1978-79 school years. This decrease in enrollment can be related to the decline in population that is explained in detail in the Population section contained in this report. Basically the decline in enrollment can be attributed to the current trend of having smaller families and tne decrease in the number of child bearing # age families in the area.

There are four school buildings currently in use in the district: Southmont Elementary School, Goucher Street Elementary School, Westmont Hilltop Junior High School and the h'estmnt Hilltop Senior High School. The Junior High and part of the High School are located within Westmont Borough, the two elementary schools are located in Southont and Upper Yoder. The Stutzm Elementary School, located in Westmont, was once part of the system also, but was recently sold for private office use because of the declining enrollment. The Southmont Elementary School is also to be phased out in the near future.

82 The Westmont Hilltop SchDol District is a major sponsor of the ,Westmont Hilltop Recreation Commission (see Recreational Facilities addressed in this section). The District provides an annul monetary contribution to the Recreation Commission as well as provides and maintains recreational sites and facilities at the various schools. 4 Also located within Westmont Borough are two other schools. One, a Parochial elementary school affiliated with Our bbther of Sorrows Catholic Church and the other, the former Fbdef Sholem Elementary School currently being converted to an elementary school for the Ferndale School District. 4 Although an indepth study of the school system was not undertaken, nor was it the purpose of this report, the comments received from our attitudinal survey indicate that children receive a good education from the School District.

83 . 0 Wcereatiom Chwc I / /'\ 1. Senior High School Athletic Fields 12. Wes.tmont Hilltop Senior High School 24. St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church ~ / \ 2. Engh Field 13, Westmont Hilltop Junior High School 25. Westmont Church of the Brethren 3. Stutzman Playground & Tennis Courts 14. Ferndale Area Elementary School 26 Johnstown Bible Church 4. Junior High School Athletic Fields 15. Our Mother of Sorrows 27. Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church 5. Stackhouse Park Elementary School 28. Westmont United Methodist Church e 6. The "Mound" 29. Beth Sholom Synagogue 7. The "Grovett 30. Westmont United Presbyterian Church 8. Reservoir Park 31. Our Mother of Sorrows Roman 16. Arts Associates Community Catholic Church Art Center and Gallery e 17. Sunnehanna Country Club 10. Westmont Borough Fire Station 19. St. Clair Road Water Tank 11. Westmont Borough Maintenance Building 20. Vacant Borough Owned Land 21. The "Ridge" Recreation Area //'/?\ _//_ \ 22 Westmont Bikeway \ // _/-* \ 23. Proposed Stackhouse Park \ 0 _/// \ Bicycle Trail //* \ //_

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Transportation Every American is dependent to some extent on the transportation system serving the community or region in which he or she lives. It is the transportation network which permits a seperation between where we live and where we work or play by providing for personal mvement between these places. It is also transportation which allows us to stay in one place, if that is our desire, by facilitating the mvement of essential goods and services to us from elsewhere. In short, transportation provides Americans with the sort of convenience and mobility that is so characteristic of America. a Yet a transportation system which provides for convenience and mobility in one community may be totally inappropriate to the needs of another community. Super highways and rapid mass transit systems which are essential to the movement of people and freight in metropolitan I centers simply would be counter-productive in rural America, for instance.

The transportation needs of Westmont Borough are dictated by such factors as population, employment and land use patterns of the community. More specifically, Westmont Borough's roads primarily serve as access for local residents and secondly are valuable to industrial and commercial establishments for the mobility of goods and services to or from their area. This section will inventory and evaluate the existing transportation system in Westmnt Borough and determine the adequacy of the present system in meeting the present needs of the community.

CLASSIFICATION OF STREETS AND HIGHWAYS Each street and highway in Westrrront Borough can be classified according to the character of service it is intended to provide. Basic to the classification is the recognition that no highway is, by itself, capable of serving the mbility demands of modern America. A nmber of highways, each with its own function and integrated as a system, is necessary to provide for the mobility of goods and people which is the hallmark of mdern society. The functional classification of highways defines the part each highway plays in the flow of trips through the highway network. The concept of a functional classification of highways was originally developed by the United States Department of Transportation in the 1968 National Highway Functional Classification Study Manual. According to the classification system, all roads are first categorized into sub- systems, depending on the nature of the community they serve. Urban and

rural areas have different density and land use characteristics which I largely determine the character of their road system. Accordingly, separate classifications of rural and urban road systems have been developed by the United States Department of Transportation.

The character of Westmont Borough makes the most appropriate classification of its highways urban and accordingly, only the urban classification will be discussed in this plan. As established by the Federal Highway Administration, the four functional systems for an urbanized area are urban principal arterials, minor arterial streets, collector streets, and local streets.

87 Principal Arterials The urban primary arterial system consists of those highways which exhibit the following characteristics. (I 1. Serve the major centers of activity of a metro'politan area, the highest traffic volume corridors, and the longest trip desires; and should carry a high proportion of the total urban area travel on a minimum of mileage. 2. Provide for the major portion of the trips entering and 4 leaving the urban area as well as the mjority of through movements desiring to bypass the central city.

3. Serve substantial travel of a statewide or interstate nature.

4. Carry significant inter-area travel, such as between central business districts and outlying residential areas or between major inner-city communities. Frequently the principal arterial system will carry important inter-urban as well as inter-city bus routes. 5. Provide continuity for all rural arterials which inter- cept the urban boundary. There is also a need to sub-divide upon this urban principal arterial class since the pace of traffic movement may vary from one area to another along the arterial. The three types of principal arterials a recognized are interstates, urban extensions, and other principal arterials. The first is just what the name implies. It will carry traffic through one and often across many states with virtually non-stop,,free flowing movement of traffic, and provide direct access to urbanareas. The urban 'extension occurs exclusively within the urbanized area and often winds through urban municipalities and central cities. "Other principal arterials" are usually sections that provide major connections between the urban extensions. Both the urban extension and the "other principal arterials" have a less free-flowing movement of traffic than the interstate.

Westmont Borough is traversed by only one such highway of the principal arterial class, this being Menoher Boulevard (Traffic Route 271). This roadway also exhibits the characteristics of a principal arterial , urban extension highway according to the 1980 Functional Classification Code and can be labeled as such. Greater explanation of this class of highway will be resumed under the heading of Regional Highway Systems. Minor Arterials

The urban minor arterial street system should, in conjunction with the major arterials, provide a level of service consistent with the following characteristics.

88 1. Have a lower level of travel mobility than mjor arterials and distribute travel to geographic areas smaller than those identified with the higher system. e 2. All arterials not classified as principal and containing' facilities that place more emphasis on land access than the higher system, and offer a lower level of traffic mbility. Such facilities my carry local bus routes and provide intracomunity continuity, but ideally should not penetrate identifiable neighborhoods. 0 3. Urban connections to rural collector roads where such connections have not been classified for internal reasons as urban principal arterials.

4. The spacing of minor arterial streets may vary from I) 1/8 - 1/2 mile in the central business district to 2 - 3 miles in the suburban fringes, but should normally be not more than 1 mile in fully developed areas. Within the Borough of Westmnt the following streets exhibit the qualities of an urban minor arterial according to Federal Highway Admin- istration 1980 Functional Classification of Highways. Goucher Street Luzerne Street Bucknell Avenue (Luzerne Street to Wyoming Street) 0 Wyoming Street (Bucknell Avenue to Brownstown Hill) Collectors

The urban collector street provides land access service by demonstrating the following characteristics.

0 1. Providing traffic circulation within residential neighborhoods, commercial and industrial areas.

2. Penetration of residential neighborhoods which makes it different from the arterial system. 0 3. Distributing trips from the arterials through the area to

ultimate destinations and conversely collects traffic from # local streets in residential neighborhoods and channels it into the arterial system. According the the Federal Highway Administration 1980 Functional Classification of Highways, the following streets in Wesbnont Borough are designated as urban collectors. e

0 89 St. Clair Road wenoher Boulevard northwest to Borough line) Emnet Drive Sunnehanna Drive (Menoher Boulevard to Emmet Drive) Luzerne Street Extension Millcreek Road i Bucknell Avenue (Millcreek Road tc Luzerne Street) Tioga Street (Bucknell to Edgehill Drive) Edgehill Drive (Tioga Street to Keller Street) Keller Street (Edgehill Drive to bkKeever Street) The Cambria County Planning Commission is also recomnending that the following streets having the characteristics of urban collector streets be reclassified to urban collector streets. Parkview Drive (Menoher Boulevard to Minno Drive) Minno Drive (Parkview Drive to Willet Drive to shopping center) Willet Drive (Minno Drive to Goucher Street) i Stanford Avenue (Nenoher Boulevard to St. Clair Road) The particular traffic demand for each of these streets will be discussed in the Future Transportation portion of this report. Local Streets 4

I The urban local street system includes all remaining facilities that are not one of the higher system classifications. Its main functional purpose is to provide direct access to abutting land and access to the higher . order systems. It offers the lowest level of mobility and usually contains no bus routes. Service to "through traffic movement" is usually deliberately 4 discouraged.

Included in this category are all of the remaining streets and roadways in Westmont Borough, which are maintained by the Borough.

90 DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS AND CRITERIA

The ability of a highway system to adequately accommodate a current and future traffic demands is dependent on design charaaeristics and traffic controls used for each roadway. Criteria such as right-of-way and pavement widths, grades, alignment, intersection features, and traffic signalization are all essential in the proper design of a highway. As a part of the traffic survey for Westmont Borough, a discussion of the basic design criteria used in the development and construction of a highway is 0 presented below and summarized in part in Table TS-1 (Urban Design Criteria). Right-of-way Widths

The right-of-way width of a street or highway consists of all land either occupied by the roadway or adjacent to the paved roadway and a is between the property lines of abutting properties. The entire right- of-way is generally available for public use, including: street widening, sidewalks, fire hydrants, planting strips and utilities which may be either above or below ground. Rarely is all right-of-way occupied by the street or other public facilities. The width of the non-used right-of-way largely determine the potential of the street to carry additional traffic and/or support such additional public facilities as mentioned above.

Minimum right-of-way widths are generally not suggested by the Penn- sylvania Department of Transportation (PennDC)T). Right-of-way width should be provided adequate to maintain and construct the roadway. Future widening should be considered where such is a possibility. Also, where needed for safety, additional right-of -way may be required for sight distance purposes. Pavement Widths

Pavement width refers to that portion of the roadway which is .suited to the flow of vehicular traffic. This width would include the entire paved 0 width regardless of whether the roadway includes parking or does not. Where parking is permitted, however, the effective ability of-the roadway to support traffic may be decreased. For example, a thirty-foot wide paved roadway could support three ten-foot traffic lanes if no parking is permitted; yet, with parking, it would probably support only two lanes. Minimum pavement widths for the various classes of highways reviewed earlier are presented in * Table TS-1. Horizontal Alignment Horizontal alignment refers to the degree of curving that is seen in a road. This can vary from straight to sharply curved. The maximum horizontal curvature for the various categories of highways is shown in Table TS-1 Urban Design Criteria. This feature of a roadway is important for considerations of adequacy to handle traffic flow and safety. Data on horizontal alignment for the &rough's major street system, a is listed in general terms in Table TS-2, Existing Thoroughfare Characteristics.

0 91 Street Intersection

bbst highways intersect on relatively level land and at right angles. Improperly designed intersections are frequently the sites of traffic accidents. These accidents may, of course, have occurred as a result of driver's carelessness, but there may be supporting causes such as the angle of the intersection, the grades of the intersecthg streets, sight distances and turning radii. The exact engineering prerecpisites for a safe traffic intersection are beyond the scope of this report. Several general safety rules in the design of the intersections, however, are that streets should intersect at right angles and no more than two streets should intersect at one point. 4

Street Grades The grade of a street or highway is nothing more than the slope or steepness of the roadway. Grades affect the service provided by the roadway in three ways: 4

1. Required braking distance is less on upgrades and greater on downgrades than on level highways. Accordingly, more space is required between vehicles going down grades than between vehicles going up grades in order to maintain a safe braking distance. (1

2. The presence of a grade will generally restrict horizontal sight distance, thereby limiting safe passing zones.

3. Some vehicles may not be capable of negotiating steep upgrades at normal speed and will therefore slow the i traffic of following vehicles.

In general, streets exhibiting severe grade characteristics can pose difficult problems. In many cases, due to prevailing topographic conditions, little or nothing can be done to reduce the degree of grade on any given road section. With new street construction, however, the following design standards should be applied.

92 L a

TABLE TS-1 -- URBAN DESIGN CRITERIA

Design Pavement Parking Lane Median Maximum4 mimm Class of Highway Criteria Width (Minimum) Width Width Grade Horizontal Curvature

Principal Arterials 50-70 MPH 4 or more 12' None 16'-60' 3-7% 7O (Suburban) lanes divided (Downtown) 50-70 MPH 4 or more 12' None 16'-36' 3-7% 7" lanes divided

Minor Arterials (Suburban) 40-60 MPH 1.2' lanes1 10'-12'2 16' 510% 11"-21" (DOwntOhTl) 30-50 MPH 12' lanes1 10' -12'J 16t3 611% 11"-21°

Collectors 30-40 MPH 10' -12'lanes (two) 8' -10' Up to 16' 10% 21O

~ ~~ ~~~~ ~ ~ -~ Local Streets 20-30 Mph 10'-12' lanes (two) 8'-10' None 12% 30'

'Number of lanes determined by lane capacity design for selected level of service.

' 2Eight foot minimum parking lanes may be provided, when justified. 3Four feet is acceptable for sections with lateral control and with no traffic control devices in the median. 4&ximum grade varies, based on design speed and terrain (level, rolling and mountainous) of highway.

SOURCE: PennDOT, Urban Design Criteria, December, 1979.

CD w VETMONT BOROUGH - MAJOR THOROUP'ARES

The purpose of this section is to further describe and classify the roadway system in Westmont Borough according to the federal classification of highways presented in the initial sections of this -report. The functional use classification includes a description of those roads and highways within the major street system that can be classified as principal arterial highways, minor arterials, collectors and local streets. Those roads that fall within these classes of highways and are within the Borough limits, are listed with their characteristics noted on the following Table TS-2 (Existing Thoroughfare Characteristics) and are illustrated on the accompanying Trans- portation Map 1. Regional Highway System Westmnt Borough is surrounded by a complex network of streets and highways that provide mobility not only within the Johnstown area, but on a regional basis as well. In the context of regionality, there are hvo I highways of prime importance in Westmont Borough, these being knoher Boulevard (T.R. 271) and Goucher Street (L.R. 11011; L.R. 11101). Traffic Route 271 traverses Westmont Borough as well as Johnstown in a north-southwesterly direction, providing major linkages to several other principal urban extensions. Northwards, T.R. 271 bisects T.R. 56, an important arterial highway which runs westward as an expressway through the City of Johnstown, and finally T.R. 271 merges with U.S. 219 near Spangler Borough. Before merging with U.S. 219, Traffic Route 271 connects with U.S. 22 and further north crosses the path of U.S. 422, both important arteries that run east-west across the state. Moving in a southerly direction T.R. 271 passes through Ligonier and meets with Route 30 which provides access to the ( Pittsburgh area. Goucher Street, which bisects hestmnt Borough in a north-south direction affords access in a northerly direction to Route 56 and 403 via "D" Street and Fairfield Avenue in the City of Johnstown. In a southerly direction Goucher Street links up with Franklin Street (L.R. 851) which merges with the Somerset Pike (old U.S. 219) in Somerset County. Connecting the more populated areas of the Borough with the regional arteries is a complex network of various other minor arterial, collector and Borough streets. Traffic on these roads, for the mst part, originate or terminate within the Borough. They function primarily to provide access to activities within and adjacent to Westmont Borough. Thoroughfare Characteristics As mentioned above, Westmont Borough is served by a complex network of streets and highways. Only two of these highways have regional significance, these being kknoher Boulevard (Traffic RGute 271) and Goucher Street (L.R. 11011 and L.R. 11101). However, the majority of roadway mileage within the Borough is distributed by the numerous local streets that form a complex pattern in the comity. It would be impractical within the context of this report to address all of the Borough's local streets, and for this reason, only those streets and highways which comprise the major street system will be discussed.

I 94 TABLE TS-2 EXISTING THOROUGHFARE CHARACTERISTICS BOROUGH OF WES"T, CAMRRIA OLJNlY, PENNSYLVANIA

Roadside istruction Horizontal 1977* Traffic Parking iition Grade Alignment A.D.T. Flow Permitted

, Fair Level to Straight to Two Lanes, Emergency Only Steep Sharply Curved Two Way No Signs

, Good to Level Straight to Two Lanes, Emergency Only, Sharply Curved Two way No Signs , Fair Level Straight Two Lanes, No Parking, Two JPqJ Colgate to (Divided) Bucknell , Good to Level Straight Two Lanes, West Side Two Way , Fair Level to Straight Two Lanes Ibergency Only, Moderate Two Way No Signs

, Fair Steep Sharply Curved Two Lanes, Emergency Only Two Way No signs

, Good Level to Straight to Two Lanes, Emergency Only, Steep Sharply Curved Two Way No Signs , Caod Level to Straight to Two Lanes Yes Moderate Sha-qly Curved Two Way No Signs TABLE TS-2 (Continued)

Roadside Right-of-way Pavement Surface Construction Horizontal 1977" Traffic Parking 1 Width Width and Condition Grade Alignment A.D.T. Flow Permitted

Q Ili. 50 Ft. 29 Ft. Bituminous, Good to Level to Straight ------Tizro Lanes, West Side Fair Mdera te Two Way yli. 60 Ft. 24 Ft. Bituminous, Fair Level Straight to ------Two Lanes, South 5ide .I S1ightly Curved Two Way 4.. 48-60 Ft. 18-20 Ft. Bituminous, Fair to Level to Straight to ------Two Lanes No Parking, Poor Steep Sharply Curved Two Way Anytime 4i. 60 Ft. 22 Ft. Bituminous, Good Level to Straight ------Two Lanes, No Parking Moderate Two Way hythie 4i. 60 Ft. 22 Ft. Bituminous, Good Level to Straight ------Two Lanes, North Side Moderate Two Way

4i. 50-60 Ft. 18-22 Ft. Bituminous Level to Straight To ------Two Lanes, West Side, Good to Poor Steep Slightly Curved Two Way No Signs yli. 40 Ft. 11 Ft. Concrete, Poor Steep Straight to ------Two Lanes Eher6ei:cy Only, Sharply Curved Two Way No Sigr-3 ti. r) volumes -- available only for state maintained highways Sd Log, Cambria County Planning Comission

Ir e

e Roadway Mileage

As noted in Table TS-2, Existing Thoroughfare Characteristics, there are a total of 7.80 miles of roadway on the major thoroughfare system in Westmont Borough. This includes 1.89 miles classed as Principal Arterlals, 1.96 miles classed as Minor Arterials and 3.95 qiles in Collector Streets. It should be noted that from this total of 7.80 miles, 3.18 miles are State maintained, this includes Menoher Boulevard (T. R. 271), Goucher Street and St. Clair Road.

0 PennDOT's official road mileage inventory records the Borough as having a total of 26.77 ir, roadway mileage (all classes) this includes 7.80 miles of major thoroughfare roadway and 18.97 miles of the local street category (the majority of this class of roads, as can be seen on the existing thoroughfare map, are used primarily for access of the Westmnt Borough e residents and business community). Right-of-way Widths

Right-of-way widths on the Borough's major thoroughfare system generally range from 40 to 60 feet except in the case of Goucher and Luzerne Streets where right-of-way widths increase to approxbtely 80 feet. (Tzble TS-2). Aside from pavement width, the R.O.W. width in most major thoroughfare systems includes parking and sidewalk facilities.

It is evident that some streets in Westmont Borough classified as major thoroughfares because of their present accumulated traffic demand 0 and function, have right-of-way widths that are generally below the contemporary prescribed minimum standards." l'his situation is not suprising since mst of the streets were originally laid out many years ago when service demand and subsequent standards were lower. Therefore, some streets have narrow right-of-way widths. For the most part this situation creates no special circulation problems, however a hazardous condition does exist along Menoher Boulevard west of St. Clair Road to the Borough line. The ideal recommended right-of-way width for this class of roadway is 60-SO* ft., the aforementioned segment of Menoher Boulevard has a right-of-way width of 33 feet, Additional right-of-way along this portion of roadway would allow for possible future alignment and sight clearance improvement projects. Pavement Widths

Pavement widths on the Borough streets and highways vary from as low as 11 feet along Keller Street to 36 feet along portions of Menoher Blvd. (T.R. 271). Ebst of the major street system falls within the 18-foot-to-24 foot range in relation to pavement width. Although some of the collector and local streets provide a little less than recornended width €or parking and traffic flow (refer to Table TS-2), all have an adequate width when considering their basic functional use or traffic volume. Buchell Avenue is an exception and will be discussed in more detail later in this report.

*kSOURCE: Urban Planning and Design Criteria, Joseph DeChiara/Lee Koppelmn

98 Surface Construction and Condition

With the exception of Keller Street which is partly concrete, all other roads consist of bituminous pavement with conditions generally ranging from good to fair, and in some places, fair to poor. The streets that are 4 rated as bituminous - good-fair were judged according to the smoothness quality of the street, as a whole. The streets with a fair-poor condition were not severaly damaged along the entire length, but certain sections were characterized as needing surface repairs and general pothole patching.

Horizontal Aliment and Grades 4 Proper street alignment is important to insure safety of travel and efficient traffic movement. Coupled with inadequate right-of-way widths and slightly inadequate surface conditions is the unavoidable presence of unlevel streets with varying slopes or grades. Westnmt Borough's street system was developed to serve the existing topography in the best way possible. An actual look at the Borough's street pattern would show that the streets or portions of streets running across the slope generally are more level than the others that run up and down the slope. The confcrming of these streets to the adverse slope conditions existing in Westxont Borough has also created on many places the problem of poor horizontal alignment. This situation exists on many of the Borough's major thoroughfares and local streets, creating difficult 4 problems on some of the more heavily travelled roadways. In any event, under the prevailing topographic conditions, little or nothing can be done to effectively correct those situations. -Average Daily Traffic The average daily traffic (ADT) volume data shown in Table TS-2 Exist- ing Thoroughfare Characteristics are 1977 figures extracted from PennDOT's 1978 Pennsylvania Road Log. Traditionally, this. and other kinds of pertinent traffic data are compiled by PennDOT as input into the State Road Log. Traffic surveys are conducted along state legislative routes only, and information is compiled on a County and PennDOT district level. Inspection of recent 4 traffic surveys for Cambria County has revezled significant increases in traffic volumes along legislative routes traversing Westsnont brough. For example, traffic volumes along Goucher Street from its junction with Flenoher Boulevard (T. R. 271) northeast to the Borough line increased from 11,650 vehicles a day in 1975 to 12,320 vehicles in 1977, a net increase of 670 vehicles over a 24 hour counting period. Average Daily Traffic. increases along Goucher Street and the other major iliorou@ifares in the Borough have signifi-cantly contributed to the congested conditions existing along these roadways. Hazardous Intersections - Signalization- Hazardous intersections or roadway points are generally characterized by problems involving conflicting traffic-turning movements, heavy traffic volumes, poor sight distances, excessive grades and turning angles between roadways, railroad grade crossiqgs and numerous other features. The survey of the Westmont Borough street system revealed many roaclwzys and street I

U 99 intersections 'with one or a combination of the above mentioned hazardous conditions which are located on BSp No. 1 and referenced on Table TS-3 (Accident Statistics). !&st of these problems were created originally when the streets were first built, largely in conformity with the steep grades and numerous intersections that prevail in the Borough. Fkmy of these problems are well-known and motorists use extreme caution when passing through, or avoid them altogether. As a result, few accidents may occur at such points so that no real proof other than visual observation of the existing road construction characteristics at that point exists. 0 Useful in the identification of hazardous intersections are the municipal accident reports prepared by PernDOT's Bureau of Accident Analysis. Annually, PennDOT compiles accident data statewide froin accident reports received from involved motorists, state police and municipal police departments. This information is available to municipal governments that participate e in the Bureau Accident Record System. Inspection of PennDOT's accident reports for Cambria County over a three-year period (1974-1976) revealed many incidents of car accidents from Westmont Borough. Although there were no deaths as a result of two-car collisions, there are numerous cases of injured persons and often severe property damage. This information zlong with month, year, location of accident occurrence and accident cause are found in Table TS-3. Not every incident during the past three years is listed on the table since the criteria for listing them is only accidents within any particular intersection that was the scene of mre than three (3) accidents in the three year period (January 1, 1974 - December 31, 19761. e A hazardous intersection, for instance, would be that of Goucher Street and Menoher Boulevard (T. R. 271) which displayed a total of 18 accidents, 7 injuries and $21,400 in property damage during the three year period (Table TS-3). Further examination of the Accident Analysis Table reveals that the majority of these accidents occurred bec.ause of simple driver error such as

1. 1. turnirig without clearance and following too closely. Th.e intersection of these two very high volume highways is a point of great traffic hazard and congesti-on, even though it is we11 signal- ized with modem traffic lights and pavement markings. Possible solutions to rectify this dangerous situation will bc discussed in the Future Trans- portation Section of this plan. Traffic Flow and Parkine

Westmont Borough's major thoroughfare street system consists entirely of two-lane, two directional roadways as indicated on the Transportation Study Map. Also included in the system is a t~olane segment of Luzerne Street 1. which is divided by a center medial grass strip. Further examination of the Map reveals the existence of automatic signalization at the intersection of Goucher Street and Flenoher Boulevard. Other kinds of traffic regulators throughout Westiiont Borough come in the form of stop signs, which have been erected on most local streets, in particular where a roadway with a lower E classification intersects a highway of a higher classification. Parking is prohibited on many of the major streets in Westmnt Borough because of the high volunie of traffic flow and limited right-of-way. Parking is permitted however, in most instmces on an emergency only basis. These restricted zones are usually acknowledged by signs or by yellow paint markings on street curbing. Legal street parking is allowed on a few major 4 thoroughfares in the Borough and are marked acc,ordingly (Refer to Transportation Map 1). A hazardous situation has been found to exist along Buclaell Avenue where parking is allowed along one side of this narrow street and will be discussed in €urther detail in the Future Transportation Section.

a .-

T-ABLE TS - 3 IES"V!ONT IjOROUGH,ACCIDE!! STATISTICS - INTERSECTION AND &!ID-BLOCK COJfBIhm - 1974-1976

-~ - VALUE OF ACCIDENT" mm/ hmIBER mBER ' PROPERTY ACCIDENT LOCATION YEN? KILLED INJURE3 DAbIAGE($) CAUSE

MENOHER BOULEVARD INTERSECTIONS :

Saint Clair Road May, 1974 0 0 $ 400 S1 ippery Road Surface

11 May, 1975 0 1 1,000 Parked, Stopped Vehicle

I1 August, 1976 0 0 2,900 Running Stop Sign

I1 December, 1976 0 c) 800 Brake Failure

Parkview Drive October, 1974 0 0 50'0 Turning Ifthclut C1earaxe

I1 May, 1975 0 0 1,100 Running Stop Sign

I! May, 1976 0 0 h/A Proceeding IVitliout Clearance

Goucher Street February, 1974 0 1 300 Turning From Wrong Lane

April, 1974 0 2 500 Fol.lowing Too Clozely

April, 1974 0 0 400 Following Too Ciosely

August, 1974 0 0 N/A Turning Without Clearance

II August, 1974 0 0 1,600 Turning IVithout Clearance

11 August, 1974 0 0 1,400 Driver Lost Control

I1 August, 1974 0 0 2,300 Turning WithoEt Clearance

September, 1974 0 0 8 00 Foll07v%'lg TOO Closely

October, 1974 0 1 1,200 Running Red Signal . . .,r TABLE' TS - 3 (Continued)

VALUE OF

' ACCIDENT* blONTH/ NUMBER hUlIBER PROPERTY ACCIDENT LOCATION. YEAR KILLED IN,JWD DAMAGE ($) CAUSE

EENOHER BOULEVARD IhTERSECTIONS : (Continued)

Goucher Street November, 1974 0 0 600 Slippery Road Surface 4

11 October, 1975 0 0 3,000 Running Red Signal

11 October, 1975 0 0 300 Following Too Closely

11 November, 1975 0 0 2,800 Brake Failure 4

11 December, 1975 0 0 700 Turning Without C1earance

11 December, 1975 0 0 300 Turning From Wrong Lane 4

11 April, 1976 0 1 4,000 Turning Without C1earance

11 April, 1976 0 0 1,000 Misc. Driver Condition

11 November, 1976 0 2 2 00 Turning Too Wide MENOHER BOULEYARD MID-BLOCK: South West of Cynthia Drive January, 1975 0 0 $ 500 Driver Lost Control

11 March, 1976 0 0 1,000 Driver Lo s t Cont ro 1

11 July, 1976 0 0 600 Driver Lost Control

South West of Saint Clair Road September, 1975 0 1 700 Driver Lost Control

11 February, 1976 0 1 2,500 Driver Drowsey or As1eep West of Stanford Avenue May, 1974 0 0 8 00 Careless Passing

11 May, 1974 0 0 600 Sudden Entrance - Animal

103 TBLE TS - 3 (Continued) e VALUE OF ACCIDENT" "/ hWBER AJJhIBER PROPERTY ACCIDENT LOCATION WAR KILLED IIdmB DANAGE ($) CAUSE a MENOHER BOULEVARD MID - BLOCK : (Continued) West of Stanford Avenue August, 1974 0 0 5 00 Following Too Closely

West of Car ele ss Par king e Sunset Avenue July, 1976 0 0 300 Movement hJest of Viemont Avenue December, 1975 0 0 1,200 Glare Conditi.ons

West of Goucher Failed to Heed e Street September, 1974 0 0 1,000 Stopped Ve hicl-e April, 1975 0 0 7 00 Illegal Lane Change

11 October, 1976 0 0 N/A Folloiting Too Closely a West of Heidelberg Lane February, 1975 0 0 IqA Car eless Pass ins West of The0 Court blarch, 1974 0 0 800, Careless blerge e West of Sunneharma Driving Above Safe Drive July, 1975 0 1 1,000 Speed

11 June, 1976 0 0 900 Following Too Closely

\\Jest of Christopher * Street December, 1974 0 0 200 Careless klei-ge West of.Gal-dner Street March, 1974 0 1 2,500 Driver Lost Control

West of Mi1cr.eek Drivitig Above Safe 0 Road November, 1974 0 0 N/A Speed

11 May, 1975 0 2 2,200 Drivj.ng on Wrong Side of Road a

e 104 TABLE TS - 3 (Continued)

VALUE OF 4

ACCIDENT” mm/ NUfiBER !UMBER PROPERTY ACCIDEhT~~ ~ LOCATION YEAR KILLED JNJUPED DAMAGE ($) CAUSE

- I-- GOUCFIEK STREET INTERSECTIONS : 4 Menoher Boulevard (See Menoher Boulevard Iiitersections - Goucher Street)

Will et Drive July, 1975 0 1 $ 1,300 Following Too Closely

I? September, 1975 0 0 700 General Inattention

?I August, 1976 0 1 N/A Cycl ist Darted Onto Road

11 August, 1976 0 n N/A Turning Without C1earance 4

I? September, 1976 0 0 1,500 Turning IVithout C1earande

CIOUCHER STREET MID-BLOCK : 4 North West of Mellon Ct. February, 1976 0 0 1,200 Driver Lost Control South of Pitt Avenue November, 1974 0 0 N/A Glare Conditions 4 I? August, 1975 0 2 1,8CO Above Safe Speed North of Sunshine Avenue June, 1974 0 0 400 Following Too Closely

South of Menoher 4 Boul eval-d June, 1975 0 0 N/A Driver Lost Control

11 December, 1976 0 0 600 Following Too Closely

South of Jaffa Failed to Meed Drive October, 1974 0 0 2,000 Stopped Vehicle 4 July, 1976 0 0 300 Following Too Closely October , 1976 0 0 1,100 General Inattention

South of Fmet (I Drive April, 1974 0 0 400 Following Too Closely

11 October , 1976 0 0 1,600 Following Too Closely

I 105 TABLE TS - 3 (Continued)

VALUE OF ACCIDENT* m"/ "MBER NlhlJ3ER PROPERTY . ACCIDENT LOCAT ION YEAR KILLED INJURED DAMAGE($) CAUSE

GOUCHER STREET MID-BLOCK: . (Continued)

South of Willet Drive July, 1976 0 0 500 Following Too Closely LUZERNE SIYEET MID-BLOCK: South West of Harvard Avenue bay, 1975 0 0 700 General Inattention

South West of Driver Doing Other Yale Avenue August, 1975 0 0 1,500 Tasks, Bad Visibility

West of Idaho Street April , 1974 0 0 800 Driver Lost Control

West of Geneva Miscellaneous Avenue December, 1975 0 0 2,000 Driver Condition

West of Geneva Sudden Entrance - Avenue December , 1975 0 0 $ 600 Animal West of Miscellaneous Emory Avenue June, 1975 0 0 2,000. Driver Condition

11 December, 1975 0 0 N/A General Inattention

West of Buchell Miscellaneous Avenue August, 1974 0 0 1,200 Vehicle Failure

11 Mrch, 1975 0 0 1,200 Brake Failure

11 September , 1976 c) 0 300 Careless Merge or Entry

BUCKNELL STFEET MID-BLOCK

North .of Blair Driving on Wrong Street November , 1976 0 0 300 Side of Road Driving on Wrong North of Luzerne Street March, 1975 0 1 2,500 Side of Road, Driver Lost Control

106 TABLE TS - 3 (Continued)

VALUE OF ACC IDETVT* m"/ NUMBER NUMBER PROPERTY ACCIDENT 4 LOCAT ION YEAR KILLED INJURED DAMAGE($) CAUSE

BUCKNELL STREET MID- BLOCK : (Cont hued) North of Luzerne 4 Street June, 1975 0 0 N/A Miscellaneous Driver Condition North of Mifflin Miscellaneous Street December , 1975 0 0 500 Driver Condition 4 MILLCREEK ROAD MID-BLOCK:

South' West of Geneva Avenue April, 1976 0 1 2,900 Careless Passing

West of Emory d Avenue January, 1976 0 0 500 General Inattention

West of Colgate Driving on Wrong Avenue May, 1975 0 1 N/A Side of Road 4 West of Buchell Aveme May, 1974 0 0 800 Careless Merge

11 May, 1974 0 0 800 Following Too Closely

- 4 "All accident locations with three (3) or more accidents recorded during three-year period (January 1, 1974 - December 31, 1976). SOURCE: PedT's Bureau of Accident Analysis - "Ivhicipal Intersection and Mid-Block Accident Reports" 4

107 I e Bikeway Facilities

As a direct response to the energy crisis of 1973-74 the United States Congress passed the Federal Emergency Highway Energy Conservation Act of January 2, 1974. This legislation was designed to develop quick action plans to help conserve energy by providkig mnies for various energy saving programs. Development of BikeKay Systems were among programs available for funding under this act. The advent of the bicycle as not only a major means of recreation but also as a rapidly growing means of transportation has opened up possibilities for using bicycles as a means of conserving energy. Bicycles can be a quick, non-polluting, economical means of transportation, provided that adequate bikeways and paths are available. Realizing the energy saving benefits of the bicycle, the effort to establish a bikeway system in Wesbnont was spearheaded by the Westmont Hilltop Recreation Commission, which plans and supervises recreation programs for the communities of Westmont and Southmont Boroughs and Upper Yoder Township. The Commission then developed a tenative plan depicting a bike route of approximately 4.8 miles on existing streets to traverse Westmont Borough in such a way as to join major points of interest, including educational, recreational and commercial sites. The Westmont Bikemy plan was then evaluated by PemIXlT's District 9 staff for conformance with Pennsylvania bikeway policy and was approved by FHWA and endorsed by the Cambria County Planning Coilmission.

Work began on the bikeway with the construction and placement of signs, bike , stands and shelters early in 1976 and was completed shortly thereafter.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Public transportation in Westxont Borough is provided by various public and private transportation companies and service agencies. Each has many pick-up points and destinations throughout the Johnstown region so that the varying travel needs of those residents ivith or without automobiles can be met. Transportation services provided by these agencies include air travel, bus travel, taxi service and railroad facilities. Air Tranmor tation Air transportation service is provided at the Greater Johnstown - Cambria County Airport, located in nearby Richland Township. The regional airport affords the residents and businesses of IVestmont Borough as well as the County, with adequate passenger and air freight services to many destinations throughout the state and nation. Commuter air service between Johnstown and Pittsburgh is provided on a regular schedule basis at the local airport. Public Bus TransDortation

Public bus transportation service is provided throughout Cambria County by several private P.U.C. (Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission) licensed carries and numerous governmental and human service agencies. The recently formed Cambria County Transit Authority is licensed by the P.U.C. to operate bus transit strictly within the confines of the Jolmstom Urbanized

109

r- Area. Other private P.U.C. carriers as well as public service agencies, are restricted from operating within the Johnstovm Area, but are permitted to transport patrons from rural Cambria County into Johnstown. At the present time Greyhound Bus Lines, headquartered in downtown Johnstown provides bus service to all parts of the United States via regularly scheduled routes. 4 The Cambria County Transit Authority provides transit service along thirteen basic bus routes and spursr covering 93.5 one way route miles. Westmont Borough is serviced in part, by three of the Authority's thirteen bus routes. The actual transit schedules of the Authority buses may vary from time to time, due to current transit needs. Recently the Cambria County Transit 4 Authority has been experiencing an increase in transit ridership, reversing the trend of declining patronage that had been characteristic of transit ridership for some time. If this recent trend continues, 1Vestmont Borough could possibly experience an increase in transit service over the three present routes depending upon future public demand. 4 With respect to school bus transportation, numerous bus companies provide service to the various school districts operating in the County. Currently Westmont Borough as part of the Westmont Hilltop Area School District, is serviced by blcIlwain School Bus Lines, which transports school aged children under contract with the School District.

Taxi Service

Taxi service in the Johnstown Urbanized Area is provided almost exclusively by Greater Johnstown Yellow Cab Corporation, a P.U.C. licensed carrier. Yellow Cab operates a call and demand public taxi service within the limits of a six mile radius of City Mall in downtown Johnstown. The taxi service is a necessary supplement to other transportation service in the Johnstom Urbanized Area, offering the alternative of a call and demand system to mass transit patrons lacking access to either a personal car or the Cambria County Transit Authority facili.ties.

Railroad Facilities (I At the present time, no railroad facilities exist within the Borough, nor are there any anticipated in the near future for the predominately residential community of Iv'estmont. Access to rail passenger and freight service is provided at the Johnstom downtown terminal. The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (MITRAK) provides commuter service between Altoona and Johnstown from its terminal facility in Johnstown, with ultimate destinations being, kJashington, D.C. and New York City to the east and St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri to the west. In recent months the State inaugurated a new passenger service train called the "Pennsylvanian" with dzily runs connecting Johnstown with Pittsburgh tc the west and Philadelphia to the east. Incline Plane- The Incline Plane I-AS offered residents of Westmont Borough easy transportation to the City of Johxstown for many years. The Westmont U e

Incline began operating in 1891, built and operated by the Cambria Iron Works Company to provide access to newly developed lands on top of Yoder Hill. In 1935, the facility was then deeded to the Borough of Westmont, which operated the system until February, 1962. At this time the Borough 0 ceased operations due to the financial burden. Subsequently, in April of 1962, the Borough transferred the operational responsibility of the Incline, under a lease arrangement, to the Cambria County Toursit Council for $10 a year, Since 1962, the Tourist Council has performed a masterful job e in operating the Incline System. hherous local businesses and corporations have contributed manpower and materials to keep the system functioning. But the system has reached the point where major capital improvements are needed to assure its continued operation.

Consequently, in August of 1978, Westmont Borough solicited the assistance of the Cambria County Transit Authority, requesting that the Authority consider the acquisition of the Incline into their system. This seemed to be the logical alternative in view of the Authority's position as the designated recipient of mass transportation funds for Cambria County. Subsequently, the Transit Authority Board of Directors decided to investigate the available means to enable the Incline to continue functioning, with the addition of the needed capital improveinents.

As a result, the Cambria County Planning Commission, on behalf of the County Transit Authority, is conducting a study to examine the operational needs of the Johnstom Incline Plane over the next five years (1980-1985). The overall objective of the study would be to develop a program that provides maxim benefits to the citizens of the transit area, within reasonable fiscal limits.

111 Summary of Findings

As a result'of the transportation study for Westmont Borough, certain conditions and inadequacies in the major thoroughfare system can be noted as follows: 1. The transportation needs of the Borough are dictated by extensive use of the streets by residents for means of access to and from the area. 'IIiis.is supported by the fact that 70.8% of the total roadway mileage is in local styeets. a 2. The major trip attractions in the Johnstown Metropolitan Area are now and will likely continue to be the southeast of Westmont Borough, the City of Johnstam and Richland Township.

3. Menoher Boulevard (Traffic Route 271) and Goucher Street are the two major roadways traversing Westmont Borough. These two arterial roadways sustain the,highest volume of inter-municipal traffic as well as serving as an important link between IVestmont Borough and the rest of Cambria County.

4. Several major intersections throughout the Borough might require stricter traffic replators as indicated by the list of hazardous intersections . Of particular concern is the intersection of Gouche~Street and Traffic Route 271 (Menoher Blvd.) . As noted earlier this intersection of two very congested roarfriays was the scene of 18 accidents in the three year period (January 1, 1974 - December 31, 1976).

5. Traffic Route 271 pienoher Rlvd.) west of St. Clair Road, as a Prkicipal Arterial, carries heavy traffic 4 volumes to points wst and suffers from narrow pavement width, poor surface conditions horizontal alignment and sight distance prcbleins.

6. Goucher Street as a Minor Arterial carrying heavy volumes of traffic each day suffers from some congestion and certain alignment and sight distance problems.

7. Bucknell Avenue , a narrow Minor Arterial, located in a densely populated section of the Borough, lacking off-street parking facilities, suffers from inadequate pavement width to sufficiently accommodate both on-street parking and two-way traffic flow.

8. Millcreek Road, located between 'Sestmont and Southmont Boroughs, is listed 2s having fair to poor surface conditions, and is in need of reconstruction and drainage improvements, primarily from Bucknell Avenue to the City line. Similar work is currenL1y being'carried out along this road in the City.

a 112 9. A majority of the Borough streets and highways were found to be in good surface condition and generally meet, at a minim, the current traffic demands placed upon them. However, streets from some developments were never constructed to Borough standards and remain unaccepted public roadways. 10. Existing pavement widths along the majority of Borough streets are generally within the recommended pavement widths for their roadway classifications. Still, some widening would contribute to .more adequate space for traffic flow, but in most cases would require costly construction and land acquisition.

11. Sections of Parkview Drj.ve, klinno Drive, lSillet Drive and Stanford Avenue exhibit the characteristics of Collector Streets and should be classified as such.

12. Sections of the Borough are characterized by steep grades which will impose physical and financial constraints upon future roadmy construction and maintenance.

13. The urban residential character of Westmnt Borough is expected in future years to remain someichat the same without significant increases in population and/or economic activity projected for the comity. 14. Any road improvenents planned for the Borough must be mainly associated with the existing conditions and transportation needs. Existing conditions dictate that while 18.0% of the land is undeveloped, most of this land is difficult for development mainly due to severe slope limitations. In that most of the Borough is already developed and little land is available, new major thoroughfare road construction is not probable. The transportation needs of the Borough are indicated by the fact that 70.85 of all roadway mileage is in local. roads, and while Borough streets are generally in good condition, continual maintanance should be a high priority. Fiscal constraints also dictate an emphasis on rnaintenance.

15. The private automobile will continue to be the dominant mode of transportation for h'estmont Borough residents. However the need for fuel conservation has recently spawned Freater utilization of the transit system serving hestmont Borough. If this trend should continue the Borough could possible experience an increase in service by the Cambria County Transit Authority. In- creased demand for the development of bicycle facilities and other alternate means of transportation can also be expected. 0 0 0

Fiscal One of the primary functions of any Borough Government is to provide services and facilities to the people living within its jurisdiction. The Pennsylvania General kssembly has enacted codes and laws that state precisely what a borough government may and must do. The sources and amounts of revenues a obtainable for providing these services and facilities to borough residents, as well as certain expenditures and debt limitations, are regulated by Borough Codes and Laws as rmdated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The purpose of a Fiscal Study for Westmont Borough is to supply information on past fiscal operations and to inventory current revenues and a expenditures. This will aid in determining applicable regulations of fiscal management within the context of the Borough Code. Also, it will provide a basis for future fiscal policy and a foundation in determinig future capitol improvement potential. The fiscal operation of Westmont Borough is governed by the Local TXX Enabling Act of 1965, Act 511 and the Local Government Unit Debt Act of 1972, Act 185. The information for this study has been obtained from "The Borough's Codes and Related Laws," the Cambria County Assessment Office, and the Annual Audit and Financial Reports of Westmont Borough 1974-1978. The format utilized in discussing Westmont Borough's financial a structure is based on annual Budgets as prepared by Westnlont Borough. Topical- ly it is based on the following: Revenue Receipts, Non Revenue Receipts, and Expenditures.

In terms of receipts, this category encompasses the major and mst dependable sources of revenues available to the Borough. The following revmue categories will be discussed individually: Real Estate or Property Tax; and a variety of taxes levied under the Local Tax Enabling Act of 1965, Act 511.

Real Estate Tax

The tax on real estate is the most productive cf all local taxes. In order for real estate to be taxed, an assessment by property must be set. The setting of these assessments is a function of an elected County Board. This Board is responsible for property assessments, appeals, and reviews. The County Assessment Office has a chief assessor. It is the duty of the assessor to place a value upon all property and occupations subject to local taxation. The law requires that this assessment be determined by the actual market value, but this is rarely the case. A ratio of assessment to market value runs from as low as ten percent market value to as high as nme than a hundred percent. An average for the state is around forty percent: with .higher ratios found in the larger cities. In Cambria County, the current ratio of assessment to market value is thirty-five percent.*

*On July 10, 1980, the Cambria Comty Commissioners unanimously agreed to change the ratio of assessment to market value from 35% to 50%. This change will become effective in 1981.

114 To further clarify the Real Estate taxing structure, the following simplified formula is provided.

Example : Market Value x Assessed Value- x Millage (one-tenth of a cent)

12,000 35% - $4,.200 County 24.1 = $101 . IVestmont Borough .22 = $ 92

b Westmont Hilltop School District 79 = $332

Total Real Estate Tax = $525 The above formula symbolizes the numerical flow of Real Estate Tax structure. The County Assessment Office follows a more involved process in i obtaining the assessed valuation. Records must be kept of each parcel and field work be done in order to obtain a constant update of property and value changes. It is significant to point out that each property is taxed by three governmental bodies: the local municipality, the county, and the school 4 district. Table FS-1 shows the revenues for IVestmont Borough received from Real Estate Tax from 1974-78. Occupation Tax Occupation may also be assessed by the County. The tax is charged ! to any individual who works within the municipal limits, regardless of where he resides. Although this tax is called a County Occupation Tax, the revenues are received by the local municipality. Presently, there is no Occupational Tax in IVestmont Borough. Act 511 Taxes I

In 1947, the General Assembly passed Act 481 which enabled all local units of government except counties to raise additional revenue through such taxes as those on earned income, mercaritile transactions, real estate transfers, trailers, amusement, mechanical devices, and persons. In 1965, this law was superseded by Act 511. Act 511, like'Act 481, allows all local units except 1 counties to levy taxes on certain subjects and under certain procedures and limitations. These include the following :

1. The er capita tax rate is $10 maximum and may be share%- on a fifty-fifty_I percent basis with school districts. 2. The real estate ---transfer tax is one percent naxin?um of theamount of the transaction. This tax must be shared if both the municipality and the school district levy it. 4

115 0

I 3. The earned income and net profits tax is one percent maxim- theoz%the transZion. This tax must be shared if both the municipality and the school district levy it. 4. The mercantile -tax is from one to one and a half mills on sales. 5. On the retail --sales tax of personal property, the rate is two percent, to be shared between the municipality and the school district.

6. The occu ational privilege tax rate remains at $10 maximum-%-- an is subject to sharing between the local units affected. The taxpayer must be gainfully employed and may only be taxed once by this levy, even though he may work in more than one political subdivision. 7. The amusement -tax on admissions to places of amusement is ten percent of the cost of entry. Such a tax is prohibited on admissions to motion picture theatres except in Pittsburgh.

Note that the aggregate amount of all taxes imposed by any local unit may not exceed an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying the latest total market valuation of real estate in the local unit by twelve mills. e Non-Revenue ReceiDts

A non-revenue receipt is one which does not alter the net value of municipal assets. Table FS-1 provides a list of non-revenue receipts sources as indicated in Westmont Borough's Annual Audit and Financial Reports for a the years 1974 to 1978. Included in this category is the following: Sale of Property; Supplies, and Equipment ; refunds of prior years expenditures, proceeds from temporary loans, transfers from other funds, and proceeds from sale of bonds.

116 mLF. FS-1 Y OF RECEIPTS MONT BOROUGH

1975 1976 1977 1978

3,824.71 254,689.84 261,445.25 262,573.97

8.230.18 224.243.93 245.010.36 274,200.08

2,054.89 478,933.77 506,455.61 536,774.05 4

5,987.33 8,182.53 9,730.38 3,435.85 1,542.00 2,377.76 4,278.80 18, 951.64 7,474.02 15,761.08 11,760.78 13,333.52 0,699.81 87,558.47 156,214.09 93,939.76 3,321.53 214,626.48 213,461.63 216,098.27 2,743.10 5,738.47 1,311.00 2,265.57

1,767.79 334 ,244.79 396,756.68 348,024.61

3,822.68 813,178.56 903,212.29 884,798.66

3,258.52 10,241.00 4

2,547.43 1,208.97 64.82 26 ,592.67 66,546.53 9,332.89 101,758.93 85,709.89 25,000.00 9,000.00 4 4,138.84 102, 967.90 91,611.35 122,543.56

9,612.74 48,988.62 29,994.33 28,695.72 4 15,000.00 30,000.00

17,574.26 980,055.08* 1,024,817.97 1,066,036.94* 4 980,135.08 1,066,037.94 and Financial Report

4 wsmm BOROUGH CQMPREHENSIVE PLAN 1980 Cambria County Planning Commission Westmont Borough Planning Committee

1100 rv 2.7%

1000 1 - 6.5% - 900 ER., ,....., - ...# ..'p 10.5% *.e. ,.,.. ,.... - 34.1% .... ,.,.. 10.7% .... ,.,...... ,.,...... ,.... rr .... ,.,.. ,...... 800 ..., .... ,.,..., ...... , )...... , ....., ...... 15.4% E ...... 700 - ...... rr...... 34.1% ....,...... 600 j ...... *...... 25.7% ...... I1- ...... p ...... 500 ...... ? ...... P I...... 400 *

300 48.9% 37.5% 200

100 I !- i m OI 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978

Beginning Year Balance/ Investments Non Revenue Receipts Other Revenue Receipts Tax Revenue Receipts

FIGURE FS-1 SUMfARY OF RECEIPTS - W€STMohT BOROUGI

f EXPENDITURES

In order to determine the efficiency of any budget, it is necessary to analyze the expenditures. A clear knowledge of the areas and amounts of expenditures is needed to insure the best use of Borough funds.

In the following paragraphs, expenditures are grouped according to major categories. See Table FS-2 for amounts of expenditures by these categories for the years 1974-1978.

Admin istra t ion 4

Administration of the Borough is an area which requires only modest expenditures. Included in e,xpenditures under administration are items such as administrative salaries and wages; materials and supplies; communication expenses; maintenance and repairs; vehicle operating expenses; minor equipment purchases or replacements; major equipment replacements; and general 4 expenses.

Tax Collection Tax Collection requires funding for salaries and wages; commissions on.- collections; materials and supplies; Tax Collector's bond prexiums; minor a equipment repairs or replacements; major eqfiipment replacements; and general expenses.

Municipal Buildings or Offices Mmicipal. Buildings or Offices are a necessary area of expenditure 4 for the Borough Government. Costs here can include salaries and wages; materials and supplies; communication expenses; maintenance and repairs; minor equipment purchases or replacements; major equipment replacements; and general expenses. Police Protection 4

Police Rotection is funded by the %rough for the good of the community. Expense here includes salaries and wages; materials and supplies; communications expenses ; maintenance and repairs ; general vehicle operating expenses; and general expenses. Police protection expenditures are second only 4 to highway expenditures in the overall ranking of total expenditures. Fire Protection

Fire Protection is provided by a volunteer company and is partially subsidized by the Borough government. Expenses here can include salaries and q wages; materials and supplies; maintenance and repairs; minor equipment purchase and replacements; and other general expenses. Contributions from the public are made to the Westmont Volunteer Fire Company and that money is allocated for general expenses. Health and Sanitation The major expenditures under Health and Sanitation include garbarge collection and disposal; and general health services. Under these categories, the expenses incurred are for salaries and wages, materials and supplies, general expenses, maintenance and repairs, vehicle operating expenses, and minor equipment purchase or replacement. Highways Highways are the single most costly expenditure within the Borough government. Expense under highways in incurred under the following categories; salaries and wages; materials and supplies; materials used for maintenance; engineering services; communications expense; vehicle operating expenses; maintenance cleaning of streets and gutters; snow and ice removal; road and street signs and markings; street lighting; maintenance and repairs; and other general expenses. Library The Borough government makes an annual contribution to the Cambria County Library Systems which services the Greater Johnstown area as well as Westmont and the surrounding communities. Recently, the several suburban branches of the County Library system have had to be terminated because of excessive operational costs. Included in the termination was the Westmont Branch Library located on Lyter Drive in the Westmont Shopping Center. Parks and Recreation Several parks and recreation facilities are funded by Westmont Borough. Expenditures include materials and supplies plus contributions to the Westmont Hilltop Recreation Commission. Also included are the general expenses incurred by the Shade Tree Commission which is responsible for shade trees and other plantings. Miscellaneous Miscellaneous is a "catch-all" category which includes expenditures for items such as employee payroll taxes and benefits; social security taxes (paid by employer); health and accident insurance premiums; and other miscellaneous expenditures. ULE FS-2 OF EXPENDITURES I’ICINT BOROUGH

1975 1976 1977 1978

5,873.11 32,833.15 44,731.46 41,023.08 1,849.55 12,204.23 10,964.44 11,070.07 3,433.98 16,282.64 14,411.77 12,380.13

3,192.64 137,470.18 155,379.20 148,205.73 7,367.28 6,124.70 10,722.81 9,305.92

720.20 1,029.39 1,200.16 1,200.16 3 ,565.73 95,343.21 91,682.81 63,288.47 L ,264,45 147,541.37 109,776.96 120,203.84 1,205.47 230,601.12 217,396.43 272,743.71 5,500.00 3,500.00 3,500.00 3,500.00 1 ,298.81 33,113.74 31,129.30 33,121.9s 1,852.29 3,825.93 5,432.70 82,414.02 146,843.56 109,466.21 3,628.83 9,843.57 9,862.53 6,830.89

3,332.75 808,301.82 849,453.72 836,166.09

5,000.00 40,000.00 50,122.00 78,878.00

3,281.61 49,843.57 66,546.53 85,708.89 1,051.28 51,915.36

1,332.89 141,758.93 116,668.53 164,586.89

9,908.62 29,994.33 28,695.72 65,283.96

5,000.00 30,000.00

7,574.26 980,055.08 1,024,817.97 1,066,036.94 and Financial Report WESIMOhT BOROUGH CGMPREHENSIVE PLAN ' 1980 Cambria County Planning Comission Westmont Borough Planning Committee

1100 -

1000 -

900

800 j- I 1- 700 .j - 600

I 500 : I

I. 400 -

300 I !- I ! 200 l- I loo - iI I 0' 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978

Cash and Investments Nater, Electric, Sewer

Non Government Health and Sanitati.on

Highways Protection Others General Govemnent

FIGURE FS-2 SUWY OF MPEXDITUFES - hESTMONT BOROUGH 0 e a a a

POLICY and LONG RANGE PLAN e

A long-range development plan, conceived on the premise that it will provide guidelines for the future.growth and development of a comun- ity requires three basic ingredients. One of these is imagination, an element necessary to elevate ideas beyond the sphere of the comon-place to e more dynamic and unique levels. However, imagination must be coupled with the element o€ reality to insure that planning proposals are kept within the bounds of feasibility, The third requisite is effectuation, which involves a harmonious combination of the public and private segments of the comity in a joint effort to move ideas from paper to fruition.

The Westmont Borough Policy and Long Range Plan is presented by three major categories: Future Land Use, Future Community Facilities, and Future Transportation. Each of these categories has been organized to show a brief summary of existing conditions, the goals and objectives of the Westmont Borough citizenry, and the recommendations for future growth. e e 0 e

Future Land Use The Future Land Use Plan for Westmnt Borough is designed to serve as a guide for future'land development. This plan will recommend an organization of land uses to promote the most efficient use of land, a more attractive physical environment, and a stabilization of property values in the area. The development of the Future Land Use Plan was based on information and analyses that were presented in the Existing Conditions section of this report. Particular attention was given to the physiography study, the existing land use study, and the projections for future borough population levels, housing needs and economic growth. The three main topics to be discussed in this section include: Summary of Existing Conditions; Future Land Use Goals and Objectives; and the Future Land Use Recommendations.

SUMMARY OF EXISTING CONDITIONS The Inventory and Analysis of Existing Conditions provided an over- view of the predominant land use patterns in We'stmont Borough. The following factors were revealed during this analysis. Each must be considered during the formulation of future land use recommendations. Those findings include: Residential - The largest land use category in Westmont Borough is single and multi-family residential dwellings. This accotmts for 683.71 acres, or 46.4%of the total acreage. Public and Semi-Public - In Westmont Borough, the public and semi-public lands represent the second largest land use with 20.3%of the total land area or 298.95 acres.

Transportation - The third largest land use in Westmont Borough is transportation with approximately-- 222.87 acres or 15.1% of the totai land area.

Commercial - Only 3.46 acres, or 0.2%of the total land area in the Borough is utilized for commercial purposes.

Vacant, Woodlands and Water Areas - These categories represent only 18.08 or 265.23 acres oi the land in Westmont Borough. The vacant and woodland figures are particularly significant in the fact that they provide an area for future expansion. Fu?uRE LAND USE GOALS AND ORJEGTIVES When developing a future land use plan, it is essential to develop a a set of goals and objectives for guiding plannins decisions. The Westmont Borough Planning Cormittee functions as the official local inpt agency for the Borough's Comprehensive Plan. This Planning Committee, composed of elected officials from Westmont %rough with assistance from citizen comments collected through a ten (10) percent sample survey, has developed the following land use goals and objectives. 0

124 Residential Land Use

GOALS : Maintain a high standard of quality for any

future single family residential development. ' Accept the limited conversion of older single family structures into modern multi-unit structure without destroying architecturally significant features. Encourage the limited development of new multi- family residential housing units within the Borough.

OBJECI'IVES: Utilize nationally recognized housing and building codes to assure a high standard of quality in Residential development.

Promote residential development on scattered vacant lots within the Borough so as to keep Borough maintenance expenses and the individual home mers expense to a minim. Institute a historical review cornhittee to cmnt on any conversion of architecturally significant single family structures to multi- family use. Institute sound zoning and subdivision regulations to ensure and encourage proper multi and single family residential developments. Commercial Land Use

CXlALS : Provide for limited expansion of commercial and service uses in areas where such uses currently exist . Prohibit extensive development of any light or heavy manufacturing within the Borough.

OEiJECTIwES: Develop and enforce a zoning ordinance to prohibit the uncontrolled expansion of commercial, service and manufacturing uses. Publidsemi-Public Land Use

GOAL : Provide for moderate development of existing public/semi-public areas. OEJEC4?IVE: Public/Semi-public development should be limited to moderate expansion at existing sites, where .topography permits. Undeveloped Land Use am: Retain those areas within the Borough that are environmentally fragile, significant , or aesthetic. I. I. OBJECTIVE: Provide for the preservation of steep slopes, flood plains, and ecologically or geologically fragile areas, through proper zoning techniques. Discourage unjustified cutting of timber and woodland on public and private land.

126 FUTURE LAND USE RECOMENDATIONS Residential

Westmont Borough is a predominantly residential community. Almost 50% of all land in the Borough is classified residential, as indicated in the "xisting Land Use" section. Although the projected population for the Borough shows a 10.5% decline by 1985, there will still be a need for additional residential development. This requirement can be explained by the desire for smaller and easier to maintain dwelling units for the growing elderly population as they turn their larger houses over to younger and smaller families. Many of these younger families may in fact be only one or two individuals in size thereby not contributing to an increase in the Borough's population. These factors combined with the local mystique that makes Westnont a sought after place to live lay credence to the need and desire for additional residential developmnt in Westmont Borough. ( Utilizing the Pennsylvania Housing and Allocation Model, (Table HS-9) the number of additional housing units needed by the year 1985 is 105. The majority of these units will be single family dwellings with some demand for multi-family units in the Borough. I Although most residential development will be an expansion of existing neighborhoods in the Borough, several factors were considered before projecting any future housing grow%h. They include: topography; utilities; adjacent land use; stream locations; flooding conditions; and street accessibil- ity. The Future Land Use hhp, is provided to show the areas of the Borough which should be considered for residential land use expansion. t Commercial

The existing commercial areas in Westmont Borough occupy 3.46 acres of land. bst of this acreage is located along hlenoher Boulevard and Mill- Creek Road. Other smaller ccjmmercial areas are scattered throughout the Borough. It is important that comity leaders begin to control the type, intensity and timing of commercial development. Special attention should be given to insure that the commercial areas accommodate the different types of buyers, but essentially they must relate in size to the number and buying power of the inhabitants of Westmont Borough. The consequences of uncontrolled growth are paid for by the taxpayers for many years in terms of highway and traffic accidents, runoff problems and others.

As illustrated in the Puture Land Use Map, the plan recommends that all commercial development in Westmont Borough be limited to its existing sites. If any commercial development is to occur it should be in areas adjacent to existing commercial areas. Commercial development could be in the form of professional offices which could occur in existing houses converted for such an adaptive use. Again, it should only occur in existing areas of commercial development.

127 ,,Public and Semi-Public Public and Semi-Public land includes land which is used for neighbor- e hood and comity services such as municipal buildings, police and fire stations , schools, parks, churches, parking lots , civic and fraternal uses, and related recreational uses not classified as commercial. In IVestmont Borough, nearly 300 acres, or 20% of the total land area, is classified for public and semi-public uses. The Future Land Use Plan suggests that this amount of public and semi-public land be retained to promote a s,ound and healthy living environment. An explanation of proposed improvements to public and semi-public land uses will appear in the following section entitled, "Future Comity Facilities. UndeveloDed Land Undeveloped Land areas include vacant land 'and land predominantly wooded in nature, some of which is steeply sloped and therefore not suitable for development purposes. There are presently 265 acres of undeveloped land in Westmont Borough. Included in undeveloped land are areas of vacant and wooded land that are developable. These areas are not steep and have easy access which encourages development. approximately 180 acres, or 68% of all undeveloped land is suitable for future development. As indicated in our Future Land Use Table approximately 44 acres of undeveloped land will be developed by 1985. Most of this land (36 acres) will be used for residential purposes with the balance (8 acres) used in developing streets and thoroughfares. TABLE ns-1 1985 . FLlTUFE LAND USE WESIMINT BOROUGH

Category of Existing Proposed Ad j ustment s* Percent . Land Use Acreage To Existing Acreage Future Acreage Change , . Residential

Single Family 636.56 (+20.4) 656.96 3.2%

Mu1 t i-Family 47.15 (+15.6) 62.75 33.1%

Pub1 ic/Semi-Public 298.95 298.95 0

Transportation 222.87 (+ 8.3) 231.17 3.7%

Co-mercial 3.46 3.46 0

Undeveloped 265.23 (-44.3) 220.93 -16.7%

Total Area 1,474.22 1,474.22

NOTES *See Computations Below: FUTUfE CONVERSIONS from Single Family to klti-Family -

Based on Reduction of Single Family 6.3 units/yr. @ 1 unit = 7500 Sq. Ft. units from 1960.to 1970 - 3.3% or 1.1 AC/yr. x 6 yr. = 6.6 AC conversion from Single Family to Multi-Family.

FUT'UIE SINGLE FAMILY DE3ELOPMENT - 1/2 AC/Lot x 9 units/yr. for 6 yr. = 27.0 AC - New Additional FURJRE MJLTI-FAMILY DEVELOPMENT - 4 units/building max. x 8 units/yr (89% of Existing Multi-Family are for 6 yr. x 3/4 AC/building = 9.0 AC 2 to 4 unit/structure) New Additional FWURE STREET DEVELOPMENT - 100 Ft. frontage per 1/2 AC lot with 50 Ft. ROW per street Single Family new construction = 6.2 AC Multi-Family new construction = 2.1 AC

~ qhe attached Future Land Use Map graphically reflects these increases.

SOURCE: Cambria County Planning Commission, 1980.

a a 0 e e

Future Community Facilities a

The Future Community Facilities and Services is an integral part of the Comprehensive Plan. The demographic, economic and social changes, and the proposed land use plan are directiy related to the policies and rec- e ommendations for future community facilities and services. Water lines, sewer lines, public buildings, and parks and recreation areas are some of the physical elements included in neighborhood facilities whereas police protection, fire protection, and garbage collection are service elements provided by Westmont Borough. Improving the quality and quantity of the physical elements and the level of-service of the service elements is of utmost importance in improving the quality of life for all Westmont Borough residents. In essence, the proposed community and service facilities represent a public investment in the sustained welfare of the community.

WURE COhDlUNITY FACILITIES GOALS AN! OBTECTIVES The following are basic policy proposals that were developed by the Westmont Borough Planning Committee. Their input with the existing conditions revealed in the inventory and analysis of the Borough’s community facilities and the survey responses form the basis for the goals and objectives. In future years, these goals will act as a general framework for the Conmunity * Facilities Program. GOAL: Maintain the existing level of quality police, fire, ambulance and garbage collection service currently provided to Borough residents. e OBJECTIVES: Encourage the expansion of the West Hills Regional Police into neighboring municipalities and provide for the continual upgrading and moderization of their equipment and facilities. e Support and provide for the efforts of the Westmnt Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Department and their continual upgrading md modernizatim of equipment and facilities. Continue to provide an effective garbage collection e service in the Borough and support the efforts of the Cambria County Solid Waste Authority in a regional effort to establish a county wide solid waste management system of collection, storage, processing, and disposal. a ma: Encourage and promote the provision of more adequate recreational services and facilities for all Borough residents. OBJECTIVES: Institute an jmprovement program to upgrade and expand the recreational facilities at existing sites throughout the Borough and provide for a more continual mintenance pro- * gram of those facilities.

13 1 Ehphasize the desire for passive recreational facilities for senior citizens. Investigate the possibilities of providing a modern multi-purpose year round community recreation facility that may include items such as; a swimming pool, senior citizen activity center, day care center, and related activity areas. am: Maintain the quality level of water, sewer, and street lighting service that currently exists in the Borough.

OBJECTIVES: Support and encourage the efforts of the Greater Johns- town Water Authority in providing good quality and quantities of water as well as the upkeep and expansion of services as needed. Support a program of ongoing inspection and investigation of 1 the storm and sanitary sewer systems with cleaning and repairs as necessary as well as a.continua1 updating of the mapping of those facilities. Encourage sound storm water management practices in new or existing developments throughout the Borough. Evaluate the existing street lighting program for its adequacy and effectiveness and provide for correction of any subsequent inefficiencies. 1 OOAL: Encourage the Wesbnont Hilltop School District to continually upgrade to provide the highest quality education to Borough students.

GOAL: Encourage a sharing of services or facilities with neighboring municipalities, when feasible. OBTECTIVES: Support the continuation and expansion of existing shared services such as; West Hills Regional Police and Conununica- tions Network, Westmont's Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Service, Westmont Hilltop School District, Greater Johns- town Vocational Technical School, Westmont Hilltop Recrea- tion Commission, West Hills Council of Governments, Cambria/ Somerset Council of Governments, Greater Johnstown Water Authority, the regional sewage collection and treatment operation, and the Cambria County Transit Authority, and Cambria County Library System. Institute an investigation into other areas of shared services such as, but not limited to; garbage collection, public works equipment, road construction and naintenance, storm water management, and community improvements.

132 FUTURE COMMUNITY FACILITIES RECOMMENDATIONS Public Buildings

Westmont Borough currently owns and operates four buildings, those being the; Municipal Building at 1560 Menoher Boulevard, Fire.Station, at

Darthmouth and Wayne, Maintenance Building and "Grove" along Edgehill Drive. ,' The need for major changes such as the relocation or complete new construction of any of these facilities to adequately operate the Borough was not found or suggested. Due to the fact that little developable land.is available for future growth, the existing Borough buildhgs should be sufficient in years to come, however, minor improvements and renovations and ultimate desires are always considerations. Public Works Department

Located in a new building and well equipped and staffed for a borough of Westmont's size, the department performs various tasks throughout the Borough and appears to operate very effectively. The following points; equipment sharing with adjacent municipali.ties , storm drainage improvements, and recreation improvements are suggested topics the Department may be able to enroll itself with more in the years to come. Investigation into developing alternatives to current street sweeper dumping practices is also suggested. Equipment maintenance and upgrading should be a continual effort. Pol ice Department

The West Hills Regional Police which currently serves both West- a mont and Brownstown Boroughs also appears to adequately serve both Boroughs on a regional concept. An expansion of the Regional Police and communications network into neighboring municipalities may also provide a mre cost effective regional service for the hilltop area. In all cases, equipment for proper police protection should be periodically checked, maintained and updated when necessary.

Currently state legislation is pending for a state nmdated 911 telephone number for emergency dispatch services such as police, fire, and ambulance calls. Plans for implementing the 9ll.system in Cambria County have been developed and call for two Emergency Operations Centers to be located in the County. One in the Johnstown urbanized area and one in Ebensburg for the re- e mainder of the County. This ultimately will result in a more cost effective, less confusing, faster, and mre efficient emergency communications system. However, several problems with the system as well as the passing of the legislation, must be overcome before the system is actually implemented. a Fire Dmartment No specific recornendations for the totally volunteer Wesmnt Fire and Ambulance Department are suggested from the analysis undertaken for this report. The volunteer organization as currently rw- is said to operate effectively in meeting the needs of the Ebrough. The Departnent is well equip- e ped and staffed, efforts to obtain modem equipment and mintain them should continue. Storage space for equipment at the Fire station was indicated to be in short supply but should be somehhat alleviated with the recent mve of the communications network and equipment to the basement of the Municipal Building .

133 Administrative. Office

An hdepth ana1ysi:s of the functions of the Borough's Administrative office and bhmicipal Organization was not the intention of this reDort. With a full time Secretary and Assistmt Secretary available Pbnday thrkgh Friday d on a normal working basis, problems that arise within the Borough can usually be taken care of or transferred immediately. A need for updated mapping and filing should be noted. The current provisions of a part time Tax Collector, and Zoning Officer appear adequate as do the services of a Solicitor on a retaining basis and a Borough Engixeer on an as needed basis. 4 Recreational Facilities

Listed and mapped in the Existing Cornunity Facilities section of this report, are the current recreational and comcnity facilities located with- tn Westnlont Borough. Also listed are the "Ridge", which is jointly owned by the municipalities of the Westmont Hillto? Recreation Commission, a portion 4 of the Senior High School and portions of Stackhouse Park which are located adjacent to the Borough. An approximaee total of 330 acres of land in West- mont Borough is used or available for recreational use, of that about 245 acres are the portion of Stackhouse Park within Westmont's boundaries and Sunnehanna Country Club. Subtracting those areas from the total of 330, leaves 85 acres of land which are actually developed recreation sites avail- 4 able for public use. Comparing those 8.5 acres to what the National Recre- ation Association recommends as a standard of 10 acres per 1,000 people and Westmont population of approximately 6,500, would mean Westmont should have at least 65 acres of land devoted to recreational purposes. Having 85+ zcres available to residents for recreation, it's safe to say that no more 'land is really necessary to be acquired for recreation use. What is recommended is that conditions at existing sites be brought up to higher standards and that phasing of development plans for the construction of additional facilities at those sites be initiated. It was also emphasized that a recreational need exists for the growing senior citizen population of the Borough. The Westmont Hilltop Recreation Master Plan 1980*, which is completed at this the in a preliminary form,.bs much information about the entire Westmont Hilltop Recreation Commisslon',~district made up of Westmont znd Southmont BoroGghs m-d Upper Yoder Tomship. .An extensive survey was undertaken for the study to obtain public input concerning the recreational needs of the area and recommendations far improving the overall recreation programs d of the Commission. At this time the material is being reviewed for its final recomiendations . The following is a breakdown of suggestions for improvements at some of the recreation sites that the Borough 1%7ouldbe more directly involved with. Recommendations were made from field swveys, discussion with members I of the Borough Planning Cornittee, the I!irector of the Recreation Commission and their consultant for the Master Plan. Suggestions for the Junior and Senior High School are not included, Sasically because they are the responsibility of the School District and were found to be in relatively good condition.

*H.F. Lenz Company, Consulting Engineers and Planners

a 8

The "Mound" The site currently is agreed upon to be in rather poor condition. The few facilities that are there all need some degree of repair or replace- e mnt. The paved courts are in need of new surfacing, fencing is poor and play equipment is old or lacking. Presently the reconstruction of a softball field located there prior to use of the site as a temporaiy mobile home site following the flood of 1977 is taking place with funding supplied by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community Affairs as promised for the use of the site.

I Additional improvements are suggested, such 3s: - the relocation and construction of the two existing tennis I courts and basketball court with an additional basketball court. This would place ttle courts in a area of the site that would be away from the traffic noise of Bucknell Ave- le nue and leave the existing court area to he used as parking. (See similar discussion on pages I45 and 156 under Incline Plane. ) - totlot construction for small children with a variety of I* play apparati . - horseshoe pits, volleyball court, seating areas, new plantings and other items directed at senior citizen use. - a restroom/concession faciliyy. Sewer and water lines i:Tere placed there during use of the site as a trailer court and remain there which would reduce the cost of providing this type of facility. Ebgh Field The field as currently exists, is used primarily for senior league baseball and softball in the simmer. Fsotball and other field sp0rt.s take place in the fa11 and winter mmths. ?lie only facilities at the site are for baseball purposes only. The site is rather large and not all of the land is ! fully utilized. The inclusion of additional facilities as well as improve- la ments to the ballfield itself are suggested, such as: I

~ - minor grading to improve ballfield drainage and playing conditions and the installation of a tile drainage system

'8 - new spectator bleachers and player's benches to replace old and worn seating. - outfield fencing where none currently exists that would be removable for fall and winter use of the field. *

8 135 - an outdoor clzssroom, picnic tables and exercise trail equip- 4 ment* could be located at the far end of the site where it is wooded and gently sloping that Fi'culd provide for increased . usage of the site. - a restroom 'facility could also be located at the site, water and sewage lines are available nearby. 4 Stackhouse Park Stackhouse Park, a 266 acre woodland tract deeded to the City of Johnstown in the early 1930's by the forner Cdria Iron Company and its successor Bethlehem Steel Corporation, is located approximately 30%within the Borough, 10%within Brownstom Eoroush and 60% within Lower Yoder Township. Over the years many projects have Seen discussed for this much underutilized regional park which is restricted by deed to recreational use only. Also lending itself to uriderutilization of a huge beautiful park located in the backyards of a population center is the fact that the park is somewhat inac- cessable because of the lack of decent roads or paths through the park. (See discussion of Stackhouse Park Lmder Storm Sewer Service which appears on page 139.)

A recent proposal (explaimd in inore detail in the Future Transporta- tion Section under the heading Bikeway Facilities) seeking fLmding for the con- ' struction of a bicycle trail through the park was prepared and endcrsed by the 4 involved municipalities. Although no word on *the awarding of funding has been received for this grant period, future grants are expected to become more readily available as the demand for bike facilities increase. Exercise trail equipment* could also be located along the proposed trail before or after its actual construction. A suggested layout would be ! to locate the various stations along the section of trail that runs from the park entrance at Luzerne Street and Diamond Boulevard to the park entrance . at the end of Fayette Street. Such facilities are usually rather inexpensive and heavily used. In any case, Stackhouse Park currently is an underutilized recreational 4 site. For any major improvements to really get underway so that greater utilization of the park can be experienced, cooperation between the various municipalities will have to take place. Ideally, as a regionai park located in several municipalities, a Stackhouse Park Board or Authority should be formed. Pennsylvania enabling legislation provides for the establishment of a park, recreation, or joint park and recreation board or cormnission by the county or 4 local municipalities.

*Based upon a concept developed by a Swiss insurance firm, an exercise trail combines jogging and the performance of specific exercises at pre- determined locations along an outdoor trail. These exercises are scien- tifically selected to insure a complete and balanced fitness program, stressing stamina and endurance, agility, fie-xibility and cardiovascular conditioning. The user walks, jogs or' runs dong the trail, performing the required exercises as detailed at each exercise station. The variety and frequency of the exercise stations help insure an exercise program which is both beneficial, and fun, too! Beginners and advanced athletes of all 4 ages are encouraged to routinely complete the course to assure continuing health benefits.

136 Cambria County currently has a Park Board whose purpose is to over- see the operation and maintenance of Duman Dam Park, a County owned and funded facility, located near Belszno in the northern part cjf the County. In the case of Stackhouse Park, and the fact that it is located in the most populous region of the County, it is possible that the County might be convinced to 0 become involved and to help provide for increased usage and operation of the park. l Stutzman Plzyground The playground is located adjacent to the former Stutzman School e which was recently sold by the Westmont Hilltop School District for commercial/ office use. The playground was not sold and remains in the hands of the School District. In the discussion of the School System later in this section it was suggested that the school district consider turning the playground over to the Borough. The basketball courts, built in the parkmg area close to the building, are heavily used are probably going to be lost, depending upon the decision of the new owners of the building.

I The site itself is located at almost the exact center of the Eorough, actually the crossroads at the entire hilltop area, and is readily accessible to many people. As is the case with just about any recreation fxility, there iC is always improvements that can be undertaken. Because of its high usage, location and visual attention, the following are suggested improvements that could be undertaken at the Stutzman Playground.

- construction of an additional tennis court or basketball court adjacent to the existing tennis court with consideration fGr night lighting. A basketball court could replace 1. 1. the ones in the parking lot of the building; - an innovative and improved tot area with zn assortment of modern wood play structures such as climbers, swings, sand boxes, crawl throughs and other contemporary play equip- a ment ; - seating areas and game tables for adult supervision and senior citizen areas with tree plaritings around the site that would provide shade, add visual interest, and act as buffers against noise, wind, and unwanted views. a The "Grove" Recreation Facilitv The "Grove", which is somewhat old aiid heavily utilized for various indoor recreation, is in need of minor improvements. The recreation survey pointed out that lighting is poor, the facility requires more periodical cleaning and painting, and that the parking lot is in poor condition.

Major improvements at the "Grove" were not discussed at this time. The site is considered to be a desired location for a new year round community recreation center, replacing the "Grove", which would have expanded recreation facilities and space for senior citizen md other cornunity activities. Minor 0 repairs are expected to take place to keep the "Grove" facility functioning in the mean time until final plans and financial arrangements can be made.

137 The %idge" Recreation Center The 'Ridge", owned and operated by the municipalities of the Westmnt Hilltop Recreation Commission, is located along Route 271 in Upper Yoder Township approximately 4.5 miles from the corner of Menoher Boulevard and Goucher Street. A variety of facilities are located at the site and many are stated to be in rather poor condition. A more detailed investigation and discussion of needs at the facility were undertaken in the Recreation Commiss,ion's hkster Plan and will not be further discussed in this report, basically because the facility is not within Wesbmnt Borough and not the 4 sole responsibility of the Borough. A consideration that was discussed, because of the fact that the "Ridge" is actually far away from the majority of people mking it somewhat inaccessible, especially during winter months, is that the site actually be sold. The money from the sale of the property could go towards the con- I struction of the desired year round recreation center and swimming pool located closer to the people. Of ccurse this would receive imnediate opposition by some, and myfactors would have to be worked out including finding a buyer and obtaining a reasonable price. Pitt Avenue (Borough owned land)

' Approximately 2 acres of undeveloped vacant land, which is actually a gulley or swale and located between the dead ends of Pitt Avenue, is owned by the Borough. (See the Land Use bkp and/or Community Facilities Map.) Plans at one time called for the extension of Pitt Avenue across the gulley but is not recommended due to high costs for the amount of fill and construction needed as well as the environmental implications of disrupting the headwater area of a natural drainage swale which leads to the Mill Creek Reservoir . The site, as currently exists, acts as a dumping ground for Borough Street cleaners (see related discussion under Solid Waste Management later in this section) and also as a natural area where trails lead dom the wooded hillside which is protected from development as a watershed owned by the Greater Johnstown Water Authority. Recommendations for the site call for a clean up of the site with closer mnitoring and control of dumping practices as well as installing trail head signage marking the trails and the inclusion of a small assortment of sturdy wood play structures for neighborhood use. The development of more permanent cul-de-sacs at the ends of Pitt Avenue should also be considered.

138 Sanitary Sewer Service

The only major problem reported to exist is the previously discussed section of 18 inch interceptor sewer located under Bethel Street

.where approximately.250-300 feet of that major. pipe is said to be cracked and deteriorated and in need of replacement.

A possible source of funding, in that the sewer is located in what is previously said to be of a blighted nature, particularly in comparison to the rest of the Borough, is for the Borough to accept and pursue the 0 development of some form of Federally assisted housing which could be located in that area either in currently vacant or blighted areas cleared for new development. The sewer improvements could be linked to that development. Additional improvements for streets, sidehalks, drainage and overall beautification could also be associated with an undertaking of this sort.

Storm Sewer Service

As reported in the Existing Community Facilities section of this report some problem were found to exist with existing storm sewer system which is maintained by the Borough. Appoximately six catch basins and related line extensions and construction were reported to be required to allevi- t ate minor drainage problems at various locations in the Borough, those being; Drury Lane, Haldon Drive, Calvin Drive, and Arbutus Trail." In some cases alternative solutions might be applicable.

A further investigation into the broken and non-functioning storm lines entering Stackhouse Park is recommended and that subsequent corrections 0 . take place, Ebch of the original drainage work and other improvements in Stackhouse Park were performed by the Civilian Conservation COT under the direction of the Army Corp of Engineers in the 1930's and only sporatic and minimal maintenance work has been done since then. Investigation for a recent proposal prepared for the construction of a bicycle trail over the existing path through the park revealed that mch of the cost of constructing e the trail was related to correction of drainage and erosion problems that have occurred because of the broken and nonfmctioning storm lines coming from sections of l'Old'' Westmont. Some of that damage can also be attributed to the heavy rains that caused the July 1977 flood. No storm or flood control projects upstream in the Borough of 0 Westmnt during the fiood of 1977, would have been of sufficient magnitude to greatly affect the outcome of such a period of intense rainfall. How- ever, the following table, nood Mitigation Measures - Advantages and Con- straints, has been included to indicate various alternatives of reducing the amount and velocity of runoff produced from a heavy rainfalls which are quite prevalent in this region. In any case, storm water management is a e regional concern and cooperation between local municipalities is a must.

*SOURCE: Westrnont Borough - Public Works Department

0 a TABLE ES-1 FLOOD-MITIGATION FlEASlJRES - ADVANTAGES AND CONSTRAINTS

Physical, Environmental, and Development Mea sure Fac il ity Advangat es F inanc ial Constraints a Cisterns and covered ponds Water may be used for: - Expensive to install a. Fire protection - Cost required may be re- b. Watering lams strictive if the cistern c. Industrial processes must accept water from d. Cooling purposes large drainage area 4 Reduce runoff while only - Restricted access occupying small area - Reduced available space Land or space above in basements for other cistern may be used for uses other purposes Requires slight maintenance 4

Rooftop gardens Esthe t ical 1y pleasing - Higher structural loadings Runoff reduction on roof and building Reduce noise levels - Expensive to install and Wildlife enhancement maintain 4

Surface pond storage Controls large drainage - Require large areas (usually residential areas) areas with low release - Possible pollution from a. 'Wet" Ponds Esthetically pleasing storm water and siltation b. "Dry" Ponds Possible recreation bene- - Possible msquito breeding fits: areas a. Boating - May have adverse algae b. Ice skating blooms as a result of c. Fishing eutrophica t ion d. Swimming - Possible drowning Aquatic life habitat - Maintenance problems Increases land value of adjoining property

Ponding on roof by con- Runoff delay - Higher structural loadings 4 stricted downspouts Cooling effect for build- - Clogging of constricted ing from: inlet requiring main- a. Water on roof tenance b. Circulation through - Freezing during winter Roof ponding provides fire (expansion) protection for building - Waves and wave loading 4 (roof water may be tapped - Leakage of roof water into in case of fire) building (water damage)

Increased roof roughness Runoff delay and some re- - Somewhat higher structur- a. Rippled roof duction (detention in al loading b. Gravel on roof ripples or gravel)

140 a

TABLE FCS-1 (Continued)

Physical, Environmental, and Development Measure Fac i 1i ty Advan tage s. Financial Constraints Porous pavement - hoff reducaiton (a - Clogging of holes or (parking lots and alleys) andb) . gravel pores (a and b) a.. Gravel parking lot - Potential groundwater - Compaction of earth below 0 b. Holes in .impervious recharge (a and b) pavement or gravel de- pavements (1/4 in. fl) - Gravel pavements may be creases permeability of filled with sand cheaper than asphalt or soil (a and b) Concrete (a) - Ground-water pollution from salt in winter (a and b) a - Frost heaving for bpervious pavement with holes (b) - Difficult to maintain - Grass or weeds could grow in porous pavement (a and b) 0 Grassed channels and vege- - Runoff delay - Sacrifice some land area tated strips - Some runoff reduction for vegetated strips (infiltration recharge) - Grassed areas must be - Aesthetically pleasing morved or cut periodically a a. Flowers (maintenance costs) b. Trees

Ponding and detention - Runoff delay (a,b,c, - Somewhat restricted mve- measures on impervious and dj ment of vehicles a pavement - Runoff reduction (a and - Interferes with normal a. Rippled pavement b) use (b and c] b. Basins - Damage to rippled pavement c. Constricted inlets during snow removal d. Speed bumps - Depressions collect dirt and debris (a,b,c , and d)

Converted Septic Tank for - Low installation costs - Requires periodic mainten- storage and ground-water - Runoff reduction (infil- ance (silt removal) recharge tration and stwage) - Possible health hazard - Water may be used for: - Sometimes requires a pmtp a a. Fire protection for emptying after a b. Watering lams and storm gardens c. Ground-water recharge e

a 141 TABLE FCS-1 (ContinEed)

( Physical, Environmental, and Development Measure Facility Advantages- Financial Constraints

Ground-water recharge Runoff reduction (infil- - Clogging of pores or per- ' a. Perforated tration) forated pipe b. French drain GroLmd-water recharge - Initial expense of installa- i c. Porous pipe with relatively clean lation (materials) d. Dry well water blay supply water to garden or dry areas Little evaporation loss i High delay grass (high Runoff delay - More difficult to mow roughness) Increased infiltration

Routing flow over lawn Runoff deiay - Possible erosion or scour knd terracing lands Increased infiltration - Standing water on lawn in. depressions

Zoning and/or. Subdivision Offers an additional - Often a lack or coordin- Regulations and/or Building form of flood protection ation with other ordinances 4 Codes Controls growth and de- - Often too inferable or velopment excess ive Allows preservation of - Citizen opposition marshes, scenic areas, - Decreases property value in' etc. the flood plain Wise use of the environ- - Often not properly 4 ment imp1 ement ed Increases property value - Increases the cost of new outside of the flood plain construction Controls land use Prevents fragemented land divisions Insures quality buildings with adequate sanitary facilities

SOURCE: Cambria/Somerset Disaster Recovery Plan Cambria County Planning Commission, 1979

142 0 Solid Waste Management As is the case with most communities in Cambria County, West- mont Borough has realized that solid waste management is a regional problem i requiring a coordinated, regional approach in the long-term. In this re- ! e gard, Westmont Borough Council, officially adopted by resolution the Cambria County Solid Waste blanagement PPm (CCPC, 1971). The plan was formally adopted on May 9, 1977. This action not only denotes the interest of Westmont Borough in solving solid waste mnagement problems in a regional fashion, but fulfills the requirements of the Pennsylvania Solid Waste Management Act (Act 241, of 1968) wkh stipulates that all municipalities having a density e of three-hundred or more persons per square mile, prepare and adopt a solid waste plan. The update of the Cambria County Solid Waste Plan covering West- , mont Borough now recommends the development of a resource recovery plant in the Johnstown Planning Region as a long-term solid waste management alternative. The success of this proposed alternative is largely a function of interlocal e governmental cooperation and coordination. The present solid waste collection system which utilizes a private hauler appears to be adequate and results in a savings to the Borough when compared to costs associated with collection by Borough forces. However, future dunping of street wastes into undeveloped drainage swales, while being time and cost-effective, should be closely mnitored. If these wastes cannot be easily dumped elsewhere, such dunping should be done with extreme care to prevent damage to trees, natural drainage paths and potential recreational use areas. If dumping at these sites must continue because of its convenience it should be on a temporary basis with a major clean up of the material on a scheduled basis from time to time and txucked elsewhere e to permanemt landfill sites. School System

On the basis of a rather superficial school survey and study, it can be generally concluded that. the residents of Westmont 'Borough are provided good school service in terms of both operation and school plant facilities. Currently an expansion program is taking place at the Goucher Street Elementary School which includes expanded classroom space and administrative offices to accommodate the planned ciosing of the Southmont Ele- mentary School. Recently the Stutzman Elementary School was vacated by the School District and sold to a group of private developers for use as office 0 space. With the planned closjng of the Southmont School, the District will have three fairly modern and renovated structures for Elementary, Junior High, and Senior High education which according to current and projected enrollments should continue to serve the Ikstmont Hilltop School District for years to come.

0 Preliminary investigation into the possibilities of providing a year round community recreation facility for the Hilltop, complete with a Swimming pol and other assorted recreation and cornunity related items, was suggested to be ideally located at one of the school sites. Again, further investigation would be needed before this could become a reality. a With the closing of the Stutpnan School and subsequent selling of the building for office and commercial use, the playground (tennis court and totlot) remains in the School District's ownership. Because of this the School e 143 District technically is to provide maintenance for the playground but may not be that convenient'or ideal since the building is no longer theirs. A solution would be for the School District to turn the playground over to the Borough for a nominal fee which would then put the maintenance and upkeep in the Borough's hands. This would also make the site mre readily eligible 4 for state and federal funding for improvements through the Borough.

Historic Preservation* To protect the existhg architectural and aesthetic values of West- mont and to maintain the historic character of its neighborhoods, plans should 4 be implemented to preserve, in full, Westmmt's rich cultural and natural heritage. Continued encouragenent to maintain and repair the Borough's housing stock can be accomplished in part, through the implementation of an effective Historic Preservation Plan.

Survey of existing structures of historical and architectural sig- 4 nificance has been completed in Westmont by the Cambria County Redevelop- ment Authority (1979-1980). The results of that survey show approximately 90 buildings (3.9% of the existing housing stock) being of historical and/or architectural significance. bbst of the buildings in the survey are located in "016 Westmont". These buildings, for the most part, represent the early growth and prosperity which was evident in the Borough at the turn of the 4 century. This concentration of architectural styles znd the historical significance, related to them, creates a cluster of buildings worthy of inclusion into a Historic District. The developmcnt of a Historic Preservation Plan should be considered. Through the establishment of a Historic Preservation Plan recommendations 4 for the future preservation of the community's cultural and historic resources will be presented. Recommendations concerning historic preservation goals, establishment of legal controls in the form of a historic.district ordinance, or historic district zoning together with proposals for revisions of the existing building and housing codes may become areas of additional discussion. Other areas to be included in the Plan will be planning reconanendations such as improvements in parking and traffic circulation and land use patterns. However, the main emphasis of a Historic Preservation Plan will be effective planning directed at the conditions and continml maintenance of the Borough's housing stock. These plans should include rehabilitation, renovation and restoration plans together with financing avenues in which these objectives can be accomplished. The creation of the Historic Preservation Plan will serve to direct efforts toward preservation and housing objectives thus channeling future development activities into selective target areas. Encouragement of preservation by local officials and the implementation of preservation activities 4 .will serve to strengthen positive attitudes and pride in maintaining one's property . One mechanism to encourage preservation activities is the creation of a Historic District. A Historic District my be "defined as one in which a large proportion of the buildings mre constructed during a a significant architectural period or have significant associations with the history of the comity, regicn, state or nation".

144 e The main purpose of designating areas as historic districts is to protect an area of historical and/or architectural significance against instrusions of new, incompatible structures or against unsympathetic alterations to older buildings. The enforcement of regulations related to the historic district come in the form of historic district ordinances and/or historic district zoning, which is administered by an appointed Architectural Review Board. By the creation of an Architectural Review Board the appearance of a comity is assured by encouraging sympathetic treatment to existing housing conditions. Unique to historic zoning is "Architectural Control", a devise which applies only to the exterior appearance of historic structures. However, within mst historic districts major elements of town plans, including principal street patterns, focal elements, landscaping, and vistas will be incorporated into the controls established by the Review Board. The streetscape particularly, requires that special considerations be given to the height, scale, materials and facades of buildings. However, it is worth noting that new construction has its place within the historic district provided that height, scale, mterials and facades are treated in a sympathetic merwith the existing resources currently composing the character of the neighborhood.

Under current Pennsylvania legislation 1961 P.L. 282, No. 167, local municipalities have been given power to incorporate and/or designate certain areas as historic districts and tcj permit regulation of architectural elements in those areas. Through this legislation, local governments can adopt historic district ordinances in order to regulate various aspects of private property such as building spacing, texture, and composition of materials and architectural details. These various controls are intended to aid in preserving the appezrance without the chmge of ownership or property usage. Functioning historic districts tend to stabilize or even increase civic pride and contribute to the quality of life in the commmity. In conclusion, there is mch evidence which indicates that historic districts, and for that matter, historic zoning controls ,. especially where ,applied in conjunction with a sound Comprehensive Plan,. cxl result in a marked improvement in the quality of the architectural aesthetics and sound- ness of the housing stock in a comity. Wrking this as a positive conclusion it is safe to say that historic districting can lead to the improvement of the quality of life in a community and reward its residents with an improved environment and increased value to the existing housing stock. *SOURCE: Cambria County Redevelopment Authority - Housing Sites Survey Program Incline Plane

Discussion of the Incline Plane occurs in both the Existing and Future Transportation sections of this report. In conjunction with the .study being prepared investigating the operation and management requireinents of the Incline Plane and the proposed engineering study of the facility, it is suggested that the investigation of visual improvements to the Incline also be pursued. The visual quality of the site, including the buildings, cars, grounds, and site amenities, as currently exists is in rather poor condition for a facility of such value as a historic site, tourist attraction, overlook and transportation system. 4 Proposed improvements might include; facade treatment, new sidewalks, improved parking, street trees, seating areas, signage, and other assorted items along Edgehill Drive to greatly improve the overall appearance of the site. Long range possibilities, with the proposed operation and management by the Cambria County Transit Authority and expected increases in ridership, might be ideas that would include; new or reconditioned trolly cars, the possible elimination of allowing automobiles to ride the cars limiting it to pedestrians and bicycles only, a pedestrian bridge over Roosevelt Boulevard (Rt. 56) allowing safe crossing of the busy highmy, possible replacement of the bridge over the Stony Creek with a pedestrian bridge that would be compatible and done in conjunction with the bridge over Roosevelt Boulevard, coordinated bus or van se-mice at the top and bottom of the Incline to prcvide transportation to downtown commercial, office, and industrial sites and also to the I?estwood shopping area. A parking lot located at the "Mound" near the top of the Incline was also discussed that would provide parking for tourists visiting the Incline Plane and observation deck, parking for the recreation site at the f'Mound" as well as neighborhood parking. A "Park and Rideff concept for more utilization of the Incline as part of a mass transit system could then take place. -Woodlands and Street Trees

As previously discussed in the Physiographic section of the report, (I much vegetatior? in the form of tree cover exists in Westmont Borough. In any new development, complete removal of all vegetation and tree cover should be strongly discouraged. Current trends in all types of development should strive for.the preservation and protection of the natural environment.

The plan%ing of trees along streets for aesthetic and/or engineering 4 type purposes, such as; noise, glare, wind, or atmospheric purification, is an encouraged practice where feasible and if done so properly. Whether in a new or old development or as a tree replacement program (such as; the Ainerican Elms along Luzerne Street), it is recommended that a tree-planting plan and its accompanying specifications be developed by qualified personnel tc? properly select the type of trees suitable for the situation, the spac- 4 hgs and locations as well as a suggested inaintenance program.

146 Future Transportation Traffic problems in most communities, regardless of size, can be generally attributed to the fact that improvsment of major thoroughfares has not kept pace with the increased number and use of automobiles. The degree to which a community is urbanized, or its proximity to an urbanized area or a major arterial, may also influence the amovnt of traffic that a community experiences, In addition, the major thcroughfares of many communities are required to provide access for residents and on-street parking space which can contribute to problems of delay and congestion of traffic flow. Finally, patterns of population and economic growth may indicate specific needs for improvement of a community's highway system. Conversely, the condition a and adequacy of the highway system may influence the settlement trends of the community.

An obvious and critical element of a community's transportation ,system is the circulation network which provides for the orderly and safe movement of vehicles in and through the municipality. An adequate and workable traffic system is one that provides for swift, convenient, and safe rovement of all types of vehicles in and through the comity. A basic understandhig of the more important components which affect traffic and traffic flow is essential to plarining and adjasting a highway system. These components include the origin and destination of vehicles, the volume of traffic, inter-community and mter-regional through traffic, principal e traffic generators, and on-street parking practices. Such existing conditions provide the basis for establishing policy goals and objectives for the majar thoroughfare and circulation system of the community. Specific improvements and high-my developments and their relationships and importance will be outlined and detailed in subsequent sectiox 0 of the plan. Before discussing the specifics of these highway developments, however, it is essential that the major policy goals and objectives underlying the scope and purpose of the transportaion plan be delineated. These fom. the basis for the Planning Commission's recommendations to the Borough officials and is intended that these policies be utilized by all local agencies in presenting the traffic proposals to the Pennsylvania Department of 0 Transportation and other implementing agencies. FuruRE TRANSPORTATION CDUS AND OBTECTIVES As a result of the Mijor Thoroughfares and Transportation Study and the reviews of other ongoing highway and transportation planning programs for Cambria County, a number of the factors concerning traffic and circulation, highway condition, and othzr factors, such as land use and economic development which influence transportation planning, are revealed which have a direct impact on Westmont Borough. Those feztures form the basis for the following general policy goals and objectives. Streets and Thoroughfares mfi: To provide and maintain a vehicular and pedestrian system of streets, sidewalks, and related drainage facilities as well as all appurtenant structures which will provide safe, efficient, and adequate transportation throughout the Borough as well as a e access to surrounding residential, ccrmmercial, industrial and employment centers. e 147 OBJECITVES: Encourage continuous coordination with federal, state and local governmental units and citizens' organizations .in the planning and development of all transportation systems . Coordinate a13 highway and transportation improvements i with land use and community development proposals and determine the impact on social and environmental characteristics of the area. Encourage and provide for the continued maintenance of the existing traffic system in order to improve and/or preserve conditions avoiding costly reconstruction work in the futu-e. Borough officials should continually attempt to seek State and Federal fcnding as programs become available for the planned improvements to the Borough trans- 4 protation system as well as all traditional funding sources, such as liquid fuel allocations.

Wss TransportatioR

aALJ : Promote and support ai effective alternative to the a.utomobile such as the provision of mass transit service, the Incline Plane, and bicycle facilities to Borough residents.

. OEJXCTTVES: Evaluate the existing fixed bus system now serving the Borough thereby aidir-g in the recommendations for improve- 4 ment and expansion of the mass transit system in Westniont Borough aid the Greater Johnstown Urbanized area. Promote and suppo'rt on-going efforts to have the Cambria County Transit Authority incorporate the Incline Plane as part of its' operztional mass transit system providing for its continued operation.

? Encourage the use and devklopment of alternatives to the automobile, such as the provision of safe, efficient facilities for bicycles. 1 -REGIOPW HIGHWAY SYSTEM AND PLANS Preceding sections have referred to Westmont Borough's location and relationship to the Johnstown Metropolitan Area and to the regional highway network which serves the area. Improvenents on these major corridors which are predominantly legislztive routes has depended upon priorities developed through the Twelve-Year Highway Pragrm for Cambria County. The 'fwelve-Year Highwzy Program is formulated by County and PennIDT officials. The program is reviewed by the Canibria County Planning Commission and the recommended Twelve-Year Highway Progra is submitted to PemiG3'I' District 9-0 for their review and submission to YennDOT's central office. Upon final approval from I Harrisburg, the highway program is presented to the State Transportation Commission for final adoption arid capital budgeting by the state legislature. During the 1977-78 planning year, however, the County's as well as the Statewide Twelve-Year Transportation Highway Program, experienced a major setback in programing and development. Die to financial constraints facing the State Deparment of Transportation, all planning, programing and con- a struction activities under the Twelve-Year Program were suspended late in 1977. As a result of this dilema, in the Spring of 1979 the Pennsylvania legislature adopted a gasoline tax increase in order to reinstate a capital improvement highway program. Faced with a huge debt service from previous highway construction and a deteriorating roadway system, the Department has re-evaluated the feasibility of a long range building and improvement program. Althsugh no official master plan has been adopted, the emphasis has been away from highway construction and towards an increased maintenance program. Such highway and bridge maintenance activities will be reflected in an update of the Twelve-Year Program expected to be adopted during 1980. 0 Included in PennDOT's limited highway construction program is U.S. Route 22 (L.R. llOl), which is programmed for reconstruction along its entire . length through the county. At the present tine the segment from Ebensburg to Cresson is in the final design stage and construction could begin on certain portions in the Fall of 1980. It is hoped that the reconstruction of the County's major east-west highway could be completed in the near future thus enhancing transportation and economic potential for the entire County. FUTURE THOROUGHFARE AND TRAFFIC CIRGUMTION PLAh'S This section of the Future Transportation Plan will detail specific . recommendations for certain thoroughfare improvements to be made in Westmont Borough. These are recommended improvements to problem areas which are of critical importance to the transportation system in the Borough, and should be considered as highest priority items. These recornendations set forth earlier in this report take into account those existing conditions which were surveyed in the Existing Transportation section and are consistent with e the Summary of Findings for Westmont Ebroilgn' s transportat ion system. The most urgent need, as revealed by the traffic study for Westmont Borough, is for a well established, contimed highway maintenance program, At the present time, a priority schedule of medial maintenance tasks should be established and followed, in addition tc implementing a long-range improvement 0 program for other major improvement projects that are needed. As revealed in the Existing Thoroughfare Characteristics Table TS-2, a few of the streets in the Borough need either partial or total resurfacing along with some curb restoration. For those state-maintained streets, the Borough officials should consult with PennDOT to ensure that these highways a are programmed and scheduled for resurfacing by the Department. The surrounding areas of Westinont Borough are e,upected to retzin their urban character with minimal expansion in residential, commercial, and industrial land uses. Future thoroughfare improvements within these areas should be concentrated in resmfacing deterioriated roadway conditions. e Some widening and realignment projects may be required to improve safety and ease of travel through the Borough.

149 Overall, the Borough is expected to maintain its two-way traffic system throughout its predominately residential urban character into the near future. On-street parking should be limited to the residential streets where adequate street widths exist and where ease of travel and safety can be maintained. Throughout the Borough's network of streets and highways numerous signage has been erected to control traffic flow. For the most part, these traffic controls are adequate for the present traffic volumes ' and need not be substituted.

Princinal Arterial

Menoher Boulevard

As stated in a previous section under summary of findings, Traffic Route 271 (Menoher Blvd.), as a principal regional highway, will no doubt be used more extensively for through traffic and will play a key role in sustaining the existing developments and future growth in the Borough and adjacent Upper Yoder Township. This state highway carries a major portion of regional traffic and provides a direct linkage tc the City from other populated areas. For this reason, it is imperative that the &rough officials stay in close contact with PerlnDOT officials so as to keep it in optimum condition.

The pavement of Menoher FBulevard (T.R. 271) is in fair-good condition considering the bituminous surface has withstood the impact of many vehicles, and years of weather. According to the 1978 Pennsylvania Road Lag the last major resurfacing projects for T.R. 271 (Menoher Boulevard) took place during the years of 1970 and 1972. The horizontal alignment and grade, for the most part, has been designed to carry traffic over the steep topography in the most suitable way. The pavemiit width for mving traffic has allowed an adequate speed for traffic flow without any need for more than two lanes. Although most of T.R. 271 (Menoher Blvd.) is wide enough to support the average daily traffic volumes, there are cetrain sections that are narrower than recom- I mended widths.

Of particular concern is the portion of T.R. 271 west of St. Clair Road to the Borough line and beyond. This segment of roadway suffers from a narrow pavement width (20 feet vs. a recammended 24 foot minimum"), narrow right-of-way width (33 feet vs. a reccmended 45-60 feet*), horizontal alignment and sight distance problems. Suggested improvements include increased R.O.W. or property easements allowing for slight realignment of the existing curves, increased shoulder widths, tree tri~mingand removal and slope cutbacks. Improvements such as this would ultimately permit a more free-flowing mvement of traffic through the Borough along with an increase in safety for a road .1 that has been designated by the Federal and State Departments of Transportation as a Principal Arterial Highway.

Minor Arterials Goucher Street

Presently this major thoroughfare characterized with 8,690-12,320 average daily traffic volumes is the mst heavily travelled roadway in Westmont Borough. As the Borough's major north-south artery, this State Route will continue to serve the local conunercial and employment centers with future increases in traffic volumes to be expected. Although right-of-way widths are acceptable for this class of roadwzy, pavement xidths in some places are below standard to insure proper traffic flow (17 feet vs. 24 feet recommended"). A,XIJRCE: Urban Planning and Desi.RCriteria Joseph DeChiara/Lee Koppelman

15Q The existing right-of-way width along Goucher Street is such that limited reconstruction and realignment improvements to increase safety and ease of travel could be accomplished without costly land acquisition. There are two sections of Goucher Street that are in need of such improvements, these e being two bad curves existing in the vicinity of Dmde Lane and Emmet Drive. Complicating these hazardous alignment problems are a few trees that abute very near the roadway at these two locations. It is therefore recommended that these trees be removed and the suggested realignment improvements be considered. Pavement conditions along this .58 mile of state highway range from good to fair and resurfacing of the facility may be required in the near future as part of PennDOT' s ongoing maintenance program. Luzerne Street, Bucknell Avenue, Wyoming Street

The remainder of the Minor Arterials in the Borough are presently adequate in design and condition to carry existing and future traffic volumes. An exception to this statement may be that of the existing parking conditions along Bucknell Avenue which seem to impede traffic flow. This situation will be discussed in further detail under the heading Parking Practices and Recom- mendations. Collectors St. Clair Road, Emmett Drive, Suiiehanna Drive, Luzerne Street Fxtension, Eiilcreek Road, Buchell Avenue (Luzerne to hlillcreek) , Tioga Street (Bucknell to Edgehill) , Edgehill Drive, Keller Street As was revealed in the Major Thoroughfares and Transportation Study portion of this report, the majority of the Collector streets in the Ebrough are presently adequate in design and condition to carry existing traffic volumes. A problem area has been identified to exist along Elillcreek Road from Bucknell Street to the city line. Currently this roadway is undergoing complete reconstruction and drainage work along the section length in the City of Johnstom. To be consistent with this work, coupled with the need for similar improvenients to the upper portion of Millcreek Road, it is suggested that Westmont and Southmont Boroughs through a coordinated effort stay in close contact with local planning agencies to pursue pssible funding for reconstruction of this section of roadway.

In addition to Millcreek Road, Keller St.reet was also found to be suffering from some inadequacies which include narrow pavement width and a poor surface condition. This roadway is located in an area of the Borough that has potential for future multi-family type housing development. It is therefore recommended that this roadway undergo extensive pavement and drainage type improvements if any future development should occur. Due to their present traffic demand, which will be discussed in detail under the heading Ebjor Thoroughfare Street Classification, it is suggested that the following streets be re-classified as Collectors.

Parkview Drive (rvlenoher Blvd. to MhoDr.) Minnow Drive ( Parkview Dr. to Willet Dr. to shopping center) Willet Drive winno Dr. to Goucher St.) Stanford Avenue (Menoher Blvd. tc St. Clair Rd.)

1511 Local Streets

Included in this category are all of the remaining streets and roadways in Westmont Borough, lvhich were forid to have no real problem associated with them that would be in the confines of this report. HOwever, minor di-aixage problems and the concept of curbing vs. nc curbing and maintenance associated problems can be found, As noted in the pre:rious transportation section, streets from some developments were never constructed to borough standards and remain unaccepted public roadways. Some of these roadways are provided minimal maintenance by the Borough and some are RO~. A proposed Subdivision Ordinance, being prepared by the Cambria County Pla~~iigCommission and Westmont Borough Planning Committee, is expected to alleviate the problem in future developments. A number of private streets can also be found in the Borough primarily in the western areas of the Borough.

Hazardous Intersections

In previous sections of the Traffic Study and Plan various obser- i vations were touched upon regarding hazardous intersections and raodways. Specific problem areas were characterized by conflicting traific turning movements, heavy traffic volumes, and nunierous other related features were noted. Many of the highway facilities exhibit one or a combination of the above- mentioned hazardous conditions. Examination of accident reports revealed 4 several particular intersections experjencing high incidents of traffic accidents over a four-year period frcm 1974 to 1976 as can be seen on Table TS-3 of this study. The specific location of these problem areas are identified on the Transportation Study Map No, 1. On-site inspections of these intersections were conducted in order to identify the specific characteristics of the inter- . section that are increasing the probability of traffic accidents. The on-site 1 inspections resulted in a variety of short .and long range recommendations intended to improve traffic flow and safety lir.provements recommended for each roadway intersection are as follows:

Menoher Blvd. and Gmcher_.- Street.-- I As mentioned previously this intersection is the point of severe traffic congestion and was t.he site of numerous traffic accidents over the four year period from 1974 through 1976 as can be seen on Table TS-3 of this study. Many of these accidents have occurred because of a lack of clearance - b0t.h sight and physical. ??lis is due mainly to the existing pole-cable type of signal support system, compounded by two trees located on I each corner of Menoher Blvd. and Caucher Street at the south side of the intersection. These problems are further complicated by the deteriorated condition of the existing pavement nlarkings. The specific improvements recommended for this intersection are as follows: - Updating of the pole-type signal support system with the single mast arm apparatus thus greatly increasing right hand turning radii from Goucher Street onto Menoher Boulevard. In conjunction with this improvement the aforementioned trees should be remved, eliminating a hazardous obstructior?.

152 e - Provide a traffic responsive signal, increasing traffic capacity flow and safety. - Reconstruction of the existing pavenent markings with a the addition of pedestrian walkways. Menoher Bculevard and St. Clair Road-

Traffic and circulation problems 2t this location are largely a result of poor street alignment and bad clearance - both site and turning. e These situations are created by a jog existing between St. Clair Road and St. Clair Road Extension compounded by a stone wall located on the southern side of this intersection.

The specific improvements recommended for this intersection are as follows: a - Improve street alignment between St. Clair Road and St. Clair Road Extension.

- Possible removal of the above mentioned stone wall or rebuilding it at a proper setback distance, thus improving turning radius.

- Trimming of thk trees along Menoher Blvd. so as to increase sight clearance.

Goucher Street and Willet Drive Traffic problems occurring at this intersection appear to be caused by the very poor angle at which these streets intersect. This situation creates very poor sight clearance and turning radius. These problems are further complicated by trees located alcng Goucher Street which obstruct the sight clearance at this intersection. The specific improvements recommended for this intersection are as follows: - Improve street angle intersection by a possible increase of right-of-way along Willet Drive. 0 - Channelization of traffic turning movements with pavement markings and/or the instdlation of curbing. - Possible erection of signs along Goucher Street a warning of this hazardous intersection. Parking Practices and Recommendations

As can be seen on Table TS-2, Existing Thoroughfare Characteristics and the Transportation Study Map No. 1, parking is prohibited on many of the a Borough's major roadways. Limited parking in certain areas for the most part does not hpede the safety and ease of travel. One particular site where a PI-0- blem does exist is Bucknell Street from Luzerne Street to Wyoming Street where a 153 4 parking is permitted on the \\-est side of the street. As a result of this practice, coupled with a narrow pavement width of 22', the efficiency of traffic flow ,is dramatically reduced. I-Icwever, the right-of-way width for that area is 60' consisting of the pavement ~iidth(22')., tree lined grass planting .strips on both sides.of the roadway (13' each) and sidewalks along both sides 4 (6' each). A hazardous situation is rev&l.ed by the accidents and near accidents reported along that stretch of roadway identified on Table TS-3 and. the Transportation Study Map No. 1 in the previous section of this report. . .

As revealed in the Land Use section of this report much of the area surrounding Bucknell Avenue consists of large, older single family homes 4 that are being converted to apartments or milti-family dwellings. Because of this, additional cars are present and more parking spaces are needed in an area that was originally planned for less cars. Upon field surveys of the area it was found that only a few cars actually were parked along Bucknell Avenue at any one time. A spot that cars were often found to be parked was the corner of Tioga and Bucknell at a retail establishrent located there. Although park- 4 ing along the entire length of the street is imt 100% a few occassionally parked cars still present a maneuverability and safety problem. Possible solutions to this problem are as follows:

- Elimination of parkjng along The entire street, 4 however lost parking spaces vould need to be replaced elsewhere, such as vacated lots and/or other open space areas (see discclssion of Incline Plane later in this sectioil). - Widening of the street in one oi three ways: eliminating a poitioii of tile Lgrass strip by moving curbing and extending pavement along either side of the street or along both sides of the street. In all cases the rei~~valof tree?. would not be necessary. 4 - Allowing parking on the grass strip between the trees as occurs in adjacent areas of the Borough, however this solution is somewhat unsightly, is harmful to the trees and grass and also creates a mud and dirt problem.

Avenues of Funding 4 The Pennsylvania Departnent of Transportation is currently in the process of formulating a New Initiative to Save Lives and Reduce Congestion highway improvement program, The main object of the new initiative is to save lives, prevent personal ir-juries ar,d reduce congestion. New areas of emphasis that is to be generated by this directive are improvements at intersections which have high concennations of severe accidents. TIiis program may be a source of funding the proposed improvements for the hazardous intersections in Westmont Borough. As previously mentioned it is imperative that Borough officials stay- in close contact with FennDOT and the Cambria County Planning Commission to remain infoimetl on the various highway improvement programs. 4

4 154 Major Thoroughfare System Classification

Referring to the Major Thoroughfare and Transportation section of &is report under the heading of Classification of Streets and Highways it was recommended that a number of streets be recognized as urban collectors in the major roadway system that serve the Borough. Consequently it is there- 0 fore suggested that the following roadways be designated as part of the Collector classification. The location of these streets can be referenced on the Trans- portation Study hkp No. 1. Parkview Drive (Menoher Blvd. to Minno Dr.) Minno Drive (Parkview Dr. to Willet Dr. to shopping center) 0 Willet Drive (Minno Dr. to Goucher St.) -These roadways serve as an alternate route to the Westwood Shopping Plaza thus avoiding congested Goucher Street and Menoher Boulevard. Stanford Avenue (Menoher Blvd. to St. Clair Rd.) -This street collects and distributes traffic from Menoher Boulevard and the local streets throughout the neighborhood and is utilized extensively during the winter months to avoid a hazardous hill located along St. Clair Road. All other streets within the corporate limits of Westmont Boroclgh are appropriate in classification and should continue to serve in this capacity in future years. On this basis, a proposal with justification for the reclassification of the above nentioned streets may be submitted to the Cambria County Planning Commission to be forwarded to PennDOT District 9-0 Office for possible approval by the appropriate state and federal agencies.

For further planning and programming it is important that the Major Thoroughfare System Classification be concurred with by the Planning Commission and Borough Offices, for its purpose is to establish the relative importance of each roadway an&the priority attached to recommend improvements. As pointed out in previous chapters, most of the major thoroughfare system involves State Traffic and Legislative Routes. Decisions affecting these roadways and related improvements cannot be implemented solely by the Borough. Other jurisdictional and funding agencies must be consulted and a rational basis for assistance be established and adequately presented if desired improvements are to be effectuated. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PLAN Reference was made in the “Existing Conditions Inventory” to the status and possible future of the public transportation in Westmont Borough. In this section, each mode of public transportation will be briefly reviewed to assess its potential for service to the needs of the Borough.

Public Mass Transportation

As noted in the Existing Conditions section of this report, public mass transportation in Westmont Borough and the Johnstown Metropolitan Area is provided primarily by the publicly funded Cambria County Transit Authority. This agency provides pass transportation services to anyone in the area on an established scheduled bus route sys’iem. Wreover, it provides an efficient system of transportation for the elderly and handicapped at reduced rates.

155 Just recently the Transit -4uthority has taken delivery of the first in a "series of advanced design 35 passenger motor coach buses. These vehicles are specially equipped with a front kneeling step designed to lower to the curb and wheelchair lifts, making them completely accessible to handicapped perso;is . Enclosed bus shelters have also been imtalled in strategic locations through- 4 out the service area to promote increased usage and provide comfortable waiting areas for passengers. In new znd existing development areas of the Borough, bus service and related facilities should be planned and accommodated for. One such area of the Borough where bus service could be expanded would be to the "Crestwood" developrnent area. (See Transportation >lap 2 for possible route selection.) In review of the beneficial. effects that a mass transit system has on the comities it serves, it is imperative that IVestmnt Borough maintains all cooperative efforts with the Cambria County Transit Authority so that all Borough residents will continue to have access to such a system. Furthermore, the private taxi conpanies operating in the Johnstown region are becoming more involved in the overall transportation planning process and have established a valuable transportation asset to the citizens of the Johnstam area. The Federal and State Departments of Transportation have taken the posture in order to achieve the maximum potential of transportation services to all segments of the population, the private sector must become an integral part of the transportation system. Borough officials should be aware of this development, and encourage private carriers to become 4 actively involved in mass transit pro\-ision.

Air Tranmortation As mentioned previously, air trans2ortation services are provided at the Greater Johnstown-Cambria County Airyort located in nearby Richland 4 Township. The regional airport affords the residents and businesses of passenger and air freight services to inany destinations throughout the state and nation. Development activities at the local airport are contained in a "Master Plan Report" prepared in 1973. The multistaged program includes improvements to airport runways 2nd taxiways as well as major expansion projects of its facilities. The airport is expected to play a major role 4 in the continued economic and industrial growth of the Cambria-Somerset County Area.

Rail Transport ati on As was stated in the 'Existing Conditions Report" rail passenger and 4 freight service is not now provided within Weestmont Borough nor is any anticipated within the near future. However, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) provides commuter service between Altoona and Johnstam from its terminal facility in Johnstom, with ultimate destinations being Washington, D.C. and New York City to the east. and St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri to the west. Because of this fact it is important that Westmont 4 Borough support any proposed improvements to the railway system, particularly the Amtrak Terminal in the City. Incline Plane Currently the Cambria County Planning Commission (as explained in the Existing Transportation Study) is ccnducting a feasibility study on the optimal operation and management operations of the Westmont Incline Plane. Funding for a detailed engineering study of the facility is also being sought. Additional avenues of assistance might be obtained from the National Park Service which may be interested in the facility because of its historic sig- e nificance and relationship to the 1889 flood. The Incline Plane is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places xhich offers some funding. The Incline which has potential for listing on the National Register of Historic Landmarks also makes it eligible for additional sources of funding for preservation and beautification.

A "Park and Ride" concept for mass transportation could be incorporated at the Incline Plane providing parking for commuters using the Incline to downtown Johnstown. The parking area could be located at the adjacent 'Mound" Recreation area, which has sufficient land available for all its recreation activities and would also provide needed parking for tourists visiting the Incline Plane and observation deck, parking for the recreation site, as well as off street parking for the neighborhood.

Bikeway Facilities

I A proposal seeking funding from the Federal Highway Administration ~ Bicycle Grant Program llas recently been submitted by the Cambria County Plan- ning Commission for the construction of a Stackhouse Park Bicycle Trail Develop- ment. Briefly, what the bikeway wodd involve 1170uld be the construction of approximately 2 miles of an 8 foot paved trail over an existing stone and dirt road that currently exists in rather poor condition through the park. The e benefits of such development are many as it would provide access into the park, opening it for much greater utilization. An 8 fcot paved trail xould also provide a means for policing the park ivhich has always been a problem. Re- creation benefits would include bicycling, jogging, walking, and cross country skiing trails through a beautiful tract of undeveloped woodland. Also beneficial is that it would provide a safe alternate mode of transportation as * well as provide an environmental and recreational experience close to a population center. In light of the current and future transportation situation, providing recreational facilities of this scale close to urban areas makes good sense and is also a goal of the 1980 Pennsylvania State Recreation Plan.

157 IMPLEMENTATION and CONTROL The Comprehensive Plan has value only to the extent that it is utilized ,to bring about the desired future community which it portrays. In short, unless a comprehensive plan is translated into actions and activities, it is of little value. Therefore, implementation should be viewed as the process by which positive local actions are carried out to achieve the goals and recommendations contained in the plan.

The process used to achieve the objectives of this plan fall into tm broad categories: (1) those applied to the development and use of private property; and (2) those applied to the development and use of pcblic property and services. The principal mechanisms for guiding the use and development of private property in harmony with the Comprehensive Plan are as follows. GUIDING PRIVATE PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

(1) Zoning Ordinance

(2 ) Subdiv is ion Regula t ions (3) Housing and Building Codes

Zoning

Zoning is the legal device that can enable IVestmont Parough ta implement its comprehensive plan. The basic issues addressed by the zoning ordinance are the protection of the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the Borough' s residents. This ordinance regulates the type, size, and location of structures permissible within the various zoning districts into which the Borough would be divided. Consequently: a certain district would be restricted to single i'amily residential development with height regulations, ninimm lot size requirements and setback provisions appropriate for that kind of development. In other areas, comercial or industrial development would be permitted and regulations for these areas woayld reflect the level of control over this type of e development desired by the Borough. Because zoning is prospective rather than retroactive, it carumt be relied upon to chmge existing conditions. It is for this reason that a sound zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations be accompanied by housing znd building codes whicn contain provisions for the correction of existing conditions. The zoning ordinance will be of mimum use to Westmont Borough when it is enforced in conjunction with subdivision regulations, and housing ad building codes, thereby guiding the future use and development of private property. Of course, to assure long-term plan implementation related to private development and uses, enforcement measures would have to be closely followed. Zoning enforcement is usually conducted through the establishment of a zoning officer and a zoning hearing board. The zoning officer is responsible for the literal interpretation of the zoning ordinance, and any variation from the written requiSements must be judged by the zoning hearing board before any further action can be taken by a public or private developer.

158 Subdivision Redations

Subdivision regulations are defined as the locally adopted laws governing the process of converting raw land into two or mre lots for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of leasing, selling, or building development. This 4 is accomplished through plot approval procedures, under which a developer is not permitted to make improvements or divide and sell land until the local planning commission and governing body has approved a plan of the proposed subdivision. The approval or disapproval of the plan by the commission is based on compliance of the proposal with development standards set forth in the subdivision regulations. Failure by a developer to comply with the regulations 4 may result in various civil and criminal penalties. In the end, three groups of people benefit from subdivision control.: the developer; the buyer; and the general. public.

The developer benefits because he is given a definite set of minimum 4 standards to meet. It gives the builder or developer the assurance that the lots meet all legal requirements, and that the authorities will not later demand a change of design or more improvements. When approved, the developer's lots should have a greater value and be easier to sell because they have the government's approval. c 4 The urchaser benefits because he is buying a lot which is both adequate in size gh--an esign and legally recorded and laid out in accordance with local government standards.

The general public benefits in many ways. Population density is con- . trolled, streets are properly laid out, and the land for schools, parks, and 4 other pGblic places is reserved or dedicated. Developers are required to improve the streets, make arrangements for utility connections, and make other

improvements. This protects the general community from unnecessary tax burdens , clue to building streets or providing other public improvements which were in- adequately provided at the time of original development. 4 Any subdivision ordinance should include provisions for insuring that the future subdivision of land conform to the comprehensive plan. Housing and Building Codes

A housing code prescribes the minimum requirements for buildings used 4 for human habitation. It sets minimum health and safety standards governing such dwelling facilities as plumbing, heating and ventilation, sanitation and cleanliness in maintenance, and standards to prevent overcrowding by regulating space per occupant. The concept of this code is that all repairs alterations, extensions or other construction are to be made in accordance with the applicable requirements of the zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, and building codes. a

A building code sets standards for the quality of miterials and will outline the construction necessary to insure the public against buildings which are strccturally weak and potentially hazardous. This code may also specify minimum requirements for heating equipment, water supplies and drainage systems. The necessity to adopt such a code is seen as protection to the property buyer 1 as well as to the community, which would inevitably face financial loss as well. as a decline in civic reputation if its buildings were substandard.

159 4 GUIDING PUBLIC PROPERTY AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENT The principal mechanism for guiding the development and use of public property in harmony with the Comprehensive Plan is the development and a implementation of a Capital Improvements Program and Budget Schedule. Capital improvements may be defined as expenditures related to the construction, reconstruction and the replacement of or improvements to public facilities such as municipal and community buildings, utilities, recreation areas, streets and highways and other publicly owned facilities. Capital improvements decisions represent significant policy choices for local government, not only a due to the high costs frequently involved in improvements to streets: utility lines and other facilities, but for other reasons as well. A capital improvements program not only is a response to present or anticipated comity needs, but may also cause change as well. For example, improved water and sewer lines not only respond to existing service needs but may also enhance future development. Therefore, capital improvements programming is * one of the most important aspects of the planning process.

A capital improvements project is usually a self-contained project which will be constructed over a specific period of time as a unit. Several individual projects can be consecutive steps toward the final and complete implementation of this community improvement plan. Capital improvements include only those items constructed or purchased which have a useful life extending beyond a one-year period. Recurring annual items and routine maintenance and repairs are not considered capital mprovements. A capital improvements program should implement the recommendations contained in the Comprehensive Plan. The individual projects should not only be related to the pian, but should complement one another. Grandiose schemes which have little probability of implementation or a project inventory of needed but unrelated activities should be avoided. Li-ikages befxeen the projects identified in the plan, and linkages among the individual projects require a budget management process which is capable of translating the identified activities into workable projects. Prior to the initiation of any individually proposed capital improvement recommended in the Comprehensive Plan, a long-range program enconpas- sing all capital improvements programed for the Borough of IVes’wnont must be prepared. Basically this capital improvemnts program should include: The preparation of a comprehensive listing of all recommended capital improvements ;

An analysis of the scope and relative need of each improvement ;

An analysis of the relationships among the identified projects ;

An analysis of the relationship of each project in terms of the Comprehensive Plan;

A review of the short-term revenue feasibility of potential municipal budgets;

160 An analysis of the potential municipal debt positions;

A determination of costs for each project and potential federal and/or state financial resources for each project ;

An assignment of relative priority to each of the projects; and The establishment of a schedule that includes phases of the capital improvements program, the time frame for each phase, and the time frame for the entire project. Ideally, this process should program iqrovexents over a five (5) year period with an allowance for annual updating. The annual review will permit the programing of projects for an additional year and will offer the Borough the opportunity to review and evaluate the accomplishments of the capital improve- 1 ments program, Eke necessary revisions, re-evaluate comity needs and assess the Borough's resources for the up-coming year. By making these evaluations every year during the five-year planning period, a new budget can easily be de- vised for the following five-year period which has the support of the community and conforms to the continuing planning process.

WITAL IMPROVEI!E"S PROGFWl IFSCRIPTION

This section summarizes proposed capital improvements which reflect the recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan. While this program is not meant to depict all of the capital. irrprovement.s required, it does initiate a starting point for implementation, and future planning and programing. The following list of projects are suggested improvenents related to necessary municipal and comity facilities.

Transportation

Flenoher Boulevard (west past St. Clair Road) - increasing a portion of the right-of-way distance allowing for slight realignment of the roackay at the dangerous curves existing along this portion of highway. This would include a slope cutback with tree removal and trimming, wider shoulders and improved drainage. Goucher Street - a slight realignment of the roadway within the existing right-of-way at two dangerous curves, one at Dundee Lane and the other near Fmett Drive. This would include tree removal and new curbing at these locations. Additional curbing improvements may also be needed.

Millcreek Road - complete reconstruction of the roadway from approxi- 4 mately Bucknell Avenue to the City line. This would include new base material and surfacing as well as curbing, catch basins and f storm drainage lines. Another phase of the project may include improvements to the remainder fo the roadway from Menoher Boulevard to Bucknell Avenue. Bucknell Avenue - widening of the street within the existing right-of-way to safely accommodate two-way traffic and a parking lane. This would include partial street rebuilding and new curbing and catch basins as well as full or partial resurfacing. 0 Intersection of Menoher Boulevard and Goucher Street - upgrading and modernization of the traffic signal system and pavement markings. Possible tree removal was also suggested. Intersection of blenoher Boulevard and St. Clair Road (north) - a increasing the turning radius along with tree trimming within the existing right-of-way to improve safe traffic flow.

Intersection of Goucher Street and Willet Drive - improving -intersection alignment to suggested stqdard of 90" within the existing right-of-way or acquired yard area of the adjacent property. This would improve the turning radius and include curbing, pavement markings and signage.

Community Facilities - Recreation

The "Mound'' Recreation Area - Various improvements including the relocation and construction of two existing tennis courts and two basketball courts. Totlot construction and seating areas, a restroom/concession facility (sewer and water lines are at the site), parking area and new plantings.

0 En h Field - various field improvernents including new bleachers, +player s enches, minor grading and drainage improvements, outfield fencing, and restrooms. An outdoor classroom, picnic tables, and exercise trail equipment constructed in a wooded area at the far end of the site. Stackhouse Park - development of an 8' paved bicycle trail over an existing stone and dirt road that currently exists through the park. Drainage improvements would also be included. Stutzman Playground - construction of an additional tennis court or basketball court with consideration for night lighting. An 0 improved tot area with modern wood play structures and tree plantings around the site. Pitt Avenue (Borough owned land) - leave as natural area with a small assortment of wood play structures and trail head signage. Should include development of permanent cul-de-sacs at ends of Pitt Avenue. Year Round Comity Recreation Center - swimming pool/teenagers/ senior citizens/racsuetball/dav care/etc. Desired Location - Junior High School/&nior High' School/Grove .

162 Community Facilities - Public Utilities Sanitary Sewer System - reconstruction of approximately 250-300 feet .of 18 inch-interceptorsewer under Bethel Street. Storm Sewer System - construction of approximately six catch i basins and related line extensions and construction (Drury Lane, Haldon Drive, Calvin Drive, Arbutus Trail) . Detailed investigation. .. of damaged storm lines entering into Stackhouse Park and subsequent erosion and drainage system corrections. Comity Facilities - Community Beautification Incline Plane - visual improvements including facade treatment, new sidewalks, street trees, seating areas, signage and other assorted items. Historic Preservation - development of a Historic Preservation Plan by a suitable consultant. Luzerne Street - American Elm Trees - budgeting for future removal and redacement. Consideration for street tree pl.antings on other keets throughout the Borough.

163 a

CONCLUSION . The Comprehensive Plan, and the entire planning approach, must be viewed as a process, which simply stated. is an organized nanner of thinking ahead about the future of a cmity. This process requires a review of the past of a comity, an analysis of existing conditions and recommendations and projections related to future conditions. Since the planning process is dynamic in nature, the preparation of a Comprehensive Plan should be viewed as a step in the planning process rather than the end of the process. Therefore, the plan must be continually reviewed, re-evaluated and updated to reflect changing conditions within the Borough, and changing conditions affecting the Borough. In this regard, the IVestmont Borough Planning Committee should consider as its future role, in addition to future planning activities, the initiation and coordination of the implementation process. Only through working with Borough Council and other local governmental and civic agencies, can the Planning Committee accomplish this role. In order to maintain this process, procedures have to be developed which will insure periodic updating. These procedures should include the recording and mapping of all current and future building activities, the periodic updating of published statistics which form the basis for airrent plans and the periodic re-evaluation of local development objectives. Thus, just as the Comprehensive Plan serves as a guile for the future of the Borough it should also synbolize the initiation of planning as a process within the Borough. The Capital Improvement Progran is a segment of this p-ocess. . Additional categories and activities within each category should be added during annual revisions. All costs should represent initial estimates in current dollars, thus future budget revisions shculd allow for . inflation. The major elements of the budget may be eligible for federal. and/or state assistance, therefore, the Borough officials and agencies should begin to pursue these resources as a first step .in the Implementa- lo tion process.

'0 164 !!

RESOLUrZON NO. J3 ,

7980