Lawrence County Comprehensive Plan

.LAWRENCEx. COUNTY

COMPREHENSIVE ' PLAN

1977 i

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I ~r LAWRENCE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

LAWRENCE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

PREPARED BY LAWRENCE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE, 1977

The preparation of this report was financed in part through a comprehensive pxanning grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, under the provisions of Section 701 of the Housing Act of 1954, as amended and as administered by the Bureau of Planning, Department of Community Affairs. LAWFWVCE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSIO~ Russell N. Kawa, Chairman John Cater, Vice Chairman Wendell Wagner, Secretaty Dominic Caminite John Coyne Rodger DeCarbo Charles McDevitt John Noga John Wattick, Jr.

LAWRENCE COUNTY PLANNING STAFF Thomas W. Graneg. Director Gerard C. Nosal, Principal Planner James Gagliano,Jr., Community Planner Laura Brobel, Secretary Rosalind Trioolo. Clerk/Typist Frank Gingras, Draftsman

LAWFLENCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS John A. Meehan, Jr., Chairman Thomas Shumaker Frank Vitril i

I TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 -PAGE INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND A. Historical 1 B. Physical 2 C. Population 3 D. Economy 6 E. Housing 7 F. Transport at ion 13 G. Sewer Facilities 15 H. Water 19 I. Land Use 23 J. Public Facilities 25 K. Recreation 27 L. Solid Waste 32 PROBLEMS- TRENDS Physical 34 Population 34 Economy 35 Eousing 35 Transportation 35 Sewer and Water 36 'Land Use 36 Recreation 37 Solid Waste 37 1 POLICIES AND PRIORITIES Physical 39 Population. 40 1 Economy 40 E Housing 41 I 1

I Transportat ion 43 Sewer and Water 45 I Land Use 45 Recreation 47 I Other 48 AF'PENDIX 1976-1978 Lawrence County Planning 50 E Highway Priority List 1976-1978 Pennsylvania of Transportation 52 I 12 Year Project Priority List TOPICS Program 52 I Development Criteria 53 I I 1 E I I I I I I I II PLATE INDEX

FOLLOWS :

RFGIONAL LOCATIONS ...... Introduction

LAWRENCE COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES POPULATION 1940 - 19’70 ...... Page 5 crvmm WORK FORCE LAWRFNCE COUNTY 1967 - 1976...... Page 6

MAJOR TRANSPORTATION .FEATURES...... Page 14

REGIONAL RECREATION MIP ...... Page 27

MUNICIPAL PARKS ...... , Page 30

SEWER SYSTEM PRIORITIES ...... Page 45

WATER SYSTEM PRIORITIES ...... Page 45

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ...... Page 49 INTRODUCTION

The WIIYRENCE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN is a positive state- ment for the future of our community. Our area has seen decades of adversity. Hopefully, this document can be a tool to help reverse this trend. Historically, these Plans are overly optimistic in nature. Here, we have attempted to take a realistic and mature look at Lawrence County, recognize its very real problems, and suggest 0 activities of a remedial nature. For, before we talk of growth, it is first necessary to halt decline, stablize, and attempt to base future growth an realistic assumption. This does not mean the Planning Commission Plan ignores some of the traditional concerns for these reports. Land use, the environment, and similar concerns are in evidence. These are important and recognized as same. Yet--to be realistic, these traditional concerns must be balanced against very pressing problems of jobs, industry, and economy. There is a cartoon in a planner's jokebook. It shows a janitor in a dusty and cob-webbed closet.. The janitor is putting a report on a back shelf, the caption reading, "Implementing the Plan." During the next year, the Comprehensive Plan will be sub- jected to the review of many elements of our citizenry, local officials, as well as specific reviews by functional committees of the Lawrence County Planning Commission. Hopefully, under- standing and support will result in this review as well as a sharpening of specific priorities and policies. Then, upon adoption, this Plan will indeed be a real guide past to the future. How well this'Plan is written, how well it is received, how effective it is, will show how we in Lawrence County do in "Im- 0 plementing the Plan." I I I L I I I I I E 1 I- I, li I] BACKGROUND

The purpose of this portion of the Comprehensive Plan for Lawrence County is to give the reader a brief overview of the current problem that we face. In zn effort to achieve brevity, this text will be limited. Those who wish to seriously study the County's problems would do well to review the following publications which are available at the Lawrence County Planning Commission (LCPC) office:

1. Comprehensive Sewer & Water Plan, 1971. d2. Solid Waste Plan, 1974. 3. Economic Analysis, 1974, e J4, Population Analysis, 1974,

5. Traffic & Transportation Plan, 1974.

J6. Industrial Plan, 1975.

7. Land Use Plan, 1975.

8. Overall Economic Development Plan, 1976,

L/9. Housing Report, 1976.

10. Historic and Geographic Report, 1976.

A. HISTORICAL

I Over two hundred years ago, the future site of Lawrence County was part of the frontier of Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland, or Virginia--depending on which claim was believed. The land was I royally granted to William Penn, but the Quakers did not protect this area from Indian invasions, prompting the other three states e mentioned to claim the territory.

I Its original inhabitants were Indians; at first the Iroquois (Six Nations), then the Delaware. These Indians were the only inhabitants until after the Revolutionary War, the only exception ! being a small settlement by Moravian missionaries in 1770.

Permanent settlement within the County began after the Revo- ! lutionary War. Dedication tracts and rail company schemes encouraged settlement in the Western Pennsylvania area. Generally, 1793-1794 is given as the first gears that the real settlers moved to this County. Most noteworthy of these was John C. Stewart, who arrived 1. in 1798 and by 1802 was selling plots in what is now New Castle. u 1 e At that time, Lawrence County was part of Beaver and Mercer Counties. New Castle, which began as a borough in 1825, was growing and found itself under two county jurisdictions. In 1830, the struggle for a new county was begun which culminated success- fully in 1849. The name Lawrence was taken from Captain James Lawrence, whose cry "Don't give up %he ship" was adopted as the motto of local residents in their fight for the creation of this County.

Generally, growth was gradual within the County until the late 1800's. Then,with the advent of the industrial revolution, and the sound of local tin mills, growth started to accelerate. This era of growth and prosperity generally continued into the late 1920's. Then the combination of the great depression, as well as the growing obsolescence of local factories, led to a decline of the County.

It has been less than 200 years since the first permanent settlers visited this area, and during this period, significant changes in growth has occurred. Today, the County is a mixture of city, farm, and forest, each reflecting essential elements of its history.

B. PHYSICAL

Lawrence County is located along the western border of Penn- sylvania, about equidistant from its north and south boundaries. Cleveland lies about ninety miles northwest of the County, Youngs- town to its immediate west, and approximately thirty miles to the south, is found Pittsburgh.

There is a total of approximately 379 square miles in the County; and geographically, it is in an area referred to as the Appalachia Plateaus Province. Elevations within the County range between one to two thousand feet above sea level except for portions of the river valleys. Major topographical characteristics can be divided into three categories: (1) steep slopes and rugged terrain in the southeastern'portion of the County; (2) gently rolling hills and broad level flood plains in the western portions, and; (3) fairly level, rolling.land typical of the northeastern rural sections. The County has nine major watersheds which all drain into the Ohio River system via one of the three major rivers of the County, the Shenango, Mahoning, or Beaver.

Lawrence County which lies between 400 50' and 41° 7' North Latitude, enjoys a humid continental climate, with an average annual precipitation ofoapproximately 38.17 inches. Temperature extremes from 1Olo to -23 Fahrenheit have been recorded. The mean annual temerature is a mild 50°, and the growing season is cal-culated to be 145 days, lasting from mid-May to late October.

2 '0 .! Much of the County is underlain by various mineral deposits. Chief among these are limestone,and coal. The coal is bituminous, I generally characterized by high ash and sulfur content. Therefore, due to environmental control, it is not readily adaptable to all uses. However,the upgrading of coal-burning power units to proper envkronmental operating standards,coupled with the current "energy crisis,"may increase local production. Limestone deposits are used chiefly for the manufacture of cement, and in the construction industry. Deposits of sand and gravel also exist in the County and are used by the construction activities.

C. POPULATION

According to Webster's, a community is defined as "a unified 0 body of individuals." As the Comprehensive Plan is about our community of Lawrence County, it is well that we study the body of individuals which comprise our citizens. An area's population is both a mirror of its history and a basis for the projections of future conditions. For example, a vigorously growing county normally reflects a strong economic base and warns community leaders that they must carefully guide physical development lest serious problems develop. Conversely, a declining I population is a clue that local economic conditions need attention. What has been the history of Lawrence County's population? From 1900 to 1960, it exhibited a pattern of nearly continuous growth. From 1900 to 1930, the County's growth was essentially greater, or roughly equivalent to, State and National rates. However, beginning with the 1930-1940 decennium, it is obvious the main thrust of Lawrence County's growth had "tailed off." After 1950, local population changes became significantly lower than State and Federal rates,leading to an actual Loss in 1970 of 4.9%.

POPULATION-PATTERNS 1900-1970 0 United % % Lawrence z Census States Change Pennsylvania Change County Change

1900 75,994,575 21.0 6,302,115 19.9 ,57,042 52.0 1910 91,972,266 21.0 7,665,111 21.6 70,032 23.0 1920 105,710,620 15.0 8,720,017 13.8 85,545 22.0 1930 122,775,046 16.0 9,631,350 10.5 97,258 14.0 1940 131,669,275 .7 .0 9,900,180 2.8 96,877 -1.0 1950 150,697,361 14.0 10,498,012 6.0 105,120 8.0 1960 179,323,000 19.0 11,319,366 7.8 112,965 7.0 1970 203,235,298 13,3 11,793,909 4.2 107,374 -4.9

Source: U.S. Census Bureau Reports

3 If one looks at our economic history, it is interesting to note that the decline of local population growth rates coincides with the closing of the tin mills in the County. Often the comparisons between the County and State and Federal figures may be misleading. Counties which are in our own region perhaps provide a better yardstick of Lawrence's population patterns. The chart below lists a number of counties in Pennsylvania and Ohio that share general geographic and economic characteristics with this County:

POPULATION CHANGE 1960- 1970 Selected Pennsylvania and Ohio Counties

Lawrence -4.9% Mercer -0.3% Butler +11.6% Beaver +0.7% Allegheny -1.4% Washington -2.9% Armstrong -4.9% Venango -4.5% Westmoreland +6.9% Columbiana (0) +l. 2% Mahoning (0) +1.4% Trumbull (0) +11.5%

Sources: Census Report PC (1)-A40 Pa. County & City Data Book U.S. Bureau of Census, 1972

Of the twelve counties compared above, it is interesting to note that only Armstrong lost the same percentage of population from 1960 to 1970 as Lawrence, with Venango's losses close to ours. We must note that both of these counties are significantly smaller than Lawrence.

Six counties listed showed relative stability (less than 3% growth or decline),while three experienced significant growth (6.9% to 11.6%). Why did Lawrence County suffer a significant population loss while nine other regional counties exhibited stability or growth? Probably there were a number of reasons. Yet at the base of these reasons, the health of local economies appears to be the prime factor. To test this theory, we contacted the Butler County Planner, Margaret Ford, and asked her why Butler County had an 11.6% population gain from 1960 to 1970. Mrs. Ford credited four general factors, the two essential ones being linked to industrial growth.

4 Intra-County migration is not consistent with our overall population experience. Population losses and gains among Lawrence County's twenty-six municipalities may have accounted for a cumulative net loss, but exhibited highly divergent characteristics. For example, the losses of New Castle and Ellwood City combined for the 1960 to 1970 decennium was 7,787 persons, or 2,000 more than the County as a whole. In that same time period, Neshannock Township and New Wilmington Borough had population gains of about 500 residents each. A study of these internal migration patterns do show urban to suburban movements as well as some "spill over" growth in Pulaski and Slippery Rock Townships. The Table on the following page shows population of the County and its municipalities from 1940 to 1970. In addition to net County out-migration and intra-County movements, it is important to ascertain which people are involved in these moves. Although figures for intra-County migration are not available, we can profile those who moved from the County. The highest rates are among young adults, both male and female. For example, among males 15-19 years old in 1960 to 197% 28.6% of that group had left the County by 1970. Female migration in the same age category was even higher, 29.2%. A review of out-migration figures leads one to the conclusion that many young persons who leave for an out-of-town college, or to enter the military, do not return.

The patterns from migration lead into our final area of population study. A population pyramid is a geometric representation of an area's population. At the base of the pyramid are the young- est in age with males and females shown to the left and right of the center line. Theoretically, the figure is a perfect pyramid. Deviations from a true pyramid shape indicate certain population change. Those figures which have a base smaller than upper portions indicate an aging population. Such is the County's picture, the result of low birth rates and out-migration. In summary, the preceeding points out the following trends: 1. Population loss in Lawrence County has been at a greater rate than most other counties in Western Pennsylvania or Eastern Ohio. 2. Concurrent with general population loss is an internal movement in the County from older urban areas to the suburbs.

3. Out-migration appearstobe linked to economic opportunity.

4. Current trends indicate an aging population.

5 I 1,427 -4.9. 1.491 +Z 1,461 -ll% 1,635 -LS% 1,350 -7.4% 1,458 +ma 1,122 +16% 967 -4% I 9,754 -l3.6% 11,310 -% 11.644 +77. 10,903 -1% 427 -6.2% 455 +le. 392 +%. 368 +2% i 2.236 +3.% 2.165 +2% 1,738 +24% 1.397 +PI. 784 -3.0% 808 +171. 689 +2% 541 -10% 3,646 +7.4% 3,396 +6% 3,180 -1% 3,189 -6% 1 7,982 +7.6% 7.421 +8% 4,061 +56% 2.604 +1oL I 1.426 +2.8% 1.338 +22% 1,094 -1-117. 985 -23% 38,559 -U.% 44,790 -8% 48,834 +Yo 47,638 -21. 2,721 +23. r/. 2,203 +E% 1.948 +917. 1.018 +WL 3.475 +n 3,248 +22% 2,653 +20% 2.202 -1% I 1,841 +6% 1,737 +24% 1.401 w. 1,286 +l3% 693 me 686 -107. 762 -m a75 +a i 3,u7 +3.% 3,066 +30% 2,367 +la 2,004 +12% 1,410 +?.a 1.311 +l?Z 1,118 +30% 860 -2% I’ 7,798 +3.8% 7.516 +36%. 5,540 +2x 4,365 -.5% 2.541 +15.6/. 2,198 +209. 1,826 +n* 1,797 +16% 1 940 -1.6% 955 -4% 993 - :n 98 -4% 1.152 -17.8% 1,402 +14% 1.228 +6% 1,161 -6% 1 6,873 -4.0% 7,161 t4n. 4,876 +16% 4,205 +3, 0 226 +6.1% 2l3 -7% 229 -3% 237 +27X t 1,u9 +9.6% 1,085 -.X 1,090 +% 1,061 +2G% %7 -5. Em 576 +2;: 563 -117. 629 +l5% I 3,130 -2.3% 3,205 +107. 2,925 +z 2.877 +E% 2,060 +16.3% 1,771 +2% 1,384 +2% 1,073 I 107,374 -4.9% 112,965 +% 105.120 49% 98,877 -1%

I i I ~r D. ECONOMY

The economy of Lawrence County is not freestanding, rather it is in combination with regional economic forces. Because of this, it is impractical to attempt an analysis based upon traditional economic models. Rather, it is more practical to give a brief history of our local economy, its major elements, and its relative vigor when compared to other areas.

Industry Traditionally, manufacturing has been the keystone of our local economic well being. Further, it has been a relatively more important element locally than in the State or Nation. For example, in 195443% of all County jobs were in manufacturing compared to 36% Statewide and 26% Nationally. By 1970, local manufacturing had declined to 39% of all jobs, compared to a 34% level in the State and 25% Nationally. Since 1970, there has been an additional reduction in the relative importance Of industrial employment. In the early to mid 1970's, figures from ~ the Pennsylvania Bureau of Employment Security indicated that 35% to 40% of all jobs were industrial, while over the past few years figures have been in the 30% to 35% range. This change I has been brought about by the permanent closing of some ma>Or local plants. It should be noted that this readjustment in the industrial I sector has been paralleled by a long term chronic unemployment problem. To be more specific, over the past decade, 1967 to the present, the annual percentage of unemployment in our County has I exceeded both National and State averages, often by significant margins. I The chart on the following page delineates the change in the Civilian Work Force within Lawrence County at selected years from 1967 to 1976. Please note 1976 figures are preliminary. There are certain significant factors which show on this chart. I It shows a period of approximately two years with large figures 0 of unemployment over 10%. It indicates a small but steady decline and a number of employed people who are in the manufacturing I sector. Conversely, there is a small increase in persons employed in wholesaling and retailing and other types of employment activities. Government employment, through Manpower programs I and the transfer to New Castle of the State's Vital Statistics Office, are the most significant recent job factors. What do these trends indicate? It shows a change within the local economic picture to one which is somewhat more consistent with National I norms in relationship to work force and job characteristics. :-Towever, it also shows that the reduction within the manufacturing I employment sector has resulted in at least a two to three year

! 6 I CIVILIAN WORK FORCE 1967- 1976

. (IN THOUSANDS)

LAWRENCE COUNTY

67 60 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76

SOURCE: PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY era of high unemployment, which other job opportunities within the market have not been able to overcome. Unfortunately, the jBobs gained in many areas, such as government, have not paid the high wages that those lost in manufacturing received.

Commercial During the past two decades, Lawrence County, and New Castle even more so, have declined considerably in total retail sales. New Castle's more drastic drop can be attributed to the migration from urban to suburban areas. In addition to job problems, there also has been an erosion in commercial activity. Although retail sales in the County and 1 the City of New Castlehaveincreased over the past twenty years, its growth has not kept pace with State trends. As of 1972, the actual percentage of total retail sales in Lawrence County had I actually decreased in relationship with total Pennsylvania sales by 12% (1954-1972). Further, New Castle City has seen a more dramatic decrease, a loss of 56% against its traditional State I standing. In addition, the City has lost its once predominant, local retail leadership. For the first time, as shown by 1972 figures, the City had less than a majority of the County retail I sales dollars. I Other Activities It should also be mentioned here that farming has annually provided from 50 to 100 families with a living. The trend has I been towards less farms with more acreage. The lumbering industry has not been established as much as it could possibly be. There is a potential for much more lum- I bering than is currently done.

I E. HOUSING a According to the 1970 Census, Lawrence County contained I 34,615 dwelling units. A dwelling unit includes both individual homes and apartments--anything that provides independent living I and cooking facilities for a family. The need for housing is dependent upon the population factors within the County. One of these factors is the migration rate. I During the ten-year period from 1960 to 1970, there was an Out- migration rate of approximately 10%. But this rate is not Uniform I throughout the County. The major population centers (New Castle,

c 7 B .I Ellwood City) lost significant portions of their population, while 'I most of the suburban townships have gained population, following the national suburbanization pattern. Therefore, there is still a need for housing, only the areas of need have shifted to suburban I areas.

Another element that affects housing needs is the relative I age of the population. The 1970 Census statistics indicate that there is a considerable number of residents who are entering into marriageable age. The figure approaches 17,000 people when all migration, death, etc. . *, factors are taken into consideration, I and will create some pressure for "first" housing.

Two other factors that will create needs for housing are the 1 family size, and divorces. If the family size continues to follow recent trends, it will be dropping from 3 to 3.5 members per family, to 2.5 to 3 members per family. The divorce rates have been in- creasing steadily over the time period, and along with the family I size, will create additional needs for housing, albeit for smaller homes. I On the negative side, there is the attrition of homes due to fires, dilapidation, abandonment, and demolition. This slow, but I steady, process continuously shrinks the availability of homes. I Housing Conditions In 1975, the City of New Castle completed a 100% survey of its housing stock. In 1976, seeking to derive the best information possible, the County decided that a housing survey should be com- I pleted for the remainder of the dwelling units. But with 21,329 dwelling units remaining, it was decided to find a sampling size that would accurately measure the whole group without checking- I out each individual home. A sample size of 383 was derived: and, using a random sampling of every 56 units, 383 units were chosen from County Assessment records. These homes were then surveyed by the Planning staff (using the windshield survey), and placed 1 into one of these categories: good, fair, poor. The results were: good--89%; ftiir--10%; and poor--1%.

I The general conclusions from this survey is that the housing stock of the County is in generally good condition. Adding the poor and fair categories together, there are 11%or 2,346 homes I that need significant repair or should be leveled due to their conditions. Add to this the 3,838 units in the fair and poor categories of the City of New Castle, and the resulting figure exceeds 6,000. Thus, nearly 20% of the County's housing stock is I in need of major attention. I I 8 ~ _.. I a I Age of Housing As noted earlier, the 1970 Census enumerates 34,615 dwelling units within the County, with 63% (21,807) of these at least 30 years old. Eighteen of the twenty-six municipalities have at- I least 50% of the homes within that municipality at least 37 years old. Although the age of a dwelling unit does not necessarily mean that the unit needs major i-ehabilitation, or is in poor con- I dition, it is usually a good indicator of such needs and conditions

Constraints and Conditions

The construction of new housing was extremely slow during 1975, with only 164 units being built within the entire County. There were other factors for the low number of constructions 0 besides that of cost. One of these conditions is the environment itself. Although the topography of the County is not limiting, except for the southeastern corner, the soil is poor for accepting on-lot septic systems, and in some places, for construction. Most of the County has soils that limit on-lot septic systems.

A second condition is the financing of the home. Banks are currently requiring 25% down to finance a home mortgage, the term usually lasting up to twenty years with interest rates at 84%. These razes can vary from bank to bank and will depend upon the down payments.

Savings and loans conduct more of the mortgage business, with down payments between 5% and 10% on a MGIC mortgage. The interest rate will vary between 8%% to Sa%, and mortgage terms are more flexible. Those paying low down payments pay an extra premium for the first years. Once adequate equity is reached, the rate falls to the nominal position.

FHA and VA loans are not popular with lending institutions, mainly because of the advent of the MGIC financing.

A last condition is the local, State, and Federal regulations, such as interest rates, construction regulations, sewage permits, a and zoning laws.

Mobile Homes Mobile homes have become one of the most important housing resource. According to recent reports, there are approximately ten million persona living in mobile homes nationwide. People have been choosing mobile homes over conventional homes because of the price--conventional homes sell for $25 to $30 per square foot, while the mobile homes sell for about $12.50 per square foot and are furnished. Also, today, mobile homes are retaining higher Values

9 for a longer period of time. In 1975, there were 1,880 mobile homes located within the County, (5.4% of all dwelling units), and half of these were located in mobile home parks. Mobile home dealers locally, indicate that the most popular unit is likely to be 12 by 60 feet and cost between $8,500 and $9,000. It can be foreseen that the mobile home will zontinue to be an important facet in the County housing industry for the upcoming years.

Public Housing There are 990 public housing units in the County, which is about 2.9% of the total dwelling units. These units provide a safe and sanitary home for the elderly and low income families of the County. This number may be small in comparison, but it does partially satisfy need of the County at this point. All the units are located in New Castle or Ellwood City. Beyond its existing inventory, the Authority has a need for 100 additional "Section 8" units, for each of the next three years. They did receive a commit- ment of 30 units of "Section 8" for this year.

Housing Needs

In order to identify existing- and long-term housing needs, the County Planning Commission prepared a housing report in 1976. Two separate procedures were used to arrive at these needs. One method is the Bousing Assistance Plan (HAP). The HAP is a process devised by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is used to compute the number of citizens in the community which need,and are eligible for,governmental housing assistance. There are three tables to HAP. Following this page are the results of these computations. Through this procedure some 5,071 families are identified in need of housing assistance. Even if the current inventory of public housing is subtracted, it still leaves some 4,000 County families who are eligible for BUD sponsored housing programs. In order to project future housing needs, the Planning Com- mission forecast total required housing for the decades ending in 1980, 1990, and the year 2000. The figures are shown on the second chart following this page, and indicate a short-term need of 3,083 dwelling units, of which one-third will be in the assisted categories.

Although there is a well-established need for homes in the County, both in the private market and through governmental programs, supply has not kept pace with demand. Ironically, though a market appears to exist, it does not seem high enough to attract large scale developers. Therefore, the short-range prognosis is for a continuing housing shortage which will keep prices on new and existing homes at a relatively high level. HOUSING ASSISTANCE NEEDS OF LOWER INCOME HOUSEHOLDS BY GEOGRAPHIC REGION All Households-Total

Region -1 -2 3a(N.C.) 2 -4 -5 Total A. Owner ' Household 145 I21 776 684 262 356 2,344

B. Renter Household 143 154 1,459 297 244 . 430 2,121

C. Displaced Households N.A." N.A. 12 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A.

1. owners N.A. N.A. -0- N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A.

2. Renters N.A. N.A. 12 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A.

D. Additional Families

1. Planned Employment N.A. N.A. 138 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A.

2. Already Lo- cally Employed N.A. N.A. -0- N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A.

E. Total of House- holds Needing Assistance 288 275 2.385 981 506 186 5,071

*NOTE: Displaced households from program activity does not apply to County, which does not have a CD Program. Additional Families - based upon contemporary employment data, no new families anticipated per planned employment. Also according to best BES estimates, 14: or less, of County Civilian Work Force does e reside locally. Factoring this figure down to income eligible households, numbers become so small as to be statistically unreliable. Further, best estimates are that a good percentage of this small group live quite near the County border, for example Ellwood City, and work trip distance is not a viable housing factor. For local municipalities, these itans may sometimes be calculated from local information.

SOURCE: HOD Census "Cross-tabs,'' HAP'S prepared by the City of New Castle (New Castle Redevelopment Authority), and the Lawrence County Planning Commission staff.

11 .- _. .-

FUTURE HOUSING NEED AND ALLOCATION BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA

Assisted Needs Non-Assisted Area

65 120 1 54 100 2 668 1242 3 119 220 4 -173 -300 5 Totals 1079 2004 Total Housing 1970-1980 3083

Assisted Needs Non-Assist ed -Area 89 157 1 75 140 2 855 1598 3 165 307 4 224 -412 5 Totals 1408 - 2614 Total Housing 1980-1990 4022

Assisted Needs Non-Assisted -Area 81 150 1 67 125 2 829 1541 3 158 295 4 -212 -390 5 Totals 1347 2501 Total Housing 1990-2000 3848

Areas: 1--Washington, Plain Grove, Slippery Rock, Hickory, and Scott Townships 2--New Wilmington Borough, Wilmington, Pulaski, and Volant Town’ships 3--South New Castle Borough, New Castle, Shenango, Union, Neshannock, and Taylor Townships 4--Bessemer, New Beaver, Wampum, and Enon Valley Boroughs, Mahoning, Little Beaver, and North Beaver Townships 5-Ellport and Ellwood City Boroughs, and Perry and Wayne Townships I

NOTE: Assisted need represent families eligible by income for Federal Housing Assistance.

SOURCE: Projections by LCPC.

12 By the year 2000 A.D., the County will need 11,000 _.new homes, I I and public hctusing assistance for 5,000 to 6,000 existing households. I

F. TRhXSP3RTATION

The transpgrtation network of the County includes 1,153.75 miles of highway, three major rail lines and eleven airfields, connecting the County with the major industrial and commercial areas nearby. Lawrence County is interlaced with major connectors to Erie, Pittsburgh, and Toungstown, and minor connectors to these major routes for the local corrmuni.ties. Close by the.County borders are three throughways which also play a part in current and future traffic movement. These throughways are: Interstate 79 (Erie-Pittsburgh-West Virginia), which is in the northeast section of the County; the Keystone Shortway (Interstate SO), which is just north of the County; and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which runs through the southeastern section of the County. There are no interchanges in the County with these three highways, but there are interchanges within easy reach just beyond the County line.

A fourth rnajor throughway, State Route 60 (The Beaver Valley Expressway), is also planned to pass through the County. Parts of this throughvay have been completed (from the New Castle By- Pass to Yes-2 Middlesex), but construction of a major section ccnnecting our County and Beaver County has been postponed because of monetary problems. One of the major 7robiens dealing with County highways is the condition of trany of the bridges. The bridges in the County are c2itical becauss of t!ie many significant gorges located here. Due to a lack of maintenance over the years, and the fact design does not meet current needs, many of these bridges are reaching a point of dallgorow disrzpsir . Of all the tmnicipalities affected by bridges, Ellwood City sorough would bc in the most sensitive position. At the present time, there are only two bridges which connect the north and south portions of the Borough, one of which has a ten ton weight limit. If these two bridges should fail, the Borough would be Cut in half, with long detours needed to get to the other side. Past bridge closings have deronstrated the severity of this fact.

PennDOT also has noticed the condition of the bridges, as it has placsd eight bridge projects (out of 15) on its "12 Year Program List.'' The bzidges within the County must be maintained in order for the County to function efficiently.

13 Another problem of major proportions is the insufficient cartway width of many of the County's roads. According to criteria set forth by the Lawrence County Planning Commission, the following roads have cartway widths that are deficient: U.S. 19; U.S. 224; PA 18 (sections); PA 65; PA 108 (sections); PA 168 (sections); PA 208 (sections); PA 288; and PA 956. A third major problem is safety. During the year 1975, there were some 1,690 accidents reported in Lawrence County. According to data supplied from the Bureau of Accident Analysis (PennDOT), those roads with the highest number were, U.S. 422; U.S. 224; PA 18; PA 108; PA 65; and sections of PA 208. It is interesting to note that many of the accident-prone roads are also listed as having deficiency problems.

There are eleven airfieldslocated within the County's lines, two being licensed commercial airports--New Castle Airport and Gwin Airport; eight being personal use airports, and one heliport.

The New Castle Airport is operated by Baski Aviation, Inc., on a 324.44 acre site. The airport has two runways, with lengths being 2,900 and 4,000 feet, and a taxistrip, plus hanger facilities for housing 35 small planes, provisions for tying down 35 more planes, and TVOR equipment, which makes it an all-weather airport. At this time, there is a study being conducted to upgrade the airport's facilities, installing radar, new lights, and other equipment to make it an airport capable of handling most emergencies. Inter-County and interstate bus transportation, as well as charter service, is offered by four companies. They are: George Ku, Inc.; The Smeal Bus Company; the Grove City Bus Lines, and the Bessemer-Hillsville Bus Company (located in Lowellville, Ohio).

Public bus service is offered to residents of the City of New Castle by the New Castle Transit Authority, and to residents in Ellwood City by the Ellwood City Transit, Inc.

The New Castle Transit Authority has been in operation since 1958, and since 1966 has seen a general ridership decrease. At the present time, a work program has been drawn up, and a Transit Study proposed. This Study will try to determine the need$; possibilities, problems, and solutions to the multi-faceted problem of running a transit authority.

Also, the County has two taxi services, The Yellow Cab Company and Fowler's Taxi Service. Both services are located in New Castle, but provide service for the entire County. Railroad service in the County is supplied by three major companies, these being: The Chessie System; Con-Rail; and the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroads. These three railroads provide industrial and commercial shipping, however there is no passenger service included.

14 ~

The County has a substanital amount of "heavy" industry within its borders, and the market patterns dictate the use of rail for shipment of the raw materials and finished products. In an analysis of the local industrial shipping patterns for Interstate Commerce Commission hearings in 1974, it was dramatically illustrated that local reliance on rail service is over one-third greater than in the "typical" market area. This points to the fact that rail service isessential for the economic well-being of the County.

G. SEWER FACILITIES

Sewer facilities represent one of the most critical areas of I utility infrastructure. Sewage collection and treatment systems I affect both the density of development and alleviate pollution of ground and surface water resources. Therefore, sewer facilities are an essential element in any comprehensive plan. This section of the plan will analyze existing facilities, those under con- I struction, and proposed projects.

I Ellport Borough

The Borough has its own sewage system through an Authority, I that provides service to the Borough itself, 1,338 in population. The sewage system was designed as separate storm and sanitary sewers, but is capable of handling 350% of the dry-weather flow. I Current average daily flow is approximately 145,000 gallons per day, with the capacity to carry 450,000 GPD. Secondary treatment has begun during this past year. The plant should be capable of I handling the projected sewage loads beyond 1990.

I Ellwood City Borough The original sewage treatment facilities were constructed around 1923, with major improvements in 1953. As of April 25, 1977, a full ! secondary treatment system has been in operation at the Ellwood City. plant. It has been estimated, by outside laboratories, that the ! plant will perform 85% to 95% removal of suspended solids and BOD. Service areas include approximately 13,000 people in Ellwood City, Wayne, North Sewickly, and Franklin Townships. Treatment I capacity is 2.2 million gallons per day (EfGD). Average daily flow is estiamted at 1.2 MGD. Secondary treatment is being completed through the use of two trickling filters, with an Imhoff tank for primary treatment. New primary treatment is scheduled for construction ! in the late fall of 1977.

The plant has been designed to handle projected sewage loads 1 until the year 2000 A.D., but it will probably be adequate for a longer period if population trends remain stable. I ! 15 4 The City of New Castle 11 Installation of the City's present sewer system was started in 1872. In 1926, a primary-type sewage treatment plant was constructed with trunk and intercepter sewers for collecting and I transporting the sewage to the plant. In 1967, a new split- activated sludge treatment plant was built by the City at the site of the first plant, and the older plant renovated to provide continued use to some of the plant units. The 1967 construction I included three primary tanks, three aeration tanks, and two final tank clarifyers, with 85% to 95% BOD and suspended solids removal, before being released into the Mahoning River. The two I' secondary treatment tanks currently have a capacity of 46 MGD. The primary tanks have an average daily flow of 9 MGD, with a capacity for full secondary treatment up to 13 MGD. It is esti- I mated that the plant presently serves between 55 to 60 thousand people, serving sections of Neshannock, Shenango, and Hickory Townships and South New Castle Borough, in addition to the City's I population. The plant is also slated for upgrading to a full Secondary treatment facility (95%BOD and suspended solid removal). The I future facilities include: one air blower (for aeration tanks), three aeration tanks, two final tank clarifyers, and a "filter cake" disposal site (to eliminate ground water pollution from the I dehydrated sewage sludge). It has been estimated that the treatment plant will be adequate until 1990, but if the population declines as has been projected, I or grows slowly, the plant can be sufficient for some years beyond 1990. 1 Wampum Borough

The Borough maintains a sewer system which serves most of the I' community. The treatment plant was constructed in 1938, and has II been updated in 1974 to provide secondary treatment to about 950 peoP15. The Community of West Pittsburg (Taylor Township) i The treatment plant was built in 1968 and serves the entire community, approximately 850 people, plus five industrial plants. The system was designed to serve 2,000 people. The plant provides secondary treatment to an average daily flow of 78,000 gallons per I day, and was designed for maximum flow of 200,000 to 250,000 GPD. I The system should be sufficient until the year 2000 A.D. Collection Systems I; Within the past year, two other municipalities, Union and Neshannock Townships, began construction of extending sanitary sewer service to the most popu1ate.d areas of their townships.

16 1 AWRENCE COUNTY, PENNA. MAJOR TRANSPORTATION FEATURES

&,a AWWI, --s -==ew-- __ t The Union Sewer Authority is exzending sewer service to I approximately 1,924 families within the Township. The project should be completed in 1978. Neshannoclr Township is extending service to approximately I 1,810 families. Future extensions depend On the development of certain areas and the density of the development; however, at this time, there are no plans for future development. The I current project shoulrbe completed by 1978.

I New Milmington Borou@ In New Wilmington Borough, the community has had a treatment plant for sone years. Their facility provides treatment of an 1 average daily flow of 190,090 gallons, with design capacity listed at 200,000 GPD, At this time, treatment is nearly at full secondary. I Outfall is in the Little Neshannock Creek. Currently, the Borough has an application pending with the Environmental Protection Agency for a grant to upgrade their collection and treatment system. This project, which should be ! funded shortly; includes new intexepters, a pump station in the Britton Lake arez-, and the vpgrsding of the treatment plant. To achieve full secondary treatment for current and projected sewage I flows, a "Bio-Su.rf" treatment will be used. At current plants, this will approach tertiary treatment. I Programmed Sewer Projects

Programed sever projqcts are projects where the preplanning I has essentially becr? coxTleteri, and &re in the process of moving towards the construction of the sewer facilities. The basic grant for sewer projects is through the Environmental Protection Agency. I Within Penmylvania, the State Department of Environmental Re- sources permits sewer act!.vities, and ranks in priority, projects for ths Environental Prctectior. Agency, There are essentially I three steps from tee weginair;F: to the successful completion of a rn sewer project. These iriciu6.z: Step One-Facilities Plan,' Step Two-Preparation cf hiddakle plens and specifications for the project, and fiiially Step 'rhree-The Construction Grant. Generally, I theprojectslistzd in this section are in, or about to begin, one of the three steps. As such, they hsve established their need under a planning parametey and should be considered as viable I projects. We will start with those projects that are nearest construction and work towards those that are just beginning their I preliminary planning phases. There are two projects currently in the County which are pending for a Step Three-Construction Grant. Both of these invo-lve collection systemg,,and do not require the construction of treat- I m3nt facilities. In the soutyern part of the County, Perry Township has a project which is currently waiting upon a construction

17 - n

grant. This is a collection system which will service 848 I people within the Township, the effluent to go to the Ellport sewage treatment plant. Geographically, the system will be in the Wurtemburg area. Also, it will serve as a transport mechanism I to receive, and transport to, the Ellport treatment plan, sewage from areas in Beaver County, as well as Wayne Township. A second project in the Step Three phase is IIickory Township's sewer collection system. In total, the Hickory project will service about I 480 dwelling units and will concentrate along major routes leaving New Castle. Generally, the areas will be the Eastbrook school I area and Hickory Heights. Wayne Township is currently in the Step Two phase. Wayne is a large township located in the southern portion of the County, I and its project is split into many segments due to topography. There are eight (8) separate sewage collection areas in Wayne. 0 These will run into three treatment systems, Wampum, Ellport, and Ellwood City. In total, there will be approximately 1,700 to 1,800 I persons who will be serviced. Several communities within Lawrence County are into, or about I to, begin the Step One-Facility Plan. In a Step One Plan, it is required that the Facility Plan consider the entire watershed area, even though the subsequent project will only be to the more populated I areas. In the Lawrence County area, Shenango Township is currently in the process of a preparation of a Facility Plan. This will probably include, as a specific project only, the urbanized areas in and around the New Castle border. Pulaski Township in the north- I western portion of the County is also ready to begin its Step One- Facility Plan. The initial study area should include the Village of Pulaski, New Bedford, and Villa Maria, as well as areas con- 1 tiguous thereto. Because much of Pulaski is sparsely settled I rural areas however, any potential project will concentrate around these above named village settlements.

Bessemer Borough has not yet received approval to begin ! its Step One Study. It has submitted a planning area delineation approval request, but it ran into some disagreement with the Township of Mahoning on whether or not to include the Rillsville 0 area. Areas of North Beaver, around Bessemer, will also be included.

The final community in the County, which has under consideration the beginning of a Step One Plan, is Enon Valley and those areas immediately around it. At this time, it is somewhat Unclear whether Enon Valley will move ahead with this project or not. We should note that Enon Valley has not been cited by the Depart- ment of Environmental Resources for pollution problems.

Finally, South New Castle Borough should be mentioned. This Borough has not received the necessary priority points to be eligible for Environmental Protection Agency funds and therefore, has initiated a sewage program of its own. Currently, there are only about thirty (30) to forty (40) homes within the Borough I 18 0 t which do not receive sewage collection services, These have been I included in a small project which has been submitted to the State of Pennsylvania, Department of Commerce for approval. If this project is approved, necessary lines will be laid to collect the sewage fromthesedwellings. South New Castle Borough transports I their effluent through the City of.New Castle lines and receives I treatment at the central New Castle facility. E. WATER I There are five main watercourses in the County that provide surface water, and nine watersheds. Only two of the watercourses (Shenango and Slippery Rock) provide water, but the others could 1 in an emergency. According to the 1970 Census, 24,581 housing units within I the County received water from a public system or private company; 9,290 units used individual wells, and 558 units used I other sources, The average annual precipitation level for the County has been38.17inches, which is more than enough to replenish our ground watey supply. While water sources appear to be adequate I in quantity, there have been some quality problems in the past, and there could be more serious problems in the future--due mainly to pollution. No serious health problems have been attrib- I uted to contaminated water supplies in recent years, but there has been indications that many families depend on questionable water supplies. In addition, there are areas where well water has excessive hardness or iron, which though usable, does create I problems. Finally, in the Pulaski area near the Shenango River, I there are some salt water intrusions. Current Facilities Lawrence County presently has eight separate water utilities 1 providing water service to its residents. These include four private utilities, three municipal utility services, and one 1 municipal authority The specific areas served by the utilities are: Bessemer Borough, Ellwood City Borough, the City of New Castle, New Wilming- I ton Borough, the Village of Pulaski, Wampum Borough, the Community of West Pittsburg, and Volant Borough. IJ The service area varies from place to place, some serving only their comunity, while others serve portions of the surrounding 1 areas.

19 1 Bessemer Borough Bessemer is served by a municipally-owned water system. The water is obtained by two drilled shallow wells located in the Borough. It is then chlorinated at the source and distributed throughout the Borough. The pumping capacity is approximately 446,000 GPD, with the pressure maintained by means of a 100,000 gallon storage tank at an elevation of 2,210 feet. The average daily consumption is between 181,000 and 200,000 GPD. The present capacity is more than adequate to handle the future needs of the Borough, hut at this time the Borough has problems with water quality and distribtltion. This requires better treatment of the well water as well as replacement and upgrading of the distribution grid.

Ellwood City Borough The West Penn Water Company extends service to all of Ellwood City and Ellport Boroughs, and to sections of Wayne and Perry Townships in Lawrence County; and to sections of Franklin and North Sewickly Townships in Beaver County. The water company also sells water (by bulk) to the community of Koppel and to the North Sewickly Water Authority, both in Beaver County. Their service area includes approximately 18,000 people. Water is pumped from the Slippery Rock Creek and chemically treated before distribution to customers in the area. According to a 1977 report, the company had Peak day flow between 4.2 and 5.2 million gallons per day. There is a major difference in the daily flow of earlier reports because of the loss of the tube mill (U.S. Steel) from the daily water consumers.

The 6.5 million gallon storage capacity, along with the pumping facilities, are adequate to Keet existing and future needs.

The City of New Castle

The privately-owned West Penn Water Company also extends service to the City of New Castle, along with portions of the surrmunding areas (Hickory, Neshannock, Shenango, Taylor, and Union Townships; and South New Castle Borough). Company facilities pump water from the Shenango River, filter, and then treat the water with chlorine, alum, lime, carbon, and fluoride. Service is provided to 16,567 customers in the area, with an annual average daily gallonage of 7 to 8 million gallons. The capacity of the pumps is 8 to 9 million gallons per day.

20 The major problem seems to be one of quality, due to the use of chemicals upstream, and because of water inversions at the Sharpsville Dam during certain times of the year,which gives bad taste and sometimes odor to the water.

At this time, the water service area has expanded to its design limit except for some limited areas west and north. Any significant southward expansion would require new pumping and high level storage facilities. Based on projections, it is estimated that the water company equipment should be adequate to serve anticipated population at least to the year 2000 A.D.

Nelv Wilmington Borough Water is furnished to the 578 residents of the Borough by the New Wilmington Water Authority. Also served are the 1,9QO+ students and faculty at Westminster College. The water is bought 5y the Authority from the Shenango Valley Water Company and metered at the point of delivery to the Authority system. The water is chlorinated, and treatment capacity is 400,000 GPD. The average daily consumption fluxuates quite widely due to the cessation of classes at Westminster College during the summer. During the school year, the average daily consumption is 240,000 GPD, while in the summer it is 175,000 GPD. The design of the system is quite adequate for the future, including growth that may accur to the east, south, and north of the Borough,

The Village of Pulaski

As of this writing, the Village of Pulaski has acquired a grant to construct new water facilities to service its residents. In the past, the residents have had many, many complaints about breakdowns, water being turned-off without notice, etc. . Plans are for the new water lines to be extended from a hook- up with the Shenengo Valley Water Company at the Route 18 intersection to the intersection OS Routes 208 and 551. The service area will include all of the Village of Pulaski up to the Shenango River, plus a few homes across the river. Total population served will be about 300 people.

Volant Borough

Volant Borough obtains its water supply from two drilled wells, which serves the entire Borough, approximately 260 people.

21 The system is considered adequate to meet present demands; no significant growth is projected.

Wampum Borough

The Borough obtains its water from wells within the Borough. There are two wells, but only one is currently being used. The system serves approximately 1,200 people, and the peak day yield is 129,000 gallons per day, with an average daily consumption of about 74,000 gallons, The water is chlorinated and storage is in a 750,000 gallon reservoir. The system is considered adequate for present and future demands

The Community of West Pittsburg

The residents of West Pittsburg obtain water from three publicly-owned wells, two of which are alternately used, with one for standby. These wells have a yield of over 1.5 million gallons per day, and serve approximately 2,000 people (including five industries). The water is chlorinated before distribution, and has a capacity to serve 10,000 people. The average daily consumption has been estimated to be 80,000 to 100,000 GPD, and the system has a capacity of over 250,000 GPD. The water is stored in a buried cement unit holding 100,000 gallons, a steel standpipe holding 400,000 gallons, and a 100,000 gallon standpipe for the industrial section. Again, the system is deemed sufficient to handle its own population, now and in the future, plus also providing water service, if needed, to other parts of Taylor Township. The areas without service from a water facility are served, mostly, by private wells, A section of the Village of Chewton is served by a small spring-fed water system. This system has periodic problems and an alternative system has been proposed, but at this time no project timetable has been set. The availability of community water and sewage facilities is a prime determinant of the character and intensity of development. In recent years, problems of undeveloped or underdeveloped public utilities have emerged in Lawrence County. These problems can be expected to become more acute in the future unless a determined effort is made by all levels of government to meet the need of the population. The alternative to an aggressive and coordinated improvement or construction program of these basic utilities is to accept attainment of something less than the County's full economic potential.

22 'I I. LAND USE

Lawrence County can be classified as both urban and rural, i with Urban areas existing in the City of New Castle and Ellwood City Borough. The remainder of the County enjoys a semi-rural/ rural setting. Most of the land is listed as farmland or vacant, I with various clusters of population within the rural areas throughout the County, These clusters are generally small, but they do have urban characteristics.

1 The existing land use of the County has been broken-up into ten separate categories. Foll.owing are the categories and the percentage of land they take up. All figures are from the 1975 I report:

USE ACRES PERCENTAGE i _.

RoadsIStreets 6,703.3 2.8 I Railroads 1,760.0 .7 Water 2,442.0 1.0 Residential 12,191.3 5.1 I Commercial 1,591.3 .7 Industrial 1,959.3 .a Strip 13,042.0 5.4 I Public 7,226.5 3.0 Fadvacant 193,799.0 80.4 Other 298.8 -.1 I TOTAL 241,013.5 100.0 I Special Problems In this section, the special problems of land development Will be discussed. The problems have been broken into two sections-- I natural problems an2 man-related problems. 1. Natural Problems - Nature has created the tw6 major problems in limiting land development--on-lot sewage limitations t and slope. Lawrence County has one of the more severely limited land I areas for on-lot sewage facilities in the State. Much of the soil is glaciated, resulting in some smallocclusionssuitable for on- lot systems, however, much of the land is unsuitable for on-lot systems. The Department of Environmental Resources does permit I alternative on-lot sewage systems that will allow more of the 1 marginal land to be built upon. I 23 I

The second natural "limiter" is slope. Obviously, severely I sloped land does not lend itself suitably to home construction. It is generally felt that slopes in excess of 16% are not suited for development. The only major area with slope problems besides ! the river gorges, is the southeastern corner of the County, this due to the fact that glaciers covered the entire County except for that corner. 2. Man-Related Problems - Man has also created some problems ~' in his anxiousness to develop the land. These problems include urban area conversion, commekial "strips,1t and- agricultural land I development. There has been pressure exerted on agricultural land for the I past few decades to become developed. The pressure has not been 8 extremely heavy, but it has been persistent. Traditionally, agricultural land is the most desirable to land developers, due II to its good topographic characteristics. Commercial "strips" along the major traffic routes in the outlying townships has also become a problem. They restrict the I development of nearby land as well as causing traffic problems. These zones have created pressure on the downtown commercial businesses of New Castle. Due to this, there has been a relative I' decline in downtown commercial activity. These commercial zones also lead to the next problem, which is that of conversion of the urban area land from one use to another. Older urban areas have the problem of existing structures or land having no useful purpose. The answer to this problem is converting the structures,or land, into a new, efficient use for that area. However, this conversion has not taken place to a great extent. Some sections of New Castle have been converted with great success, and there are other areas that could be converted with just as much success, i.e., conversion of area around central business district to public/elderly housing and open space uses.

One last man-Related problem that the County may face, is 8 that of "stripping" for minerals. The outcome of this problem depends on a complex process of law. Properly policeastripped land can be reclaimed for other uses. Otherwise, it remains un- usable for generations.

Projected Land Use Needs

The future needs of the County's land has been broken down into three categories: residential, commercial, and industrial. Residential need for land is directly related to the population fluxuation in the County. When all factors are examined, a net demand for some 432 acres of residential land is projected. I I -. I 24 As for the industrial and commercial land within the County, it has been estimated that there will be no need for new land area. The industrial park inventory appears sufficient for all projected industrial land needs. Commercial land is tied directly to population, and as the populatiun is projected to decline, there will be no extensive need for additional commercial estab- lishments and land. Projected growth patterns in the County will likely follow the growth patterns of the past, with the suburban areas growfhg i and the urban areas declining. Approximately half of the County's 26 municipalities have I zoning and/or subdivision regulations, while ten have both. Three e have just subdivision regulations. Generally, the municipalities that have these regulations are the developing area. Additional municipalities are expressing an interest in land use controls. I Also, at the present time, the Lawrence County Planning Commission is in the process of rewriting the County's Subdivision Regulations. I J. PUBLIC FACILITIES I I The main concern of this plan element will be an analysis of the needs of the County government, although a summary inventory of municipal government needs is also presented. i~I I I I1 Municipal Facilities Only two very crude parameters are being used to measure the adequacy of municipal facilities--meeting/office space and I maintenance areas. The measurement of the capability of existing facilities to meet individual needs are matters best left to local officials. Municipalities which lack any physical plant lack their public places for record storage, citizen meeting and I places to maintain equipment such as trucks, graders, etc. 0 . . The following chart shows which local municipalities lack I the basic physical plant:

LOCAL PUBLIC FACILITIES MUNICIPALITY MUNICIPAL BUILDING GARAGE.

I Bessemer Borough X X City of New Castle X X Ellport Borough X X I Ellwood City Borough X X

4 25 I I

LOCAL PUBLIC FACILITIES I continued I MUNICIPALITY i,lUNI CIPAL BUILDING -GARAGE Enon Valley Borough X NO Hickory Township X X I Little Beaver Township NO NO Mahoning Township X X Neshannock Township X X New Beaver Borough X NO I New Wilmington Borough X X North Beaver Township X X Perry Township X X I Plain Grove Township X X Pulaski Township X X 0 Scott Township *NO X I Shenango Township X X Slippery Rock Tomship X X Taylor Township X X South NCW Castle Borough X X I Union Township X X Volant Borough X **NO Wampum Borough X X I Washington Township X X Wayne Township X X I Wilmington Township X X NOTE: *Gwn building but do not use as meeting place. I **No equipment I County Facilities Originally constructed in 1855, the Court H use has seen additions and alterations, with the last major a dition in 1946. The current Court House has some 24,000 square feet of court and office I space. In addition, there are twelve other structures scattered throughout the two block Court House Complex used to house several 0 offices. An arehitectual study completed in 1973, and updated in I 1976, estimated that some90,OOosquare feet of space is needed for current and future needs. Currently, many offices are situated in old homes, some are in converted garages, and others in struc- li tures too antiquated to efficiently modernize. The Court House proper would require major reconstruction work in several areas if it were to be rehabilitated.

R Near the Court House is the County Jail and Warehouse. The Jail was constructed in 1964 and is in excellent condition. It appears to be operating within its capacity and should be adequate r for projected future needs. The only possible needs of,the structure may be to offer segregated facilities for work release r prisoners. B 26 __ t

The Warehouse, constructed in 1964, is a modern, adequate I building. Its only drawback is that portions have been converted from Warehouse/maintenance operations to office-use. I A third major facility in this area is the Juvenile Detention Home. Renovated in 1976, this building meets State standards and should be adequate for some time to come. I The Hill View Manor is not in the Court House area proper, rather it has a semi-rural setting in Shenango Township, along Route 65. Formerly known as the County Home, its name was changed I in early 1977. This facility was constructed in 1926, and during the past year, construction was completed on two additional wings. With these new wings completed, the bed capacity has been raised to 155. Although this is a modern structure, the projection 1 of its long-range adequacy is a difficult assessment. The nw- ber of beds in demand at the home will depend upon the relative age of the population, and the portion of nursing beds available I from private sources. Although the Manor's current needs seem to be met, the I possibility of needed additional beds should be constantly monitored. I West Park is the last major County facility. It contains 104 acres and was purchased in 1967 for recreational purposes. A road, some picnic tables and a fence were installed in the sixties. However, due to drainage problems and policy, the Park I has been all but abandoned.

I K. RECREATION

I Recreation is a significant element in the leasure activities of the residents of Lawrence County. This section will analyze I existing regional and County recreation facilities. D Regional parks include Pymatuning, the Shenango Reservoir, Moraine, McConnells Mills, and Brady's Run. Generally, all of these regional parks offer water sports, as well as picnicking I and camping. These facilities are all located within a thirty- five mile radius of New Castle. I Within the County, there are sixteen municipalities which have recreation and park land. In total, these communities have 1,022 acres of park land. This report will only examine the I: large County facilities. 0 New Castle Area Within New Castle, there are thirty-six playgrounds and li recreation areas owned by the school district or the City. Soft- 5 27 I I I I I I I I I ,I I! ~0 IO 1 !l 4 - t ball and baseball fields seem to predominate with twenty-six such facilities in the City. Recently, tennis has gained popu- I larity with the City providing twenty-four tennis courts. The City has an active Capital Investment Program in parks 1 and over the past several years has developed or improved many of their facilities. 1 In 1976, some $300,000 was spent for recreation in New Castle, of this, $194,000 was for personnel and upkeep with the balance in capital improvements. The school district offers its recreation areas and playgrounds for year-round public use, as long as the I City maintains them. Major City parks include: t Sylvan Heights Golf Course - New Castle is unique in that it has a 160 acre Etolf course. This eiahteen- hole facility is quite- I popular with local residents. Cascade Park - This 72 acre facility features a natural gorge and cascading creek. A municipal pool, dance hall, miniature golf course, artificial lake, and a privately operated amusement I park are facilities provided to accommodate a wide variety of individual recreational needs. Although once a showplace for Western Pennsylvania, Cascade Park now is in need of significant I rehabilitation. Cunningham Park - This 102 acre site is the second largest I recreation area in New Castle. The popularity of softball and baseball and tennis in the New Castle area is reflected by the presence of the Deshon Fields (five softball fields), the Mitler Fields (two little league baseball fields), and four tennis l courts located adjacent to the Vo-Tech School. The remainder of the park is undeveloped. 0 Gaston Park - This scenic 26 acre park is family oriented and equipped to serve all ages, although it also features a lighted field for softball enthusiasts. Other facilities include shelters a equipped with electrical outlets and lighting, picnic tables, children’s modern play area, concession stand, and tennis Courts, One park policeman is employed at the park. 1 El Rio Beach - This 18 acre pork features a ball field and picnic areas. The Neshannock Creek flows through this park and offers 0 recreation such as fishing and wading. Seorge Washington Jr. High School - There are 10.5 acres of recreation area which serves the local community. The area E includes facilities for tennis, baseball, football, horseshoes, and playground facilities. u1

28 Other parks and facilities which contribute to the popularity of organized sports of baseball and softball as well as tennis are : i 1. Flaherty Field (one baseball stadium and three softball fields) . 2. Progressive Field (one lighted softball field).

3. Dean Park (little league baseball stadium). 4. Gunton Park (little league field). 5. Laurel Park (four lighted tennis courts plus two unlighted courts). 6. Taggart Stadium (New Castle's football stadium and two adjoining practice fields).

South New Castle Borough, Taylor Township, and Shenango Townships

The bQrdering municipalities of South New Castle Borough and Shenango and Taylor Townships all have parks of their own. Parks in these municipalities are basically devoted to ball fields and contain playground apparatus for chuldren.

Due to their relative closeness to New Castle, many of the residents in these municipalities also use New Castle's parks to fulfill their recreation needs.

Ellwood City Ellwood City, being the second most populated area in the County, is also second in the number of parks. Ellwood City has six municipal parks, the major one being Ewing. This large, 72 acre park is used for picnicking, tennis, field sports, and is adjacent to the Memorial Pool. Other developed parks include Meritt, Walnut Ridge, and west End, which all contain ball fields. 0 In addition, the Borough owns the Limestone and Lebo Parks, which are being considered for future development. Ellwood's annual recreation budget is approximately $40,000. This includes salaries for summer recreation staff, maintenance, and operation cost of the municipal swimming pool. A five-member Recreation Board assists the Borough in its activities.

a ." ,t 11 Union Township Union area recreation is a cooperative venture between the school district and the Township. Of the total 55 acres, the I school leases some 35 acres to the Township for park purposes. This acreage is subject to recall with the need for school expansion. Union has an active, seven-member Recreation and Park Board I and hires one, year-round park director/maintenance man. In addition to the appropriated $15,000 budget for recreation, Scotland Meadows has received funds for facilities from Federal I and State cost-sharing programs. The park is complete with facilities for: baseball, softball, basketball, football, tennis, horseshoes, picnicking, fishing, ice skating, and playground equip- 1 ment. I Neshannock Township Pearson Park, consisting of 88 acres, is the only municipal park inNeshannockTownship. A seven-member Park Board operates I the park on an appropriated budget of $40,000 per year, although only $10,000 to $15,000 is actually used. Pearson Park is equipped to handle a variety of recreation needs, including an I auditorium and a private swimming pool, which requires membership. I Mahoning Township The Mahoning Township Park consists of 57 acres and is in its third year of development. The Township has a newly established I Park & Recreation Board, and the services of a park director. A yearly budget of approximately $13,000 is appropriated,for improvements and maintenance. Park use is limited solely to the I residents of the Township. Park facilities include: a swimming pool, picnic areas, tennis courts, bocci, horseshoe, ball fields, playground equip- I ment and a nature area. I,

I New Wilmington Borough The New Wilmington Municipal Park consists of six acres and is operated by the Borough Council. The main feature of the park I is the pool area and bath house, although it also features ball fields, picnic areas,and a scout house. The park operates on a budget of $20,000 and is maintained by the Borough maintenance 1 crew. The Borough also has an additional recreation area in which three little league ball fields are present. I I 30 t I

The following municipalities have their own municipal parks I and are mentioned because of the service they provide to residents in their local areas:

1. Bessemer Borough (Kennedy Park) one acre (relatively I undeveloped).

2. Ellport Borough has two small park facilities for I picnicking and field sports.

3. Enon Valley Borough (Enon Field) one acre with I ball field, basketball, and play apparatus. 4. Volant Borough (Borough Park) 3.8 acres with I ball fields, basketball, and play equipment. 0 5. Wampum Borough (Borough Park) 10 acres with lighted ball fields, tennis and basketball courts, I picnicking and play appsratus.

.6. Wayne Township (Township Park) 20 acres of un- I developed park land, Municipalities which have no municipal park areas include: Pulaski, Wilmington, Washington, Plain Grove, Slippery Rock, I Perry, Little Beaver, and North Beaver Townships, and Big Beaver Borough. I Lawrence County's West Park is the only recreation area owned and maintained by the County. This park, located in Union Township, consists of 104.5 acres. It was purchased in I 1967 and remains essentially undeveloped, The only improvements installed is the park fence and the park road.

I Hunting and Fishing Hunting and fishing are also important recreational activ- ! ities in the County. Last year a total of 16,680 hunting lhenSeS and permits were sold in the County, producing a total revenue of ]I $159,795.00 in license sales alone. The Pennsylvania Game Commission owns a total acreage of 2,578 of State Game Lands and leases 51,878 acres in farm-Game I Cooperative Projects, and Safety Zones Programs. Game stocked in Lawrence County consists of pheasants, tur- I keys, and mallard ducks. I I 31 ]]I .-- t

The Pennsylvania Fish Commission reports that approximately I 12,200 fishing licenses were sold in Lawrence County last year. This figure in no way represents the total number of fishermen, I' since only persons sixteen and older are required to have licenses. Approximately 100 acres are owned by the Fish Commission in the County, although their stocking occurs in many of the lakes and streams. Last year, 45,000 legal sized trout and 500 muskel- I lunge were stocked. The Big Neshannock Creek, Slippery Rock Creek, Hickory Creek, North Fork of the Little Beaver River, Deer Creek, Taylor Run, Camp Run, and Eckman's Lake are all stocked I with trout. The Slippery Rock Creek and Connoquenessing Creek are the only ones stockedwith muskellunge. Courses in hunting safety and fishing are held by both the 1 Pennslyvania Game Commission and Pennsylvania Fish Commission in conjunction with County schools and organized sportsman's clubs I in the area. I L. SOLID WASTE In 1970, it was estimated that Lawrence County was generating I some 121,533 tons of solid waste. Based upon national Waste generation figures, current solid waste generation is probably slightly in excess of that figure. Generally, personal residential waste accounts.for approximately half of the County's waste I generation (estimated at 61,687 tons in 1970) with industrial waste equalling approximately a third of the total and the remaining consisting of various categories of waste generation in- I cluding municipal waste, demolition debris, etc. . . Within the County, three municipalities operate their own I solid waste collection system--the City of New Castle, Ellwood City Borough, and Bessemer Borough. Some other municipalities have municipal pickup, but effective through contracts with private I haulers, examples are South New Castle Bonough and New Wilmington B Borough. Yet, other municipalities control the collection of solid waste indirectly through various ordinances which require the licensing of solid waste haulers, and require home owners to keep I their property in sanitary condition. Finally, there are several municipalities throughout the County who have neither direct Or I indirect ordinances which regulate the collection of solid waste. In Lawrence County, the great majority of waste is hauled to one of two existing landfill sites. The Kwiat site, located in Hickory Township, and the Carlson (Kirkpatrick) site, located in I Slippery Rock Township, near the Wayne Township bonder. Both sites are licensed by the Department of Environmental Resources. The Kwiat landfill has a life expectancy of eight to ten years left, I while the Carlson/Kirkpatrick site has approximately six months, II 32 I

! but does have an application for the approval of an adjoining site which would add approximately ten years to its life. In 1968, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania enacted Act 241, d the Solid Waste Management Act. This Act requred that every municipality with a population density of 300 people per square mile or more, adopt and follow a solid waste management plan. ! Within Lawrence County, twelve municipalities are mandated to have such a plan. At this time, three have adopted the County Solid Waste Plan, while nine of the mandated municipalities have not. ! Currently, the Solid Waste Plan is being revised to bring it in line with current practices. It is anticipated that, upon the completion of the revision, the nine remaining municipalities will adopt the plan. Probably, the current problem concerning ! solid waste within the County, is that of the disposal sites. 0 It is recommended under the County plan that total disposal life for County landfills should equal twenty-five years in aggregate, ! when applied to the County's needs. At this time, even with the licensing of the Carlson/Kirkpatrick site, the total anticipated ! fill life of the County will only be ten years. Finally, it should be noted that the Borough of Ellwood City has prepared a feasibility plan for the burning of garbage,to be used to generate steam. The economic feasibility of this proposal ! has not yet been fully measured. ! I 1 ! I I I I I 33 I -- ,t II PROBLEMS-TRENDS I Physical The principal physical problem with Lawrence County is soil. By far, the great majority of land within out borders is identified as unsuitable for on-lot (septic) sewage systems. Through the use I of the Department of Environmental Resources‘ approved alternate systems, this problem is alleviated; but it is admittedly at the I cost of the higher priced home sewage systems. A second problem is that of “stripped” land. Although not pervasive throughout the County, some municipalities do have significant, old stripped or quarried areas, i.e., Mahoning Town- 1 ship with 21.9% of its total acreage. Those areas mined before the onset of modern regulations will be of little future use I without expensive reclamation projects. The intensity of the problem will depend on the energy policies that will be made by the Federal and State governments, and the I energy needs. It is imperative that land reclamation laws be closely followed to make sure that “stripped” land will again be usable for development in the future. If the land is not re- I claimed after stripping, it is near useless. I Population Lawrence County has been experiencing many population trends during the past decade-and-a-half, most of which are leading to I a decline in the population. .The text points out the following trends: I 1. The populetion loss experienced by the County has been greater than most of the surrounding counties in Pennsylvania and Ohio.

I 2. There has.been moderate to heavy-out-migration e of the County‘s population, most likely caused I by the poor economic situation. 3. There has been a steady agi‘ng of the County’s population.

I 4. Concurrent with general population loss is the internal movement of the population from the I urban areas to the suburbs. I

34 - I I Economy 'i The most recent, and probably one of the most devastating trends, has been that of high, long-term unemployment due to a I loss of industrial jobs. The County has always depended upon the manufacturing industry for the major portion of its jobs and income, but during the past five years, many manufacturing I industries (mostly heavy industries) have closed shop, or cut back, thus creating continued high unemployment. Another major blur in the County's economic picture is that I of the declining commercial activity. The County's and New Castle's percentage of total retail sales in the State has dropped steadily since 1964. Major factors for this problem is out-migration, I relatively low median income, and unemployment. 0 I Housing The general trend during the past few years in the housing industry has been a declining one. As was noted in the background, I a little over 150 new houses were built during 1975 in the whole Countx. The decline can be attributed to many factors: the cost of building materials, poor soil suitability for on-lot systems, I and a relatively "weak" market compared with other counties. There are also problems in the "low-cost" housing shortage. The demand for apartments and/or mobile homes is greatly out- I distancing the supply at this time.

Another concern is the condition of the County's housing I stock. Through a study completed in the past year, it was determined that 20% of the houses in the County needed some type of I major rehabilitation a The need for public housing has also increased dramatically over the past few years. It has been determined that by the year 1980, 1,079 new public-assisted homes will be needed. Add to that I the existing needs, and the total for assisted housing becomes 0 I 5,000! Transport ation I The major transportation problems pertain mostly to highways and bridges. Many of our highways and bridges are in critical condition and in need of maintenance. Also, many highways have cartway limitations which adds to the accident rates. These I limitations must be overcome to provide safe, efficient trans- I portation means. I 35 I 0 For new highway construction, the chief project to be completed is Pennsylvania Route 60, the Beaver Valley Expressway. Currently, the Expressway is complete from the Pittsburgh Airport to State Route 51, outside of Beaver Falls, The northern segment from New Castle to 1-80, in Mercer County, is also complete. How- ever until the critical middle sections (8, 9, 10, and 11) of this arterial are completed, its full potential will not be realized. Rail service on main trackage appears adequate. However, branch lines are often giving limited service and their performance must be closely monitored. As previously noted, rail freight service is essential in Lawrence County. Finally, we must point out the mass transit in Lawrence County is sick. Only New Castle has sufficient transit activity to be called a mass transit operation and that operation is showing static ridership with high deficits.

Sewer and Water

The major sewer problems within the County deal with the extension of service to urbanized areas and surface water pollution by sewage effluent.

Some municipalities have been cited by the Department of Environmental Resources for malfunctioning sewer systems which have caused water pollution. With the extension of septic systems to these areas, the pollution problem should be ab- solved.

A major problem with the water service is the condition of the water. Some communities have problems due to pollution, while others have quality problems due to mineral contamination. A final problem is that of supplying sewer and water service to the most critical development areas, along with the industrial park locations. For major industries to locate here, these utilities must be provided,

Land Use As discussed in the background section, land use has a variety of problems, some natural, some man-made. Major trends in land use have been related to the population migration from urban to suburban areas. As the people move, new developments take place and former open space is converted-to urban areas or commercial strips.

36 r I 0

Another trend, at least in Pennsylvania, and one we hope will I continue, is that of the reclamation of land that has been strip- mined. This trend has come about because of laws, but it is hoped I that it will-spread to all areas. A local problem in land use is that of land use controls. Until zoning and subdivision regulations are adopted and uniformly I applied, land use problems will continue. I Recreation Probably the most extensive recreation problem throughout all the parks in the County, is that of vandalism and teenage drinking. I In the urban areas this problem is even greater. Another problem is that of a lack of facilities for the elderly of the County. 0

Many residents of rural communities lack recreational park I facilities all together. Recreational opportunities should be planned for -all sections of the County. Also in this line, the residents of the entire County,lack any sort of recreational I directory assistance. Many residents do not know of the recreational facilities that are already available in their area. I Finally, a rapidly growing trend of recent vintage is that of bicycling. As of this time, the County lacks sufficient bikeway and hiking trails. However, there are plans in the offing for a bike trail that will pass through two townships along the I Mahoning River.

I Solid Waste

As stated in the background text, the major problem currently I in the County concerning solid waste, is that of disposal sites. Although disposal sites are fairly well located in relationship to the solid waste catchment area they service, the site life is limited and future needs dictate additional sites or expansion of I those already in op.eration. 0 There has been a nationwide and Statewide trend towards al- I ternate methods of solid waste disposal. The Ellwood City Feasi- bility Study is a witness to such a trend. However, the economic I feasibility of such proposals has been questionable at this time. A second problem facing the County is that of control of solid waste, be it through ordinance or direct municipal pickup. I This is especially critical in the more densely populated areas. In the future, the potential of additional problems of solid waste cannot be discounted. The Federal government has recently I enacted legislation, which will give them a voice in solid waste I 37 II 0 disposal. It is hoped that their regulations will be consistent I with those already affective in Pennsylvania, promulgated by.the Department of Environmental Resources. If,however, they are more stringent, it would be possible that the existing disposal sites I within Lawrence County could have problems in meeting these additional regulations. I

I 0 I

38 - I 0 I POLICIES AND PRIORITIES

This section of the PLAN is to outline activities that will I have a positive impact upon the County. As noted in the Intro- duction, it will be somewhat reactionary in nature--that is, much of it will be directed at existing problems. I Obviously, much of our concern is in the area of the County's economy. Therefore, that area and programs related to economic growth will be of critical concern. This will include those pro- I jects which will indirectly support economic improvement, as well as those which address the economy directly. I The previous pages of this report have been problem oriented, yet they should not be viewed with pessimism. Human events occur 0 in cycles. Lawrence County has been no exception. From a relatively rural area, it became a vigorously growing County. From gnowth, I it slipped to a static position, and finally to a decline. How- ever, some recent events portend well. The existing economic base appears to have stablized with some new firms indicating their I intent to set up plants here. Let us hope that this PLAN can complement, what appears to be a new cycle of growth for the County. Not a wild,unchecked growth which will lead to another era of I recession, but rather a mature growth of slow, but lasting, benefit. May we further hope that we, as citizens of this area, will have the wisdom to realize that the environment and character of I Lawrence County must also be watched as the future unfolds. Foolish tradeoffs of living quality for development,are often shortlived and counter productive. Let us try to envision this County in the I future, five, ten or even fifty years hence. Todays decision must be based upon the legacy we wish to leave our children, for after I all, that is the bottom line. Physical I Lawrence County's physical environment is one which could be in jeopardy. Policies under this heading should be aimed at the 0 I preservation of that environment. Policy I - Closely monitor surface mining activities within the County to insure that State mandated recla- I mation procedures are followed. Policy I1 - Identify areas within the County that have already been stripped of their mineral resources so that I appropriate remedial programs can be determined. I

I 39 I 0 Policy I11 - Closely monitor large-scale developmental activities in the County to assure adherence to mandated measures. Of particular-. . ..importance will be the control of erosion ana sedimenEarion. Program Concepts

1. Review on an annual, or semi-annual basis, new surface-mining applications for the County, comment upon those which may effect ecologically sensitive areas.

2. Review annually with the Department of Environmental Resources enforcement officials,the progress Of existing reclamation activities.

3. Inventory "older stripped" areas in the County and work cooperatively with land owners and municipal officials to institute operation "scarlif t" or possible Federal reclamation projects.

4. Refer to the Lawrence County Conservation District all large-scale developments under the review of the Lawrence County Planning Commission to insure proper Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plans.

Population Population remains a symptom of the relative vitality of the County. rather than being a causal fopce. Although there are no specific policies recommended for demographic purposes, the characteristics of the population should be monitored to ascertain the success of economic programs. In addition, population characteristics, i.e. age, should be used by service agencies to identify special needs within the community.

E con omy The economy of Lawrence County affects nearly every other element of our life. Therefore, it must be a high priority within both the private and public sector. Policy I - Reduce the annual unemployment rate to a level at, or belo aiming at an opti mote activities that will lead to per- jobs within the County s parity with the Commonwealth.

40 I Policy I11 - Achieve a mix of economic activities so the I local economy is less sensitive to national economic cycles. I Program Concepts 1. Support ongoing industrial development program of the County, i.e,, the Lawrence County Industrial I Development Authority, the Greater Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce, the Greater New Castle Association, and the Lawrence County Overall Economic I Development Program, as well as the Penn's Southwest Association. Sponsor cooperative meetings between these groups so specific projects can be identified and efforts can be coordinated between these five I groups. 2 Identify infrastructure projects which will stimulate I economic growth and development, specifically: a. The Beaver Valley Expressway - to connect I Lawrence County with the Pittsburgh area.. b. Local road construction and maintenance I programs. c. Sewer and water projects which support I economic development projects. 3. Support the full development of industrial parks so they can offer a complete and competitive range of I services to prospective industries. 4. Monitor rail activities in the County, especially I freight service and abandonment petitions. I Rousing Man spends at'least one-half, and sometimes more, of his life e in his home, Therefore, it is essential that housing beoome a prime interest of the County Planning Commission. In addition to the im- I portance to the individual, the housing stock is important also as a feature which can attract or repel potential residents within the County. Finally, it must be acknowledged that certain County resi- I dents will need assistance to secure decent housing. All of these elements must be considered in any housing policies. I Policy I - Monitor the County housing stock on a tri-annual basis, through the use of random sampling. Use this and other monitoring devices to identify specific programs and policies which should be under- I taken. I 41 I _. t

Policy I1 - Based upon the findings of the County I Housing Report, support efforts by the Lawrence County Housing Authority to secure additional dwelling units for use within the County's public housing stock. I Specifically, support and work with projects which will answer the needs of the elderly residents of the County, not only in New Castle, but also in such areas as I Ellwood City. Policy 111 - The Lawrence County Planning Commission recognizes the need to conserve the existing County I housing stock and will promote policies to that end. Specifically, it will work with local municipalities to devise programs, projects, and ordinances which will complement this policy. Specific activities will 1 include the use of housing and building codes, as well as selective demolition of dilapidated residential I structures. Policy IV - Work with County and local officials to identify areas where dilapidated structures endanger I the vitality of neighborhoods, and work cooperatively with programs that remove these blighting influences. I Policy V - Adopt County Subdivision Regulations and encourage the adoption of local subdivision regulations and other land use controls, which will provide for che I construction of sound homes and adequate surrounding without discouraging private developers. I Program Concepts 1. Public. The Lawrence County Housing Assistance Plan identifies a total of 5.071 I families, owner and renter, within the County which need assistance. Currently, the Housing Authority is providing assistance to approxi- I mately 20% of that identified need, approximately 0 1,000 units. Support the Lawrence County Housing Authority in their efforts to meet the needs of the 4,000 families who have been identified and I who are not receiving assistance.

2. Hold informational seminars and workshops on I available standardized conditions, their use, and effectiveness for housing conservation. Also develop a sample model ordinance to be used for I residential demolition purposes. 3. Periodically review the Lawrence County Subdivision Regulations, as well as those of the municipalities I in the County, and the Zoning Regulations. These

42 reviews should be sponsored and held with local builders and real estate agents, to receive their views on the economic impact of such regulations on the new and existing housing market within Lawrence County.

4. Prepare information and disseminate the same on governmental programs designed to assist people in the purchase of housing. Make this information-available to special interest groups, such as labor unions, rural organizations, etc. . . Also, try to utilize this information effectively by providing direct referral from interested parties to appropriate Federal agencies handling such programs.

5. Specifically support and work with local officials for the construction of elderly housing units in the Borough of Ellwood City and other areas within the County not currently having such facilities. 6. Monitor the development of mobile home courts, and parks; and prepare design and planning standards for such parks to make them a housing asset for the community.

Transportation

Transportation networks represent the single most important physical feature of modern civilization. Lawrence County is no exception to this rule. As rail networks were critical in estab- lishing past County development patterns, our current lack of modern interregional roads has proved to be a negative influence. This section will set further policies for a balanced County Trans- portation Program. Policy I - The single most critical highway need of Lawrence County is the completion of the Beaver Valley Expressway. 'Phis project is essential from an economic, as well as a transportation view point. Its necessity merits its singling out as a specific policy of the Planning Commission. Policy I1 - The road infrastructure of the County is essentially in place. Therefore, the policy of the Lawrence County Planning Commission shall concentrate on the maintenance, construction, and upgrading of the existing inter-County road network.

43 Policy 111 - Rail and air transportation are essential for County industry. Although the County airport is not likely to become a regularly scheduled passenger stop, it must remain competitive with other commercial airports and offer corporate users needed facilities. As noted in the economic section, rail transit must be continuously monitored so the industrial users are assured of adequate and on-going service. Policy IV - Although mass transit is currently a very small element of the County transportation picture, higher energy prices and aging population dictate the need for a continuing transit program, one which will eventually serve the entire County. Program Concepts

1. The construction of Sections 11 and 10 of the Beaver Valley Expressway through the use of "interregional" funds, The completion will give the County a direct link with the major market to the South, and will give a direct link into 1-80 and markets to the north, east, and west. Besides providing a mainline facility for commercial shipping, the BVE will take much of the present truck pressure off the downtown area and some of the bridges, and could be the needed incentive to get new industrial and commercial firms to locate within the County.

2. The preparation of the transit plan to identify existing and future service changes for the New Castle Area Transit Authority, mainly to consider providing transit services beyond the City limits, to suburban areas and possibly to other urban centers.

3. The aggressive pursuit of the construction of the roads and bridges listed on the County's Ten-Year Priority List. The Twelve-Year Pro- gram, as prepared by PennDOT, must be scrutinized bi-annually, and those projects which are essentially for PennDOT's administrative purposes should be purged. (County and State Project Priority Lists appear in the Appendix). Included in this pursuit, we should strive to obtain, as a County, our "fair share" of State assistance money and personnel, for highway maintenance.

44 4. The maintenance and modernization of the New Castle Airport to make it attractive to local industrial and commercial shipping.

5, To monitor the local railroads, to provide adequate services for local industrial users. The monitoring should also set standards that will maintain an on-going rail service for all users,

Sewer and Water

The soils within Lawrence County create a problem for on-lot sewage. In residential construction, it is estimated that approximately 10% of all land within the County is adaptable for any type of system, and in those areas which can support a system, one-half or more are required to use more expensive "alternate" methods. Although water problems are not as pervasive as our sewer problems withln the County, there are areas which suffer from inadequate systems, or which need public water systems for sound development. Municipal sewer and water is important for industrial and commercial, as well as residential growth. Policy I - Sewer Projects - Those sewer projects which have already been initiated in the County, that is, have filed the necessary application with the Department of Environmental Resources, should be supported to their conclusion. Those areas not currently sewered, which should receive attention are listed in priorities on the following page. Those areas not currently sewered, and not identified by the Department of Environmental Resources as requiring sewage, should closely assess their economic viability as a project (see table). Policy 11 - Water Projects - The table entitled Water Projects identifies those communities which have a need to upgrade their existing water systems, extend them, and/or develop new projects.

Policy 111 - All sewer and water projects reviewed by the Lawrence County Planning Commission should be evaluated both on their adequacy for residential treatment, and to ascertain that, where feasible, such projects can service industrial areas.

Land Use

Central to the mission of any Planning Commission is land use. Simply stated, land use involves the type and intensity of development, as well as its interrelationship and environmental impact.

SEWER PROJECTS Priority II -HIGH MEDIUM -LOW I Hickory Township Bessemer Borough Mahoning Township i Neshannock Township Enon Valley Borough North Beaver Township Taylor Township Perry Township New Wilmington I Borough Pulaski Township South New Castle Wilmington Township I Borough Shenango Township Union Township 1 Wayne Township I WATER PROJECTS I Priority -HIGH MEDIUM -LOW I Bessemer Borough Enon Valley Borough Hickory Township Pulaski Township Union Township Neshannock Township Wayne Township I (Chewton) Shenango Township Union Township I Wilmington Township I I I

I NOTE: In most cases, there are specific sections of the Townships that warrent the priority -- the whole municipality is not necessarily included. In addition, it should be noted that I only the primary municipality in a project is listed above. Please see map for complete work area of project. I I F

Traditional tools used to manage land use from a public standpoint i are zoning and subdivision regulations. In a country where private land rights are extremely important, land use policies must be aware of the line between public need and private rights. Yet, 'I! public concern and control in land use is both needed and proper-- as poor decisions in land use are eventually the problem of members of the community, not just those initially affected. Finally, there must be consideration given to State and Federal Land Use I controls, although the likelihood of such controls are minimal in the immediate future. Policy I - Develop a written position on the land use control question, i.e., Federal, State, or Local primacy . Policy I1 - Project land use needs, residential, industrial, commercial, and agricultural for the County. Encourage the development of land already set aside for specific uses before new land areas are opened up for such development. Policy I11 - Review, update, and revise as needed, County and local land use controls (see density guidelines (in appendix).

Policy IV - Develop land use controls which reflect environmentally sound criteria with special attention to steep-sloped areas and those soils with poor on- lot sewer characteristics. Program Concepts 1. Hold County-wide land use seminars for local officials to:

a. Critique existing zoning and subdivision contnols.

b. Assist local communities in land use administration. 2. Review proposed local zoning changes against density criteria need, as well as effect on surrounding land use,

3. Update on a five-year basis, the County's subdivision regulations. Offer such "regulations" as a model ordinance, and encourage the use of the County staff as an administrative agency for local subdivision regulations. 4, Assist local cornunities on a tri-annual assessment of their zoning ordinance--every five years for subdivision regulations.

46 a Recreation

Recreation is a basic need for the public. With work hours being shortened and a greater interest in outdoor activities, i everyone from age 9 to 90 enjoys, and has a need for, some type of recreational opportunity. Following are the basic policies of the Lawrence County Planning Comission in regards to recreation: i Policy I - The County Park and Recreation Board should be reactivated, the function of this Board being two- i fold: a. Through inventory and planning, to identify existing and needed local recreational facilities. i b. To act as a liasion between local communities and State and Local programs available for park improvement, be it capital grants or technical i assistance.

Policy I1 - Existing recreational opportunities must i be assimilated in one place, and such a listing or directory should be made available for the public in order that they can utilize the existing facilities of the County on a more intensive basis. In addition, i facilities which are currently used for part of the year should be encouraged to open up for year-round i utilization. Program Concepts i 1. Development of the County Recreation Plan. Although the City of New Castle has completed a recreation plan and Ellwood City Borough is beginning one, many of the other local communities within the County are 1 too small to develop recreation plans. A County-wide recreation plan should not only look at the needs of the County government, but where possible, identify t specific local needs which can be used as bench 8 marks for' future activities within that area. i 2. Development of a County recreatipn inventory. This inventory should list all the parks and other recreational opportunities within the County and be prepared, in such a way, to make iD available 1 for public dissemination. In this manner, local residents will have better access to those i facilities which already exist. 3. Work with the Lawrence County Commissioners on a study of the County West Park, which will lead I to the utilization as a park site, or the post-

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Ponement of its development for a set number of years until it is needed in the County's recreational inventories. 4. Encourage the utilization of school districts buildings and lands for more year-round recreation, along with fostering municipal/school district recreational programs. I 5. Point out the needs of recreation for all ages of the population. Include recreational opportunities for the elderly, as well as the young and middle aged.

6. Sponsor seminars, workshops, and informal get- i. togethers on such items as park maintenance, park security, and other,recreational administrative problems. 7. Work with local communities to fully develop those park areas which are already existing but not being utilized to their fullest extent. a. To identify and inventory critical areas within the County, which represents unique geologic, environmental, ecological, or historical areas. Recommend programs and projects to place into public ownership those areas which are considered unique, or extremely important for the County.

-Other This last section will explain some policies of other programs within the County. Policy I - Pertaining to the Solid Waste Plan, it is essential that any future landfill site should have a site life of at least twenty-five years. The Lawrence County Solid Waste Plan must be adopted by all mandated municipalities, and should, if possible, be adopted by those municipalities that are not mandated. The Plan will provide direction for solid waste disposal in the future. Policy I1 - County Facilities - Due to the expansion of the County government over t6e past several years, current Court House is inadequate for existing and future needs. Therefore, the Lawrence County Planning Commission should work cooperatively with the County Commissioners to in-

48 stitute the program for the construction of a new Court House. This Court House should be a modern facility of adequate size to consolidate now scattered County services. In addition, facilities which are now sufficient, such as the County Jail and the County Home, should be monitored on a regular basis so needed expansion can be programed in a timely manner. Policy I11 - Local municipalities which lack public meeting facilities and/or areas to store and maintain equipment, should seriously consider these necessities. Such facilities are considered as minimal for the conduct of public business. Policy IV - The County Planning Commission should lend its support and technical assistance to the County Civil Defense Office and the County Commissioners for the preparation of disaster plans, operation plans, and the creation of an adequate County emergency operations center. Policy V - The Planning Commission should offer its services to County public safety organizations for planning purposes.

49 ~~ e.-

1976- 1988 THE LAWRENCE COUNTY PLANNING HIGHWAY PRIORITY LIST

1. Beaver Valley Expressway Spur (LR 265 - TR 108) from the BVE to TR 18. 2. Relocation of TR 317, Borough of Bessemer. 3. Rehabilitation of the 5th Street Viaduct (LR 315) over the Connoquenessing Creek in Ellwood City (Completed). 4. New Castle TOPICS (SIP) a. Mahoning Avenue and Moravia

b. Butler-Cascade and Adam c. Jefferson and Falls (Under contruction) d. Route 65 and Cascade 5. Bridge Rehabilitation - Seipel Avenue Bridge in Ellport (1st Bridge) LR 350. 6. Cherry Street Bridge - City of New Castle (LR 37089). 7. McClures Run Bridge Replacement - Borough of New Wilmington (LR 37042). 8. Potter Run Bridge - Washington Township (LR 37046). 9. "Flat Rock" Bridge - Hickory Run - LR 37059 - North Beaver Township. 10. Jamison Run Bridge - Plain Grove Township - LR 37065. 11. Route 18 - LR 80 - New Castle to Maitland Lane - widen. 12. LR 809 - Plank Road - Neshannock Township. 13. Inner Belt - North Jefferson to Croton (City project). 14. Intersection of Routes 388 and 422 (LR 79 and 37023) - SIP. 15. TR 168 (LR 760) Moravia to Union Valley Road. 16. Pulaski Bridge - Replace/Rdlocate (LR 37055). 17. LR 37038 Bridge - East of Nashua. 18. LR 37038 Bridge - South of Pulaski.

50 -- i 19 0 Rebuild Old Mercer Road - LR 37041 - Maitland Lane to Mitchell Road. 20. LR 37043 - Hettenbaugh Run - TR 956 - East of Eastbrook. 21. Coffee Run Bridge - LR 37030. 22. LR 37062 - Bridge over Neshanaock - SE Volant. 23. Inner Belt New Castle - Croton to S. Jefferson. 24. LR 81, TR 224 - State Street to Scotland Lnae.

25 e LR 81, TR 224 - Scotland Lane to BVE. 26 LR 81, TR 224 - BVE to Coverts Road (Parkstown). 27. LR 444, TR 224 - Coverts Road (Parkstown) to Nahoning River. 28. Relocation/Reconstruction of Moravia/LR 37015 (TR 168) from Division Street to New Castle By-Pass (TR 422) - Taylor Township. 29. LR 233 - TR 108 from New Castle City line to Butler County line. 30. LR 614 - TR 168 - Reconstruct from Eastbrook to Volant. 31. LR 37039 - Bridge over Hettenbaugh Run. 32. LR 246 - TR 19 - Bridge over Slippery Rock Creek. 33. Montgomery Street grade separation LR 77. 34. LR 37057 - Wampum Run Bridge - New Beaver Bonough. 35. LR 444 - Intersection of TR 224 and 551 SIP.

36 e LR 79 - RT 422 - By-Pass to TR 388. 37. LR 79 - RT 422 - Route 388 to Slippery Rock Creek. 38. LR 81 - R3 422 - Harbor Road to TR 551. 39. Deer Creek Bridge - LR 37035 - Pulaski. 40. New Bridge Ellwood Area.

51 1976-1988 PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 12-YEAR PROJECT PRIORITY LIST

1. Relocation - 317 - Bessemer. 2. Intersection of Routes 224 and 551 (Mahoning Township).

3. Mount Jackson Road - BVE to TR 18 (BVE Spur). 4. Cherry Street Bridge (New Castle). I 5. McClures Run Bridge (New Wilmington, Market Street). I 6. Rehab. - "First" Bridge - Route 488 (Ellport). @ 7. Inner City Beltway (New Castle) N. Jefferson to Mill. 8. Jamison Run Bridge - LR 37065 (Plain Grove). 9. Flat Rock Bridge - LR 37059 (New Beaver). 10. Potters Run Bridge - LR 37046 (Washington Township).

11 * Pulaski Bridge - Route 208.

12m Bridge on Pulaski Road - LR 37038 east of Nashau. 13. State Street Hill - LR 81 - Sampson Street to Scotland Lane.

TOPICS PROGRAM 1. New Castle a. Moravia Street

b. Cascade and Butler c. Jefferson and Fall 2. New Castle - Ellwood Road (Route 65) and Cascade.

52 DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA

I. Slope Considerations A. 0-8% Slope 1. All types of development and agriculture. B. 8-1590 Slope 1. Developable, but care in site planning necessary. C. 15-25% Slope 1. Limited development with great care needed. 2. Occasional homes and restricted farm uses. D. Over 25% Slope 1. Not suitable for any type of development.

11. Residential Densities A. Urban Residential Densities 1. Single family with all utilities. a. 7,500-10,000square feet per dwelling unit (D.U. ) range. b. 415 D.U. per acre. 2. Single family without utilities. a. Minimum lot of 20-25,000 square feet (Note that that "alternate" on-lot sewage systems, 25,000 square feet is the minimum). 3. Two to four family development. a. Only encouraged in areas with sewer and water utilities. b. Two family minimum lot of 11,250- 15,090 square feet. c. Three family minimum lot of 15,000- 20,000 square feet. d. Four family minimum lot of 18,750- 25,000 square feet. 4. Multiple family dwellings. a. Can approach 87 D.U. per acre. b. In Lawrence County, minimum lot size per family is 2,500-2,750 square feet with 16/17 D.U. per acre generally. B. Rural/Suburban Residential Dwellings 1. Single family dwellings. a. Sewered areas - folbow recommendations in urban section above. b. Unsewered areas - a minimum of 25,000 square feet per acre per family. 2. Two to four family dwellings. a. Sewered areas - follow urban formula in suburbs. b. Unsewered areas - must be certain successful on-lot sewage disposal is possible. 53 I

3. Multi-family dwelling a. Sewered areas - 16/17 dwelling units per acre generally. b. Unsewered areas - not recommended.

111. Industrial and Commercial Lots A. Vary greatly in size and fluctuate in regard to their particular development.

IV. Subdivision Practices A. A review of modern ordinances can answer most questions. 0

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