-Est. 1901- Bridgeville Borough Comprehensive Plan Table of Contents Section 1: Introduction Community Development Objectives ........................................................................ 1-1 Goal of the Comprehensive Plan .............................................................................. 1-2 What is the Bridgeville Borough Comprehensive Plan? .......................................... 1-3 Timeline ..................................................................................................................... 1-4 Interrelationship Statement .......................................................................................1-5 Contiguous Municipalities Statement ....................................................................... 1-6 Public Participation ..................................................................................................1-6 Capital Improvements Program ............................................................................... 1-8 Implementation Plan ................................................................................................. 1-13 Section 2—Community History ..................................................................................... 2-1 Section 3—Demographics .............................................................................................. 3-1 Section 4—Community Amenities ................................................................................ 4-1 Section 5—Transportation ............................................................................................. 5-1 Section 6—Housing ......................................................................................................... 6-1 Section 7—Economic Development ............................................................................. 7-1 Section 8—Parks and Recreation ................................................................................. 8-1 Section 9—Natural Resources ...................................................................................... 9-1 Section 10—Land Use ..................................................................................................... 10-1 Appendices References ................................................................................................................. A Recreation Assessment ..............................................................................................B Public Input ...............................................................................................................C SWOT Results .....................................................................................................i CIE Results .........................................................................................................ii Goals Ranking Results .......................................................................................iii Public Comment Form .......................................................................................iv Public Survey Results .........................................................................................v Economic Development Workshop Results ........................................................vi Chartiers Valley High School Results ................................................................vii Project Newsletters ................................................................................................... D Funding Sources and Technical Assistance ..............................................................E Bridgeville Borough is located along Capitalize on the existing the Interstate 79 corridor in Allegheny transportation network and proximity County approximately 15 miles to major highways and public southwest of the City of Pittsburgh. transportation providers, while The borough is a part of the providing a safe and pedestrian Southwestern Pennsylvania region, friendly atmosphere. which has a rich industrial and ethnic heritage. Encourage residents and visitors alike to visit downtown by improving The comprehensive plan is the only the existing parking. public document that describes the community as a whole in terms of its Develop innovative strategies to complex and mutually supporting capitalize on the existing housing networks. The plan contains policy stock and provide more housing statements, developed by the options such as garden apartments, community and adopted by its townhouses, and condominiums and officials, which are used to support allow for mixed-use commercial and community decisions and anticipate residential districts. future conditions. The Bridgeville Borough Work with surrounding municipalities Comprehensive Plan has been to provide coordinated public prepared in accordance with the services and infrastructure to ensure Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning the highest quality of life for borough Code subsequent amendments. residents. Although the plan is not a legally binding document, it is the official Promote an aesthetically pleasing statement for future development in downtown environment to attract new the community. The following were businesses. identified as the community development objectives through input Foster better relationships with local from the public at large, steering industries to promote a safe and committee and borough officials: healthy environment for borough and surrounding municipalities’ residents. Improve, update, and maintain the current recreation facilities and Preserve the historic integrity of services available to meet the Bridgeville Borough and promote changing needs of the borough while existing and potential historic sites. providing better access to these facilities for all residents. Bridgeville Borough Comprehensive Plan Update HISTORY & COMMUNITY CHARACTER Incorporated as a borough on March 11, 1901, Bridgeville has celebrated over 100 years of history. The 1920’s saw a “Build – Boost – Beautify” mentality emerge for Bridgeville. The Bridgeville Chamber of Commerce set the tone with this motto, and the catchphrase “make your home town an ideal place in which to live, work and play”. Over the course of the next 80 years, Bridgeville would feel the effects of the changing social and economic composition, such as the consolidation of public schools, the construction of I-79, and the decline of manufacturing industries. Bridgeville coped with these social and economic trends by slowly evolving from a vital business center into a pleasant residential area for families that retains a strong commercial flavor. The “Build – Boost – Beautify” motto of the 1920’s was replaced with the current motto of “It’s a nice place to live.” Many buildings constructed before or around the turn of the 20th Century still exist and are in fine condition. These homes and businesses serve to impart a sense of character and elected officials would be wise to use these structures as the basis for future streetscape planning. Bridgeville has a very active historical society and community association. These local organizations have published several yearbooks (the most recent for the 2001 centennial celebration) celebrating the borough’s history. The borough should work with these organizations to identify the historic or cultural resources that should be preserved. Funding is available from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) to non-profit organizations and local governments for historic preservation, structural Historic Railroad Car at Library rehabilitation, and restoration of historic properties. As the project area is located along roadways that experience significant amounts of traffic, there are numerous opportunities to increase awareness of the borough by creating gateways. Thematic improvements to the downtown streetscape would improve the appearance and encourage individuals to shop in the business district. As stated in the plan, there are many tools available for municipal officials that can be used to foster community character and protect important historic and cultural assets. As these steps are taken, the borough will see benefits both socially (as community pride increases) and economically Washington Avenue Shops (with increased property values and an infusion of spending by visitors). The following action steps have been identified as priorities for the history and community character element: 1. Hold a workshop with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center to discuss issues regarding the appearance of the central business district and possible programs to implement 2. Create a Business Improvement District 3. Complete a streetscape plan for the Washington Avenue Corridor 4. Implement design guidelines in the business district 5. Establish gateways at vehicular and pedestrian entry points 6. Establish a shade tree commission and enact a shade tree ordinance 7. Study the financial feasibility of hiring a Main Street Manager 8. Conduct an inventory of historic resources and identify those suitable for heritage tourism efforts 9. Obtain funding for the restoration and rehabilitation of historic properties 10. Provide information to individuals interested in obtaining tax credits for historic preservation activities 11. Acquire preservation or façade easements on historic properties 12. Provide zoning bonuses for the preservation of historic sites and structures 13. Identify a location to house the historical society Bridgeville Borough Comprehensive Plan Update COMMUNITY FACILITIES The provision of community facilities,