South Strabane To Address Sidewalks

The South Strabane Township Board of Supervisors voted to add a discussion item regarding sidewalks in the Burkett Manor development to a future meeting agenda, following concerns raised about safety and compliance with township codes. Supervisor Jeff Bull, joined by other board members, led the push to address the issue, citing that sidewalks in Burkett Manor do not meet the minimum width requirement of 5 feet as mandated by the Township’s Subdivision and Land Development Code. Currently, the sidewalks measure only 4 feet in width and also lack required structural reinforcement as outlined in township construction specifications. Bull emphasized the importance of addressing these inadequacies for the safety of residents. If the sidewalks are rebuilt to meet compliance standards, the cost will be covered by the developers, meaning there would be no financial impact on taxpayers. In other business, Vice-Chairman Mark Murphy and Supervisor Bull motioned to table the approval of the final land development plan from the Washington County Transit Authority (Freedom Transit) for its proposed operations facility at 375 Berry Road. Bull cited the need for further review due to ongoing changes in the project’s details. The board also approved, by a 4-1 vote, the annual resolution for the destruction of specific public records. Supervisor Bull cast the lone dissenting vote, expressing concern over the permanent loss of potentially important documentation.