The Murrysville Comprehensive Plan attempts to broaden the community’s economic base by increasing the amount and variety of non-residential uses. It specifies that most of the commercial retail and office space is to be located in the Route 22 corridor, while industrial uses should be planned for the other major corridors (Route 286, Route 380, Route 66). This would give the residents an opportunity to shop locally given the high price of gasoline. This plan will ultimately reduce real estate taxes for the residential homeowner by almost 10%.
This basic premise of the overlay is a zoning map change that “overlays” parts of existing zoning Districts and authorizes additional uses. In the case of the proposed overlay, nonresidential uses are authorized with much stricter standards than the existing Business District, including open space requirements, lighting requirements, and buffering and setbacks from residential properties and the main thoroughfares of the Municipality such as Route 22.
The Overlay Ordinance addresses these issues.
- It encourages the assembly of smaller commercial parcels into single, larger one that access Route 22.
- It permits commercial development on larger residential tracts at a much lower density than on comparable business parcels.
- It imposes strict buffering and architectural standards and requires dedication of substantial green space.
Series of Editorial Articles written by:
Theo van de Venne, Council Member
THE MANOR DEVELOPMENT CONTROVERSY