North Huntingdon Township · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in North Huntingdon public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Variance request for 8611 Walnut Street property
The St. Joseph Polish Benevolent Society wants relief from three R-1 zoning standards — lot area, rear yard depth, and lot coverage — for its Walnut Street parcel. The board's decision could allow construction or expansion that wouldn't otherwise fit the zoning rules.
Route 30 commercial lot subdivision (DeNunzio Properties)
DeNunzio Properties wants to split one existing C-1 commercial parcel along Route 30 into two lots. How that corridor parcel gets divided could affect future commercial development and traffic along Route 30.
Kenwood Estates residential lot creation
The Kenwood Estates plan would combine four existing parcels into two residential lots. Neighbors may be interested in how lot configurations and density in the area change.
Solid Waste and Recycling Contract Renewal
The township is reviewing its solid waste and recycling services, which impacts household trash collection and recycling rates for residents.
Stormwater Management and Infrastructure Repairs
Residents from Herold Drive raised serious concerns about recurring flooding and undersized pipes destroying their properties. The township is planning pipe replacements and surveying, but some fixes require private property easements.
Cellular Tower Ground Lease at Colonial Manor Road
Kendall Communications wants to build a cell tower on township property at 1221 Colonial Manor Road. Staff recommends rejecting the developer's 99-year easement offer in favor of a stricter 10-year lease with higher monthly rent and built-in annual increases.
Proposed Data Center Ordinance
The township is considering new zoning and operational rules for data centers to manage potential impacts on power, noise, and land use.
Golf Cart Retail and Service Establishment on Route 30
Tigon Golf Carts received approval to bring a new retail and service business for golf carts and low-speed vehicles to Route 30. The commercial use aligns with local C-1 zoning requirements.
Outdoor Advertising Billboard Approval on Clay Pike
Top Brand Advertising successfully gained approval to install a new V-style billboard along Clay Pike in an industrial zone. The sign will provide new outdoor advertising space without facing public opposition.
Park Rehabilitation
North Huntingdon's Indian Lake Park is finally getting a major makeover with newly secured funding, but you'll have to find a new spot to hang out next year while it's closed for construction.
Road Maintenance and Traffic Safety Concerns
The township is investing over $1.3 million in local road repairs, awarding multiple contracts for milling, resurfacing, seal coating, and pavement rejuvenation across township streets, including McKee Road.
2027 Preliminary Budget Discussions
Commissioners are starting discussions on the upcoming fiscal year's budget, which guides municipal spending and public services.
No Knock List Regulation
A proposed "no knock" list would give residents a way to opt out of door-to-door commercial solicitations at their homes.
Police Shooting
A North Huntingdon cop fired a shot at an armed robbery suspect who allegedly aimed a gun at officers outside a local Walgreens. Luckily, no injuries were reported, but it's a scary reminder of gun violence hitting close to home.
Westmoreland County Housing Authority Senior Housing Project
The housing authority is building 20 affordable senior rental homes on Banker Street. The board approved necessary layout and size variances because the property has difficult terrain, a creek, and sewer easements.
Willow Glenn Boundary Line Revision
The commission reviewed a boundary line revision for the Willow Glenn development.
Watters Subdivision Lot Line Revision
The planning commission took up a proposal for a subdivision and lot line revision between two existing parcels.
Police Leadership
North Huntingdon is on the hunt for a brand-new police chief to lead the township's force. This leadership change could shift local law enforcement priorities and community policing strategies.
Law Enforcement Impersonation Phone Scams
Acting Police Chief McCurdy warned residents about a sharp rise in phone scams where criminals impersonate law enforcement officers and demand thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency to clear fake arrest warrants.
Municipal Auditing and Legal Services RFPs
The township's 2025 audit was scheduled to be presented to the board. The audit shows how taxpayer money was handled and how the township's finances are holding up.
Kalina Estate Plan Subdivision (S-07-2026)
A proposed subdivision along Cherry Lane and Shraders Lane was scheduled for discussion. New lots could bring additional homes and traffic to that area.
2021 International Property Maintenance Code Adoption
Recommended ordinance updates would cap front-yard fences at 48 inches, allow six-foot fences in side and rear yards, and clarify that accessory structures must sit on the same lot as the main building.
Kalina Estate lot line revision on Cherry Lane and Shraders Lane
Two existing parcels totaling about 0.80 acres would be reconfigured into two lots — 0.52 and 0.28 acres — with no new buildings or roads planned. The Planning Commission has recommended approval; the Board of Commissioners makes the final call.
Police Chief Search
North Huntingdon is hiring an outside agency to help find its next police chief. This is a big deal because it's going to set the direction for local law enforcement for a long time.
Fire Service Feasibility Study Committee Guidelines
Fire chiefs say the feasibility committee has regressed and want one vote per fire company, cast by the chief or president. The solicitor will draft a resolution amending the committee's formation rules.
Meeting Decorum and Public Comment Time Limits
The board adopted a new decorum policy that limits individual public comments to three minutes. Commissioners debated whether three minutes is too short for residents unaccustomed to public speaking, but ultimately passed the policy 4-3.
Farmers market at Indian Lake Park
A weekly Tuesday farmers market (3–6 PM) could launch at the Indian Lake Park lot, using 13–15 spaces per side, with vendors selling only food and farm products through October.
Norwin Soccer Club Light Pollution
New rules would require outdoor lighting to be shielded and pointed down, cap light levels at property lines, and let the township check compliance with a light meter.
Emergency Declaration
The board will consider adopting the county's 959-page hazard mitigation plan and the township's 30-page emergency operations plan at the next meeting.
Proposed CBD, tobacco and vape ordinance
New rules would restrict vape and CBD shops to conditional use in certain commercial districts, keep them away from schools, parks and churches, and ban alcohol and gambling on premises. Existing shops would be grandfathered.
Shannon Street Bridge Closure
The bridge got a top-priority repair designation and may close in August, with repairs estimated at $75,000–$100,000. Fewer than 200 vehicles a day use it, but the detour is long, and the board wants a plan before closing it.
Intermunicipal liquor license transfer
A restaurant liquor license is being transferred into the township, but the destination restaurant isn't known yet. A public hearing is set for next Wednesday, and the township has 45 days to act.
Commercial building plan review gap
The township hasn't had a commercial plan reviewer since last year. A third-party reviewer would be used as needed, billed to applicants, until in-house staff get certified in about 90 days.
Fence height and accessory structure zoning updates
A proposed ordinance would cap front-yard fences at 48 inches and side/rear fences at 6 feet, and formally define accessory structures like sheds, decks, pools and fences.
Pickleball Court Noise
A Timothy Road resident says the courts 100 feet from his home generate constant noise, early arrivals and vulgar language. The township is weighing a soundproof fence (~$17,000 per side) plus landscaping, and will enforce hours.
Side Yard Setback Variance for Residential Addition on Forest Oaks Trail
Property owners Chris and Kathleen Haselhoff sought a variance to build a home addition that encroaches five feet into their side yard setback due to existing sanitary sewer easements.
Zero-Foot Side Yard Setback Request on Carpenter Lane
JP Land Holdings requested a zero-foot side yard setback for a new single-family attached dwelling on a vacant lot at Carpenter Lane and Carolina Drive.
Ridge Road rezoning for denser housing
A 25-acre vacant parcel along Ridge Road could shift from R-4 (large lots) to R-2 (smaller lots, denser housing). Neighbors worry about a high-pressure gas pipeline, a dangerous intersection, stormwater runoff and sewer capacity. Planners recommended it 5-2; commissioners decide after a July 9 hearing.
CBD, tobacco and vape shop siting rules
New rules would treat vape and tobacco shops as a distinct land use, allowed only as conditional uses in C-1 and C-1A districts and kept 1,500 feet from schools, daycares, parks and places of worship. Existing shops are grandfathered.
Trail Study
North Huntingdon is hunting for consultants to map out new walking and biking trails across the township. If you love hitting the pavement or trails, this study is the first step toward better neighborhood connections and outdoor rec.
Future Municipal Complex Feasibility Study
Commissioners proposed exploring a feasibility study for building a new municipal complex and relocating the police department to the public works site to plan for aging township facilities.
Donation of Retired Police Vehicle
The township donated a retired police cruiser to the Diocese of Greensburg Police Department for security use at Queen of Angels School, despite debate over government property and religious organizations.
Solar Energy System Zoning Ordinance
The board adopted a new ordinance setting zoning rules, height restrictions, and decommissioning bond requirements for solar energy systems.
Strawpump VFD ISO Rating and Territory Reinstatement
The township restored the primary fire district boundaries to the Strawpump Volunteer Fire Department after 18 months of shared coverage. Fire officials praised the cooperation between departments during the reorganization.
Trail Development
North Huntingdon and Irwin are planning a brand new Trolley Line Trail to make walking and biking between the two areas a breeze. Local leaders just need to give it the final green light to get things rolling.
Police Department Staffing Additions
The township hired three new police officers to bolster the patrol unit and provide relief for existing staff. Chief McCurdy noted the new hires will be an outstanding addition and bring genuine enthusiasm.
Medical Office Site Plan and Retaining Wall Safety
Commissioners approved revisions for a medical office building but raised concerns about a retaining wall built directly on the property line. Officials suggested reviewing township ordinances to avoid similar future building risks.
Seasonal Recreation Staffing Expansion
North Huntingdon is looking to hire a dedicated seasonal recreation worker to help run the growing list of community events and programs requested by residents.
Senior Real Estate Tax Rebate Proposal
Commissioners are exploring whether to offer property tax relief to local seniors on fixed incomes, similar to programs in neighboring towns, with staff tasked to crunch the numbers.
Park Rehabilitation Grant
North Huntingdon just locked down state grant money to overhaul Indian Lake park, which means sweet upgrades to your local outdoor spots without raising your property taxes.