North Huntingdon Township · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in North Huntingdon public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Solar Energy System Zoning Ordinance
The board adopted a new ordinance setting zoning rules, height restrictions, and decommissioning bond requirements for solar energy systems.
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.
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.
EMS Financial Pressures and Reimbursement Shortfalls
North Huntingdon EMS Rescue reported significant financial losses due to low insurance reimbursements and unpaid medical bills, highlighting broader funding challenges for emergency medical services.
Annual Board Reorganization and Leadership Appointments
The North Huntingdon Board of Commissioners held its mandatory start-of-year reorganization meeting to swear in newly elected officials and vote on leadership positions like president and solicitor. These choices establish who runs the board meetings and guides the township legally through the coming year.
Sports Complex Proposal
Local leaders just killed plans for a massive new sports complex, forcing developers to start over from scratch. If you were hoping for a cool new spot to catch a game or hang out, you'll have to keep waiting.