Post by falconeer on Mar 3, 2019 23:38:29 GMT -5
Bethel Park is an aging community that is sorely in need of leadership, dedication and energy to say nothing of a meaningful comprehensive plan that can serve as a mandate to governing officials as to productive use of funds to improve quality of life and sustainability.
The critical issues in Bethel Park all have to do with building a true community where neighbors know one another and communicate with one another; where municipal officials and officers communicate with all to hear issues and respond to issues while building trust and reliance; where all have walkable access within neighborhoods, between neighborhoods, between neighborhoods and institutions (schools, municipal buildings) and between neighborhoods and commerce (stores, suppliers..), where programs and initiatives are in place and working effectively to address dated housing stock, recreational facilities, code enforcement, connectivity, outdated infrastructure (transportation, storm water management, etc.), environmental – quality of life issues such as air/open burning, water and soil pollution, dumping, littering, trash, debris, property management, zoning requirements, etc.
A few details:
1. The single MOST IMPORTANT issue in Bethel Park is compliance to and enforcement of the Bethel Park Municipal Ordinance (e.g. zoning, building code and compliant permits, stormwater requirements, rec vehicles, grading and artisan permits, plans, junk vehicles, heavy construction equipment, nonconforming uses, trash and debris, environmental protection, odors and smoke and fine particulate from wood burning) to engender quality of life, health and welfare and community and property values. We need a Permits, Compliance and Enforcement Program that is transparent, tough but fair, effective and accountable.
2.We have an immense issue with old housing stock that we must address e.g. a Housing Program to bring us up to code and enhance living conditions, health and welfare and property values.
3. As to connectivity e.g. sidewalks and transportation network we need to pursue the basics FIRST i.e. enhanced/improved capacity and appropriate left and right turn lanes, appropriate signalization -e.g. start with Allegheny County TOPICS Plan (Traffic Operations Plan to Improve Capacity and Safety) by PDOT. Secure copy of plan and improve network in concert with PDOT where necessary. We need a TOPICS like program NOW.
As to walkability we must have a walkable community within neighborhoods as well as between neighborhoods and between neighborhoods and commerce (e.g. a viable “downtown”, grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.) and between neighborhoods and institutions (e.g. schools, municipal building, recreational center, etc.). We’ve needed a Sidewalk Program for ages!
4. We are in dire need of a Storm Water Management Plan as a cooperative effort of residents and the Boro to begin to institute the storm water regs and issues including zoning as to building in flood plains, assistance to owners as to BMPs that are feasible to reduce inflow to storm sewers, stream clearing and stabilization, restoration of natural waterways, etc.
5. We are in dire need of additional tree canopy. We need a Planting Program.
In summary, need additional objectives as well as more specific or detailed objectives and examples of initiatives that might help achieve those objectives. The Plan to date is far short of the mark!
The critical issues in Bethel Park all have to do with building a true community where neighbors know one another and communicate with one another; where municipal officials and officers communicate with all to hear issues and respond to issues while building trust and reliance; where all have walkable access within neighborhoods, between neighborhoods, between neighborhoods and institutions (schools, municipal buildings) and between neighborhoods and commerce (stores, suppliers..), where programs and initiatives are in place and working effectively to address dated housing stock, recreational facilities, code enforcement, connectivity, outdated infrastructure (transportation, storm water management, etc.), environmental – quality of life issues such as air/open burning, water and soil pollution, dumping, littering, trash, debris, property management, zoning requirements, etc.
A few details:
1. The single MOST IMPORTANT issue in Bethel Park is compliance to and enforcement of the Bethel Park Municipal Ordinance (e.g. zoning, building code and compliant permits, stormwater requirements, rec vehicles, grading and artisan permits, plans, junk vehicles, heavy construction equipment, nonconforming uses, trash and debris, environmental protection, odors and smoke and fine particulate from wood burning) to engender quality of life, health and welfare and community and property values. We need a Permits, Compliance and Enforcement Program that is transparent, tough but fair, effective and accountable.
2.We have an immense issue with old housing stock that we must address e.g. a Housing Program to bring us up to code and enhance living conditions, health and welfare and property values.
3. As to connectivity e.g. sidewalks and transportation network we need to pursue the basics FIRST i.e. enhanced/improved capacity and appropriate left and right turn lanes, appropriate signalization -e.g. start with Allegheny County TOPICS Plan (Traffic Operations Plan to Improve Capacity and Safety) by PDOT. Secure copy of plan and improve network in concert with PDOT where necessary. We need a TOPICS like program NOW.
As to walkability we must have a walkable community within neighborhoods as well as between neighborhoods and between neighborhoods and commerce (e.g. a viable “downtown”, grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.) and between neighborhoods and institutions (e.g. schools, municipal building, recreational center, etc.). We’ve needed a Sidewalk Program for ages!
4. We are in dire need of a Storm Water Management Plan as a cooperative effort of residents and the Boro to begin to institute the storm water regs and issues including zoning as to building in flood plains, assistance to owners as to BMPs that are feasible to reduce inflow to storm sewers, stream clearing and stabilization, restoration of natural waterways, etc.
5. We are in dire need of additional tree canopy. We need a Planting Program.
In summary, need additional objectives as well as more specific or detailed objectives and examples of initiatives that might help achieve those objectives. The Plan to date is far short of the mark!