Franklin Estates Residents Association

FE Proposal/Garage Sale Planned - Newsletter 7/28/2002

Jul 31, 2002

Hello Neighbors,

Next Development Proposal

Brian Altmeter, representative from IDC's landscape architectural firm Fahringer, McCarty & Grey, showed the proposed 18 lot next phase of Franklin Estates. The lots and proposed residences are comparable to our homes/lots - consistent with R-2 zoning rules. Mt. Vernon would be extended into two cul de sacs next to and behind the current Mt. Vernon. Another short street would extend from the end of the Lexington cul de sac to provide for two lots behind two of the current Lexington homes. The plans show a treed buffer between the two sets of homes. It's much, much better than their earlier proposals, but...

Due to complicated historical events, many legal and controversial issues need to be resolved before the proposal process can be completed. Fred Wilder, the community development director, wants FERA to be involved in the process.

Joy Somers pointed out that FE is the only plan in Murrysville that never donated recreational land during any of the development phases. Therefore, IDC owes donated land or fee in lieu to compensate the community. She also noted that the ownership of a 6.5 acre piece of land in the developmental area has been in dispute between Murrysville and IDC for many years.

I pointed out that Howard Hanna realtors promised that the land between Lexington & Jefferson would always be greenspace and we expected a guarantee of that promise before this next phase is approved. Joy noted that this claim was recorded during past council meetings.

Another big issue involves an old right of way rule because of the manner in which the original plan was filed that gives FERA veto powers of some kind - It's a legal issue that need clarification. For a variety of historical/legal reasons, it may be in IDC's best interests to donate the finger of land between Lexington & Jefferson either to FERA or to Westmoreland Conservancy. If FERA gets the land, it can be tax exempt.

About 10 neighbors plus Mayor Somers and council member, Joan Kearns, attended the Planning Commission subcommittee meeting. Because these meetings are informal, the mayor and council member's attendance is unusual. Clearly, they realize that the many issues involved with this next phase will involve them.

Fred asked Brian to send FERA copies of the plans (which I haven't received yet). Then, he wants us to send him a letter with our list of any concerns involving the new plan. I'll let you know when I get the plans. Once I receive the plans, I'll send everyone a notification of a meeting.

Because I will be starting a full-time doctoral program in the Fall, I will not have time to lead the effort with the new phase. Steve Hollingsworth has volunteered to be FERA VP. I need a new President willing to take some time to make sure our neighborhood rights and concerns are met. It's important folks cause it will affect the value of our homes and our quality of life.

FERA Neighborhood GARAGE SALE

I will submit ads to the papers for a Garage Sale on Saturday, Sept. 7th. If enough people tell me they want to be involved, I'll get a Veteran's truck to pick up the stuff that didn't sell that you want to donate. I have one volunteer to put up signs the week prior. The day of the sale, I'll will walk around and pick up $1 for expenses from everyone who has anything out for sale. Please let me know if you plan to participate. Anyone wanting to put up balloons or try other marketing ideas is welcome to.

DAMAGED SIGN

A.J.Myers Bus Co is willing to pay for the repairs to the entrance wall and sign that one of their buses damaged. But, we need to find someone to make the repairs and send them the bill. I'll look into getting estimates. If anyone wants to recommend someone or has ideas about repairs, please let me know.

Thanks for your help!

I'll send more information as I learn more.

Best wishes - Solveig Peters, FERA president
724-327-1866