Despite concerns from residents, Hempfield supervisors this week approved an adjustment to zoning rules that will allow for reuse of its fire station buildings.
Barbara Vinkler, who lives across Edna Road from Adamsburg Volunteer Fire Department, said she’s concerned about what the move could do to her property value and community.
“It’s going to change the whole atmosphere of my home,” she said.
Vinkler agrees that the township needs to address the future of the station buildings as the transformation of Hempfield’s fire service continues.
“But you don’t do it by destroying the neighborhood they’re coming out of,” she said.
The updated zoning, through what is known as an overlay district, is for municipal fire or other public safety buildings that would apply once that type of use ends. Those rules allow for an adaptive reuse of the buildings that are typically situated in residential neighborhoods.
The addition of the overlay district will allow some commercial uses compatible with the neighborhood in an effort to prevent those buildings from sitting empty.
Examples of businesses that would be allowed with the overlay district include an animal hospital or veterinarian clinic, a professional office, retail or service business, and a small grocery store. Additional uses, including a banquet facility, auto repair shop, restaurant or social club, would require approval from the zoning hearing board.
Solicitor Scott Avolio said the new rules will prevent uses of the buildings that aren’t appropriate for residential neighborhoods.
“We’re trying to get ahead of the event that these structures may become available throughout the township and often are in residential areas,” he said. “This is trying to put some sort of handcuffs on how that development goes.”
Supervisor George Reese tried unsuccessfully to table the matter for additional discussion. It passed 4-1 with Reese casting the opposing vote.
“As I sit here tonight, as much as I want to make sure we have a good plan moving forward, I’m concerned about the residents,” he said.
Supervisor Becky Durbin reassured residents that the change will protect their neighborhoods.
“We wouldn’t do anything to negatively impact you folks,” she said.
Supervisor Doug Weimer said he didn’t want to prolong the process.
“I do have concerns about the longer it takes the more risk there is,” he said.
Hempfield has been working to bring its community volunteer fire departments under one umbrella, referred to as a “nonchartered” process in which they become absorbed into the Hempfield Fire Department. In return, Hempfield manages the station and pays all of its expenses while volunteer firefighters continue to respond to calls.
Buildings that currently house fire stations might not fit the department’s needs, officials have said.
Other zoning change
Thirteen properties saw their zoning classifications change to what township officials said would better reflect their current use.
For example: Hempfield Pointe Plaza was switched from industrial to regional commercial, Adamsburg fire station was switched from suburban residential to regional commercial, Greensburg Central Catholic from neighborhood commercial to institutional and the World of Values Outlet from suburban residential to regional commercial.