Monroeville Council approves request to rezone airport property for proposed senior housing project

Monroeville Council approved a rezoning request that may lead to the development of a senior independent living facility and other housing along Logan’s Ferry Road on property that houses Harold Brown Memorial Field, a private airport.

New York-based Clover Development asked the municipality to rezone a 58-acre parcel into two separate zoning districts with 10.5 acres rezoned R-4 multi-family residential and 47.5 acres rezoned as R-2 single-family residential.

It had been zoned “L” for special use, such as the creation of 45-foot-tall offices or hospitals.

Council voted 6-0 in favor of the zoning change May 11 despite opposition from about a dozen residents who live nearby the proposed development.

Most of the concerns involved possible increased traffic and a 122-unit senior high-rise, in which tenants would be 55 or older.

“It does not fit the region now, nor will it in the future,” resident Heidi Beam said.

Resident Mike Hudec said the apartment building would decrease property values and create an eyesore.

“It seems contrary to the community objectives, contrary to the area, neighborhoods, the residents to zone this R-4,” Hudec said.

Council only voted on rezoning and did not take any action on the proposed development itself.

However, Mayor Nick Gresock and several council members voiced support for the senior living facility.

“I understand the residents’ concerns about the building itself, but I do believe there is a need for senior housing in Monroeville,” Gresock said.

Councilman Greg Erosenko attempted to table the issue in order to seek a more detailed traffic study. He withdrew his motion after further discussion about other housing developments and traffic studies in the municipality.

“I feel like we’re in no-man’s land,” Erosenko said. “Nobody wins in this.”

Clover Development Director Robert Jack said his company still needs to come back to council and the planning commission with land development plans, and is grateful the rezoning request was approved.

“I’m happy with the decision,” Jack said. “I look forward to moving forward with the project. We look forward to being part of the community.”

The planning commission also recommended approval of the request.

As far as the traffic concerns, Jack said a large office or hospital might add about 2,600 vehicles traveling along Logans Ferry per day, and having the entire area single-family homes would add about 1,200 per day.

Clover’s traffic analysis, completed by Crafton-based Wooster & Associates, found the apartment building would add 466 vehicles traveling Logans Ferry per day.

Jack said they plan to add vegetation and ensure there are buffers and other accommodations to meet other Monroeville development standards.

“This is a niche that we see is a need for the community,” Jack said.

Council had tabled the rezoning request in January and denied it in February after lengthy discussions and a public hearing on the matter.

Council members said the developer had addressed the concerns brought up in those meetings with its resubmitted plans.