Pine's comprehensive plan open house draws residents' feedback on township priorities

Pine officials held the first of their open houses to gather feedback for its 2026 comprehensive plan.

From 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 28, residents had the opportunity to weigh in on concerns and priorities they would like to see addressed by the township in the new plan.

Posterboards with sticker sheets were set up throughout a room in the Pine Community Center, broken up into several categories: general vision and character, trail systems, parks and recreation, transportation, public safety, commercial development and housing development. Residents placed stickers to indicate their opinions on the various categories.

“I was really happy to see that the township is concerned about transportation problems. It’s good to see people voicing their concerns about transportation and traffic instead of just getting on the NextDoor app and complaining because that does nothing,” resident Meredith Sweet said.

For years, residents have listed walking trails and pathways as a priority.

In 2023, a study done for Pine Community Park’s Master Plan revealed walking trails as the highest priority for residents in park infrastructure. Under the general vision and character board, the majority of residents noted green space as a defining feature of the township.

“I’ve been very much enjoying the expansion of pathways and walking paths. I’m really eager to see the trails being more connected. I’m thrilled that that is part of the plan,” Sweet said.

When it came to public safety in the township, residents seemed to indicate a preference for fire protection to move toward a paid model. On the posterboard for public safety, the dots on the spectrum lines leaned toward the paid end.

“I was like a half-mile behind the horrible crash on 79 near Soergel’s and seeing the Wexford Volunteer firetruck gave me chills. Seeing the firemen doing what they’re called to do, their mission. … It was really thrilling to see the trucks in action. Firemen and women need to be paid. We need to find a way to make that happen,” Sweet said.

The quality of the school system in Pine was considered a net positive by many residents.

“I love Pine. I moved here from San Francisco with my wife, and I’m glad I made the decision. My wife is from Hampton Township, but we met in San Francisco. We made the decision to raise the children in Western Pennsylvania, and it was the right thing to do. It’s a great environment for the children,” said Philip O’Toole, who has an 8-year-old and 11-year-old in the Pine-Richland School District.

Another resident, Michael Imbornone, said the school district is important.

“I want to make sure that the school system stays good for the next 15 years, so that’s a priority for me as a Pine resident,” he said.

Township Manager Jason Kratsas and Pine Supervisors Audrey Mackie and Pat Avolio were in attendance to represent the township and hear feedback from residents.

“It was encouraging to see so many residents take the time to share their ideas and perspectives. We heard a strong sense of enthusiasm for expanding cultural and enrichment opportunities within our Parks and Recreation programs — initiatives that help make the township a more connected, vibrant and inclusive community,” Kratsas said.

“At the same time, many residents expressed concern about the increasing long-term costs facing the township residents from other units of government such as Allegheny County. They emphasized the importance of maintaining our commitment to financial sustainability and expressed appreciation for the township’s efforts to manage resources responsibly while planning for the future.”

The next opportunity for residents to weigh in on what should be included in the 2026 comprehensive plan will be a pop-up from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 6 during the Pittsburgh North Chamber of Commerce Senior Health Fair at the Pine Community Center.