Harrison Commissioner Chuck Dizard, credited for much township revitalization, resigns

Harrison Commissioner Chuck Dizard hand-delivered his annual newsletter to more than 900 homes in the First Ward on Friday, calling it his grand finale.

Dizard plans to resign July 31 after 10 years on the board.

“We need some young leadership,” he said. “We need new people coming to the table, and I’m happy to support that.”

Dizard will remain in the township and stay active in the many efforts he’s dedicated time to, including the tree committee, recreation board, Earth Day cleanups and multimunicipal planning.

“He’s like the Energizer Bunny,” said Tom Cajka, a member of the township tree committee. “He’s just done so much, stuff that in my opinion, no one else has attempted to do.”

Dizard is credited as a driving force behind the Natrona Mosaic River Trail and the Springhill Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail, both of which boost accessibility.

In Natrona, Dizard purchased a small piece of property to open the alley where a trail ended and ultimately provide walkers and bikers a way through.

Courtney Mahronich Vita, director of trail development for the nonprofit Friends of the Riverfront, said at the time that the small piece of land was critical to the larger, 35-mile trail network. Friends of the Riverfront now manages the short leg of the trail, used by people from across the region.

Dizard worked with Friends of the Riverfront again, along with Allegheny County, to see a $1.3 million bike and walking trail developed along Springhill Road to connect the upper and lower portions of the township and make it easier for people without transportation to access grocery stores and other businesses.

“We’ve had three casualties there over the years and now there’s a bike lane the whole way up Springhill Road,” Cajka said.

Under Dizard’s lead, 300 trees have been planted throughout the community in partnership with Western PA Conservancy, TreeVitalize and ATI.

He’s recruited 300 volunteers in the effort to beautify spaces including Federal Street, where Penn Salt homes were demolished years ago, with ginkgo trees and river rock.

“Working on the trail, trees and comprehensive plan is absolutely vital to creating a positive future,” said Dizard, who retired as an administrator from the University of Pittsburgh more than a decade ago.

Other efforts during his time on the board included developing an Earth Day cleanup, a township Christmas parade, a walking trail at Siverlake Park and a perennial garden near Highlands Middle School.

Cajka said Dizard isn’t afraid to help the greater good, contributing his time to efforts that improve life in the Valley.

“Pleasantville Road at one time was an eyesore,” Cajka said. “He initiated a cleanup and now it’s nice.

“Demolition has been huge. We’ve had more eyesore buildings come down than ever before. There’s no project too big or small.”

The result of the efforts has been improved camaraderie within the township and beyond, Cajka said.

“The next couple of years will be a challenge and will require collaboration,” Dizard said. “Our comprehensive plan with Brackenridge and Tarentum will help us take on the future.

“I’ve spent all this post-retirement time dedicated to the township. It’s time to enjoy some time and focus on my family.”