Zoning change in West Deer could clear way for 18-home development

West Deer Supervisors approved a zoning change that could enable a developer to build up to 18 homes in the township.

Supervisors voted unanimously Wednesday to rezone a property at 4391 Bakerstown-Culmerville Road from rural estate to rural residential. More homes can be built on properties that are zoned rural residential.

Sewickley-based Victor-Wetzel Associates sought the zoning change on behalf of Richard Miller Jr., who wants to build the 18 homes on about 17.5 acres. Miller owns the property.

Some people who live near the proposed development said they were concerned how it would affect traffic, stormwater runoff and privacy. The development would be on a cul-de-sac off Bakerstown-Culmerville Road.

Jason Hartle, who has about 3 acres that would abut the proposed development, said he was concerned with the size of the lots and the number of houses.

“We’ve been in this house for 13 years. We know that the majority of the soil is clay here, so stormwater management is an important thing,” Hartle said. “We really don’t want to take on more water in our yard than is existing.”

Tom Opest, who lives on Deer Creek Road, said he thought the proposed development would change the atmosphere of the area.

“Our area is very rural. Per person, there are many acres that are open, green or treed,” Opest said. “This would create a very different atmosphere to what surrounding people have lived with for the last 45 years.”

Solicitor Gavin Robb stressed that Wednesday’s public hearing was held only to rezone the property, not to approve the development plans.

“There would certainly be public planning commission meetings and another meeting before the board of supervisors before (any development plans) would be approved,” Robb said.

Pending further approvals, construction on the proposed development could start within 15 to 18 months, said Steven Victor, owner of Victor-Wetzel Associates.

Before the rezoning vote, Supervisor Beverly Jordan asked Victor if more than 18 homes could be built on the property if the rezoning was approved.

Victor said no.

“For purposes of the rezoning, we wanted to represent what would be the maximum allowed for the property,” Victor said. “Not to say that we could come back in with less, but it’s not physically possible (to have) more than 18 lots on the property.”

Each of the lots would be about three-quarters of an acre. The majority of the homes are expected to cost $500,000 to $800,000.