Encouraging nightlife reason to tweak property zoning ordinance, Greensburg officials say

Greensburg has changed over the years, but its zoning ordinance hasn’t.

Work is underway to update the decades-old zoning map to better reflect the community’s look and how it could evolve. There are several upcoming opportunities for members of the public to provide input.

“Zoning does affect everybody,” said Alec Italiano, director of planning. “Because we are sort of changing the map, that is one reason the public may want to get involved.”

Steering committee members are working with Mackin Engineering on the first update to the ordinance in about 30 years. The firm is being tasked with examining the map and finding ways to improve it. The new map could be approved sometime next year.

Revamping the zoning ordinance was a recommendation made in the comprehensive plan completed in 2022. A $58,000 municipal assistance program grant is funding the project.

Discussion on the zoning map will take place during a steering committee public meeting Wednesday after the 5 p.m. planning commission session, which will be brief, at city hall. Additional opportunities for the public to provide the committee with input will continue through April.

During a meeting last month, a key topic of discussion was transforming Greensburg’s downtown into an 18-hour business district, Councilman Greg Mertz said. The idea of keeping and attracting people into town after work can start with a zoning revamp that takes increased nightlife into account.

“The nightlife just isn’t at the casino,” he said. “We have bars, restaurants and activities.”

Planners are looking for more public input, Mertz said.

“We’re not getting enough attendees to the meetings,” he said. “We know people do have opinions on this subject.”

The current map is outdated — for example, there are some areas zoned for industrial use that no longer are home to industry, Italiano said. Over the years, overlay zoning districts have been added to address discrepancies in the base map, but the city has fielded complaints from businesses and developers that it is difficult to understand.

“It’s just making it easier,” Italiano said. “It’s taking off all those Band-Aids and putting sutures in.”