Hempfield looking to update comprehensive plan to help with future growth, projects

Hempfield leaders are searching for a consultant to help them update a comprehensive plan.

Township supervisors this week approved issuing a request for proposals for a consultant who will help guide work on the plan, which has not been updated for about 14 years. In all, the comprehensive plan will take a “full look at where the township is and where it’s going,” township Manager Jason Winters said.

According to Supervisor Doug Weimer, the plan will help the board make decisions related to zoning changes and development within the township. It also will determine where infrastructure improvements are needed and could pave the way to further growth and business development.

The plan also will impact the public safety, recreation and public works departments and will aid in applying for grants.

According to Weimer, the goal is to create a road map that will help township leaders “preserve the character of the township and sustain it for the future.”

The last time a comprehensive plan was completed for the township was in 2007, according to Supervisor Rob Ritson. At the time, township leaders worked with Greensburg and Southwest Greensburg to create a multi-municipal plan that would allow neighboring communities to work together on future projects.

Ritson noted the updated plan likely will focus only on Hempfield.

“I hope to just update the plan to recognize the environmental changes that have taken place both economically and what’s happened in the last 15 to 20 years in terms of growth and to start to potentially plan for the next 20 years,” Ritson said.

The township has experienced growth in the past few years.

In the business corridor, Live! Casino Pittsburgh opened in November at Westmoreland Mall. Across Route 30, a Menard’s home improvement store is proposed for the former Ramada by Wyndham Greensburg Hotel and Conference Center.

Several new restaurants have opened, including IronRock Tap House and Chipotle, both near the mall.

According to Winters, the township has budgeted $200,000 for the project but an exact cost is not known.

There is no timeline for completion of the plan.