Two homes on land owned by Hempfield Township might be demolished to make way for possible future development.
Supervisors on Monday unanimously voted to apply to the Westmoreland County Demolition Program to clear the homes along Route 136 near Hempfield Area High School. The parcel was previously designated as a possible park.
“Both buildings are single-family residential structures in varying states of disrepair,” Aaron Siko, director of parks and recreation, said via email. “If the applications are approved by Westmoreland County, these parcels would be demolished to eliminate future safety issues and clear the land for potential future use.”
The homes are at 113 Sterling Run Lane and 4377 Route 136.
According to Siko, the township is committing $500 to the demolition of each structure, per application requirements. A total cost for the demolition of each home was not immediately known.
Township supervisors discussed the possibility of building a park on the 17-acre parcel, as well as another park on a 4-acre parcel at Walden Court, close to West Hempfield Elementary School.
Over the past few years, officials gathered public input and released renderings for what the sites could look like, although township leaders at the time stressed that was not a commitment to build, but a way to see if the sites are suitable.
Designated as Spartan Community Park, plans for the Route 136 parcel call for an inclusive playground and spray pad, outdoor classrooms and nature education, sports courts such as basketball and pickleball, pavilions and picnic spaces, a garden and art sculptures.
If approved, the project would be completed in three phases, costing more than $4.4 million.
According to renderings for the Walden Court site, that park could consist of wetlands, play areas and pathways. The wetlands area, which would work as stormwater control, would be in the middle of the lot. Raised platforms and walkways would connect to a perimeter walkway.
Three passive play areas with pavilions and picnic spaces, along with “nature-based” play activities, are shown in initial plans.
If approved, the project would be completed in two phases, costing almost $800,000.
Full conceptual plans for both parks can be viewed at hempfieldtwp.com, under the parks & recreation tab.
