More than 40 Churchill residents attended a hearing to share their edits and concerns regarding a draft zoning ordinance, which would open the door for a mixed-use development at the former Westinghouse Research and Technology Park. The property owner of the site stated they are not interested in building a data center, acknowledging why the draft ordinance includes stipulations to deter such developments. The plan has housing, retail, business, medical offices, and green spaces. Most residents support the idea of a mixed-use development but want it executed properly. “I recommend requiring that we ensure the public has the opportunity to review the traffic study and comment,” resident Julie Caryl said. “It needs to be done correctly,” said Ken Balkey, who previously worked at the Westinghouse site. “The aspect of bringing a mixed-use with us here is actually, I think, everybody has a pretty positive feel to it. Rather than bringing a large distribution center that we dealt with five years ago, or a big data center that wouldn’t be appropriate for a community like ours.”Tree preservation was a major concern for residents during the hearing. Balkey and members of the Churchill Tree Committee proposed that any tree removal on the site be carefully reviewed. “Any removal of trees on that have to be approved, and you just can’t go to it carte blanche. There have to be appropriate people reviewing what’s being done and checking the calculations, and can it be done safely?” Balkey said. Other concerns raised included demolition, noise, traffic, and specific wording in the 26-page draft ordinance. Churchill Borough Council will consider the feedback and vote on the amendment at their meeting next Monday. If approved, the developer would then apply for conditional use and land development permits.Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.

CHURCHILL, Pa. —

More than 40 Churchill residents attended a hearing to share their edits and concerns regarding a draft zoning ordinance, which would open the door for a mixed-use development at the former Westinghouse Research and Technology Park.

The property owner of the site stated they are not interested in building a data center, acknowledging why the draft ordinance includes stipulations to deter such developments.

The plan has housing, retail, business, medical offices, and green spaces. Most residents support the idea of a mixed-use development but want it executed properly.

“I recommend requiring that we ensure the public has the opportunity to review the traffic study and comment,” resident Julie Caryl said.

“It needs to be done correctly,” said Ken Balkey, who previously worked at the Westinghouse site. “The aspect of bringing a mixed-use with us here is actually, I think, everybody has a pretty positive feel to it. Rather than bringing a large distribution center that we dealt with five years ago, or a big data center that wouldn’t be appropriate for a community like ours.”

Tree preservation was a major concern for residents during the hearing. Balkey and members of the Churchill Tree Committee proposed that any tree removal on the site be carefully reviewed.

“Any removal of trees on that have to be approved, and you just can’t go to it carte blanche. There have to be appropriate people reviewing what’s being done and checking the calculations, and can it be done safely?” Balkey said.

Other concerns raised included demolition, noise, traffic, and specific wording in the 26-page draft ordinance.

Churchill Borough Council will consider the feedback and vote on the amendment at their meeting next Monday.

If approved, the developer would then apply for conditional use and land development permits.

Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.