Over neighbors' objection, Boyce Road construction approved in Upper St. Clair

Commissioners in Upper St. Clair gave final approval for a new restaurant and office park on Boyce Road Monday, over the objections of a neighboring property owner who is concerned about worsening stormwater damage.

Our view is that the plan shouldnt be approved tonight, said lawyer Scott Cessar, representing BR Associates. The plan is defective.

But commissioners said they could no longer delay a decision on the development and voted 4-0 to approve it, with Commissioners Nicholas Seitanakis and Mark Christie abstaining due to business relationships with lawyers representing the parties. Commissioners Russell Del Re, Daniel Paoly, Glenn Dandoy and Rex Waller voted in favor. Commissioner Robert Orchowski was absent.

The issue was discussed for more than a year and a public hearing into the request was delayed last month to give neighbors time to view the plan.

Where were you a year ago? Mr. Del Re asked Mr. Cessar. Im confused.

At issue is a plan to expand Ardolinos Pizza into a 4,000-square-foot restaurant with a business park to be operated separately on the property. BR Associaties, owners of the neighboring St. Clair Plaza, object to the expansion due to ongoing concerns about flooding during storms.

Weve experienced significant stormwater damage, including $500,000 in uninsured damages that wiped out 32 tenants, Mr. Cessar told commissioners.[The new development] is going to add to the problem.

No, it wont, said Mr. Del Re, who cited an engineers report indicating that the development of the property would lessen the stormwater damage in the area due to underground water detention facilities and new infrastructure.

But Mr. Cessar said BR Associates hired an independent engineer who cast doubt on that assertion.

It is creating more impervious surface that will increase water runoff, Mr. Cessar said. His engineer said stormwater could back up in the new system during a major storm, creating more flooding and hazards than currently exist.

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Over neighbors' objection, Boyce Road construction approved in Upper St. Clair