Plum Comprehensive Plan Gets OK From Council

After many years in the making, Plum Borough has a new comprehensive plan.

Last week, borough council voted 6-1 to approve the 10-year plan, which is set to act as a blueprint for the future. Councilman Don Knopfel dissented.

The comprehensive plan outlines actions that should retain and attract businesses and jobs, improve the borough's housing stock, preserve and protect its natural and man-made environment, improve its transportation network and enhance the quality of life for its residents and businesses.

Preparation of the plan began in 2009, and the borough planning commission and a 13-member steering committee helped along the way.

Councilman Keith Nowalk said the plan was four years in the making, and he was happy to finally have it approved.

"There are a lot of years of work here," he said.

However, Knopfel said he has concerns about the impact a proposed Walmart in Penn Hills—off of Saltsburg Road very close to the Plum border—would have on borough roads.

Improvements will be made at the Crestview Drive, Monroeville Trestle Road and Unity Center Road intersections, but officials are worries about the overflow traffic on Millers Lane and Regency Drive.

"I'm not against the plan, but I don't like what's going to happen to some of the roads," Knopfel said.

However, planner Lee Mueller said that while some officials had expressed concerns about the Walmart's traffic impacts, it wasn't something the comprehensive plan could directly address.

Instead, a note stating that borough council would be involved with Penn Hills officials regarding the matter would be added to the plan. Mueller said that was the only "major change" in the plan since it was first presented to council in February.

Assistant borough manager Greg Bachy agreed, stating that the comprehensive plan outlines broad borough issues rather than specifics.

Councilman Skip Taylor said having the plan is a step in the right direction.

"I don't agree with everything, but I do realize the borough needs a blueprint," he said.

You can read more about the comprehensive plan here. The entire document can be found on the Plum Borough website.

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