Commission tables Summerhill Phase 2 residential plan pending traffic, stormwater and sewer reviews

The Murrysville Planning Commission on March 11 tabled action on a major land-development application for Summerhill Phase 2, a proposed 64‑lot residential subdivision on Goldie Lane, after staff and consultants requested additional engineering and traffic analysis.

Jeff Parabek of Ascent Consulting and Engineering, representing Summerhill Development, told the commission the team recently resubmitted roadway, grading and stormwater drawings. Parabek said the developer removed a pressure sewer option for part of the site and proposed a gravity tie-in to Plum Sanitary Authority for a portion of the project. He said the developer has coordinated with the county conservation district, conducted geotechnical work and intends to address staff comments. Parabek also said the phase will use private streets and that lots will be fee-simple (whereas the prior phase had condominiums).

Planning staff and the borough’s traffic reviewer requested additional work. Parabek said the borough traffic consultant recommended a new, full traffic study to verify earlier consultant figures; the applicant agreed to coordinate with Worcester (the applicant’s traffic consultant) on a schedule to provide the requested analysis. Staff also flagged stormwater concerns, including proposed swales at the top of slopes and an existing drainage problem at North Wayne Drive; the applicant said he will revise the design to include a pipe‑outlet sediment trap and work with the conservation district on an acceptable solution.

Commissioners and staff discussed sanitary capacity and planning modules. Developer representative Gary Hall said the developer previously purchased reserve capacity for 94 units and expects to “recover the balance of the additional 20 units.” The applicant confirmed planning-module forms have not yet been submitted. Staff said conveyance for portions of the development will involve both an existing FDMSA/FTMSA connection and a direct tie to Plum, and that DEP and county review channels may be distinct for each authority.

After public comment — one resident requested additional landscaping and screening between existing units and the new lots — the commission voted to table the application to allow the applicant to provide the new traffic study and to resolve outstanding stormwater and sanitary planning-module items. The commission noted most other submission elements were substantially complete but that the traffic study and final planning/subdivision plans are required before moving forward.