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Planning staff to refine General Business overlay text, commissioners debate where to allow multifamily
Summary
Staff will take proposed General Business overlay map and text back to council for a deeper, page‑by‑page review after commissioners asked for clearer subdistrict rules and a distinct senior‑living use definition; commissioners expressed mixed views about allowing apartments in some subdistricts.
The Murrysville Planning Commission on Oct. 8 reviewed proposed changes to the borough’s General Business overlay district and asked staff to refine definitions, subdistrict rules and examples before forwarding a detailed package to borough council.
Planning staff summarized an earlier high‑level briefing to council and said the next step should be a more in‑depth, page‑by‑page review before beginning the 45‑day public review process. Commissioners discussed whether to allow multifamily housing, including apartments and senior‑living developments, in parts of the overlay. One commissioner noted community concern at council over "apartments," and staff and commissioners suggested using subdistricts or targeted provisions so higher‑density multifamily could be allowed near major corridors (for example, Route 22) but not in more sensitive northwest township areas.
Commissioners also discussed drafting a separate land‑use definition for senior living rather than treating it the same as general multifamily. Staff said draft ordinance language and definition changes will be prepared for the commission and likely returned for detailed review in November so council can be briefed and the public review period initiated.
The commission did not vote on overlay text changes Oct. 8; staff recommended returning with more detailed language and mapping to prompt deeper discussion and public input.
