Hampton sets March 25 public hearing for new zoning ordinance, reapproves subdivision and enacts Verizon franchise

Hampton Township council authorized advertising a public hearing on a proposed update to the township zoning ordinance, the subdivision and land development ordinance (SALDO) and the official map, setting a hearing date of March 25 and reserving space at the community center to accommodate expected public attendance.

Staff said the adoption would follow in April if the hearing proceeds smoothly. "We reserved the great room just because of the nature of a public hearing on a zoning ordinance," staff said, adding they wanted extra room in case attendance is high.

In related land-use business, staff recommended reapproval of the Matheny Duncan Avenue simple subdivision (application 25-03) after earlier technical issues were corrected; council reapproved the subdivision with the conditions outlined in the memo. Council also tabled action on releasing improvement security for the Allegheny County Salt Storage Building revised site plan 22-02 after learning several inspections remained outstanding and the county had contractor issues.

During the meeting council appointed George Bergman — who said he lives at 2712 Mara Drive and served about nine years on the White Oak Borough zoning board — as an alternate to the zoning hearing board for a three-year term.

Separately, the council enacted Ordinance 878 authorizing the township manager to execute a cable franchise agreement with Verizon to allow Verizon use of township right-of-way in exchange for a franchise fee on gross receipts; the ordinance had been advertised for enactment and passed by roll call.

What happens next: staff will advertise the March 25 public hearing, complete required notices, and return with any final adoption paperwork in April if the hearing produces no outstanding issues. The tabled action on the salt storage security will remain pending until the county provides required inspection and contractor information.