Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Murrysville council approves Castiglione excavation and 24‑lot subdivision over resident objections
Summary
The borough council approved a conditional-use major excavation (CU‑1‑24) and the related S‑10‑23 24‑lot major land‑development plan for Castiglione LLC at Ouistertown and Hilty Roads after an executive session; residents raised environmental and traffic concerns but staff and counsel said the applications meet ordinances.
Murrysville Borough Council voted to approve two linked land‑use applications for developer Castiglione LLC — a conditional‑use permit for major excavation (CU‑1‑24) and a major land‑development plan (S‑10‑23) covering about 54.57 acres at Ouistertown Road and Hilty Road. Councilors present approved the excavation and subdivision following presentations by the applicant and staff and after an executive session on potential litigation.
The applications called for approximately 48,000 cubic yards of excavation and a 24‑lot subdivision. Michael Tometsko, a resident of 4250 Weistertown Road, told council he opposed the project, citing potential harm to Steels Run and downstream trout waters, traffic and safety on Weistertown Road, possible well impacts, and acoustic evidence of a tricolored bat in nearby habitat. "We don't think it's a responsible development," Tometsko said, urging a larger riparian buffer and relocation of the proposed entrance away from his home.
Bill Sittig, attorney for the applicant, told council the conditional‑use application is limited in scope and does not permit the sorts of post‑approval conditions neighbors requested. "You can't attach any conditions that he's talking about on that application," Sittig said, adding that staff had reviewed and recommended approval. Paul Fishone, the property owner and managing partner of Castone Development LLC, presented slides describing the constrained site, sight‑distance analysis and steep slopes, and defended the chosen entrance location as the safest feasible option.
Planning and staff testimony noted the planning commission recommended approval and that the application had been reviewed by the EAC and other entities. Council and solicitor staff clarified that environmental and stream‑protection issues typically fall within the jurisdiction of the Westmoreland County Soil and Conservation District and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection rather than the borough.
Councilor Carl moved to approve the conditional‑use permit for major excavation (CU‑1‑24); Jason seconded and a roll call of members present recorded five "yes" votes and the motion passed. Later the council approved the major land development (S‑10‑23) by similar roll‑call vote. Opponents asked council to continue the matter until absent members could participate; council members said they were constrained by the ordinance and past staff review and decided to proceed.
Votes at a glance: Conditional use CU‑1‑24 (major excavation): approved by roll call (members present voted yes); Major land development S‑10‑23 (Castiglione 24‑lot): approved by roll call (members present voted yes). The agenda amendment to add items 14a and 14b earlier in the meeting passed 4–1 (Missus Ling opposed).
