Council approves Act 537 amendment for Caliber Collision; PennDOT and DEP permits remain outstanding

Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 791-24 to amend Murrysville's Act 537 plan to accommodate the Caliber Collision project’s sewage module. Municipal staff told council that the sewage module meets borough ordinances and that both FTMSA and DEP have reviewed it; however, staff and residents were clear that additional external approvals remain required before construction.

Staff explained the PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit (HOP) review has been completed and returned to FTMSA with comments; FTMSA must post a restoration bond as permittee and address PennDOT’s requested items before the HOP will be issued. Municipal staff said PennDOT restricts lane closures to low-traffic times, most of the work will be bored force main eastbound on Route 22, and FTMSA will post a bond that the developer will reimburse.

Council and staff also clarified that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issues a separate water-quality management permit for sanitary-sewer construction. The meeting record states that the municipality will not grant final construction approval until the DEP issues the water-quality permit and other agencies complete their reviews.

Resident Melanie Mills raised questions about two William Penn Highway parcels (6027 and 6037), asking which had been sold. Municipal staff responded that the western parcel (6027) was sold (Caliber Collision/Caliber project) and the eastern parcel (6037) remained in the prior owner’s name. Mills also asked whether PennDOT approval and the council's sewer vote were in place; staff confirmed the HOP was still pending and tonight’s council action addressed the sewage module aspect.

Staff said developer agreements between FTMSA and Caliber are in place and that issuance of the HOP and DEP permits are the remaining steps external to the borough before construction can proceed. Council approved the resolution unanimously.