Planning commission recommends approval for 61‑unit Caymus planned development with conditions

Assistant Manager Brandon Stanick presented the Caymus Pittsburgh LP final planned development on Jan. 27, describing a 61-unit planned residential development of single-family detached units on 39.87 acres along Potato Garden Run Road. The project requested several modifications previously approved at preliminary stage (open-space percentage, cul-de-sac length, street grade limits) and additional relief for tree removal, slope disturbance, water main location, aboveground utility screening and detention fencing.

David Lucci of Victor Wetzell Associates told the commission that detectors for maintenance access meant detention ponds would not be fenced due to 3:1 slopes, that utilities would be underground except for transformers (which cannot be undergrounded), and that a portion of the water main would be located under a sidewalk. He added that grading would require replacement plantings for existing trees at Lots 51 and 52 and that deed restrictions would prevent homeowners from disturbing those replacement trees.

After discussion, Rade Opacic moved to recommend approval to the Board of Supervisors of the Final Caymus Planned Development along with modifications and conditions: allow certain street slope and tree removal modifications, permit disturbance of slopes up to the requested percentage, allow a water main under the sidewalk with FTMA approval, not require screening for aboveground utility apparatus, not require fencing around detention facilities, finalize the planning module prior to building permits, submit roadway-occupancy to PennDOT prior to grading permits, and address township engineer and staff review comments. John Thomas seconded. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

The developer must address engineer and staff comments and finalize required modules before permits are issued; the recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors.