West Kittanning Moves Closer to Zoning

Solicitor Chase McClister (left) and Council Members Ed Morris, Michele Cogley, Bernie Bowser Jr., Bernie Bowser Sr., and Nancy Capone listen as President Cliff Neal speaks about the West Kittanning zoning ordinance draft moving forward.

by Nathan Lasher

West Kittanning Borough Council President Cliff Neal announced that the current draft of the zoning ordinance for the West Kittanning area is entering a new phase in moving toward its ultimate approval.

During the West Kittanning Borough Council meeting last night, President Cliff Neal announced that the current draft of the zoning ordinance is being pushed forward.

“The Chair of the Zoning Committee, Carol Augustine, has presented us with the draft for the West Kittanning Borough Zoning Ordinance,” said Neal during a public meeting last night.  At this time, we will turn it over to the Armstrong County Planning Commission for their review. That will be no longer than 45 days. After it comes back, then that is when Council will have a public meeting concerning the zoning, and it will be voted on as such. It will not be amended.”

“So we can not make any revisions at that time?” asked Council Member Michele Cogley.

“No,” replied Neal.  “That was the task of the Zoning Committee.”

After hearing Neal’s report, Cogley addressed the board with a concern about how many people have viewed the ordinance.  “I wanted to tell you Mr. President, as far as our website, we haven’t had many residents visiting up until recently. We have had maybe three or four maximum per month looking at the zoning,” said Cogley.  “I am surprised at that. I thought more people would be interested in the zoning and would voice how they felt – whether they liked it or they didn’t. They should at least read it. When we are looking at four people a month looking at it that tells me that there’s not a lot of interest.”

President Neal said that he is planning to give the draft of the zoning ordinance to the Armstrong County Planning Commission sometime this week.