An exchange of information and ideas dominated the Smart Moves for a Changing Region open house held Thursday evening at the Butler County Government Center.

“It's a chance for municipalities and residents to weigh in on some things,” said Mark Gordon, the county director of planning and economic development.

Gordon said infrastructure, affordable housing, access to transportation, broadband Internet and cell service in rural areas, and jobs were the topics he expected to be discussed.

Taking ideas, suggestions and concerns from the 27 folks who attended were members of the Southwest Pennsylvania Commission. They are compiling information gleaned from the 10 counties they serve to create a new long-range transportation and development plan and transportation improvement plan.

Several easels holding displays for attendees to peruse were placed along the front wall of the county commissioners meeting room, where the open house was held.

The displays included a county map where those in attendance could circle an area of concern, active transportation venues in the county including bike and hiking trails, an SPC regional map, and a blank board where ideas written on bright yellow cards could be placed.

Andy Waple, the director of transportation planning for the SPC, said each county's unique attributes and shortcomings are considered when the open houses are planned.

He said subjects that have been common to all five county meetings held so far are efficiently commuting to Pittsburgh, traffic congestion, dangerous intersections, sidewalks, bike lanes, and public transit.

Waple said it is imperative that the SPC holds the open house events in each county before coming up with a long-range plan.

“We need to come out and talk to the people who live here and work here,” he said. “You can't develop this plan in an office.”

Reid Campbell of Clay Township came to the event to share his idea that Butler County is divided by Route 422, and the less populated northern half is often forgotten when it comes to infrastructure, development public utilities and housing.

“The roads going south are getting better and better, and the roads going north are the same as they've always been,” Campbell said.

He said a housing shortage in the northern half of the county would be alleviated if condominiums were built, because baby boomers would sell their longtime homes and move into housing that requires less maintenance.

“That would free up houses to sell to young families,” Campbell said.

Campbell, who is Clay Township's emergency management coordinator and a volunteer firefighter, would like to see Route 68, known as Chicora Road, straightened and improved.

“It's not a cheap fix, but we need it for the northern part of the county,” he said.

Robert Graham of East Butler attended the open house because he was curious about what residents and officials had to say about future development in the county.

He said Butler is unique among other small cities because it has a transit system, which he would like to see expanded to outlying boroughs and townships.

Graham said he often sees workers walking Kittanning Street from Butler to East Butler to work in one of the many factories and other businesses there.

“The surrounding municipalities need to be served,” he said.

Graham appreciated the opportunity to attend the open house and share his ideas with officials.

“It's good to have open dialogue,” he said.

Janet Painter of the Community Development Corporation said she attended because she is interested in the future and what projects will be planned to improve the county and region.

As a lifelong county resident who has lived in Butler for more than 30 years, Painter would like to see the city streets and main arteries improved.

“We still have brick roads,” she said.

Painter summed up the thoughts of those who hosted the open house on Thursday evening.

“I'm looking forward to the future and everyone working together,” she said. “That's the key.”