CRANBERRY TWP — Residents surrounding a proposed addition to the Forest Edge housing development continued to voice their displeasure with the plan Thursday.

The objections came despite project officials outlining ways they intend to address those concerns if the proposal is given approval by township supervisors next week.

The initial phases of the 96-acre development along Hope Road were originally approved in 2016 and revised in 2018. Currently under construction by developer Singer Construction of Warrendale, the first and second phases include 59 units.

The proposed revision would add a third phase and 42 additional homes, according to Ron Henshaw, township director of planning and development services. With the addition of a third phase, a cul-de-sac would be removed, requiring the overall plan to be revised.

The third phase would be surrounded by the Forest Knoll and Carriage Manor housing developments and the Orthodox Church in America on Peters Road.

During a 90-minute public hearing earlier this month, a number of residents shared concerns about the plan. Many said the plan is not being designed with consideration to nature preservation, stormwater management, the impact on traffic and access for school buses and emergency vehicles.

On Thursday, that hearing continued, with the developer and township officials outlining how those concerns would be addressed.

Developer's plan

Henshaw reiterated that a second entrance to the plan would be feasible. He said both emergency responders and school officials confirmed a single entrance on Hope Road would not create issues.

Additionally, he said adding sidewalks to Woodlawn Road, where some residents had expressed concerns over increased traffic, had already been part of township plans and was something that could be made a priority.

Virginia Loaney of engineering firm Herbert, Rowland & Grubic said plans were created with an effort to minimize grading and protect green spaces in the area. She said an effort will be made to not disturb mature trees during construction, and additional trees and vegetation will be planted to fill in areas. She said the township-required 50-foot buffer around the edge of the plan will be met, with many areas actually in excess of 100 to 150 feet.

She said permitting processes call for initial inspections and frequent checks for land disturbance, and investigation has occurred for area wildlife. However, the developer is working to ensure that areas in which wildlife could be living will be left intact. She added the developer is working with the state Department of Environmental Protection to follow protocol for identifying and preserving wetlands.

Additionally, more mail kiosks would be added at the entrance where mail pickup would located.

Loaney said she hoped the changes showed the developer is doing its due diligence and attempting to provide a quality development within the community.

Residents' concerns

However, many neighboring residents again spoke out against the proposal, asking supervisors to either delay a decision on the matter or strike it down with a vote.

Nine individuals who addressed the supervisors again touched on stormwater issues and deficiencies they believe were found through an independent study paid for by residents. They also addressed deforestation and land and nature disturbances they believe will negatively impact surrounding homes.

Carriage Manor resident Erma Scarfutti showed photos of the “herds” of deer that have made their way onto her property in recent months. She said they eat the grass in her yard and often move down her steps and onto her patio, which raises health concerns due to ticks.

She said the deer did not begin to do this until earthwork began for Phase 2 of the Forest Edge plan. She said such work and plans such as Forest Edge are changing the landscape of Cranberry Township both physically and metaphorically.

“Cranberry is a township, not a city,” she said. “If we wanted to live in a city, we would not have built a home here.”

Jim Kennedy, who lives close to the second phase of work, said the earthwork there caused severe runoff of water and mud into his driveway. He said he spent thousands of dollars to fix the issues and replace the driveway.

“When you're talking about Phase 3, no matter what they tell you, I know first-hand what happens,” he said, adding he voiced concerns several years ago before a vote on the second phase of work. “Please, please, please listen to them for Phase 3.”

The public hearing on the matter was closed Thursday, with supervisors set to vote at the March 7 meeting.

Dick Hadley, supervisors chairman, said he appreciated the concerns and comments voiced by residents.

“I wish there was a way to convey what we actually control, and what we have authority over and what we don't,” he said.

He confirmed the plan has met all state and local development ordinance guidelines throughout the project.