Westmoreland County is pressing forward with demolition plans for two residential structures located within the 100-year floodplain, following a public notice seeking comments which resulted in silence from the community. The properties at 1862 Bethel Church Road in Unity Township and 110 Walnut Street in New Florence are poised for razing, a move funded by the FY2023 Community Development Block Grant Program, with the estimated costs standing at $19,500 and $5,500 respectively, according to Westmoreland County press release.
In adherence to Executive Order 11990, the county conducted a mandated evaluation, seeking feasible alternatives but landed firmly on the necessity of the demolitions. According to the county's posting, there is no intent to develop these sites following demolition, instead, they will remain as green spaces. Environmental compliance documents for the projects have been made accessible for public review and can be examined at the county's department office, furthering their commitment to transparency.
Central to this notice is the intention to inform those potentially affected by such projects in floodplain areas, an area of concern that remains notably absent from public commentary, as the 15-day comment period yielded no responses.
For citizens looking to voice opinions or seek further information, the window for public comment stands, with a deadline set for July 29 at 4 pm as per the county's statement. Comments can be directed to Amanda McDivitt, Grants Coordinator II, via post at the Westmoreland County Department of Community Development, or sent electronically to her email address.
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