Manager's Message

Community spirit alive in local neighborhood

John M. Barrett, South Fayette Township Manager

John M. Barrett, South Fayette Township Manager

Photo by Andrea Iglar

One of my favorite parts of the job is when I have the opportunity to work directly with residents to help solve a problem in their neighborhood.

These moments are especially memorable when citizens are willing to invest their own time and energy.

The spring issue of South Fayette Connect highlights Parkes Farm Estates, including references to stormwater improvements recently completed in the neighborhood thanks to a partnership between the township and the homeowner association (HOA).

To me, this story is so much more than a stormwater project. This story exemplifies the power of cooperation and the true spirit of community.

Jonathon Casillo, left, Noah Scheel and Tristan Bedillion dispose of debris they cleared from a stormwater basin near Christine Court.

Submitted photo

Township staff first contacted members of the Parkes Farm HOA to share the unfortunate news that a stormwater detention pond in the neighborhood was not functioning and to notify them that the responsibility to repair and maintain the facility belonged to the HOA, not the township.

At first, the news may have been a bit alarming to the HOA, but as we moved through the process, we were able to form strong working relationships with the residents we met in Parkes Farm. We soon realized the township and the neighborhood were coming from the same place; that is, we both had the best interests of the community at heart.

Josh Stein points out improvements to a stormwater basin behind his house in Parkes Farm Estates.

Photo by Andrea Iglar

The township and HOA cooperated to clean up the stormwater pond, inspect the mechanical components of the structure and produce a scope of work to finally have the facility function safely and effectively, as designed, to adequately protect from flooding, erosion and property damage.

When all was said and done, the residents of Parkes Farm put forth a good amount of sweat equity, and the township was able to help the neighborhood diagnose the problem and determine the proper repairs.

This scenario provided genuine benefits to Parkes Farm residents, township officials and the South Fayette community as a whole. It was great to see such community pride and spirit on display as this project progressed, and I am thankful for the experience.

Parkes Farm Estates in South Fayette