South Fayette Connect - Winter 2024 - Volume 9, Issue 1

SOUTH FAYETTE

WINTER 2024 ◆ VOLUME 9, ISSUE 1 ◆ FREE THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF SOUTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP

CONNECT Change of Address Police station, offices and meeting chambers move to new South Fayette Township Municipal Center p. 20

Junior Achievers 12

30-Year Volunteer 10

Officeholders 3

CONTENTS

WINTER 2024

At the Front

On the Cover

Manager's Message.................................................................................................................. 1 South Fayette Shorts................................................................................................................2–3 Meet Nick Walter........................................................................................................................3

Car lights streak past the South Fayette Township Municipal Center at sunset in this multiple-exposure image. Photo by Roy Engelbrecht.

Ask Abbey: Who treats my road for snow and ice?.................................................. 4 Neighborhood Spotlight: Saddlewood Condominiums.......................................... 6–7 Around the Township................................................................................................................ 9–14 Code Corner: Fire Hydrants.................................................................................................. 15 Business..........................................................................................................................................16–17

News & Features South Fayette eyes walking, biking connections....................................................... 8 WalkWorks grant is funding development of an Active Transportation Plan.

Commercial projects heat up............................................................................................... 18–19 Development continues around I-79 interchange in South Fayette.

Change of address for South Fayette Township......................................................... 20–25 The police station, offices and public meeting rooms move to a new municipal center.

Township tax rate holds steady........................................................................................... 26–27 Waste collection costs strain the 2024 budget in South Fayette.

Photo Features Public Works: Load It Up!.................................. 5 Joy-Thru Fairview................................................... 32 Accessible Hunt..................................................... 33

Info & Infographics

20 Inside

South Fayette Township is developing an Active Transportation Plan to determine potential improvements to biking and walking connections, like this crossing near UPMC Children's South at Todd A. Miller Drive and Millers Run Road. Photo by Andrea Iglar.

How to Report a Road Concern..................... 5 South Fayette CitizenLink Mobile App....... 15 Where Local Taxes Go......................................... 28 By the Numbers: Year in Review 2023........ 28 South Fayette Athletic Association............... 29

Happenings Bunny Hop in the Park........................................ 29 Library Programs & Resources...................... 30–31 Parks & Recreation Programs......................... 34 Summer Playground Camp.............................. 35 2024 Community Event Calendar................. 36

Trash & Recycling Calendar Service Days by Street...........37 Recycling Guide........................Detachable Back Panel 2024 Collection Calendar.....Detachable Back Panel

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Manager's Message

JOHN M. BARRETT

T

he appeal of local government to me is its proximity to people.

Public services delivered at the local level have a greater influence on the personal lives of residents than at the state or federal level.

As a resident of South Fayette Township, you have convenient access to your local government, and I encourage you to participate in public discussion on matters facing our community.

In this issue of South Fayette Connect, we draw attention to the swearing-in of four newly elected township commissioners and also highlight the completion of the South Fayette Township Municipal Center, including the police station, administrative offices and public meeting chambers.

The combination of a new facility and fresh ideas from elected officials creates a wonderful opportunity to engage with local government and see it in action.

The Board of Commissioners holds business meetings the second Wednesday of every month, and the public is always welcome to attend and participate. In addition, we host monthly meetings of the Parks and Recreation Board, Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board.

You have an open invitation to attend our public meetings and have a look around our new facility.

I hope to see you soon. ◀ Public meeting chambers; Photo by Roy Engelbrecht

Sponsor Advertisements ◆ Thank you!

Presenting Washington Financial Bank......................... 33

Platinum St. Clair Health................................................... 11 McDonald's South Fayette........................... 12

Diamond Kiddie Academy of South Fayette............ 13 European Wax Center..................................... 13

Gold Chick-fil-A Collier.............................................. 9 Lewis Music Studio.......................................... 9 Goldberg, Kamin & Garvin LLP................. 10 Coraopolis District Sportsmen's............... 10 Visionary Federal Credit Union................. 17 theCoderSchool / Innovative Byte.......... 17 John Kosky Contracting................................ 25 HRG......................................................................... 25

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Chuck Lazzini, President Tim Postufka, Vice President Mark Hondru Leigh Ann Oravecz Rebecca Sray

TOWNSHIP MANAGER John M. Barrett

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andrea Iglar

ART DIRECTOR Andrea Iglar

GRAPHIC DESIGN Andrea Iglar Paula Willis Kristen Bagwell

CONTRIBUTORS Roy Engelbrecht Shelley Phoennik Abbey Scheerer Daniel Thompson

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE South Fayette Connect is a free magazine published and distributed quarterly by South Fayette Township for the benefit of the public. The magazine is a nonprofit source of information aimed at connecting people with local government and fostering a strong sense of community identity and pride.

If your delivery is missed, please inform your postal carrier. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the editor. © Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.

ADVERTISING South Fayette Connect offers advertisements in exchange for sponsorship of certain community events and programs. Contact the magazine editor or visit SouthFayettePA.com/ads.

PRINTING Knepper Press

CONNECT WITH US

SouthFayettePA.com/magazine magazine@sftwp.com; 412-221-8700, ext. 231 South Fayette Township, Allegheny County PA Scan QR Code with smartphone camera for instant website access South Fayette Connect | Winter 2024 | 1

Pirates Charities gives $25,000 toward new ball fields

South Fayette

SHORTS

The Pirates Charities Fields for Kids program, presented by Highmark, has awarded a $25,000 matching grant to South Fayette Township toward construction of three new ball fields on the Mayview site of Fairview Park. Work is expected to start this spring.

Free tax preparation help offered Free assistance preparing federal, state and local tax returns, as well as property tax and rent rebate forms, is available from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Thursday through April 4 (except closed April 1) at The Bible Chapel in Peters, 300 Gallery Drive, 15317. No appointments; first come, first served. Bring these items for yourself and any spouse or dependent: last year's tax return; ID; birthdate; Social Security number; W-2, 1095 and 1099 statements; and property tax receipts. Both spouses must sign joint returns. For details about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 or search "VITA" at irs.gov.

Police department earns traffic safety award For the fifth year, the South Fayette Township Police Department earned a Community Traffic Safety Award from AAA East Central. In November, Police Chief John Phoennik accepted the 2023 Platinum Award, which recognizes efforts to reduce motor vehicle injuries and fatalities by encouraging safe driving through educational programs and promotional campaigns.

Banner Community honor renewed for seventh year

Chat with police chief March 14 Meet South Fayette Township Police Chief John Phoennik, share comments and ask questions at 7 p.m. Thurs.

March 14 at Dunkin' in South Fayette, 179 Millers Run Road. "Coffee with the Chief" is a free event, and refreshments are provided.

South Fayette Township has been named a 2024 Allegheny County Banner Community. The Allegheny League of Municipalities program recognized 80 municipalities and agencies for a commitment to professional development, intergovernmental cooperation, sound fiscal management and proactive, engaging communications.

Neighborhood Spotlight articles garner public relations award South Fayette Township Communications Director Andrea Iglar earned an Award of Merit from the Public Relations Society of America, Pittsburgh chapter, for the Neighborhood Spotlight series in South Fayette Connect.

The articles feature neighborhoods and homeowner associations in the community. Writer and magazine editor Iglar, left, and Parks and Recreation Director Paula Willis attended the Renaissance Awards event in January to accept the honor.

Homeowner groups asked to update contact information Does your homeowner association have a new management company or new officers? Update your contacts with South Fayette Township, and tell us what issues are important to your neighborhood: southfayettepa.com/rollcall.

Automated trash collection coming soon Automated garbage pickup in South Fayette will start once WM delivers special 96-gallon wheeled carts to homes, roughly in late March. Dates will be announced.

Public Works seeking summer and seasonal help

After 60 days, residents will have the opportunity to switch to a smaller size cart if desired. Updates: southfayettepa.com/automated.

Do you enjoy working outdoors? South Fayette Township Public Works is accepting applications for summer help, ideal for high school or college students age 16 and up, and seasonal positions (spring to fall) for adults 18 and up.

Details: southfayettepa.com/jobs.

The following changes took effect in January:

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South Fayette CitizenLink

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Glass bottles/containers can be placed in the curbside recycling carts.

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Bulk collection occurs on scheduled trash days during the second full week of each month. (WM starts each week with Monday.) Please note that bulk items include furniture, appliances and other large items—not extra trash bags. Bulk items are limited to two per month, per household.

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South Fayette Township

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Meet

NICK WALTER

N Commissioners take oath of office ▲ District Judge Maureen McGraw-Desmet, foreground, administers the oath of office Jan. 2 to four newly elected members of the South Fayette Township Board of Commissioners, including, from left, Chuck Lazzini, Leigh Ann Oravecz, Tim Postufka and Mark Hondru. ▼ Commissioners Mark Hondru, standing left, Chuck Lazzini (president), and Tim Postufka (vice president), and Leigh Ann Oravecz, seated left, join Rebecca Sray on the meeting dais in January at the South Fayette Township Municipal Center.

Photos by Andrea Iglar

ick Walter considered a career in nursing, like his mother and sister, before deciding to become a police officer. After serving in East Deer, Frazier and Shaler, he joined South Fayette in May 2022. "There's something about South Fayette that really resonates with me," he says.

Hometown: Grew up in New Castle Family: Parents Ann and Curt; sister Krystina; nephews Taylor, Christian and Benjamin Military Service: U.S. Marine Corps Education: Earned bachelor's degree in criminology/homeland security from Indiana University of PA; graduated from IUP Police Academy as top marksman Hobbies: Snowboarding, hiking, exercising, recreational shooting, video gaming with nephews First Job: Lifeguard at community pool First Car: 1994 purple/gray Honda Civic Favorite Vacation: Colorado mountains Favorite TV: "True Detective" Favorite Sports: Cleveland Guardians and Pittsburgh Steelers Bucket List: Go snowboarding in Alaska Best Quality of South Fayette: "It's a very connected and close community.

There is a strong sense of belonging between neighbors."

Fun Facts: Nick is a cinephile, and his favorite horror movie is John Carpenter's "The Thing" (1982). He enjoys many activities, from making sushi to tinkering with cars. "I've always been a jack of many trades but master of none," he says.

"Variety is the spice of life."

— Andrea Iglar South Fayette Connect | Winter 2024 | 3

South Fayette

ASK ABBEY

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Who treats my road for snow and ice?

Crews from South Fayette Township, PennDOT or Allegheny County may salt and plow a road in South Fayette, depending on ownership and winter maintenance agreements.

South Fayette Township owns and maintains nearly 80 miles of local roadways, plus plows and salts 33 miles of state roadway through a winter maintenance agreement.

State-owned roads maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) •

State Route 50

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Washington Pike

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Boyce Road

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Mayview Road

State-owned roads maintained by South Fayette Township Public Works Any state roads that South Fayette maintains involve only the portions located within the township. South Fayette receives payment to treat certain roads under a contract with PennDOT; additions were made for the 2023–2024 snow season.

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Battle Ridge Road

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Kenneweg Avenue

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Millers Run Road

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Oakridge Road

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Presto-Sygan Road

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South Fayette CitizenLink

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Robinson Run Road

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Union Avenue

How roads are prioritized during storms Public Works regards all roads in the township as important but prioritizes primary routes during winter storms.

Allegheny County-owned roads maintained by the county •

Thoms Run Road

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Seminary Avenue

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Multiple bridges

Primary routes include main arteries and roads that connect to them; school, municipal and emergency routes; and streets leading to health care facilities.

Township-owned roads maintained by South Fayette Public Works •

All township-owned streets, alleys and roadways

Private roads

Private roads are the responsibility of the owner, whether an individual or a homeowner association.

In new housing developments, roads initially are private until they are built to proper specifications and home construction is all or mostly complete.

Once the roads become public, they are maintained by the township.

Usually, a developer will pay a fee to either a private company or the township for snow maintenance until a road becomes public.

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Secondary routes are streets and culsde-sac in housing developments, along with sparsely populated residential streets, less traveled country roads and community parks.

How to report road concerns

To report icy/snowy road conditions or other concerns about a road that is maintained by the township, call 412-221-8700, or submit an issue at southfayettepa.com/request.

To report concerns about roads owned

by Allegheny County, you can visit callcenter.alleghenycounty.us.

For state roads maintained by PennDOT, visit customercare.penndot.gov.

As always, if you have an emergency or need a police officer, please dial 911.

Abbey Scheerer is an administrative assistant with South Fayette Township.

South Fayette Township

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LOAD IT UP! South Fayette Township Public Works superintendent Dan Dernosek loads road salt into the bed of a truck for driver Dale Kirkpatrick at the Morgan salt shed in January. The department runs 16 routes to plow and salt roads during winter storms.

—Photo & Text by Andrea Iglar

HOW TO REPORT A SNOW CONCERN During winter storms, salting and plowing public roads in South Fayette may be the responsibility of the township, county or state. Please submit issues accordingly.

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TOWNSHIP ROADS

COUNTY ROADS

STATE ROADS

southfayettepa.com/request

callcenter.alleghenycounty.us

customercare.penndot.gov

South Fayette Township owns and maintains nearly 80 miles of local roadway, plus maintains 33 miles of state roads through contractual agreements.

Allegheny County Public Works maintains Seminary Avenue, Thoms Run Road and multiple bridges.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation owns and maintains Route 50, Washington Pike, Boyce Road, Mayview Road and some bridges.

SOUTHFAYETTEPA.COM/ROADS South Fayette Connect | Winter 2024 | 5

South Fayette

NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT

Starting over in a Saddlewood condo Condominium residents offer 'life changing' social support to neighbor

By Andrea Iglar

Location: Former Dernosek family farmland along Washington Pike Streets: Sundance Drive, Sundial Lane (each is a cul-de-sac) Private Amenities: Nature trail, green space, parking pads Fun Fact: The condos were built in conjunction with the single-family homes of Saddlewood next door, but now they are managed separately.

Website: rjcmgt.com/sca

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@SouthFayetteTwp

cki socialize.

HOA Top Issues of Interest: Community involvement, development, safety

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Builder: JND Properties

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Home Types: 2- and 3-story condominiums (townhouses and patio homes)

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Number of Homes: 72 (attached buildings with 2 to 8 units each)

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Years Built: 1999–2002

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Management Company: Rj Community Management

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Homeowner Association: Saddlewood Condominium Association

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Saddlewood Condominiums

Two years ago, Lauren Sniegocki moved said. “Now people drive down the street and to South Fayette Township as she was they’re waving and talking to each other.” mourning a monumental loss.

Today, many neighbors continue Her husband, Mark, had died suddenly socializing. They organize parties, holiday at age 63, leaving her with an overwhelming events and happy hours. Some enjoy list of responsibilities, including selling walking groups, while others participate their house in the Laurel Highlands and in a lunch club. They help each other finding a new place to live. with pets, mail, garbage cans and other A friend and real estate agent lined up neighborly tasks. homes to view in the Pittsburgh area, and Chuck Steinmiller, president of the when Sniegocki visited Sundance Drive in Saddlewood Condominium Association, Saddlewood Condominiums, she felt right enjoys walking with his Labrador retriever, at home.

Princess Leia, on the neighborhood’s Then after sidewalks and nature only a few months, trail. e n n Ba r t r u g a nd eft, J l neighbors gathered The features that , La ug u r t r outside and threw her initially drew him r a surprise birthday and his wife, Patty, to party, including a cake their patio home on iced with a bouquet of Sundance Drive in flowers.

2019 were the layout, Now, Sniegocki the location and the has written a memoir, low maintenance.

“Until We Meet Homeowner Again,” about loss, association fees grief and starting cover snow removal over in Saddlewood. on sidewalks and Publication is driveways, grass and anticipated this year. landscaping care, “My experience periodic window of coming into this neighborhood was life washing, seasonal screen installation changing for me,” Sniegocki said. and removal, exterior painting and other “All of these neighbors, they just maintenance. welcomed me with open arms at a time “Everything outside the house is pretty when I needed new friends badly, and every much taken care of,” Steinmiller said. single one of them was there.”

“It’s amazing how much is done for the Two of those friends were Arthur residents.”

“Bart” Bartrug and Jennifer Bartrug of Both neighborhood streets, Sundance Sundance Drive, who organized the Drive and Sundial Lane, have a cul-de-sac birthday surprise. and direct access to Washington Pike, near When the Bartrugs moved to the Cecil/Washington County line.

Saddlewood Condominiums 10 years ago, Township Public Works plows and salts neighbors tended to keep to themselves.

Sundance Drive, but the homeowner group But the COVID-19 pandemic changed that. owns and maintains Sundial Lane.

In 2020, the Bartrugs created an All of the homes in Saddlewood outreach program to check on the wellCondominiums are attached units, but they being of neighbors, establishing a textvary in layout and amenities. messaging platform and organizing outdoor Steinmiller said his home provides the gatherings. option for single-level living, with a spare “That really transformed into a much bedroom and bathroom in the upstairs loft greater sense of connectedness, community and plenty of storage. and caring for your neighbors,” Bart Bartrug Other units have a balcony or patio, South Fayette Township

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Clockwise from Top: ▶ Residents of Saddlewood Condominiums gather on Sundance Drive in 2022 to enjoy a happy hour and surprise birthday party for neighbor Lauren Sniegocki. ▼ Lynne Huber wears a colorful boa to an orange-themed party in a neighbor's driveway in the fall.

Submitted photos ▼▼ Stone signs like this one at 9400 Sundance Drive mark addresses and roads in the neighborhood.

Photo by Andrea Iglar and each unit has a one- or two-car garage.

Lynne Huber said her husband, Fred, is one of the longest tenured residents, having purchased a Sundance Drive condo 22 years ago. They both love the layout and spaciousness of their three-level home.

Huber said the units have flexibility, and each resident does something different with the top-floor loft. She uses it as the primary bedroom and sitting room. On the main level, she enjoys a gas fireplace.

“It’s the flow of the place that makes it so beautiful,” Huber said. “We just love it here. We don’t ever want to move.”

Saddlewood Condominiums and its sister neighborhood of single-family homes, Saddlewood, were built on former farmland where the Dernosek family had kept cows.

When condo construction began in 1999, Dan Dernosek, who is superintendent of Public Works, had horses grazing in a pasture opposite the neighborhood. These views inspired the Saddlewood name.

Dernosek no longer boards horses on his 12 acres, but he makes hay in the pasture across from the condominiums.

Huber said when she first moved to the community, she would walk to the end of Sundance Drive and feed apples and candies to the horses.

“These horses had a sweet tooth,” she said.

“If I took peppermint, all I had to do was rattle the paper to unwrap the peppermint, and they would come running.”

Overall, Saddlewood condominiums offer a unique range of housing options and neighbors willing to lend a hand, Bartrug said.

“It’s a great community,” he said. “It feels like home.”

South Fayette Connect | Winter 2024 | 7

South Fayette eyes walking, biking connections WalkWorks grant funds development of Active Transportation Plan

By Andrea Iglar

A walk signal lights up in January at the intersection of Millers Run Road and Todd A. Miller Drive. The pedestrian-friendly intersection has crosswalks connecting Newbury Market with The Piazza and UPMC Children's South.

Photo by Andrea Iglar

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ill Price walks 6 miles to 8 miles every day, every season.

From his hilltop home in Newbury, he hoofs it to the commercial district at Newbury Market and Millers Run Road, moving briskly for his physical and mental well-being.

Price is an experienced pedestrian, but he doesn’t recommend that others follow in his footsteps because South Fayette Township generally lacks crosswalks, sidewalks and connections that would make walking easy and safe.

He hopes to change that.

Price belongs to a steering committee that is developing an Active Transportation Plan to enhance non-motorized movement, such as walking and bicycling, in South Fayette.

The team of community members and township staff is working with Gibson-Thomas Engineering to develop the plan and adopt it in September. Public input will be sought.

The township was awarded a WalkWorks grant in the amount of $11,250 to develop the plan. The result will be a roadmap for the community to provide facilities that everyone can use to safely walk, bike or connect to transit networks for recreation or for work.

Price said the plan will provide “commonsense opportunities to connect community assets—whether those are parks, trails, commercial areas—that can provide easy, safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Ultimately, the Active Transportation Plan will identify and prioritize areas where improvements and connectivity can occur. It also will provide a framework to pursue grants to implement various projects, programs and policies.

For example, policies could relate to sidewalks, traffic signals and facilities that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, said Mark Szewcow, municipal traffic engineer with Gibson-Thomas.

“This really is more of a planning document,” Szewcow said. “In addition to pointing out projects, it will give the township a list of funding opportunities that they can use to go out and implement these

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South Fayette Township

types of projects.”

Parks and Recreation Director Paula Willis launched development of the plan after hearing frequent public comment about the need to safely connect parks, trails, neighborhoods and businesses in the township and in the region.

“It’s been a common theme that people want more walkability and connectivity,” Willis said. “The township hadn’t been looked at through a connectivity lens, and this plan will help us get funding to make projects a reality.”

The steering committee’s vision includes increasing safety and mobility for vulnerable populations; creating equitably accessible networks that integrate with all forms of transportation; identifying where ADA-compliant paths can be improved; and enhancing quality of life.

The group is working to collect data, assess current conditions and gather public input.

Significant parts of developing the plan will be a public survey, which the township will issue online this winter, and then a public meeting to provide feedback on a draft plan.

“This is a community initiative,” Price said. “The survey is critical.”

Last fall, WalkWorks, a program of the state Department of Health and the nonprofit Pennsylvania Downtown Center, awarded the grant to South Fayette with the overarching goal of increasing physical activity and improving community health.

The grant pays for the development of the Active Transportation Plan, which in turn will leverage funding to actually enact connectivity projects, Willis said.

WalkWorks coordinator Samantha Pearson said the goal is safe, accessible and inviting transportation options for all.

“Our collaboration can lead to healthier people, more resilient communities, safer streets and roads, and stronger local economies,” Pearson said.

Details about the Active Transportation Plan and the public survey are available at southfayettepa.com/active. @SouthFayettePA

@SouthFayettePA

South Fayette AROUND THE TOWNSHIP ▼ A crosswalk is available on Mayview Road between Chartiers Bend Retirement Resort, pictured, and Recreation Road, which leads into Fairview Park. South Fayette Township is working to secure funding for sidewalks along the entire length of Recreation Road in the park. ▼▼ A driver turns from Mayview Road onto Recreation Road in January.

Mayview Road entrance opens to Fairview Park A second entrance to Fairview Park has opened.

The driveway from Mayview Road into the park opened in December, across from Hastings and Chartiers Bend Retirement Resort.

Recreation Road, the internal park road, now runs between Mayview Road and Greenwood Drive. Traffic can enter or exit the park from either end.

Please drive cautiously in the park and note the speed limit is 15 MPH on Recreation Road.

As time and circumstances allow in the winter, township crews will maintain Recreation Road so the public will be able to access the park and visit amenities such as Bark Park and the playgrounds.

Indoor restrooms are closed in winter, but portable restrooms remain available.

—Photos & text by Andrea Iglar

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South Fayette Connect | Winter 2024 | 9

South Fayette AROUND THE TOWNSHIP

Answering the call to serve Chuck Rothermel volunteered on municipal authority board for 30 years

By Andrea Iglar In the early 1990s, Chuck Rothermel responded to a call for volunteers in South Fayette.

He had been attending public meetings and decided, “Instead of listening and moaning and all that, I wanted to be on the other side doing something.”

Ultimately, the township commissioners appointed him to the board of the Municipal Authority of the Township of South Fayette.

He served the public sanitary sewer authority for 30 Chuck Rothermel years until he stepped down from the board Jan. 1.

“It just felt like the right thing to do,” Rothermel said. “It was a good run.”

The municipal authority in South Fayette is separate from the local government, but the township commissioners appoint residents to the fivemember citizens board to oversee the agency.

Commissioners in January appointed Fred Cardillo to fill the seat that Rothermel vacated.

Rothermel, who lives in Lakemont Farms, held the unpaid board post over three decades, even as his job and family responsibilities grew.

He and his wife of 42 years, Carol, raised children Eric and Lauren—both graduates of South Fayette High School—and Rothermel worked full-time in the gas utility industry.

Now, Rothermel spends time with his four grandchildren, works part-time, and enjoys gardening and reading. He and Carol volunteer for outreach activities involving homeless and underfed people.

Rothermel said he and fellow board members used their knowledge and experiences to encourage safety and good business practices while supporting the paid staff.

He was pleased with the professional development of municipal authority co-managers Nick Goettman and Jamie Summers, who took over day-to-day field and office operations after managing director Jerry Brown retired at the end of 2022.

“We were able to hire from within, and that’s what I’m most proud about,” Rothermel said.

“They’re homegrown.”

Rothermel also was proud that the South Fayette municipal authority is one of the most respected, leading agencies in the region and that the organization has been able to accommodate enormous growth in the township while remaining efficient.

Municipal authority revenues come from customer billing, new connection fees and an occasional grant—not from tax money.

Formed on Feb. 10, 1963, to create a sanitary sewer system, the municipal authority operates and maintains a system of pipes and pumps to convey about 2 million gallons of wastewater a day from South Fayette to the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) sewage treatment plant in Pittsburgh.

Overall, Rothermel enjoyed his time serving and working with fellow board members.

"I think it was a good fit," he said.

Municipal Authority of the Township of South Fayette: matsf.net.

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Coraopolis District Sportsmen‛s Association 106 Coketown Rd Coraopolis, PA 15108 P: 412-264-9920 Email: directors@cdsa.biz Website: www.cdsa.biz

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WHERE YOU'RE

MORE THAN A PATIENT Shannon, Dormont Company President Jazz Dance Team Member Cancer Survivor

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South Fayette AROUND THE TOWNSHIP

Junior Achievement selects three South Fayette students for '18 Under Eighteen' honor

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hree South Fayette students have been chosen as “18 Under Eighteen” honorees by Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania.

The third annual program showcases the talents and achievements of youth ages 11 to 18 across the region.

South Fayette students have been selected every year.

The 2024 honorees are Alekhya Buragadda, 17, Prerna Chakkingal, 17, and Daniella Neve, 11.

Alekhya is dedicated to the field of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), creating workshops for children from underserved and underfunded areas and conducting work in the healthcare field.

She has published research in gynecology and neuroscience and written the book, “NeuroGyn: Harmonizing Body and Mind.”

She works as an Emergency Medical Technician and volunteers at UPMCMagee Womens Hospital.

Alekhya also is founder of Women Welfare, a nonprofit dedicated to developing the skills of women across the globe through access to healthcare and education.

Prerna, an accomplished public speaker, gives voice to underrepresented populations.

She has given three TedX Talks about societal issues and her experience as a young woman of color, and she has spoken about the importance of diversity

in clinical lab research.

She is a music therapy volunteer, using instruments to promote communication skills in children with neurodevelopmental differences.

Prerna also is a host and council member for a student-led regional podcast collaborative.

Daniella found a life-saving kidney donation for her father, Ryan, in 2021 using TikTok, a video sharing app.

Now, she is collaborating with transplant surgeons and media outlets to use her social media model to promote living kidney donations.

Her TikTok account has 116,000 followers and 6.2 million likes.

Daniella also is an accomplished softball player.

Platinum Sponsor ◆ Joy-Thru Fairview ◆ Thank you!

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Alekhya Buragadda, 17

Daniella Neve, 11

Prerna Chakkingal, 17

Submitted Photos Junior Achievement of Western PA is a nonprofit based in South Fayette Township.

"Our honorees represent talent and leadership in the region,” organization president Patrice Matamoros said. "Each year, we highlight students who symbolize a brighter future and challenge conventions with their fresh perspectives.”

A diverse committee of community and business leaders reviewed student nominations and interviewed finalists to

become the select eighteen.

Junior Achievement is featuring the students on billboards throughout the region, sending them to a virtual leadership training and professional branding program, and recognizing them during a ceremony at the UPMC Club at Acrisure Stadium in February.

Learn more about the students: westernpa.ja.org.

—Andrea Iglar

Diamond Sponsors ◆ Joy-Thru Fairview ◆ Thank you!

South Fayette Connect | Winter 2024 | 13

South Fayette AROUND THE TOWNSHIP

Local Lions club donates to UPMC Children’s South

T

he Bridgeville Greater Area Lions Club has donated $2,500 to the Children's South location of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh to help address pediatric cancer and diabetes.

Children’s South is located on Millers Run Road in South Fayette Township.

The center includes pediatric outpatient services, primary care and after-hours care.

"Local is very important," club vice president Laura Underhill said. "We give back to the community."

The nonprofit service organization raised funds throughout 2023 by selling raffle tickets, Sarris Candies, Mother's Day roses and signature Lions brooms.

In January, BGA Lions

Club president Joan Kerlin, pictured at left, shakes hands with Clay Rehm, development coordinator with UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, during a check presentation at Burgh's Pizza & Wing Pub in Bridgeville.

Club members behind the ceremonial check are, from left, treasurer Joe Meliton, Dale Livingston, Doug Thames, Dave Borra, Tom Hand and vice president Laura Underhill.

The BGA Lions Club, part of Lions Clubs International, serves South Fayette, Bridgeville, Collier and Heidelberg.

The Lions club welcomes new members. Details: bgalions.org.

Nagy achieves rank of Eagle Scout ▶ South Fayette Township commissioners recognized Brogan Nagy in December for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. For his Eagle project, he led a team to rehabilitate the Cecil campsite of the Montour Trail, along Cecil-Henderson Road.

A member of BSA Troop 834, Brogan is a high school student in the South Fayette School District and at Parkway West CTC, where he studies IT networking and cybersecurity. He is the son of Jean Nagy and Chris Nagy of South Fayette Township.

◀ Lunch in the field The South Fayette Township Youth Football Association hosted lunch at Fairview Park in October for Public Works and Parks & Recreation employees, in appreciation of their work maintaining park fields and facilities.

—Photos & text by Andrea Iglar 14 |

SouthFayettePA.com

South Fayette CitizenLink

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

@SouthFayettePA

South Fayette CODE CORNER

Hydrants must be visible and accessible 3-foot clear space required by fire code in South Fayette South Fayette residents must remove snow, vegetation, vehicles and other obstructions from all sides of fire hydrants.

The township follows the 2018 International Fire Code, which states a 3-foot clear space must be maintained around the circumference of hydrants.

The fire code, which establishes minimum safety requirements, is adopted in the township code under Chapter 155, Fire Prevention.

Firefighters must be able to access water supplies through the hydrants.

—Andrea Iglar

South Fayette Connect | Winter 2024 | 15

South Fayette BUSINESS

'Thanks for Giving' honors sponsors Free community events in South Fayette possible thanks to business contributions

By Andrea Iglar Fifty-five organizations donated a total of $62,200 to support community events in South Fayette last year.

Township officials recognized the 2023 sponsors during the annual Thanks for Giving appreciation luncheon at Topgolf in South Fayette in November.

Paula Willis, the parks and recreation director, said sponsorships and vendor fees covered 60% of community event expenses.

“We were able to bring 14 events to the community for free, thanks to record-breaking business support,” Willis said.

Sponsors donated to South Fayette Community Day, Toucha-Truck, Movies in the Park (five-movie series), Summer Kickoff Concert, Bunny Hop Trail, Earth Cleanup Week, Accessible Hunt, fireworks, Thanks for Giving and Joy-Thru Fairview.

In addition, Washington Financial Bank donated $3,000 to Summer Playground Camp, an affordable parks program for children ages 5 to 12.

About 100 people attended Thanks for Giving to enjoy lunch, networking and golfing. Each sponsor received a certificate of appreciation, and top sponsors were recognized with trophies.

Washington Financial Bank was honored for overall giving.

Other top givers were Burns Scalo Real Estate, DiMarco Construction Company, Dollar Bank, Gibson-Thomas Engineering, Goldberg, Kamin & Garvin LLP, John Kosky Contracting, Kiddie Academy of South Fayette, Kimmel Bogrette Architecture + Site and St. Clair Health.

The most frequent event supporters were Goldberg, Kamin & Garvin, HRG, John Kosky Contracting, Kiddie Academy, Schulz Service Center, St. Clair Health and Visionary Federal Credit Union.

The South Fayette Township sponsorship program offers opportunities for organizations to support community events and programs while being recognized for their contributions.

Businesses select the events they wish to support, and in return, they receive perks such as recognition on event signage, social media tags and complimentary magazine advertisements in South Fayette Connect.

“Our sponsors care about community involvement and connections,” Willis said.

Also at Thanks for Giving, township officials recognized Pirates Charities for a $25,000 Fields for Kids grant toward construction of three new ball fields in Fairview Park.

For details about 2024 giving opportunities, please visit southfayettepa.com/sponsor or call 412-221-8700. ▶ Business sponsors, from top, receive certificates of appreciation; golf and network; and enjoy a luncheon and presentation during the Thanks for Giving event at Topgolf in South Fayette Township in November.

Photos by Shelley Phoennik 16 |

SouthFayettePA.com

South Fayette CitizenLink

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

@SouthFayettePA

Taco Bell now serving in South Fayette South Fayette Township staff joined Taco Bell employees and franchisee Charter Foods in November to celebrate the opening of the fast-food restaurant at 177 Millers Run Road, next to the Interstate 79 interchange in South Fayette. Tacos, burritos, breakfast combos and more are served daily between 8 AM and midnight. Dine-in, drive-thru, online ordering and delivery are available.

—Photo & text by Andrea Iglar

Gold Sponsors ◆ Joy-Thru Fairview ◆ Thank you!

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17 |

Raising Cane's built a $3.5 million restaurant at The Piazza in South Fayette in 2023. The fast-food chicken tenders eatery is opening in February.

(Photo by Andrea Iglar)

Commercial projects heat up Development continues around I-79 interchange in South Fayette

By Andrea Iglar Construction investment in South Fayette Township last year totaled nearly $48 million for commercial, residential and community projects.

Commercial development in 2023 focused on the Interstate 79 interchange in South Fayette and The Piazza, a 50,000-square-foot shopping center developed by Burns Scalo Real Estate.

The biggest project at The Piazza was a $3.5 million restaurant and drive-thru for Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers. The fast-food eatery is expected to open in February.

These businesses received permits to outfit the interiors of spaces in The Piazza: •

Pizzaiolo Primo, pizza/pasta/bar—open ($502,000)

•

STRIDE Fitness, boutique fitness studio—open ($320,000)

•

Mezeh Mediterranean Grill, flatbreads/bowls/pockets—in progress ($150,000)

Township Manager John M. Barrett said The Piazza, Newbury Market, the Gateway Shops and other projects at I-79 are creating a concentrated commercial hub convenient to motorists and close to local neighborhoods and business parks.

“Development in that I-79 interchange area has really ramped up,” he said. “It's what we always thought would happen, and we've really seen it come to fruition."

Elsewhere, along Alpine Road, two tenants moved into a 40,000-square-foot light industrial building, 2000 Energy Drive, at Alpine Point Business Park and renovated their interiors: •

Hartman & Hartman Construction ($275,000)

•

South Hills Movers ($70,000).

Alpine Point also includes Hennecke Group and Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania.

Other major construction permits issued in 2023 include: 18 |

SouthFayettePA.com

South Fayette CitizenLink

@SouthFayetteTownship

•

Cigars International, 7,177-square-foot cigar store and lounge planned at Newbury Market, next to Topgolf ($4.25 million)

•

The Watson Institute, 230 Hickory Grade Road, 5,200-square-foot classroom addition and playground enclosure, tax-exempt—in progress ($3.5 million)

•

Taco Bell, 177 Millers Run Road—opened in November ($850,000)

•

Atomized Materials, 205 Parks Road, 5,520-square-foot storage building—in progress ($450,000)

•

Elevation Medical Weight Loss, 3033 Washington Pike, The Crossings at South Fayette next to Jimmy John’s ($250,000)

Building Permits The township Building and Code Department issues permits and conducts inspections to ensure projects are safely built to code. The department collected $146,505 in building permit fees in 2023.

Last year, the township issued 326 building permits—91 fewer than in 2022, mostly because of slowed housing construction and fewer residential improvements.

A total of 69 are commercial permits, including five for new construction, 55 for accessory features, and nine for alterations, renovations, additions and demolitions.

Total estimated value of all building permits in 2023 was $47.8 million, including commercial, residential and community projects.

The 2023 commercial figures include permits issued for taxexempt projects, such as a new concession stand at Morgan Park; a salt shed for Public Works at Fairview Park; and the splash pad/ pavilion/restrooms project on the Mayview site at Fairview Park, which is expected to open this summer.

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

@SouthFayettePA

BUILDING PERMITS 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW South Fayette Township

Commercial

Residential

Building Permits Issued

69

257

Total Construction Value (estimated)

$21.7 million

$26.1 million

New Construction Starts

5

67

New Construction Value (estimated)

$9.9 million

$22.2 million

Dollar figures are rounded. Tax-exempt projects (municipal, school) are included with commercial figures per state code.

Residential

•

Charter Homes & Neighborhoods continues to build single-family homes and townhouses in Hastings.

A total of 257 residential building permits were issued last year, • A developer plans 32 townhouses along Mayview Road, including 67 for new homes valued at $22.2 million. A total of 49 just north of Boyce Road, across from Three Saints Baking were single-family houses, and 18 were townhouses.

Company.

Most of the new homes were located in Stonegate, a 192-lot plan on Battle Ridge Road, and Hastings on Mayview Road.

• Traditions of America, a 497-acre mixed-use project, plans Homeowners spent commercial and residential $3.7 million on 185 elements, including housing for ▼ A construction crew builds a classroom addition at The Watson accessory structures such adults age 55-plus.

Institute along Hickory Grade Road in January. (Photo by Andrea Iglar) as decks (64), fences (30), • At The Piazza, Clean rooftop solar panels (20), Express Auto Wash proposes a sheds (19), swimming car wash next to Raising Cane’s. pools/hot tubs (15), deck/ Plus, a vacant site is available patio roofs (15) and behind Firebirds Wood Fired retaining walls (5).

Grill.

Looking Ahead In 2023, the overall estimated construction value of all permitted projects was about $17.8 million less than in 2022.

But this decrease does not indicate a long-term development downturn, Barrett said.

Significant projects are in the pipeline for 2024 and beyond, including further development at Newbury Market and along the Southern Beltway, he said.

“Construction slowed down last year, but if you consider approved plans yet to be built, there is reason to believe we will see an uptick in numbers," Barrett said.

Here are some highlights of upcoming development projects: •

Alpha Residential is building Apex Newbury, a 6-building, 416-unit apartment complex on 37 acres spanning Oakridge Road. Land preparation started in 2023.

•

Maronda Homes and Foxlane Homes continue to build in Stonegate.

• The former King’s restaurant site, 3049 Washington Pike, is approved for a 2-unit commercial building, including a bank and a retail store.

• Chrome Federal Credit Union plans to build a bank at the corner of Millers Run Road and Route 50.

• Newbury Market is expected to present plans for additional tenants to join BJ’s Wholesale Club, Carvana, Tesla and Topgolf.

•

Real estate developer Cozza Enterprises/Craig Cozza, owner of Pro Bike + Run, plans to redevelop the Foremost Auto site and adjacent land into Lafayette 180, a shopping plaza at the Millers Run Road entrance of Newbury.

As development at Newbury Market, The Piazza and the I-79 area continues to flourish, the township hopes to improve pedestrian connections among the shopping areas, Barrett said.

“We have a vision of this area as a welcoming gateway to the community,” he said.

South Fayette Connect | Winter 2024 | 19

Photography by ROY ENGELBRECHT Courtesy of DiMarco Construction Company

Glass doors, center, lead to a lobby featuring customer service windows, right, meeting spaces such as the Lafayette Room, left, and a seating area.

20 |

CHANGE OF

ADDRESS South Fayette Township moves police station, administrative offices and meeting chambers to newly built municipal center

By ANDREA IGLAR

The South Fayette Township Municipal Center is located at 100 Township Drive, along Hickory Grade Road.

South Fayette Connect | Winter 2024 | 21

South Fayette Township has a new address.

Following nearly two years of construction, the township has opened a 36,000-square-foot building that serves as the center of local government operations.

The police station, administrative staff offices and public board meetings have moved to the newly built South Fayette Township Municipal Center at 100 Township Drive, South Fayette PA 15017.

The site is located along Hickory Grade Road, near The Watson Institute/former El Rancho drive-in. Regular building hours are weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Township Manager John M. Barrett said evening board and commission meetings offer good opportunities to visit the facility, and residents may drop in during the day.

"There is open public space that people are welcome to come and see," he said.

The South Fayette Township Library and the South Fayette Area Senior Citizens Association remain in parts of the former municipal building at 515 Millers Run Road in the Morgan neighborhood. Officials are working on plans to build a community center where these organizations eventually could move.

Overall, the new municipal center is more secure, accessible and professional, Barrett said.

“The notion of needing new facilities

Photo: South Fayette Township 22 |

has been a longtime priority in the academy, the chief said. township, and we’ve accomplished the first Basically, officers can do everything instep,” he said. house except firearms training, he said.

Half the new building is dedicated “This facility has opened up avenues for to the police department, which has 23 the police department to do more for public officers, an administrative assistant and two safety and better serve the taxpayers,” police dogs.

Phoennik said.

The 18,000-square-foot police station The general contractor for the building includes offices, training and tactical rooms, was DiMarco Construction Company Inc., secure garages, holding cells, evidence and the architect was Kimmel Bogrette processing, file storage, Architecture + Site. a fitness center, a Total project bloodhound kennel cost was about $20 “This is truly a multigenerational, and other facilities. All million, including state-of-the-art facility. It really officers have an office $16.89 million for puts South Fayette on the map or workstation now, construction plus as a modern, professional instead of sharing expenses such as police department that keeps desks and computers. design, furniture and Police Chief John equipment. pace with the growth of the Phoennik, who lives Grant funding community.” in South Fayette, has included $1 million served the department from the state Local —Police Chief John Phoennik for 34 years. He said Share Account and the 1,800-square$1.78 million in foot former station was sorely inadequate, COVID-19 stimulus money, plus its interest especially as the number of officers grew earnings, from the American Rescue Plan from 13 to 23 over the past decade.

Act. The new building will serve residents “This is a forever building,” Barrett said. for many years to come, he said.

“It should stand the test of time.”

“This is truly a multigenerational, stateFor more information of-the-art facility,” Phoennik said. “It really Municipal puts South Fayette on the map as a modern, about the municipal center Building and the history of township professional police department that keeps History buildings in South Fayette, pace with the growth of the community.” please refer to the Summer The new police station paves the way 2022 issue of South Fayette to seek professional accreditation, host Connect: southfayettepa. regional law enforcement training and add com/summer2022. public programs such as a citizen’s police

POLICE STATION

Clockwise from top: ▲ The squad room has individual workstations for each patrol officer. At the prior station, officers shared a handful of computers. ▼ A fitness center is available to police officers around the clock. The equipment was completely funded by a rebate from the township's health insurance company. ◀ A separate entrance to the police station is located on the ground level of the South Fayette Township Municipal Center. ◀◀ Police Chief John Phoennik, left, sits at his office desk. A meeting room in the police station can accommodate in-house training sessions and host regional law enforcement gatherings.

South Fayette Connect | Winter 2024 | 23

ADMINISTRATIVE & MEETING SPACES Clockwise from right: ▶ The main chambers, where the Board of Commissioners meets, accommodates 110 people. ▼ Workspaces with glass doors and walls line a hallway inside the secure office area. ▼▼ A conference room off the lobby provides space where township staff can meet with the public. ▼▼▼ Natural light fills the township manager's office.

24 |

WE MOVED

South Fayette Township Offices, Meeting Chambers & Police Station

Previous location 515 Millers Run Rd

New Municipal Center & Police Station

southfayettepa.com 412-221-8700 sfadmin@sftwp.com

miles from 515 Millers Run Rd: Left on Millers Run Rd Left on Route 50 Right on Hickory Grade Rd Left on Township Drive

New address, same ways to connect

100 Township Drive South Fayette, PA 15017 Regular Building Hours: 8 AM - 4 PM weekdays

Gold Sponsor ◆ Joy-Thru Fairview ◆ Thank you!

South Fayette Library & Senior Center remain at 515 Millers Run Rd

Graphic adapted from Google Maps by Andrea Iglar

3

Gold Sponsor ◆ Touch-a-Truck ◆ Thank you!

South Fayette Connect | Winter 2024 | 25

Police Department 28%

How are township tax dollars spent?

Public Works 18%

In the $16,956,211 operating budget for 2024, the biggest areas of spending are police, public works, solid waste collection and debt service for facilities.

Garbage and recycling services are rising by about 40% ($450,000)—a 12% share of the total budget, compared to a 9% share in 2023. In the years 2025 through 2028, the cost of waste collection will rise by another $600,000 total.

Infographic by Andrea Iglar Percentages are rounded

Township tax rate holds steady Waste collection costs strain 2024 budget in South Fayette

By Andrea Iglar South Fayette Township has adopted a $16.95 million operating budget for 2024 with no tax increase.

The township property tax rate remains at 4.73 mills, equivalent to $473 per $100,000 in assessed property value.

For a home valued at $164,000—the median property value in South Fayette, according to Allegheny County—the township tax bill is about $776 annually.

Township tax revenue funds numerous public services, such as trash and recycling collection, police, roads, snow removal, parks and recreation, stormwater management, code enforcement, planning and zoning, building inspection, communications and more.

Township Manager John M. Barrett said trash and recycling collection is the largest strain on the 2024 budget.

“Waste Management is the biggest increase across any service area,” he said.

The new five-year contract with third-party hauler WM (Waste Management officially has shortened its name) raises costs by 40 percent this year, with annual increases to follow.

Barrett said the township is able to absorb the expense this year because of development growth and sound fiscal management, but the strain doesn’t allow a surplus to help fund capital projects.

“The general fund is healthy enough that we can sustain 26 |

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South Fayette CitizenLink

@SouthFayetteTownship

this increase and not raise taxes, but what we’re seeing in 2024 is the additional money for capital projects is just not there.”

Capital improvements involve public assets such as infrastructure, facilities and equipment that have a useful life of at least 10 years.

Even so, at least $1 million in road paving and certain park improvements will be able to move forward due to existing savings, grants and other monetary sources.

Another challenge is a decline in revenue from the real estate transfer tax. Last year, the revenue projection fell short by about $500,000.

“We believe the higher interest rates for mortgages caused the real estate transfer tax to slow, and we expect that to continue, so that’s another strain on the budget,” Barrett said.

The budget also is absorbing higher operating expenses in the newly built municipal center—including the police station, township offices and public meeting chambers—while continuing to sustain parts of the former municipal building on Millers Run Road for the South Fayette Township Library and South Fayette Area Senior Citizens Association.

The budget includes an increase of $7,000 each for the library, SouthBridge EMS and each of the four volunteer fire departments in South Fayette.

Details: southfayettepa.com/budget.

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

@SouthFayettePA

Trash & Recycling 12%

Debt Service 9%

Code, Inspection, Zoning, Planning & Engineering 4%

Tax Refunds 3%

LESS THAN 2% EACH Insurance & Benefits Government Buildings Information Technology Library Contribution Tax Collection Legal Services Legislative Body Acid Mine Treatment Animal Control

Administration Fire & EMS Parks 7% Contributions 3% 4%

Interest Earnings 2%

Licenses 2% Recreation 1%

Public Safety 3% Real Estate Transfer Tax 4%

Grants & State Funding 7%

Recreation 3%

Other 1%

REVENUE

Real Estate (Property) Tax 48%

2024 PROJECTED REVENUE $16,956,211 Earned Income Tax & Local Service Tax 32%

South Fayette Connect | Winter 2024 | 27

How much tax money goes to the township, school & county?

South Fayette property owners pay real estate tax to three separate entities—South Fayette Township, Allegheny County and South Fayette School District.

Township and county taxes each account for 13 percent of a property owner's total property taxes paid.

School taxes are the most expensive, accounting for 74 percent of total property taxes.

South Fayette voters have elected Kevin Biber as the Real Estate Tax Collector to accept tax payments for both the township and the school district. The Allegheny County Treasurer collects county taxes.

Elected officials for each entity set their annual property tax rates.

The five-member Board of Commissioners sets the tax rate for the township government at 4.73 mills, or $473 per $100,000 in assessed value.

Allegheny County Council sets the county rate, which is 4.73 mills—coincidentally the same as the township rate.

The nine-member school board sets the tax rate for the public school district at 26.7 mills, or $2,670 per $100,000.

—Text & infographic by Andrea Iglar

4.73 mills $473 per $100,000 assessed value

TOWNSHIP SOUTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP

4.73 mills $473 per $100,000 assessed value

COUNTY ALLEGHENY COUNTY

28 |

SOUTH FAYETTE TAXPAYER

26.7 mills $2,670 per $100,000 assessed value

SCHOOL SOUTH FAYETTE SCHOOL DISTRICT

YEAR IN REVIEW 2023

BY THE NUMBERS South Fayette Township Highlights

16

2,461

326

$48M

ROADS PAVED IN $1.9 MILLION PROGRAM

BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED

TONS OF ROAD SALT USED, AT COST OF $191,656

VALUE OF ALL BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED

6,076 Number of calls to police, representing a 9% increase over the prior year

3,187

TRAFFIC WARNINGS AND CITATIONS ISSUED

140

VOLUNTEERS AT COMMUNITY EVENTS

27,669 3,762 ONLINE READS OF SOUTH FAYETTE CONNECT

RECREATION PROGRAM & CAMP PARTICIPANTS

S O U T H F A Y E T T E P A . C O M

South Fayette Township

y H n o n p u B

hands -o event n ! no

drive longer a -thru form at

reserve 1 ticket per child

in the park

Thursday, march 28 Fairview Park 12 PM - 3 PM Free Event but Tickets required www.southfayettepa.com/bunny egg Hunt (ages 5-12) easter bunny Music Bounce House

AnD MORE!

Associations are independently operated by community boards.

SOUTH FAYETTE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION SPORTS GENERAL SEASON & REGISTRATION INFORMATION

SO UT H F A Y E T T E B A S E B A LL & S OFTBAL L AS SOCIAT ION OUT Ages: 3 - 15 years old (GIRLS & BOYS; PRE T-BALL THRU PONY) Cost Range: $75 - $150 Seasons: SPRING: Mid-March to Early June; FALL: Late August to Early October

All information is subject to change.

Registration Link: leagues.bluesombrero.com/sfbsa Questions: sfbsa2@gmail.com

S O UT H F A Y E T T E Y O U T H LA C R O SSE A SS OC IIA A T ION

Grades: Kindergarten - 8th grade (GIRLS & BOYS; 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U) Cost Range: $175-$275 (plus equipment) Season: Mid-March to Early June

*optional indoor February - March

Registration Link: www.southfayettelacrosse.com Questions: southfayetteyouthlacrosse@gmail.com

SO U T H F A Y E T T E S O C C E R A S S OCIATION OU Birth Year: 2010 - 2019; TRAVEL: U10 & up (GIRLS & BOYS; IN-HOUSE AND TRAVEL) Cost Range: $60 - $120 Seasons: SPRING: Mid-March to Early June; FALL: Late August - Early October

Registration Link: www.SouthFayetteSoccer.org Questions: southfayettesoccer@gmail.com

S O UTH F A Y E T T E Y O U T H F O O T B A LL A SSO C I A T ION

Grades: Tackle: Kindergarten - 6th grade; Flag: Kindergarten - 4th grade (plus uniforms and other fees for both) Cost Range: Tackle: $175-$200; Flag: $100-$125 Season: August to Early November

Registration Link: leagues.bluesombrero.com/sfyouthfootball Questions: sfyouthfootball@gmail.com

SO UT H F A Y E T T E Y O U T H C H E E R L E ADING ASSOCIAT OUT RL AS SOCIAT ION

Registration Link: Grades: 1st grade - 6th grade tshq.bluesombrero.com/sftyca Cost Range: $195 (plus required merchandise) Questions: Season: Mandatory camps July 29 - August 2, August 5 - 8; Games thru beginning of November. sftycaelection@gmail.com *based on football schedule

South Fayette Connect | Winter 2024 | 29

30 |

South Fayette Township Library now offers Chromebook and Wi-Fi hotspot bundles for checkout. A Chromebook is a laptop that does not run Windows. Instead, it uses the Chrome operating system, which is similar to the Google Chrome browser. Combined with a Wi-Fi hotspot, patrons can connect to the internet at home or on the go.

Supported by a Pennsylvania Department of Education Workforce Development Grant, each Chromebook bundle also includes job seeking resources, including information about occupations, crafting resumes and job boards.

Explore

Something

NEW

Seeking out and applying for a job in today’s economy is a process that usually involves a computer and often takes a great deal of time. While the library offers extended sessions on both public computers and Wi-Fi, the Chromebook bundles will provide even greater flexibility. “As the presence and demands of technology continue to grow, many people take internet access for granted,” Library Director Ben Hornfeck said, “but bridging the digital divide remains a key priority for public libraries.”

Chromebook and Wi-Fi hotspot bundles can be used for school, work or pleasure. Beyond the library’s internet and computer use policy, the only real limitation is the patron’s imagination. Bundles are loaned for 3 weeks on a first-come, first-served basis. Borrowers must be 18+ and have a library card in good standing.

APRIL 7 - 13

The Chromebook and Wi-Fi bundle initiative represents the latest expansion of the library’s nontraditional collection.

Other items currently available to borrow include standalone Wi-Fi hotspots, storytime bundles, American Girl dolls, nature backpacks and museum passes.

South Fayette Connect | Winter 2024 | 31

Joy-Thru Fairview

More than 2,000 people greeted Santa and enjoyed music, performers, gifts, decorations and 10,000 lights as they drove through Fairview Park in South Fayette Township on Dec. 8, 2023. pson aniel Thom Photos by D

32 |

hy

Photograp

Thumbs-up at Accessible Hunt

In October, seven hunters with physical disabilities, along with 35 volunteers and Public Works employees, spent two days hunting at the Alpine Hunting & Fishing Club and Boys Home Park in South Fayette Township. Three deer were harvested.

Photo by Andrea Iglar

Presenting Sponsor ◆ Joy-Thru Fairview ◆ Thank you!

South Fayette Connect | Winter 2024 | 33

South Fayette Parks & Recreation

412-221-8700 x 222 / recreation@sftwp.com

RECREATION PROGRAMS YOUTH TENNIS Saturdays May 4 - June 1; Times vary; Ages 5 - 16 Fairview Park; Pricing varies

FUTURE HORSE VETERINARIAN SCHOOL Wednesdays April 24 - May 29 @ 5 PM - 6 PM / Ages 6 - 10 South Fayette Senior Center; $180/pp

TEEN MEDICAL SCHOOL Wednesdays April 24 - May 29 @ 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM / Ages 11 - 14 South Fayette Senior Center; $180/pp

MINDS IN MOTION: YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS Tuesdays March 12 - April 16 @ 5 PM - 6 PM / Ages 9 - 13 South Fayette Senior Center; $125/pp ADULT PICKLEBALL LESSONS

JUMPBUNCH SPORTS Tuesdays May 7 - June 4; Ages 3-5 & 6-9 Fairview Park; Pricing varies ADULT YOGA Mondays @ 7 PM - 8 PM Sturgeon Fire Hall; $11/class

Wednesdays & Fridays in May @ Morgan Park 9 AM Beginners; 10 AM Advanced; 11 AM Intermediate Pricing varies

SFBFITNESS WITH KATIE LOGAN Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM; Thursdays @ 9 AM SNPJ Sygan Lodge 6; $12/class

SENIORS FOR SAFE DRIVING Tuesday, April 30 @ 5 PM - 9 PM; South Fayette Senior Center; $17/pp Please call 1-800-559-4880 to register.

PUZZLE PALOOZA Monday, March 25 @ 6:30 PM / All Ages South Fayette Senior Center; $5 per team of 2 to 6

SOUTHFAYETTEPA.COM/RECREATION 34 |

REGISTRATION OPENS

march 18, d 2024 n u o r g p y JUNE 17a m l AUGUST 9 P Ca

$10 per AM or PM session

MONDAY - FRIDAY AM: 9 AM -11:30 AM PM: 12:30 - 3 PM ALL DAY: 9 AM - 3 PM

ble i x e Fl uling ed sch $10 HALF DAY (OR $11 NON-RESIDENT) $20 ALL DAY (OR $22 NON-RESIDENT)

MULTI-CHILD DISCOUNT CODE: Family2024

SouthFayettePA.com /Recreation

Ages 5 - 12

Each week at various parks

Questions? Ian McNeill: imcneill@sftwp.com, 412-221-8700 x 222 South Fayette Connect | Winter 2024 | 35

Event Calendar 2024

South Fayette

28 APR 11 APR APR 22 Wed 04 20 JUNE 07 Sat 21 JUNE Mon 24 04 JULY THURS

MAR

THURS

ALL WEEK

THURS

FRI

THURS

28 14 FriJULY JULY 19 31 16 AUG 24 AUG 13 SEPT 04 OCT SUN

FRI

FRI

SAT

FRI

FRI

OCTOBER

06 FRI

DEC

Bunny Hop in the Park 12 PM - 3 PM; Fairview Park

National Pet Day Expo Time TBA; Fairview Park

Earth Cleanup Week Apr 22 - Apr 28; Township-wide World Animal Day Summer Kickoff Concert 7 PM; Fairview Park

Movies at Fairview Dusk; Fairview Park

Fireworks

9:30 PM; Fairview Park

Touch-a-Truck

11 AM - 3 PM; Fairview Park

Movies at Fairview Dusk; Fairview Park

Movies at Fairview Dusk; Fairview Park

South Fayette Community Day 11 AM - 5 PM; Fairview Park

Movies at Fairview Dusk; Fairview Park

Movies at Fairview Dusk; Fairview Park

Accessible Sportsmen’s Hunt Times and locations vary

Joy-Thru Fairview

6 PM - 9 PM; Fairview Park

Stay connected with community events: www.SouthFayettePA.com/NotifyMe 36 |

SouthFayettePA.com

South Fayette CitizenLink

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

@SouthFayettePA

2024 - Trash and Recycling Service Days South Fayette Township

THURSDAYS ACACIA RD ALLEGHENY AVE ALLAN ST ALPINE RD ARCHERS WAY ASHTON ROW BELLA DANYELLE CT BIG MEADOW CT BIG MEADOW RD BOW ST BOWMAN RD BOWMAN ST BOWMAN ST EXT BOXWOOD DR BOYCE RD BRIDGE ST BRIGHTON ALY BROAD WAY BROOK LEDGE RD BURSCA DR CAMPBELL AVE CECIL-REISING RD CENTRAL AVE CHARLES ST CHARTIERS RUN CHERRY ST CHRISMAR CT CHRISTINE CT CLEARFORK RD CLUBVIEW DR COAL PIT RUN RD COUNTY LINE RD CRANFORD LN CREEK ST DAVID DR DEER WATCH RD EMPIRE DR ENERGY DR ENFIELD CT FAIRVIEW DR FAWCETT CHURCH RD FIELDCREST DR FIRETHORN RD FIRWOOD DR FORTUNE CT FOX CHASE CT FREEDOM DR N FREEDOM DR S FRYES LN GANDER CIR GARDEN APT DR GARDEN LANDING GLADWELL ST GOLDENROD CT GOODWIN ALY GRANT ST GREEN LN GREENWOOD DR HARTZ LN HARVEST CT HASTINGS CRESCENT HASTINGS PARK DR 591-960 HICKORY GRADE HORSESHOE CIR

HOWELL DR HUNTERS PATH RD HUNTING RIDGE RD HUNTING RIDGE TRL JEANA LN KRAMERS LN LAKEMONT DR LAKEVIEW DR LARK TREE CIR LAUREL RIDGE CIR LAWNSHADOW DR LINDSAY LN LYNK ALY LONGMORE LN MALLARD DR MARION DR MASONS WAY MAUDE MINE RD MAYVIEW RD MCINTOSH ST MEADE ST MEADOW DR MEETING HOUSE RD MELROSE CT MILL CT MORNING WIND CIR NICOLE DR OLD OAK DR OLDE ORCHARD DR OPEN MEADOW CIR ORION RD PALOMINO DR PARKS RD PARKS FARM DR PARKSIDE DR PENN AVE PHEASANT RISE CT PINCH RD PINEWOOD DR PITCOTE LN POND CT N POND CT S POPLAR LN PORTMAN LN PRESTON WAY PRESERVE LN RAILROAD ST RAVENWOOD DR REDROME CIR E REDROME CIR W RICHARD ALY RIDGE POINT CIR RIGERTS HILL RD RUSSETS CIR E RUSSETS CIR W RYELAND CT SADDLEWOOD DR SCHOOL ST SHADY LN SHARALYN DR SHARPS CIR SOUTH AVE SPRINGHOUSE PL SRAY LN SUMMIT RIDGE DR SUNDANCE DR

SUNDIAL LN SWAN DR SYCAMORE LN THURMONT ALY TOFTREES DR TULANE WAY TWIN PONDS LN VALLEY FOREST RD VISTA GRANDE DR WALLACE ST WASHINGTON PIKE WEAVERS ALY WEEPING WILLOW DR WESTCOTT LN WESTOVER WAY WHEATLAND CIR WILLOW RIDGE DR WILLOW VIEW CT WILLOWBROOK DR WILLOWICK CT WINESAP CT WOODHAVEN DR

FRIDAYS ADULLAM DR ALEXANDER ST ANDERSON AVE APPLE BLOSSOM DR APPLE RIDGE RD APPLEGLEN CT ARLINGTON AVE ASHFORD CT AUGUSTA DR BALSINGER RD BANCROFT LN BATTERY DR N BATTERY DR S BATTLE RIDGE RD BAYHILL DR BEECH AL BELLE TERRE CT BERKLEY RIDGE DR BIRCH CT BLUFF ST BLYTHE RD BOYS HOME RD BRANDYWINE CIR BRANDYWINE CT CALEDONIA CT CANNONGATE DR CECIL-STURGEON RD CELEBRATION CIR CEMETERY HILL RD CENTER AVE CHESTNUT ST CLUB DR CLYDE ST COMMONS LN CRAB ORCHARD CT CREST ST CRESTWOOD DR

CUDDY LN CYPRESS CT DEERFIELD RIDGE DR DEGRAVE DR DUTCH HILL RD EAST ST ELM ST FARMVIEW DR FIELD STONE DR FIFTH AVE FIRST AVE FORBES ST FOREST EDGE DR FOREST GLEN CT FOREST RIDGE DR FOREST VIEW DR FOURTH AVE GENE DR GILMORE HILL RD GNEISS DR GRAIL HILL CT GRANITE DR GRANT CIR GRANVILLE CT GROMWELL LN 172-577 HICKORY GRADE HICKORY HEIGHTS DR HIDDEN VALLEY LN HIGHLAND CREEK DR HIGHPOINT DR HINSDALE LN HOOK ST HUDSON AVE INTERLAKEN DR INTERLAKEN EXT JACKSON CIR JONAGOLD DR KENNEWEG AVE KINGSBROOK DR KINGSTON DR KINGSWOOD LN KRISTOFF LN LAFAYETTE DR LANESBORO LN LEE CIR LEE ST LENOX LN LOCUST LN LONGVIEW CIR LYNNVIEW DR MAGNOLIA ST MAIN ST MAIN ST EXT MAPLE CT MARBLESEED LN MARLEY WAY MARSHALL RD MARTHA ST MASSARO PL MCCLANE ST MCNARY ST MCVEY ST MCVEY ST EXT MIDDLEFIELD DR MILLERS RUN RD MOHAWK RD

MONTVILLE DR MORGAN HILL RD MORGAN HOLLOW RD MORGAN ST MUIRFIELD CT MYRTLE ST NESBIT RD NEWBURY HIGHLAND NICHOLSON DR NORTHRIDGE DR OAK ST OAK TREE CT OAK WOOD CIR OAKMONT CT OAKRIDGE RD OLD FAYETTE TRL OLD OAKDALE RD ORCHARD DR OYSTER BAY CT PETRICCA DR PIN OAK DR PINCH RD EXT PINE CREEK DR PINE VALY DR PINNACLE CT PINNACLE DR POINTVIEW DR PRESTO-SYGAN RD PRINCETON DR RAHNER-WOOD DR REED ST REVOLUTION CIR RIDGE RD RIDGEVIEW DR ROBINSON RUN RD ROWE LN RUTH WAY RUTHERGLEN DR SANDSTONE DR SATURDAY WAY SCOTCH HILL RD SECOND AVE SEMINARY AVE SHALE DR SHEFFIELD CT SHERMAN CIR SHERMAN ST SHERWOOD DR SIXTH AVE SOUTH FAYETTE ST SOUTH POINT CT SOUTHPOINTE DR SOUTHWEST DR STATION ST STEEN HOLLOW RD STERLING DR STOCKBRIDGE CT STONEGATE DR STUART CIR SUNRIDGE DR SUNSET LN SWEET GUM CT SYGAN RD TERRACE VIEW DR THIRD AVE THOMS RUN RD

TIPORARY CT TURNBERRY LN UNION AVE EXT VALLEY VIEW DR VERNER ST VILLAGE LN VISTA ST WABASH AVE WALNUT RIDGE CIR WALNUT RIDGE DR WALNUT ST WATER ST WESTBRIDGE DR WINCHESTER DR WINDSOR CT WINDSOR DR WOOD CREEK DR WOODBRIDGE DR WOODLAWN AVE WORTHINGTON CT YORKTOWN DR

South Fayette Connect | Winter 2024 | 37

ling Trash & Recyc

MISSED PICKUP?

SouthFayettePA.com /request

d weekly and Garbage is collecte s. Do not bag ek we 2 recycling every fore bins at the curb be recyclables. Place is on cti lle co lk y. Bu 6 AM on pickup da . If an th on m ch ea of the 2nd full week ek falls during the we observed holiday is on cti lle co day, before your pickup delayed one day. ent Waste Managem -4460 66 wm.com ◆ 1-800-8

February

March

April

Thurs. Feb. 1 Fri. Feb. 2

Thurs. March 7 Fri. March 8

Thurs. April 4 Fri. April 5

Trash Collection

Thurs. Feb. 8 Fri. Feb. 9 Trash Collection Recycling

Thurs. Feb. 15 Fri. Feb. 16 Trash Collection Bulk Collection

Thurs. Feb. 22 Fri. Feb. 23 Trash Collection Recycling

Trash Collection Recycling

Trash Collection Recycling

Thurs. March 14 Fri. March 15

Thurs. April 11 Fri. April 12

Trash Collection Bulk Collection

Trash Collection Bulk Collection

Thurs. March 21 Fri. March 22

Thurs. April 18 Fri. April 19

Trash Collection Recycling

Trash Collection Recycling

Thur. March 28 Fri. March 29

Thurs. April 25 Fri. April 26

Trash Collection

Trash Collection

Thurs. Feb. 29 Fri. March 1

South Fayette Township

The South Fayette Township offices, meeting chambers and police station moved to a new building (GPS: 323 Hickory Grade Rd)

100 Township Drive, South Fayette PA 15017 Ph: 412-221-8700

Web: SouthFayettePA.com

Staff Directory John M. Barrett, Township Manager Administration

Parks & Recreation

Peggy Patterson, Executive Assistant Shannen McKahan, Finance Officer Patrick J. Catena, Assistant Manager

Paula Willis, Director Ian McNeill, Recreation Coordinator

Communications & Community Development

John R. Phoennik, Chief of Police Dana Korbe, Administrative Assistant Police Business Office: 412-221-2170 Emergency & Dispatch: 9-1-1

Andrea Iglar, Director

Planning, Building & Code

Police

Gary Hartz, Planning/Zoning Director Joe Niedermeyer, Building Code Official John Kanaskie, Engineering/Code Abbey Scheerer, Administrative Assistant

Public Works Vitali Alexandrov, Director Dan Dernosek, Superintendent

Community Resources South Fayette Township Library

412-257-8660, SouthFayetteLibrary.org

South Fayette Area Senior Citizens Association 412-221-3730, SouthFayettePA.com/seniors

South Fayette School District 412-221-4542, SouthFayette.org

Historical Society of South Fayette Township SouthFayettePA.com/history

Tax Collectors

Real Estate Tax, Kevin Biber: 412-221-9250, SouthFayettePA.com/tax Earned Income Tax, Jordan Tax Service: 412-835-5243, JordanTax.com

Municipal Authority (Dye Tests & Sanitary Sewers)

Trash Collection

Trash & g Recyclin

Automated waste collection Updates:

/ SouthFayettePA .com automated

412-257-5100, MATSF.net

Chambers of Commerce

South West: 412-221-4100, SouthWestRegionalChamber.org Pittsburgh Airport Area: 412-264-6270, PAACC.com

Ambulance & Emergency Medical Services

SouthBridge EMS: 412-221-5115, SouthBridgeEMS.com

Volunteer Fire Departments in South Fayette

SF/Cuddy, Fairview, Oak Ridge, Sturgeon: SouthFayettePA.com/fire

Police, Fire & Ambulance: 9-1-1

South Fayette Township 2024 Collection Schedule

MISSED PICKUP? Report issues online 24/7:

SouthFAYETTEPA.COM/REQUEST

Trash is collected weekly. Recycling is collected every other week. Bulk collection (furniture, etc.) is the 2nd full week of each month. Collection normally is Thursday or Friday, depending on your street. Pickup is delayed one day when an observed holiday falls during the week prior to your scheduled pickup. All recyclables and trash must be inside the appropriate cart. Do not bag recyclables. Details: SouthFayettePA.com/wm