Aspinwall officials postpone vote to advertise controversial ordinance

A controversial ordinance limiting outdoor business activities in Aspinwall has been put on hold until September.

Borough officials had planned to advertise what has been called the “hours of operation” ordinance at Wednesday night’s meeting.

However, council President Tim McLaughlin announced they would not be taking action that evening as two members were not in attendance and more discussion was needed.

Council members Jeff Harris and Heth Turnquist were absent.

“At the agenda meeting last week there were some things that were brought up that we felt still needed to be discussed as a group,” McLaughlin said. “We have found through this process that the community has a lot of feelings about this proposed ordinance. Both Mr. Harris and Mr. Turnquist had some really good feedback. There was going to be some additional discussion.”

Issues to be discussed included people at a business going out for a smoke or to get some air in the evening, and possible permits for special events such as bachelor or bachelorette parties.

No one in the audience Wednesday night commented on the ordinance.

None of the regulations released in the draft ordinance in July have changed.

It prohibits all outdoor business, commercial and trading activities from 10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and from midnight to 7 a.m. Friday through Saturday.

The ordinance stemmed from talks about two years ago with the planning commission.

That discussion focused on ordinances that moderated noise in the borough and delivery hours.

McLaughlin said the Aspinwall Chamber of Commerce and borough business owners were made aware of the ordinance.

More discussion is expected at council’s Sept. 7 work session with a likely vote to advertise the ordinance Sept. 14.

Its formal adoption would not take place until at least October.

McLaughlin said it is important to have all council members on record with their vote on this issue.

“This is something new,” he said. “It’s not even on the books. Another month isn’t going to hurt anybody. If we’re going to do it, we’re going to do it right.”