Ross Township commissioners on Monday will consider granting preliminary approval for a proposal to tear down the former state liquor store building on Perry Highway to make room for an apartment and retail complex.
Kossman Development Co. want to construct a 4-story apartment complex with 120 units dubbed Perry View Apartments at in the 7900 block of Perry Highway.
The new building will have a pedestrian bridge that connects to a clubhouse and sports court for building residents.
The bridge also will connect to a building housing a self-storage company. Also planned for the site are retail shops, a restaurant and a pharmacy.
The Feb. 11 meeting is for preliminary approval of the project, said Steve Korbel, president of the township board of commissioners.
“If preliminary approval is granted, another public hearing will have to be held before this project can proceed,” he said, adding that the redevelopment plan also has to be considered by the township zoning hearing board.
Developers also will have to meet the township’s requirements for stormwater management, parking, landscaping and the inclusion of features that reduce the project’s impact on surrounding properties, said Commissioner Dan DeMarco, who chairs the township’s planning, zoning and economic development committee.
Korbel said a number of McCandless residents have contacted him to ask whether they will be allowed to comment at Monday’s meeting because the project is so close to the border between the two municipalities.
“Currently, our meeting rules only permit Ross residents and taxpayers to speak at our meetings,” Korbel said.
But residents from outside the township can submit comments to him by email, he said.
“Any comments I get will be shared electronically with the other members of the board so people’s voices are heard,” he said.
Korbel’s email address is: commward2@ross.pa.us.
Tony LaRussa is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tony at 724-772-6368 or tlarussa@tribweb.com or via Twitter @TonyLaRussaTrib.
