Open Letter: Local Government & the Regent Square GetGo Possibility

Dear Neighbors,

As a local governing body, Edgewood Council has to work within Edgewood ordinances, the borough code, and state and federal laws. 

The business transaction between and —or any other company—is a private business transaction. The provisions regarding the sale will not come before Council. The property is in the D-6 zoning district within Edgewood. Any changes in structure or use after the sale will be reviewed by the Edgewood borough code enforcement officer to ascertain compliance with the borough ordinances. Edgewood ordinances can be found on the borough’s website.

If the changes and modifications are not compliant with the ordinance, the code enforcement officer will deny issuance of a building or occupancy permit. The new owner could then appeal the code enforcement officer’s decision or request a variance before the zoning hearing board. The zoning hearing board would examine the plans, looking at safety and whether the specifications meet the standards within the ordinance for Zoning District D-6. The zoning hearings are advertised.

The zoning hearing board will then issue a decision to either grant or deny the appeal or the variance. If council doesn’t agree with the zoning hearing board decision, an appeal would go before the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County.

The zoning hearing board is independent from council. Members are Edgewood residents who are appointed by council to serve. Council is very thoughtful in appointments to the Edgewood commissions and boards because council members rely on their advice and recommendations as part of their discernment on an issue.  

We are fortunate to have resident volunteers who work in the areas of planning, architecture, real estate and the law. All offer up their time and talents through dedicated service to the community of Edgewood. 

Edgewood borough council meets beginning at 7:30 p.m. the first and third Monday of the month. Council committees meet the second and fourth Mondays as needed and are posted on the website and advertised if there is a meeting as the committee of the whole. Board and commission vacancies are posted on the borough website.

Patricia Schaefer

Edgewood Council President