Developers Plan New Robinson Townhomes

Developers have unveiled plans to construct a new community of high-end townhomes on land off Aiken Road in Robinson Township. 

Property owners requested during a public hearing that 26 acres of land be rezoned by township officials for residential use, including a development of 70 adjoined townhomes grouped in 16 buildings. 

The vacant, partially wooded property, which is located on land near Interstate 79, is now zoned for potential office or commercial space. 

Robinson's Board of Commissioners is expected to vote in July on the rezoning measure before the project can gain approval through the township's planning process. 

The Pittsburgh-based Ryan Homes will construct the development, which will include homes built after its Wexford and Rose Cliff models, both described on Ryan Homes' website as two-story, open-floor plan models. 

The units will be sold to homeowners and are not intended for rental, said property owner Frank Zappala. 

Zappala said a homeowners' association would oversee the development. 

Individual homes in the development are expected to range from 1,900 to 2,200 square feet with a starting price of $195,000.

Zappala said he hopes to begin construction on the project by the end of the year. He said crews are now performing a site inspection and geological study of the property. 

"Robinson has been very good for Ryan Homes," Zappala told board members. "However, it's underserved in terms of residential development, but it's proximity to road systems makes it very marketable."