Ross Township Officials Propose $1 Deal For Holly Hill Neighbors

A slice of Ross Township property in the Holly Hill neighborhood could be leased indefinitely to two homeowners for $1 each, according to draft agreements that the Ross Board of Commissioners is considering.

The agreements are not yet signed, but the board has reviewed them. Ross Township Manager Wayne Jones said he is waiting for the property owners to show proof that they’ve insured the land and added the township as an insured party and beneficiary. Once that step is taken, the board will conduct a final vote.

The property is at the top of the cliff overlooking John Herb Field behind the Ross Township Municipal Center and was part of the original 22-acre purchase for the center, in 1997, according to Allegheny County property records.

“When they dug into the hillside, that was the piece that was left,” Jones said.

Two homeowners at the top of the cliff thought the property was part of their acreage, Jones said. Lisa and Robert Derbis at 300 Holly Hill Drive added an above-ground swimming pool that is partially on the township land, and Margaret and David Stettner at 302 Holly Drive added a shed.

Jones said the township realized the structures were illegally placed on the government property about a year ago during an unrelated property complaint. Rather than have the structures removed, township officials proposed the lease idea.

“We don’t want to sell the property,” Jones said, adding that the township doesn’t have plans for it. “On the other hand, they’ve been using it and maintaining it.”

It’s not clear how long ago the structures were added. Robert Derbis, who answered a knock at his door Monday, declined to answer questions about the land. A working telephone number for the Stettners could not be found. A knock on their door Monday afternoon went unanswered.

The two leases would remain in place until the properties are sold or transferred to new owners, according to the draft agreements.