A developer is asking North Huntingdon to rezone two properties near a Cold War missile launch site to clear the way for 163 upscale duplex and triplex units.
Bob Shuster's RWS Development plans to put the units on 40.8 acres owned by Margaret A. Hettler and 36.7 acres owned by Donald W. Singer on the township's northeast border near a former Nike missile launching site. Township planners heard the proposal detailed for the first time at their meeting Monday.
Shuster said the plan will be designed to attract empty nesters, or retired residents who spend part of the year in Florida.
"It'll have one way in, one way out. It'll be the next best thing to a gated community," he said.
Planning Director Allen Cohen recommended the zoning change because the township is heavy on single-family homes but doesn't have much in the way of "lifestyle housing."
"This meets a need," he said.
The homes RWS plans to build on the Hettler/Singer properties will cost in the $220,000 range. Part of the Hettler property located in Manor will not be developed.
The former Nike Site property -- dubbed the PI-36 missile site during the 1960s -- was one of the 13 sites protecting Pittsburgh from an enemy attack. In recent years, the site was used by township police as a training ground. The PI-37 site was located in Herminie.
The 19-acre parcel containing the missile launch pads was sold last year by the Army to Eugene Hankey Jr. and Lori Williams, who are building a home there.
In other business, the commission tabled an application for the construction of two additional buildings at the Banco Industrial Park, 1061 Main St. The plan includes constructing office buildings of 63,000 square feet and 5,000 square feet covering 7 acres.
Developer Michael Banda said he will fine-tune the stormwater and drafting issues that led to tabling the plan.
