New assistant manager to tackle Plum's planning, zoning ordinances

David Soboslay has worked for and with local governments for more than 22 years and now he's employed by Plum, the borough he's called home for 17 years.

“The local government here is really impressive,” said Soboslay, who is assistant manager. “They've got a big budget, planning, public, and finance departments. It's a very big operation and it's run very well.”

Soboslay's job is a consolidation of two previous positions, planning director and zoning director. Borough Manager Mike Thomas said the change will save $50,000 a year.

“Someone with that experience, qualifications, and track record in the community is a no-brainer,” Thomas said of Soboslay. “All of us felt he was the right fit for Plum.”

Soboslay, whose salary is $90,000, will be tasked with sorting through planning and zoning ordinances.

In 1984, Plum meshed together unified development ordinances, zoning ordinances, subdivision ordinances and storm-water ordinances into one large book. What was intended to streamline government has become a tangled mess of laws, Soboslay said.

The borough lacks a book of updates to these laws, and there have been plenty since 1984, Thomas said.

Soboslay must separate the ordinances so they can be updated in records, and he said he also wants to put ordinances online.

He grew up in Squirrel Hill and earned a bachelor's degree in American studies from the University of Dayton and a master's degree in public policy from the University of Pittsburgh.

Soboslay started his public service career as assistant manager in Dormont in July 1993, and focused on zoning and planning laws.

Five years into the job, he started commuting to Dormont from Plum, where he had settled with his wife, Suzanne, and their children, Connor and Shannon.

Soboslay left Dormont in December 2002 to become the manager of Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County, and he worked there for five years.

In November 2008, Soboslay went to work for Delta Development Group, a Mechanicsburg-based consulting group that specializes in community planning and economic development. He also has volunteered with Plum's soccer association.

“He had an almost infinite number of recommendations from other professionals in local government. They all spoke incredibly highly of Dave,” Thomas said.

Soboslay said the position is a great opportunity. “I feel lucky to work with so many great people,” he said.

Luke Torrance is a contributing writer for Trib Total Media.