Plum Town Center, a proposed public/private development on 110 borough-owned acres in the Renton section of Plum, is in the conceptual design phase, intended to establish the project's rough budget, size and scope.
Borough officials are considering creating a one-stop center for government services, recreation and entertainment near the intersection of Old Leechburg and Ross Hollow roads.
It would include the police department, council chambers, an amphitheater, town hall, bike trails, a plaza area and more.
“It's just a wish list right now,” Mayor Rich Hrivnak said. “We'll have to see how everything shakes out. We're in the initial stages of it. We've made good progress so far.”
“That (Renton) site has been planned/designed for municipal operations and some recreational use,” borough Manager Michael Thomas said via email.
“The site of the existing borough building (along New Texas Road) is proposed to be redeveloped commercially.
“We are working with consultants (Massaro Design Services) now to develop a conceptual design for the commercial site (existing borough building) and put together a request for proposals for a potential developer.
“As of right now, I am engaged in discussions with at least one grocery store and a number of other potential businesses such as restaurants and small retail shops. I expect to have a conceptual plan within six to eight weeks. After that point, I will discuss with council the options and have more information on the next steps.”
“The final design could be entirely different and nothing will be established until council reviews and approves a design,” Thomas said.
The project's estimated cost, size and scope were not available.
Hrivnak said residents and borough employees and officials would benefit from a bigger, centralized borough services location.
“I think it's an ideal scenario,” he said.
“The municipal building in and of itself is extremely cramped right now. There's really no room for expansion. ... As we grow we know the current municipal building isn't going to be sufficient.”
The mayor hopes the proposed Renton development does not create a burden on taxpayers and can be paid for with revenue from redeveloping the existing borough building site.
Nina Segelson, Plum Senior Community Center executive director, said she was involved with Plum Town Center discussions years ago, and the proposed development could include a new community center.
“I've just been waiting like everybody else to see what and when (the next update will be),” Segelson said.
“I know there are a lot of things that have to happen with the financing and everything. We really don't know the details.”
The current borough-owned community center at 499 Center New Texas Road was built in 1980.
Segelson said center officials should explore moving if feasible.
“It's an opportunity,” she said. “We'd have to wait and see what all is possible. ... (The existing center) is an older building and we do have issues that need to be taken care of. (The borough's) really taken care of us well and it's a wonderful arrangement. We owe them the courtesy of seeing what's going to take place and cooperate to the best of our ability.”
Discussion of the Plum Town Center proposal is expected at council's July and/or August work sessions.
Michael DiVittorio is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 412-871-2367 or mdivittorio@tribweb.com.
