Once shunned by business types for its negative connotation, "smart growth" has emerged has a possible guiding principle of development for the Route 30 corridor of Unity Township. One manifestation of its newly found popularity may be glimpsed in the new mission statement of the Greater Latrobe Chamber of Commerce. According to the statement, the chamber favors "encouraging ... smart growth for our communities." Chamber President Andy Stofan said smart growth enjoys broad support among chamber board members, who also approved language referencing two more traditional roles for the chamber: The promotion of "a vibrant economic climate in which businesses can prosper" and "encouraging the attraction of new jobs." The two are not incompatible with smart growth, maintained Stofan, who also serves on the Smart Growth Partnership of Westmoreland County. "We never want to see the status quo, we never want to see nothing happening," Stofan said. He argued that smart growth doesn't mean "no growth" but rather "intelligent planning." The smart growth concept might soon be tested as the county's municipal authority moves ahead with plans to install sewer and water lines along a stretch of Route 30 from Mountain View Inn to the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport. The infrastructure is expected to open the land along the highway to new businesses, officials say. Michael O'Barto, Unity Township supervisor, said smart growth principles entail "more green space" and "less clutter" and "utilizing the land as best we can." It also includes, O'Barto said, staying away from the construction of "tall buildings," which may be a particular goal for the Route 30 corridor now under consideration for development, with its as yet unspoiled view, beginning at the traffic light near Mountain View Inn, of the mountains of eastern Westmoreland County. "That is what exactly what (smart growth) is all about," Stofan said of the preservation of that view. The "smart growth" concept has had anything but a smooth ride since it was unveiled in the 1980s, and it still can be controversial. For many, "smart growth" has been associated with the revival of downtowns and traditional neighborhoods at the expense of new suburban shopping and housing developments. At a recent "smart growth summit" at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, the very idea of smart growth caused a shouting match between two of the speakers. Alex Graziani, the executive director of Smart Growth Partnership of Westmoreland County, said he was unaware until recently of the chamber's reference in its new mission statement to smart growth, but he welcomed it nevertheless. "Smart growth is an economic development strategy," Graziani said. A "model" parcel plan for Route 30 development, unveiled last week by Graziani's group, included modifications to the typical suburban-business parking lot; the relocation of buildings to the middle of the parcel; and a proposal for mixed usage of the parcel, including residential use. There is a place for smart growth in the repopulation and revival of older, established communities, such as Latrobe, Graziani said. "The ability to accommodate the automobile will always be important," he said. At the same time, "more on-street parking" could help towns like Latrobe become "pedestrian friendly," which is seen as one way to encourage more downtown shopping.

---

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)

---