Upper St. Clair Approves First Phase of Bedner Estates

Upper St. Clair commissioners approved the first phase of the Bedner Estates, but the number of homes that can be built will be reduced because of restrictions to the connection to Main Street in Bridgeville.

The first phase of the project includes 25 lots on Diamond and Sapphire courts that will be built by Heartland Homes. The other part of the first phase also includes 21 lots for Thomas Homes.

However, township officials said there is a “trigger point” in which the developers can only build a combined total of 30 homes in the phase if the Main Street entrance to Bridgeville isn’t available. And with no in that area, the developers will likely have to negotiate whose plans will be whittled down so the two phases allow for only 30 permits.

That’s because there are concerns about the amount of traffic pouring onto Cook School Road without an alternate exit. Both Bridgeville and Upper St. Clair residents raised concerns about the traffic from the plan and warned or congestion and other problems if the phase is built.

Eric Schmidt, who lives on Ridge Road in Bridgeville, said his borough is looking at ways to slow traffic and will continue to investigate ways to curb the number of cars traveling through their neighborhoods.

“You can build anything you want on your side of the border, but just control your traffic,” Schmidt said. “We’re going to do all we can to limit traffic through those residential roads (in Bridgeville). You need to put in the right steps to control your traffic."

The biggest contention is still the Main Street connector. Without that, the scope of the development must be scaled back drastically.

Upper St. Clair Board of Commissioners President Robert Orchowski said he hopes both sides can work together without animosity.

“I really hope we can continue the constructive relationship,” Orchowski said. “I don’t see any issues with our relationship.”

The one phase with 21 lots by Thomas Homes was approved unanimously. However, Heartland Home’s phase with 25 lots passed with one dissenting vote by Commissioner Mark Christie, who raised issues with the modifications.

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