outh Fayette neighborhoods are more than just places to live. They are communities where neighbors work together and care about each other.
Our residents value their homes beyond dollars and cents, and they take enormous pride in their properties and neighborhoods.
Homeowner associations, or HOAs, are prevalent in the township, and these groups play a pivotal role in building a sense of community, ensuring high standards and contributing to quality of life.
This issue of South Fayette Connect highlights homeowner associations and the efforts of HOA members to share resources and identify partnership opportunities.
The first meeting of the Homeowner Association Leadership Forum is set for May (details on page 5). This newly formed consortium of HOA board members seeks to meet periodically to exchange best practices and discuss concerns to ensure their neighborhoods are successful.
Cooperation among HOAs—and between HOAs and local government— strengthens the fabric of our community. As homeowner groups build a collective perspective, the township will be able to better allocate resources that support neighborhoods. For example, we could work to improve traffic flow, enhance park facilities or address stormwater concerns.
By aligning our goals and working in tandem with HOAs, we can more effectively serve residents and create a stronger, more connected South Fayette.
We look forward to building this future together.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Chuck Lazzini, President
Tim Postufka, Vice President
Mark Hondru
Leigh Ann Oravecz
Rebecca Sray
TOWNSHIP MANAGER
John M. Barrett
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Andrea Iglar
ART DIRECTOR
Andrea Iglar
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Andrea Iglar
Recreation & Library Ads
Ian McNeill
Paula Willis
Kristen Bagwell
CONTRIBUTORS
Harry Funk
Abbey Scheerer
Sarah Alessio Shea
South Fayette Connect is a free magazine published and distributed quarterly by South Fayette Township for the benefit of the public. The magazine is a nonprofit source of information aimed at connecting people with local government and fostering a strong sense of community identity and pride.
If your delivery is missed, please inform your postal carrier. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the editor. © Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.
South Fayette Connect offers advertisements in exchange for sponsorship of certain community events and programs. Contact the magazine editor or visit SouthFayettePA.com/ads
CONNECT WITH US
SouthFayettePA.com/magazine magazine@sftwp.com; 412-221-8700, ext. 231 South Fayette Township, Allegheny County PA
Heeter
Nathan Neal took the oath of office in February as the newest officer of the South Fayette Township Police Department. He graduated in January from the Allegheny County Police Academy. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army and serves in the Army Reserve.
Ask questions and share comments with South Fayette Township police chief John Phoennik at 7 p.m. Wed. May 21 at Dunkin' in South Fayette, 179 Millers Run Road. The event is free, and refreshments are provided.
Hauler WM will hold a curbside leaf and yard waste collection Sat. May 3 in South Fayette. The night before pickup, place leaves and other yard waste at the curb in biodegradable paper bags no heavier than 25 pounds each. Yard waste may include leaves, hedge/tree/garden trimmings, brush, lawn edgings and grass clippings. Households that normally receive curbside waste collection are eligible. Report missed pickups at southfayettepa.com/request.
Drop off TVs, computers and other electronics for recycling from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat. May 3 at the Original Farmers Market, 151 Parks Road in South Fayette. The service is free, except items containing refrigerant are $25 each. Details: southfayettepa.com/tv.
Earth Cleanup Week is April 28–May 2 in South Fayette Township. Residents and businesses are encouraged to clean up litter in neighborhoods and parks. Supplies will be available at the Municipal Center starting Mon. April 28. To inquire, contact recreation coordinator Ian McNeill: 412-221-8700 ext. 222; southfayettepa.com/earth.
Monthly meetings of the South Fayette Township Board of Commissioners, Planning Commission, and Parks and Recreation Board are recorded and posted on YouTube. To view on demand, visit the township's channel at youtube.com/@southfayettepa and navigate to the desired playlist.
The fire departments in South Fayette remind residents to clean out dryer vents this spring. While you should regularly empty your lint trap, some lint also collects in the ductwork that carries the exhaust outside. This buildup can block the exhaust and lead to a fire.
The South Fayette Township Board of Commissioners recognized two South Fayette High School students this spring for earning the rank of Eagle Scout with BSA Troop 834.
Always call 811 at least three business days before you dig. April is Safe Digging Month, an initiative of the notification system aimed at protecting people and underground utilities when contractors or homeowners need to dig in the ground. Details: paonecall.org.
Below left: Andre Rondon built a curved retaining wall and expanded the area around a fire pit at the Scott Conservancy's Kane Woods. His parents are Viviane and Brent Rondon.
Below right: Nicholas Geib built a musical instrument storage rack for about 25 ukuleles at South Fayette Middle School. His parents are Mary and Steve Geib.
ver the past 10 years, Paula Willis has expanded the parks, programs and community events in South Fayette as the township's award-winning Parks and Recreation Director. "Seeing people enjoy the parks, and being part of creating that, is really rewarding," she says.
Grew up Peters; lives in Cecil Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Management, with tourism minor, from Kent State University; holds Certified Parks and Recreation Professional designation
Family: Husband, Zach; son, Cooper, 5
Pets: Dogs Willie and Dolly
Hobbies: Skiing, boating, spending time at Conneaut Lake
Activities: Serves on Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society board of directors; formerly played and coached lacrosse
First Job: Working for her family business, Simmons Farm, in Peters
First Car: Hyundai Sonata, green
Favorite Food: Gnocchi
Favorite Movie: "Grease"
Bucket List: Visit all 63 National Parks (she has logged 16 so far)
Best Quality of South Fayette: "Our volunteers. It's ingrained in the students and adults to give back to their community and get involved."
Fun Fact: Paula went skydiving for her 18th birthday.
A homeowner association is a legally recognized, nonprofit entity with automatic, mandatory membership for its homeowners. A developer or a group of property owners creates an HOA.
Most planned communities in South Fayette Township operate under a homeowner association (HOA), community services association (CSA) or similar organization that aims to preserve neighborhood characteristics and enrich property values.
Homeowner groups usually assess dues to pay for operations and maintenance of shared property. Members must comply with their HOA’s rules and standards, which are established when the homes are purchased.
Active homeowner associations enforce their own rules on their own property. South Fayette Township, the local government, is unable to enforce private HOA rules. However, the township can enforce its own laws and regulations within neighborhoods that have an HOA.
Here are answers to some questions that homeowner groups frequently ask:
Who maintains the roads in my neighborhood?
South Fayette Township maintains only public roads. Streets in a new housing plan are privately owned and maintained by the developer or HOA until they are completely built to construction standards and accepted by the township as public streets.
Contact your homeowner association before acquiring building or zoning permits through South Fayette Township to ensure you are meeting HOA-specific guidelines and regulations. Your HOA likely will want a copy of your building permit once it is issued by the township building inspector. You can find more information about permit requirements at southfayettepa.com/building.
Neighborhood gatherings are a great way for neighbors to meet and connect. To temporarily close a road for pedestrians during a block party, the homeowner group must contact public safety personnel—police, fire and ambulance— at least two weeks in advance for approval. Roads must remain accessible in case of emergency, so any barricades must be readily movable.
Can I park on the street?
To leave vehicles on the street overnight where parking hours are regulated, residents must request permission in advance from the South Fayette Township Police Department by calling the business office at 412-221-2170 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How can HOAs help build a strong community?
Homeowner associations can help build a sense of community in housing developments, share information with neighbors and play a vital role in resolving property disputes. Wellfunctioning HOAs can be a great asset to the township as a whole.
Should I contact my HOA or the township about issues?
If you have a question or problem within your neighborhood, please check with your homeowner group first.
Stay connected with news that affects your neighborhood! Update your HOA contact information with the township by visiting southfayettepa.com/rollcall.
Abbey Scheerer is an administrative assistant with South Fayette Township.
Homeowner group board leaders are invited to the first meeting of a community-wide HOA alliance.
THURSDAY, MAY 29 @ 7 PM
LAFAYETTE ROOM
SOUTH FAYETTE TWP MUNICIPAL CTR
100 TOWNSHIP DRIVE 15017
We aim to establish a consortium of HOA presidents and board members for ongoing discussion and information exchange on topics such as:
Management companies
Resident fees
Board structure and operations ... and more
This is your chance to join with fellow South Fayette neighborhoods to make your HOA more successful.
Hastings Neighborhood Association
Year Incorporated: 2017
Management Company:
Rj Community Management of Ross
Number of Homes: 434 (approx. 347 built & 87 planned)
Home Types: 152 single-family; 282 attached (townhouse and carriage)
Years Built: 2017 to present
Developer: Charter Homes & Neighborhoods
Web: charterhomes.com/hastings
Streets: 40 streets and alleys, including Hastings Crescent and Hastings Park Drive
Location: Former Mayview State Hospital site along Mayview Road
Issues of Interest: Roads; stormwater and ponds; township regulations and ordinances
Amenities: Crossroads business district, walking and biking trails, community green, natural playground, fitness center
Fun Fact: Hastings has more than 500 street trees. Sycamore Lane is lined with towering
By Andrea Iglar
Eight years after construction began at Hastings in South Fayette, residents assumed leadership of their homeowner association.
Three officers of the Hastings Neighborhood Association have taken on a huge workload since December, as they have shifted from the developercontrolled group to a residentled homeowner association, or HOA.
The leaders have been reviewing practices, seeking community input and establishing priorities.
“There’s a big learning curve,” vice president Pat Findle said. “We need to build a good foundation for other folks because we’re not going to be doing it forever.”
contracts and securing services, such as landscaping and snow removal, that provide the best value.
The key to future decisions, such as how to set homeowner fee rates, will be a study of how much money the group should keep in reserve.
Bill Kulp, the president, said the board members are making adjustments that focus on benefiting homeowners rather than the developer. To that end, they have formed committees and issued a survey to assess the neighborhood’s wants and needs.
“We will be compiling the results and trying to then prioritize what we’re working on based on what our residents think is important,” Kulp said. “We’re trying to be radically transparent and open about what we’re doing.”
Part of the process has been reviewing
▲ A decorative stone compass is tucked into the grass next to a natural playground in Hastings.
◀ More than half of the homes in Hastings are attached units.
“We want the right amount of fees to be able to pay our bills every year and to be able to provide what the community wants,” secretary Pam Tracy said.
The Hastings board members plan to participate in the first townshipwide Homeowner Association Leadership Forum on May 29 at the South Fayette Township Municipal Center.
The group—founded by HOA officers from The Berkshires, Parkes Farm Estates and Hastings—hope to meet periodically to exchange information and share experiences.
The event is open to South Fayette homeowner association board members and requires advance registration with Lawrence Tomei, president of the Berkshires HOA (email berkshiredirectors@ gmail.com).
The Hastings board members said topics that would be helpful to discuss among HOAs include management
Neighborhood
from a developer-led to a resident-led homeowner association as the Hastings development in South Fayette nears completion. Standing on the Hastings Green in March are vice president Pat Findle, left, president Bill Kulp and his dog, Rosie, and secretary Pam
companies, dues, contracted services, insurance, parking and amenities provided.
As a new association, Hastings would benefit from hearing the experiences of more established neighborhoods, Findle said.
“They may have some wisdom for us,” he said.
The final phase of construction is under way in Hastings, along Mayview Road. Once complete, the residential development will be one of the largest in South Fayette, with an expected 434 singlefamily and attached homes, plus 16 apartments above businesses.
The HOA is responsible for maintaining common property such as green space, street trees, playgrounds, sidewalks, trails, alleys and a fitness center.
The neighborhood also includes a business district, and the Hastings HOA must maintain the roofs and exteriors of the commercial buildings, plus provide snow removal for the businesses. (The developer, Charter Homes & Neighborhoods, leases the interiors to businesses.)
The walkability of Hastings has attracted many homeowners. Sidewalks and trails wind through the neighborhood for recreation, dog walking and business access.
Hastings is tucked into the U-shaped bend of Chartiers Creek and is adjacent to more than 750 acres of green space in the Wingfield Pines preserve, Upper St. Clair’s Boyce Mayview Park and South Fayette’s Fairview Park.
Kulp and his dog, Rosie, sometimes visit Bark Park at Fairview Park, and he takes his grandchildren to the splash pad.
Meanwhile, the mix of home types—single-family, townhouse, carriage home and apartment—has drawn a healthy mix of people at different stages of life, “which makes it lively,” Kulp said.
While living in a new neighborhood presents challenges to the homeowner association, it is a plus when it comes to socializing and building a sense of community.
“Everybody that moves in here is new,” Findle said, “so everyone instinctively wants to meet new people.”
By Sarah Alessio Shea
Take a quick look around your house, and you may discover as much as 100 pounds of household hazardous waste in your basement, garage and storage closets.
Surprised? Don’t be—you’re not alone.
An average home easily accumulates cleaners, car batteries, motor oils, paints, stains and varnishes, pesticides and other products containing hazardous components, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The good news is you can pack up unwanted household chemicals and drop them off at an upcoming drivethru collection hosted by the nonprofit Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC).
While hazardous products are safe to use if you take the proper precautions, problems arise when you use or dispose of them improperly.
Clean rivers and streams are invaluable to recreation, commerce and aquatic life. But products poured down the drain or into your yard may become a permanent part of the ecosystem. Heavy rains carry contaminants into waterways, where they become dangerous to plant, animal and human life.
PRC and partners host events to safely, cost-effectively dispose of common household chemicals.
$20 Saturdays 9 AM to 1 PM
May 3 @ North Park
Aug. 16 @ Boyce Park
Sept. 6 @ South Park Register
electronic cigarettes/ vapes, gasoline and kerosene, household cleaners, mercury thermometers, paint products, pesticides/garden chemicals, photo chemicals and pool chemicals. Loads exceeding 10 gallons/50 pounds will be subject to additional fees at the discretion of onsite staff.
▲ A volunteer unloads paint cans from a vehicle during a household hazardous waste collection with Pennsylvania Resources Council. Load your car trunk or truck bed with unwanted household chemicals and take them to an upcoming collection event for safe disposal. Register at prc.org/collectionevents or call 412-488-7490. (Submitted photo)
Since 2003, PRC has facilitated safe disposal of more than 7 million pounds of hazardous chemicals from 80,000 households.
Upcoming household hazardous chemical collections include:
• Sat. May 3—9 am to 1 pm, North Park
• Sat. Aug. 16—9 am to 1 pm, Boyce Park
• Sat. Sept. 6—9 am to 1 pm, South Park
Participants must register in advance by visiting prc.org/collectionevents or calling 412-488-7490.
A $20 fee will cover the cost of disposing up to 10 gallons, or 50 pounds, of aerosol cans, automotive fluids, chemistry sets,
Other fees are $12 per fire extinguisher and $15 per pound of liquid mercury.
Identify household hazardous materials by looking for these words on product labels: caution, toxic, danger, flammable, warning, corrosive, explosive, reactive, combustible, poisonous or hazardous.
You typically will find household chemicals in five areas of your home:
• Kitchen (oven cleaner, bleach, ammonia, floor cleaner)
• Bathroom (toilet bowl cleaner, drain cleaner, hair color, mercury thermometers)
• Garage (oil, antifreeze, gasoline)
• Workshop (oil-based paint, paint thinner, glue)
• Garden shed (weed killers, pesticides, insecticides)
Find examples of household hazardous waste at prc.org/hhw-guide. Check the collection schedule at prc.org/ collectionevents
Sarah Alessio Shea is deputy director of Pennsylvania Resources Council, a statewide environmental nonprofit focused on reducing waste: prc.org.
Hazardous Waste in the Home: Safe & Healthy Guide
By Andrea Iglar
A road paving and rejuvenation program set for South Fayette this year involves 10 streets. Work is expected to start this spring and be complete by early July.
Shields Asphalt Paving of Richland will conduct milling and asphalt paving on about 2.4 miles of Hickory Grade Road, Millers Run Road Ext, Mohawk Road and Sygan Road.
The $1 million project also includes a third-mile of guardrail replacement along Mohawk Road.
In addition, Pavement Technology, Inc., of Westlake, Ohio, will complete a $50,000 asphalt rejuvenation project on 2.2 miles of roadway in the neighborhoods of Wood Creek, Hickory Heights and The Fairways at Hickory Heights.
Rejuvenation is a cost-effective way to extend the life of newer pavement. The roads on the rejuvenation list were paved in 2023.
Prior to road work, contractors will notify residents and post no-parking signs.
For the main milling and paving program, Shields was the lowest responsible bidder of four companies.
The multistep paving process takes about two to four weeks on each street, depending on weather and the road surface.
The first step is to mill, or grind off, about 3½ inches of the top pavement. About a week later, a 2-inch asphalt binder course is applied. Finally, the roadway is topped with a 1½-inch layer of asphalt wearing course.
The resulting pavement may last up to 15 years, depending on traffic volume, water drainage, underlying soils and other factors.
Inspectors from Gibson-Thomas Engineering Co., Inc. will oversee the project. Prior to paving, the firm will document existing conditions.
Roads on paving list
Hickory Grade Road (from Old Pond Road to Pine Valley Drive)
Millers Run Road Extension
Mohawk Road
Sygan Road (from Oakridge Road to first bend)
Streets on rejuvenation list
Augusta Drive
Birch Court
Cypress Court
Hickory Heights Drive
After paving, the contractor will restore
Township Public Works is completing road repairs and storm inlet work to prepare
The paving plan was based on a five-year data from RoadBotics, which uses artificial intelligence to assess video footage of roads.
information to account for efficiency, cost-
Any of the listed streets that cannot be completed this year, due to weather or other
The South Fayette Township Public Works Department completes road maintenance projects throughout the year. For example, crews:
Trim overgrown trees and vegetation along roads and rights-of-way
Inspect, clean, repair and improve stormwater systems
Install road signs
Construct and install stormwater management facilities
Replace guardrails
Patch potholes
Seal pavement cracks
Paint lines
Remediate landslides
Sweep streets
Maple Court
Pine Valley Drive
Woodcreek Drive
Other work
Mohawk Road guardrail replacement
South Fayette Citizens Police Academy participants had a handson lesson in April about less-lethal weapons.
South Fayette Township police Sgt. Bryan Monyak guided Joan Kelly (pictured) and other adults in the use of a 40-millimeter tactical launcher for less-lethal ammunition, as well as a Taser X26P and a PepperBall gun for discharging an irritant.
Less-lethal weapons may be used in certain serious scenarios instead of a gun to reduce or eliminate the chance of serious harm or death.
Police Chief John Phoennik said officers must decide what level of force is necessary to control
a situation and make an arrest. Levels of force may range from a uniformed presence or verbal de-escalation, to physical force or weapon use.
“Less lethal equipment gives us another option in the useof-force continuum to keep our officers and the public safe,” he said.
The police department held its first-ever educational academy for residents this spring. The 8-week program will be offered annually.
Other topics included crime scene investigations, K9s, first aid/ CPR, virtual officer training and more.
—Text
PRT is improving transit for every rider. We’re adding QR codes to bus signs so you’ll know when your bus will arrive. We’re making it easier to get on board with our mobile ticketing app. And, we’re investing in all electric buses to help reduce emissions today-to help improve air quality tomorrow. Yes, PRT is making changes. But more importantly, we’re making a difference.
The Bridgeville-South Fayette Rotary Club donated 25 comfort bags to the South Fayette and Bridgeville police departments in March.
The bags are stocked with necessities to help people who need alternative shelter due to an accident, abuse, fire or other difficult situation.
John Phoennik, chief of the South Fayette Township Police Department, said officers will stock each police car with a bag.
“This is going to go a long way to help those in need or in crisis situations to ease that shock they go through,” Phoennik said. “We see it every day, and it’s appreciated that you would reach out to us and do this.”
Rotary president Bill Paviol said the service group gathered donations and assembled bags with blankets, towels, toiletries, water bottles, snacks, stuffed animals and other items to comfort families in need.
“The community came together in full force with personal items donated, and monetary donations as well, to make this a huge success,” Paviol said.
The club will create additional bags if needed.
Bridgeville-South Fayette Rotary Club: bridgeville-sfrotary.org
—Text & photo by Andrea Iglar
▲ South Fayette Township police chief John Phoennik, left, accepts a comfort bag donation from Bridgeville-South Fayette Rotary Club member Annette Kirkpatrick, middle, and president Bill Paviol during a club meeting in March. The bags contain supplies to help people during emergencies.
South Fayette Township Public Works crews are buzzing with activity at Morgan Park this spring.
▼ Trenton Delaney drags an infield at Morgan Park in March.
▼ Alan Desmet, left, and Jeff Vock install safety bollards in front of the Morgan Park shelter in March. Workers also added stormwater management at the shelter.
South Fayette Township Public Works has installed community identity signs at 10 entry points and major intersections, including at Union Avenue and Battle Ridge Road (pictured). The ID signs were designed to match the signs at township parks, such as Fairview Park and Preservation Park, to reinforce branding, community pride and navigation. Built to proper highway specifications, the signs were purchased and delivered prior to the coronavirus pandemic and installed this spring.
—Text & photo by Andrea Iglar
By Andrea Iglar
Originally a financial service for airline employees, Clearview Federal Credit Union today serves dozens of communities across the Pittsburgh region.
Clearview’s 24th financial center has opened in South Fayette Township at the former King’s restaurant site on Washington Pike. The new building also will include a dental office.
About 50 community members, government representatives and business leaders attended the Clearview ribbon cutting on
March 17—eight years after King’s closed.
“We are happy you’re here,” Township Manager John M. Barrett said.
Clearview is a not-for-profit, federally insured financial cooperative with more than 128,000 members. Because credit unions are owned by members rather than shareholders, strong business performance can yield members benefits such as lower interest rates on loans and higher rates on investments.
and CEO
and board
Submitted photos
“When we open an office in the area, it’s not just because we want to secure business,” president and CEO Lisa Florian said. “We become part of the community and part of the neighborhood.”
The 3,900-square-foot center—one of Clearview’s largest in recent years—offers personal and business banking, loans, mortgages and other services. Amenities include a drive-thru, video teller machines and 24-hour ATMs.
Jennifer Howard, financial center manager, said South Fayette staff opened about 100 accounts in the first month.
“It’s a nice, convenient spot for the local community,” she said.
Clearview’s regional roots reach back 72 years. In 1953, airline employees launched Allegheny Airlines Federal Credit Union. It later evolved to USAir (and then US Airways) Federal Credit Union.
In 2004, when USAir left the region, the credit union changed its name to Clearview and its charter to a communitybased one.
Erin Forrester, assistant vice president of public relations and community engagement, said Clearview has enjoyed extensive retail growth, aligning with the ongoing development in South Fayette.
“Finding this location just made sense for us,” she said. “We’re excited to be a part of this community.”
Clearview FCU: 3049 Washington Pike, South Fayette: 412-507-5293; Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn; clearviewfcu.org.
By Andrea Iglar
Dinosaurs were the theme of the week at Chartiers St. Daycare + TWO in South Fayette Township.
In early March, kids read picture books of dinosaurs, dug for fossils and enjoyed other age-appropriate activities centered on the prehistoric animals.
Day care director Maria Wisniewski, a South Fayette resident, said she develops a themed curriculum for each week to educate children while they play.
“I love the light bulb moments,” she said. “Seeing children learn is my main focus.”
Anita Foor and her husband, Ron Foor, opened the South Fayette center in October as an expansion of their home-based Chartiers St. Daycare in neighboring Bridgeville.
They have been in business for more than three decades.
The South Fayette building—on Millers Run Road near the intersection with Cecil-Sturgeon Road—had served as a day care under previous ownership.
The center accommodates up to 38 children, including infants, toddlers and pre-kindergartners.
The day care is accepting new clients.
“Medium to small day cares can continue the love, care and education that parents and guardians have started at home,” Anita Foor said in a written statement.
Hours are Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. South Fayette School District buses can drop off and pick up children from the day care.
Wisniewski said the center focuses on kids learning but also having fun—“which is their favorite thing to do.”
Chartiers St. Daycare + TWO, 804 Millers Run Road, South Fayette: 412-914-8438; Facebook.
By Andrea Iglar
South Fayette Parks and Recreation hosted a stroll on the Panhandle Trail in June 2023 to mark the American Hiking Society's National Trails Day. Participants met at the Sturgeon trail station (right) and enjoyed a stretch of the trail in South Fayette, which has a crushed limestone surface. The township plans to pave its portion of the trail with help from a state grant.
Photos by Andrea Iglar
Agrant will pave the way for trail users in South Fayette.
The township has secured a $130,000 grant to help pave more than 2 miles of the Panhandle Trail that lie within the South Fayette borders.
The grant comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development Multimodal Transportation Fund.
The South Fayette trail surface is crushed limestone, with some uneven and washed-out areas. Trail repair and asphalt paving will start at the McDonald border and move through Sturgeon, toward Oakdale. The township will pave as much as possible, depending on total cost and funding available.
Paula Willis, the township parks and recreation director, said work could occur as early as fall 2025 or spring 2026.
“This project will improve safety for recreational trail users and enhance a popular regional amenity,” Willis said.
Activities on the 10-foot-wide trail include biking, walking, running, skating and using assistive mobility devices. Motorized vehicles are prohibited.
The 29-mile Panhandle Trail—a converted railroad line—stretches from Collier Township to just outside Weirton, West Virginia. It is part of the 3,700-mile Great American Rail-Trail, a crosscountry route that eventually will span from Washington, D.C., to Washington State.
A total of 2.73 miles are in South Fayette, between mile markers 3.04 and 6.49, including trailheads in the Sturgeon neighborhood and at Mill Street/Scotch Hill Road.
The South Fayette stretch lies between McDonald and Collier, with North Fayette and Oakdale portions interspersed. South Fayette Township maintains the trail within its borders, but Allegheny County owns it.
“The project will result in consistent, smooth
and safe paving through Washington County, McDonald and South Fayette," Willis said.
Tim Downey Jr., president of the Collier Friends of the Panhandle Trail, said activity on the Collier portion of the trail—which is crushed limestone—averages 407 uses per day, with a summer peak of more than 600.
“The trail is very popular,” he wrote in a grant support letter. “Resurfacing would be beneficial to all.”
The township’s 2024 Active Transportation Plan prioritized Panhandle Trail improvements to support non-vehicular movement and connectivity.
In a public survey for the plan, 69% of respondents said trails and sidewalks are very important to quality of life in South Fayette, and 47% said existing trails need to be improved.
Willis said in addition to the paving, the township is seeking funding to enhance trailheads, crossings and amenities.
Volunteers support the trail, too.
An Eagle Scout replaced a broken bench at the Mill Street crossing and added three benches between Mill Street and Sturgeon.
A volunteer will plant canna lilies in flower boxes this spring, and a resident will install a Little Free Library on her trailside property in Sturgeon.
The nonprofit Allegheny Land Trust recently conserved 160 acres of woodlands bordering parts of Marshall Road, Scotch Hill Road and Robinson Run Road in the Panhandle Trail corridor.
The $1.2 million acquisition was part of the Panhandle Greenway Conservation Project, which also includes 90 acres in neighboring Collier.
South Fayette Township trail and park information: southfayettepa.com/parks.
JUNE 9 - AUGUST 9
Summer Kickoff
Saturday, June 7
Featuring Iceman Reptiles @ 10:30am Plus: Free Snacks, Crafts, & Giveaways!
REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 27
Author Talks Paint Pouring Forest Bathing AND MUCH MORE! Programs for all ages!
TEENS
Brain Games
Teen Café Teen Zine Creators
ADULTS
southfayettelibrary.org/summer
What if we all got together and read just one story?
by Anna Johnston
ZOOM with Author Anna Johnston ZOOM with Author Anna Johnston KIDS Programs for Toddlers, Preschoolers, & School-age
Ocean Trading Cards for Children • Bookopoly for Teens & Adults!
Thursday, May 29 @ 11:00am & 7:00pm
southfayettelibrary.org/oboc
Thursday, June 12 @ 7:00pm
2:15
PARKS & RECREATION
SPRING
MAY 10
SATURDAY
11:00 AM3:00PM
SUNDAY
MAY 18
12:30PM2:30PM
THURS. MAY 1 & MAY 15
5 PM6:30PM
SAT. JUNE 14AUG. 9 9AM11:30AM
THURS. JULY 17
7:00PM8:00PM
TUES. JUNE 17 AUG. 26
6:30 PM8:45 PM
WED. JULY 16
6 PM7 PM
TUES. AUGUST 12
6 PM7 PM
WED. JUNE 25
6 PM7 PM
WED. JUNE 4AUG. 27
MORNING: 9AM-11:30AM EVENING: 5PM- 7:30PM
MONDAYS
6 PM-7 PM
Mother & Daughter Workshop with powerful conversation, vendors & fun photo shoot!
Presented by GossBoss
Ages 9-15 w/Mother/Guardian, $255/pair South Fayette Municipal Center
WITCHES OF OZ TEA PARTY
Ages 5-15, $40/pp, Ages 16+ $45/pp
Includes Lunch & Entertainment
South Fayette Senior Center
MAD SCIENCE
Ages 6-12, $28/class
May 1, Walloping Weather
May 15, Detective Science
South Fayette Senior Center
Various levels for Ages 5-16
Residents $150; Non-Residents $160 Fairview Park
*Time slots vary per age
Presented by Allegheny County Park Rangers
Ages 5-12, $5 per child
South Fayette Municipal Center
Ages 7 to adult
$5 per group of 2-6 South Fayette Municipal Center
ORTHOPEDICS & AGING
Adult Summer Speaker Series w/ St. Clair Health
Free Admission, Registration Required South Fayette Municipal Center
BIRDS & CONSERVATION
Adult Summer Speaker Series w/ National Aviary
Free Admission, Registration Required South Fayette Municipal Center
PROTECT AGAINST FRAUD & SCAMS
Adult Summer Speaker Series w/ Washington Financial Bank Free Admission, Registration Required South Fayette Municipal Center
ADULT PICKLE BALL
Ages 18+
Residents $120/6-week session
Non-Residents $132/6-week session Morgan Park
ADULT YOGA
Ages 18+; $12 per class
Sturgeon Vol. Fire Department
Discover how life adapts to varying conditions all over the globe & see how animals overcome obstacles & find opportunities in difficult environments.
M-F, June 16 - June 20; 9 am - 12 pm @ South Fayette Municipal Ctr Ages 6 - 12, $160/person
Weekly instructional & engaging youth soccer camp focusing on developing soccer skills, character building and fun!
Wednesdays, June 4 - July 23; @ Boys Home Park Age groups for 2 - 8; times and prices vary
Interactive, hands-on art camp that brings out creativity while building self-confidence through daily art creations & expressions.
M-F, June 23 - June 27; 9:30 am - 12:30 pm @ Fairview Park Grades K - 3, $160/person
Weekly lacrosse camp focusing on fundamental lacrosse skills, fun & non-competitive games, while building confidence and excitement for the sport.
Tuesdays, June 10 - July 22 @ Boys Home Park; $115/person Ages 4 - 7 @ 5:45 pm - 6:45 pm; Ages 8 - 12 @ 6:45 pm - 7:45 pm
Learn essential skills of entrepreneurship and website design, plus the fundamentals of business ideas, budgeting, planning and more.
M-F, July 7 - July 11; 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm @ South Fayette Municipal Ctr Ages 9 - 13, $160/person
We truly value our place in the South Fayette community and strive to make a positive impact in all the areas we serve. We invite you to stop by and see why we are the bank that gets you. Presenting Sponsor
MISSED PICKUP?
SouthFayettePA.com /request
Thurs. May 1
Fri. May 2
Trash Collection Recycling
Sat. May 3: Leaf & Yard Waste Collection
Thurs. May 8
Fri. May 9
Trash Collection
Thurs. May 15
Fri. May 16
Trash Collection
Bulk Collection Recycling
Thurs. May 22
Fri. May 23
Trash Collection
Fri. May 30
Sat. May 31
Trash Collection Recycling
Garbage is collected weekly and recycling every 2 weeks. Do not bag recyclables. Place bins at the curb before 6 AM on pickup day. Bulk collection is the 2nd full week of each month. If an observed holiday falls during the week before your pickup day, collection is delayed one day.
Waste Management wm.com ◆ 1-800-866-4460
Thurs. June 5
Fri. June 6
Trash Collection
Thurs. June 12
Fri. June 13
Trash Collection Bulk Collection Recycling
Thurs. June 19
Fri. June 20
Trash Collection
Thurs. June 26
Fri. June 27
Trash Collection Recycling
Thurs. July 3 Sat. July 5
Trash Collection FRIDAY STREETS ONLY: 1-DAY DELAY DUE TO INDEPENDENCE DAY
Thurs. July 10 Fri. July 11
Trash Collection Recycling
Thurs. July 17
Fri. July 18
Trash Collection Bulk Collection
Thurs. July 24
Fri. July 25
Trash Collection Recycling
The South Fayette Township offices, meeting chambers and police station moved to a new building (GPS: 323 Hickory Grade Rd) 100 Township Drive, South Fayette PA 15017
Ph: 412-221-8700 Web: SouthFayettePA.com
Staff Directory
John M. Barrett, Township Manager
Administration
Vitali Alexandrov, Facilities Director
Patrick J. Catena, Assistant Manager
Joe Hollowood, IT Director
Arianna Lower, Executive Assistant
Shannen McKahan, Finance Officer
Amy O'Neill, Accounting Assistant
Peggy Patterson, Administrative Assistant
Planning, Building & Code
Gary Hartz, Planning/Zoning Director
Joe Niedermeyer, Building Code Official
John Kanaskie, Engineering/Code
Abbey Scheerer, Administrative Assistant
Communications & Community Development
Andrea Iglar, Director
Parks & Recreation
Paula Willis, Director Ian McNeill, Recreation Coordinator
Public Works
Dan Dernosek, Director
Sandra Bukovinsky, Administrative Assistant Police
John R. Phoennik, Chief of Police Dana Korbe, Administrative Assistant Police Business Office: 412-221-2170
Emergency & Dispatch: 9-1-1
South Fayette Township Library 412-257-8660, SouthFayetteLibrary.org
South Fayette Area Senior Citizens Association 412-221-3730, SouthFayettePA.com/seniors
South Fayette School District 412-221-4542, SouthFayette.org
Historical Society of South Fayette Township SouthFayettePA.com/history
Tax Collectors
Real Estate Tax, Kevin Biber: 412-221-9250, SouthFayettePA.com/tax
Earned Income Tax, Jordan Tax Service: 412-835-5243, JordanTax.com
Municipal Authority (Dye Tests & Sanitary Sewers) 412-257-5100, MATSF.net
Chambers of Commerce
South West: 412-221-4100, SouthWestRegionalChamber.org
Original Farmers Market, 151 Parks Road, 15057
Sat. May 3 & Sat. Sept. 6 @ 10am-2pm
1-DAY DELAY DUE TO MEMORIAL DAY TV & Electronics Recycling Drop-off
Thurs. July 31
Fri. Aug. 1
Trash Collection
Pittsburgh Airport Area: 412-264-6270, PAACC.com
Ambulance & Emergency Medical Services
SouthBridge EMS: 412-221-5115, SouthBridgeEMS.com
Volunteer Fire Departments in South Fayette Fairview, Oak Ridge, South Fayette, Sturgeon: SouthFayettePA.com/fire Police,
