December 2016 —————————————————————————————————————————
messengerpaper.com —————————————————————————————————————————— 27
Westmoreland County Is Updating Its Comprehensive Plan Rostraver Township Makes New Recycling Bins Available to Residents The Rostraver Township Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that larger recycling bins are available to Township residents. Rostraver Township has acquired 33-gallon recycling bins in place of the smaller bins. Township residents are asked to trade in their smaller bins for a 33-gallon bin at the Township Road Department, 129 Recreation Drive, Belle Vernon from 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Monday - Friday. If no one is available at the Road Department, residents may trade their bins at the Administration Office, 201 Municipal Drive, Belle Vernon from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday - Friday. As always, additional bins are available for purchase for $5. Just a few reminders on Rostraver Township recycling: Recycling collection will be from the same location on your property as your refuse collection. Recycling collection is on a bi-weekly basis (every other week). The following recyclables should be placed inside the recycling bin: glass – brown, green, and clear glass containers, aluminum cans, steel cans, bimetallic cans, and plastic containers (recycling logos 1 and 2). For more information on Rostraver Township recycling, please check out the Township Webpage at http://www.rostraver.us/government/regulations/recycling.php.
Washington County District Attorney Hires Two New Victim Advocates from the Mon Valley Washington County District Attorney Gene Vittone hired two new Victim Advocates to work in the Victim Services Department. Amy Mazanetz and Corey Watkins will be working to support the victims of crimes by accompanying them to hearings, opening compensation claims, collecting restitution information and advocating on the victims behalf. Corey Watkins, who is from Monongahela, studied at Penn State University and will be working with the victims of juvenile offenders. He has years of experience in the social services Amy Mazanetz and Corey Watkins field doing case work with individuals challenged with developmental disabilities. Amy Mazanetz, who is from Donora, is a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania and will be working with victims of adult offenders. She has dedicated her career to supporting those in need in the community working most often with the Area Agency on Aging. The District Attorney has prioritized the enhancement of the Office of Victim Services for the county. It is an integral part of the District Attorney’s office that supports the victims of crime during a time that can be stressful and confusing. Amy’s and Corey’s positions are almost exclusively funded by grants that are available through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
Reimagining Our Westmoreland will create a blueprint for our future – a new comprehensive plan that will help Westmoreland County become more livable and prosperous!
What is a Comprehensive Plan? Reimagining Our Westmoreland will serve as Westmoreland County’s official guide for land use and development over the next 10-20 years. It will be Westmoreland’s “road map,” detailing a long-term vision and policy agenda for important quality of life issues like land use, housing, parks, infrastructure, transportation, and more. Ultimately, the Plan will answer: “what should Westmoreland County look like in 10-20 years and how do we get there?”
Why are we updating the Comprehensive Plan? Westmoreland County has been experiencing a declining population, rapidly increasing median age, and relative lack of diversity. Reimagining Our Westmoreland will establish priorities, projects, investments, and recommendations that can reverse these trends and make it a more competitive place to live, work, invest, and visit.
What are the contents of a Comprehensive Plan? A Comprehensive Plan describes future goals and objectives for development, as well as an action plan to achieve those goals. Topics that the Reimagining Our Westmoreland may address include: land use and development; neighborhoods; employment; transportation and mobility; parks and green spaces; public facilities and infrastructure; sustainability; tourism; arts and culture; and more.
Who is involved in creating the Comprehensive Plan? The new Comprehensive Plan will be community-driven, and its vision and policy recommendations will be grounded in extensive community outreach. Over the course of the next year, residents and stakeholders will have numerous opportunities to participate both in-person and online. Ultimately, the Comprehensive Plan will be approved by the County’s Board of Commissioners.
How can I get involved in the process? It is important to get involved in all the Comprehensive Plan activities, from data collection, to community visioning and mapping, to creation of community goals and objectives. Thoughtful planning cannot happen without meaningful engagement. Westmoreland County needs your help to make sure the plan adequately addresses your concerns and vision for the future. Residents and businesses are encouraged to get involved and help make a better future for Westmoreland County. You can participate by taking a survey and learning more at the Reimaging Our Westmoreland website at http://www.hlplanning.com/portals/westmoreland/ or like Reimagining Our Westmoreland on Facebook for upcoming events, news and updates.
West Newton Business Owner Recognized; November 7th Known as ‘Gary Johnson Day’ At the Woman's Club of West Newton's November 7th meeting, Gary Johnson, owner of Gary's Chuck Wagon in West Newton, was recognized for the contributions that he has given to West Newton over the years. The mayor of West Newton, Mary Popovich, issued a proclamation to name November 7, 2016 as Gary Johnson Day. Congratulations, Gary!