Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting

The Moon Township Environmental Advisory Council met on February 10, 2021, and approved the minutes from its January 13 meeting. The council reviewed several land development plans. For a proposed Chipotle Mexican Grill on Broadhead Road near Walmart, a council member raised concerns about traffic flow around Walmart; the township planner said the issue is being addressed, and the council member will compare the plan with past concerns before the Planning Commission meeting. The council also reviewed plans for the West Hills Commerce Center, a two-building development totaling 313,000 square feet on the old West Hills Par 3 golf course site, and the Diamond Ridge master plan for two office buildings near the former Gander Mountain store off Montour Parkway, with no additional issues raised. A new development near the Elks Lodge was noted to include two retention ponds, and a council member expressed interest in monitoring watershed impacts.

In old business, the council finalized plans for Earth Day on Sunday, April 25, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Moon Park, centered on tree planting with a "Save the Monarch" theme and a wildflower meadow development below Miracle Field. Members were asked to volunteer for tree planting. For the Flaugherty Run Watershed, the council discussed forming a new association; a council member suggested targeting nearby residents via flyers, social media, or the Moon Messenger, and the group agreed a stream cleanup event would be a good first step. A council member offered to reach out to trout fishing enthusiasts and announced she was accepted into the Allegheny County Watershed Stewardship program, with the township covering her dues if her work benefits Moon. Recycling events were scheduled at the Public Works site on Stevenson Mill Road, including electronics collections on April 3, August 7, and October 2, and a residents-only Recycle Day on June 5. Glass recycling events were set for April 10-15, June 12-17, August 14-19, and October 9-14. The council reviewed a flyer for the June 5 event, with corrections needed for tire fees and clarification that glass events are open to all. Members will discuss traffic patterns at the March meeting. The council also discussed posting recycling dates on the website and Facebook page, and considered potential projects for the year, including a Public Awareness Weekend interview, a road and park cleanup at Olson Park to help Flaugherty Run, and the Adopt a Drain program. The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.