The Mayview State Hospital property may have been the inspiration for South Fayette's new green-space zoning designation, but it's not the only disputed property being included.

The South Fayette Commissioners Monday night acknowledged the need to tweak their new zoning language, but moved it ahead anyway in what appeared to be a preemptive move against the potential development of the Hickory Heights Golf Club property.

Solicitor Jonathan Kamin said that under the pending ordinance doctrine, the commissioners would create a "de facto zoning district" by advertising a list of properties to be rezoned, even before they take official action on the zoning.

"It does afford some protection to the township," he said.

The commissioners followed his recommendation and approved advertising the list, despite concerns raised by resident Sharon Loftus, a lawyer with experience in zoning matters.

"I think you need to re-look at the ordinance and what uses are allowed," she said. One concern she had was the lack of height restrictions on communications towers, and she said since several properties have been removed from the list, allowances built around them should be removed as well.

Mr. Kamin said such changes could be made after the fact without undue problems.

Three other residents spoken in favor of the rezoning, fearing that under the current medium-density residential zoning, Hickory Heights could be covered with town homes, to the detriment of surrounding neighborhoods.

"Changing the quality of the housing around us would definitely decrease the values of our properties," said Rich DeYoung, a resident of the Hickory Heights housing plan.

Hickory Heights owner Sam Depe III could not be reached for comment. His son, course manager Sam Depe IV, said there are no development plans.

The CD-1 zoning is specifically geared for the protection of environmentally sensitive land, allowing for parks, commercial recreation (including golf courses) and residential development with a three-acre minimum lot size.

It was designed with an eye toward redevelopment of the 300-acre Mayview site, which is surrounded by residential areas along Chartiers Creek. The commissioners would like to have part of the property added to the township's Fairview Park, and would rather not see housing built on the rest.

Residential growth already has put a strain on the South Fayette School District.

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