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Pine backs turnpike toll plaza Marshall officials want more control over project Wednesday, April 18, 2001 By Brian Lyman, Post-Gazette Staff Writer
Pine supervisors have decided to approve construction of a new toll plaza in Marshall and Pine, once the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission agrees to a settlement on a project that has led to two court actions.
Marshall officials, however, are disappointed that Pine has all but agreed to the construction of the Warrendale toll plaza, the first step in construction of a link between the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Interstate 79.
The parties would not discuss the details of the proposed settlement between the commission and the two townships, which Pine supervisors on Monday authorized Chairman Richard Brant to sign, pending turnpike commission approval.
Both townships fear construction of the plaza would introduce noise and air and light pollution for neighbors in the area.
"We've tried to address the issues from jake brakes and mufflers to the turnpike police," said Pine Manager Gary Koehler at Monday night's meeting. "I think this is the best we can do."
Action on the agreement was one of only two items on an agenda for Pine's next supervisors meeting May 7, and supervisors decided to cancel that meeting.
The turnpike commission has filed a lawsuit against the townships, claiming Pine and Marshall reneged on a promise to approve construction of the toll plaza in March.
The commission is reviewing the settlement but has not withdrawn its lawsuit, according to spokesman Carl Defebo, and the different parties declined comment on the specifics of the settlement.
Marshall officials weren't surprised by Pine's actions, nor were they pleased.
"Pine has to do what Pine has to do," said Dick Stover, chairman of Marshall's board of supervisors. "We would've liked more support. We have to make some decisions independently at this point."
Marshall tied its approval to a binding agreement promising the plaza would be built to Marshall's satisfaction and to a meeting with state Transportation Secretary Brad Mallory to discuss the impact of the plaza and the state Department of Transportation's proposed Crows Run Project, which would cut through the township.
Koehler had no comment on the settlement yesterday.
Marshall Manager Neil McFadden was also concerned that Pine's action would "weaken" Marshall's position.
"It's not a good idea for Pine or Marshall to go it alone," he said.
Construction of the Warrendale toll plaza is the first step in building the Cranberry Connector project, a series of ramps which would allow drivers to move between the turnpike and Interstate 79 without having to drive on Route 19. The plaza, if built, would introduce E-Z Pass toll paying to Western Pennsylvania and direct traffic through 15 toll lanes.
In 1999, the two townships prohibited construction of the plaza without approval from their respective zoning boards.
The turnpike commission asked the state Supreme Court for permission to build the plaza without respect to the townships' zoning ordinances, but justices dismissed the action.
The commission later agreed to make improvements to the area, including adding noise barriers.
But the commission filed a complaint in Commonwealth Court against the townships March 22, claiming Marshall and Pine reneged on promises to approve the toll plaza that month.
Marshall supervisors claim no plan was submitted to them for a vote.
"It's not been a marriage made in heaven," said Stover.
Free-lance writer Allison Ash contributed to this report.
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