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Building new path no walk in woods

Building new path no walk in woods

The Norwin schools administration remains cool toward building a 150-foot paved walking path from Kerber Farms Estates to nearby Sunset Valley Elementary School.

"Topography is the board's main concern," Board President Robert Perkins told about 50 parents from the upscale North Huntingdon housing development Monday night. "We're willing to revisit it, but there are no promises that things are going to change. We would like to see some solid plans."

Safety issues with the slope of the property, liability, maintenance responsibility, a clouded easement issue and potential loss of some state busing reimbursement revenue are sticking points.

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Those concerns surfaced in September after resident Peter Payne told directors his driveway is being used as a trail by walkers, dogs, and bicyclists because it lies in the easement that would contain the proposed walkway. An easement is permission to use another's land as a right of way.

If the board does not permit the trail, the easement -- which does not show on Mr. Payne's property survey -- would expire Dec. 31, 2009.

The beginning of a walking path would cross part of Mr. Payne's driveway.

Payne's wife filed a lawsuit in Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas last week against Ryan Homes and Mickanin Associates claiming the home's survey did not reveal an easement on their property.

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Greg Artim, spokesman for the residents, assured directors that developer Ryan Homes would be willing to construct the path in any way the school district would deem safe.

"The board would be willing to listen to what they have to say," Mr. Perkins said.

"A walking path would benefit the community. Kids could walk to school," Mr. Artim said. "We have a state-of-the-art facility and we can't access it ..."

"Some people live a baseball's throw away, but they have to drive three or four miles around the neighborhood to reach the school. That makes no sense. It's frustrating," he added.

Superintendent Jack Boylan wants proof the path would be safe.

"Walking is a fine idea. But I would recommend to the board that until there is evidence that this path could be safe and the children can cross the road safely, they should not consider it," he said.

Meanwhile, the board awarded several contracts totaling $14,480,658 for the razing and reconstruction of Stewartsville Elementary School at the intersection of Carpenter Lane and Ward Drive in North Huntingdon.

Demolition of the Stewartsville building will begin Jan. 7. The new facility is scheduled to open for the 2009-10 school year.

Current Stewartsville pupils will begin classes at Scull Elementary on Nov. 28.

First Published: October 18, 2007, 10:30 a.m.

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