a comprehensive plan for future...

Borough of Bradford Woods 4908 WEXFORD RUN ROAD | WEXFORD, PA

THE BRADFORD WOODS PLAN A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

THE BRADFORD WOODS PLAN

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................................................... 4

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 5

Purpose .................................................................................................................................................. 6

History of Development ............................................................................................................................... 8

Map – Bradford Woods................................................................................................................................ 12

Statement of Community Objectives for the Future ........................................................................................ 13

Public Meeting ........................................................................................................................................ 14

Key Issues ................................................................................................................................................ 15

Implementation ......................................................................................................................................... 22

Financial Resources ................................................................................................................................. 22

Land Use................................................................................................................................................... 23

Current Land Use and Zoning ................................................................................................................... 23

Current Zoning Map ................................................................................................................................. 24

Future Land Use and Zoning ..................................................................................................................... 25

Compatibility ............................................................................................................................................. 26

Consistency with Neighboring Plans ........................................................................................................... 26

County Plan – Consistency with Allegheny Places ........................................................................................ 26

By the Numbers ......................................................................................................................................... 27

Population .............................................................................................................................................. 28

Age ....................................................................................................................................................... 29


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Race ...................................................................................................................................................... 32

Households............................................................................................................................................. 33

Education ............................................................................................................................................... 35

Income .................................................................................................................................................. 36

Employment ........................................................................................................................................... 39

Housing .................................................................................................................................................... 40

Housing Occupancy ................................................................................................................................. 41

Housing Tenure ....................................................................................................................................... 42

Housing Types ........................................................................................................................................ 42

Home Values .......................................................................................................................................... 44

Business and Commerce ............................................................................................................................. 45

Industry Segments .................................................................................................................................. 45

Transportation ........................................................................................................................................... 46

Road System .......................................................................................................................................... 46

Environmental, Energy, Conservation ........................................................................................................... 47

Parks, Recreation, and Leisure .................................................................................................................. 47

Community Facilities .................................................................................................................................. 51

Education ............................................................................................................................................... 51

Fire Service ............................................................................................................................................ 51

Police ..................................................................................................................................................... 51

Library ................................................................................................................................................... 52

Municipal Buildings .................................................................................................................................. 52

Natural and Historic Resources .................................................................................................................... 52


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Geology ................................................................................................................................................. 53

Watershed .............................................................................................................................................. 53

Soils ...................................................................................................................................................... 53

Public Outreach ......................................................................................................................................... 54

Community Survey .................................................................................................................................. 54


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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS BOROUGH COUNCIL CHUCK COLTHARP COUNCIL PRESIDENT DAVE BALDONIERI COUNCIL VICE-PRESIDENT ROY WIEGAND COUNCIL VICTORIA PONGRACE COUNCIL THOMAS KOSMALA COUNCIL TODD HIPWELL COUNCIL PAULA HINSTON COUNCIL

ROBERT MURRAY MAYOR

PLANNING COMMISSION ANDREW HUTCHINSON CHAIRMAN PLANNING COMMISSION BARBARA HEINTZ VICE CHAIRMAN PLANNING COMMISSION ROY WIEGAND COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED AKNER ZONING OFFICER RICK MOWERY PLANNING COMMISSION RICHARD ANDRUS PLANNING COMMISSION JOE BECK PLANNING COMMISSION SUE ALLARDICE PLANNING COMMISSION

BOROUGH STAFF NATALIE THIESS MANAGER G. JAKE TURNER ROADS SUPERINTENDENT

PLANNING ASSISTANCE DEBORAH GRASS GRASS ROOT SOLUTIONS


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INTRODUCTION

Comprehensive Planning is used to describe a process that identifies community goals and aspirations in terms of future land use and community development. The outcome of the comprehensive planning process is a document that guides public policy in terms of transportation, commerce, land use, recreation, and housing. The Bradford Woods Plan focuses on a broad range of topics and covers a ten year horizon.

In the simplest terms, a comprehensive plan answers the question: “What do we want to be?” In most communities, this is a complex subject and the answer is very different for different folks in the community. But great communities are born of a shared vision and the Bradford Woods Comprehensive Plan is a result of residents (of all age groups), businesses, elected officials, and other interested persons providing their opinions and advice. Ultimately, the Plan reflects the best thinking and creative outcomes from dozens of interviews, meetings with groups, and the best practices of the community planning models. It will provide a guiding vision and a sustained set of strategies for future years.

This is a report on the current state and future of Bradford Woods, PA. It represents a plan for the future maintenance and future development of the Borough including the limited growth of our residential neighborhoods, community facilities, utilities and green space. A plan is necessary to pull together all these elements into a desirable pattern so that each adds maximum benefit to the community going forward.


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Every community - Bradford Woods is no exception - evolves as the sum total of thousands of individual decisions made both by the general public and by municipal officials. This Plan is intended to serve as a framework for these decisions so that those who are responsible for new investment in the community will know best where to place their improvements, and how to fit them into the improvement which will follow. Within this framework of objective foresight, this Plan attempts to avoid error and waste both for public and private decisions by allowing a better understanding and judgment of total community development.

The Plan is set forth with sufficient flexibility to allow latitude for individual decisions. Such latitude may encourage better ways of building communities than have been used in the past. The Plan challenges citizens and developers to pursue excellence within an overall framework in developing the remaining land, to provide needed services, to maintain a the sense of community, and to protect the magnificent natural setting which has made possible a community life of substance and permanence.

PURPOSE The Bradford Woods Comprehensive Plan was originally adopted in 1974. Since 1974, the Plan has not been updated. The purpose of revising the Comprehensive Plan that was developed in 1974 is to update the sections addressing growth and development issues. In addition, this revision of existing

development, current demographics, and plan objectives will update maps and data on community facilities, parks and roads.


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The Comprehensive Plan provides general goals and policy recommendations to help guide future development in order to enhance our quality of life and the public health, safety, and welfare, and maintain the natural environment. Because the Comprehensive Plan seeks to promote a high quality of life for a twenty year period, its goals and recommendations are general in nature so as to accommodate new technologies, development patterns, a growing population and diversifying economy.


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HISTORY OF DEVELOPMENT

Bradford Woods was incorporated on May 3, 1915 when it separated from Marshall Township. It was developed as a result of the construction of an interurban line, the Harmony Shortline, which extended northward from the old town of Allegheny into Evans City in Butler County where it forked, with one branch going to Butler and the second to Harmony. The trail follows Forest Road along Wexford Run up to the southwest corner of Bradford Woods, crosses the ridge system in the center of Bradford Woods, and then descends to Warrendale along the Shenot Run.

The crossing of the thigh ridge with the oak forest provides an opportunity to develop a picnic spot along the interurban line. A swimming pool and reaction area were developed at the head of Big Sewickley Creek off Lake Road just across the southwest border of the Borough. The Borough was then laid out in one acre lots on a curvilinear street pattern that generally derives from the subdivision planning of Frederick Law Olmstead. The pattern of development generally is responsive to the topography, although in some areas the proposed streets followed grades which made construction of the street impossible. Most notably, a street was proposed connecting Woodland Road in the southeast corner of the Borough to Wexford Run at the intersection with Manor Road. The proposed road follows an impossible grade and could not be constructed.

The summer resort activities spawned some resort type housing in the area. Several cottages were for seasonal occupancy only. These were followed shortly by construction of permanent homes, principally in areas that had relatively good access to the Harmony Line. This development was along Wexford Run Road, Bellaire Road, Delmar Road, Oak Road, Bradford Road and Crystal Springs Road. These were in the area that was generally level and reasonable close to the interurban line. Most of this development occurred during the period between the installation of the interurban and the Great Depression. During the Depression years and the Second World War, relatively little construction took place in the Borough.

The second major growth phase occurred following the Second World War and was now related primarily to Route 19 automobile access, as opposed to interurban transit service. Absence of building activities for nearly two decades resulted in a major housing shortage which, in turn, spawned a great surge of suburban construction during the decades following the Second World War. In 1930, the population of Bradford Woods stood at 370. By 1940, it had increased by only four people, but by 1950, it climbed to 458. The population nearly doubled in the 1950’s and


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stood at 866 by 1960. By 1970 it had topped 1,000 with the most recent census from 2010 now showing a population of 1,171.

The growth of Bradford Woods did not follow the normal pattern of suburban development. Rolling topography, extensive woods, and large lots provided building sites where the natural environment could be exploited to provide privacy. In addition, the variety of housing which existed at that time encompassed converted summer cottages as well as substantial permanent homes, and invited more innovative architecture. Domestic architecture in Bradford Woods since the war has varied from traditional colonial to contemporary, and the variety and innovation of design has generally enhanced the Borough.


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The present pattern of land use is almost exclusively residential. Single-family homes predominate. Two commercial establishments - a store and a barbershop - are the only uses which are not residentially related in the Borough. Public uses and semi-public uses include a church, a fire hall, a post office, a school located along the southeast border of the Borough, Windwood private swim and tennis club, The Woodlands, and Spina Bifida Association facilities for disabled adults. There is also a Borough Nature Reserve and a maintained walking trail called the “Lake Loop Trail.”


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The Borough owns two separate properties that are operated through the conservancy. One is a four plus acre parcel “Nature Reserve” with trails, open space, and a pond. The other is approximately two acres of hilly land located off the southern end of Delmar Road. The land is contains a maintained walking trail connecting Delmar Road and Lake Road known as the “Lake Loop Trail” which many residents utilize.


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MAP – BRADFORD WOODS


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STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY OBJECTIVES FOR THE FUTURE The objectives established by the Bradford Woods Planning Commission, through community meetings and surveys, to guide the future development of the Borough are as follows:

● Continue a sense of community identity which residents of Bradford Woods now enjoy because of the scale and the physical environment of the Borough. A sense of community is identifiable because of the inter relationships of families with neighbors, and because of the sense of personal worth which is possible for each individual resident.

● Maintain a residential character: single family in the Borough; multi-family in the Village; community residential at the Woodlands and Spina Bifida housing.

● Promote continued variety in the type of housing within the Borough with respect to architectural design, economic status of the families and variety of age and social character of the occupants of the housing.

● Preserve the natural environment including the extensive wooded tracts and trees, the general openness and spaciousness of the Borough, the low density development and the protected green spaces found at the Reserve and in the Village.

● Improve the level of community services. ● Maintain an acceptable standard for all dwelling units. ● Protect and maintain municipal stormwater systems throughout the Borough. ● Ensure sustainability (economically, socially, and environmentally) throughout the Borough. ● Guide development of the remaining land so that it is compatible with the present pattern of development

Promote sound development in the region, including continued cooperation with neighboring communities.


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PUBLIC MEETING The Planning Commission held a public outreach meeting on Monday, October 5, 2015 at the Bradford Woods Volunteer Fire Department. Approximately 87 persons attended the meeting. The Chairman of the Planning Commission provided an overview of the comprehensive plan process and shared the results of the community survey in a PowerPoint presentation. Key issues were identified and discussed. Residents

agreed that the most important issues for the Borough are:

Protecting the current environment and resisting the encroaching development in adjacent communities

Improving the roads, maintenance, and services related to access and transportation

Speeding on the main roadways was a major topic of discussion

The lack of walking and biking areas was identified as an issue for residents and a matter of public safety.

Support for the conservancy and preservation of “greenspace” with some thought about trails, paths, and walkways throughout the area so that the use can be maximized.


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KEY ISSUES

Based on the community survey and public outreach meeting that was held on October 5, 2015, the following key issues were identified and confirmed.

Maintain the special character of the Borough Wooded 1 acre lots

Limit tree clearing

Maintain the “woodsy retreat” character

Continue to be an “oasis in the middle of the Rt. 19/Cranberry/Wexford madness.”

How to Achieve Review current zoning ordinance to assure it is meets the community desires

Who-Planning Commission

Enforce current zoning ordinance

Who-Borough Council and Zoning Officer

Enforce Tree Clearing ordinance to minimize tree removal on property

Who-Zoning Officer

Community Survey every 5 years to ensure ordinances reflect communities desires.


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Improvement of Road Maintenance Improve the road maintenance by having available tools and resources for the improvement of road

quality.

Better snow removal with an increase of a snow team, and

Address traffic and speeding problems especially on Bradford Road by informing police of key area issues.

How to Achieve Continue working with neighboring communities to achieve best price for repair projects

Who-Borough Council

Review Road issues to improve longevity of road

Who-Roads Committee and engineer

Explore creative solutions to road maintenance by using new products and strategies.

Who-Roads Committee

Set up Community outreach program regarding speeding and pedestrian and cycling safety.

Who-Borough Council initially

Set up Road Safety Task Force—gain community feedback.

Work with traffic consultant on options

Increased police presence

Budget and implement desired strategies.


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Address Deer and Wildlife Problems Overpopulation of deer Nuisance animals and “critters”

How to Achieve

Review current ordinance to ensure it meets the community’s desires

Who-Borough Council

Reach out to other Municipalities dealing with the same challenges and discuss pros and cons of different strategies being implemented in Western Pennsylvania as this is a polarizing topic for many local municipalities.

Who-Borough Council

Follow up with Community meetings and surveys to residents to make sure we balance the desire for a “Woodsy Retreat” Vs. wildlife problems.

Who-Borough Council


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Environmental Concerns Keep the Bradford Woods Nature Reserve “as is” as per the direction of the Allegheny Land Trust and

maintain the trails that is found throughout the Reserve.

Continued effort to keep Bradford Woods sustainable environmentally (as well as economically and socially).

How to Achieve Promote the community awareness for fund raising efforts to sustain and build upon what is currently

there.

Borough of Bradford Woods and Conservancy

Approach existing owners of vacant and unusable land to donate to create more opportunities within the community.

Borough of Bradford Woods and Conservancy

Establish a Shade Tree Commission and tree planting program to with an arborist to effectively manage current and future trees in the community

Planning Commission, Borough Council, Borough Manager

Implement a stormwater education program to minimize run off and create awareness.

Planning Commission, Borough Council, Borough Manager


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Stormwater Management Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems or MS4s

Storm water runoff is commonly transported through Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s), from which it is often discharged untreated into local waterways. These storm sewer systems are:

o Owned by a state, city, town or other public entity that discharges to waters of the U.S.

o Designed or used to collect or convey storm water (including storm drains, pipes and ditches)

o Not a combined sewer (which carries storm water and sewage)

o Not part of a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (sewage treatment plant)

o To prevent harmful pollutants from being washed or dumped into an MS4, operators must obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and develop a storm water management program.

What's included in an MS4 Program

Listed below are the 6 minimum control measures that operators of regulated small MS4s must incorporate into storm water management programs. These measures are expected to result in significant reductions of pollutants discharged into receiving water-bodies.

Public Education and Outreach - An informed and knowledgeable community is crucial to the success of a storm water management program, since it helps to ensure greater support and program compliance as the public becomes aware of individual actions they can take to protect or improve the quality of area waters.

Public Participation/Involvement - An active and involved community allows for broader public support, a broader base of expertise and a connection to other local environmental programs.


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Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination - Illicit discharges are untreated discharges that could contribute high levels of pollutants, including heavy metals, toxins, oil and grease, solvents, nutrients, viruses and bacteria to receiving water-bodies. Operators of a regulated small MS4 are required to develop, implement and enforce an illicit discharge detection and elimination program.

Construction Site Runoff Control - Storm water runoff from construction activities can have a significant impact on water quality. As storm water flows over a construction site, it can pick up pollutants like sediment, debris, and chemicals and transport these to a nearby storm sewer system or directly to a river, lake or stream.

Post-Construction Runoff Control - Increased impervious surfaces, like parking lots, driveways, and rooftops, interrupt the natural cycle of gradual percolation of water through vegetation and soil. Instead, water is collected from surfaces such as asphalt and concrete and routed to drainage systems where large volumes of runoff quickly flow to the nearest receiving water. The effects of this process can include stream bank scouring and downstream flooding, which often lead to a loss of aquatic life and damage to property. Ordinances and other regulations are required to determine the appropriate best management practices and to ensure adequate long-term operation and maintenance of storm water controls.

Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping - This measure involves recognizing the benefits of pollution prevention practices and includes the development and implementation of an operation and maintenance program. Reducing pollutant runoff from municipal operations into the storm sewer system can include employee training on how to incorporate pollution prevention/good housekeeping techniques into municipal operations. These controls could also include programs that promote recycling (to reduce litter), minimize pesticide use and ensure the proper disposal of animal waste.


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Administration and Capacity Develop a long range financial plan that allows the Borough to remain independent and vibrant.

Continue excellent services in the Borough such as police, fire, and education

Focus on technology infrastructure to offer the residents the best available service for broadband internet

How to Achieve Setting up a Community Focus group on alternative revenue streams to increase revenue into the

borough

Planning Commission and Borough Council and Borough Manager to facilitate

Community focus group to on incrementally raising taxes and fees for the municipality to raise awareness of the monetary constraints

Planning Commission and Borough Council and Borough Manager to facilitate

Partner with adjacent communities to ensure that the best services are being offered to the community


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IMPLEMENTATION FINANCIAL RESOURCES The Borough’s 2016 proposed budget is below.

BOROUGH OF BRADFORD WOODS PROPOSED 2016 BUDGET

Revenues Real Estate Tax 326,000 Deed Transfer Tax 30,000 Earned income Tax 270,000 Regional Asset Funds 14,000 Fines/Permits/Inspections 7,500 Interest Earnings 300 State Allocations 18,527 Liquid Fuels Allocations 39,176 Intergovernmental 27,068 Miscellaneous 5,995

Total 738,566 Expenditures Administration 118,270 Library 23,853 Building/Phone & Fax 19,044 Public Safety 232,529 Roads 310,595 Insurance 16,795 Park/Recreation 1,800 Planning/ P.R. 10,000 Other Expenses 1,600 Commissions/Tax Collections 4,081

Total 738,566 About 87% of the Borough’s revenue is derived from taxes. Most of the expenses are related to public safety (32%) and roads (42%).


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LAND USE CURRENT LAND USE AND ZONING The Land Use Plan for Bradford woods is shown in the current zoning map. The Land Use Plan calls for residential land uses supported by public and quasi-public uses.

Two classifications of residential land use are indicated: single-family residential can be found in the areas zoned as R-1 and planned residential or small community residential facilities may be found in areas zoned as R-2.

The only other zoning designation is for B-1 which is a rural business designation. This is about 1 parcel that includes one commercial building.

The single-family residential zoning area (R-1)covers the majority of the Borough and includes almost all of the land located within the main rectangle of the Borough. This land, over the years, has been developed to include lots no smaller than one acre, for single family homes. Established zoning provides for the continuation of this pattern throughout the remaining lots within this large rectangle. R-

2 includes lost smaller than one acre.

There are some exceptions to single-family residential use within this area including specific public use as well as one parcel zoned for rural business use as shown.

There are also small sections of protected green space throughout the Borough.

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CURRENT ZONING MAP


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FUTURE LAND USE AND ZONING Some of the recommendations for future land use and zoning updates include:

Protection from the encroaching development at the borders in adjacent communities

Continuation of the requirement for 1 acre lots for single family homes

Continuation of the use of Planned Residential Development (PRD) and Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) in the “Village.”

Provisions that limit tree clearing on lots for lot development

Provisions for some minor niche retail such as coffee shops and dining

Creation of a trail and pedestrian overlay that identifies a safe walkable route.

A limit on natural gas drilling consistent with the latest Pennsylvania case law.

Protection of the Nature Reserve from any development or intrusion with the Allegheny Land Trust provisions.

Provisions for landscaping, street trees, retention ponds, residential rain gardens, and bio-swales. Encourage the use of permeable surfaces for parking, access drives, and driveways.

Establishment of a Shade Tree Commission and a tree planting program with an arborist to work with the Borough to select street and yard tree species. Organize an annual tree planting day to implement the tree planting plan.

Implementation of a stormwater education programs (residentially and through the elementary school) to create awareness of stormwater issues.

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COMPATIBILITY CONSISTENCY WITH NEIGHBORING PLANS The Borough of Bradford Woods is completely surrounded by Marshall Township with the exception of a small border with Pine Township. The Bradford Woods Plan is generally consistent with the planning and zoning designations in the adjacent communities.

COUNTY PLAN – CONSISTENCY WITH ALLEGHENY PLACES The Bradford Woods Plan is generally consistent with Allegheny Places, the county’s comprehensive plan. The Bradford Woods Plan includes strategies around the “greening” of neighborhoods and the emphasis on growth management through sustainable practices such as limits on tree clearing, walkability, traffic calming, and sustainable practices. It includes an emphasis on creating livable places with additional park facility improvements and programming. The Bradford Woods Plan identifies development limitations based on wooded lots and the use of Planned Residential Development. The Plan also includes recommendations around the improvement of local roadways. Specifically the Plan is consistent with the following county goals:

Provide a variety of housing as identified on the county’s Future Land Use Plan.

Provide safe walkable routes for pedestrians for the future.

Promote accessible housing in communities with desirable amenities.

Develop good access to major transportation corridors and highway interchanges. Require that new developments provide for pedestrians and are completely accessible to individuals with disabilities.

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BY THE NUMBERS

People Population Age Race Households Education Income Housing

“You can have data without information, but you cannot have information without data.”

Daniel Keys Moran

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POPULATION From a population of 370 in 1930, Bradford Woods Borough (Borough) had doubled its population by 1960. The 1960’s and 1970’s saw the greatest increases as residents moved out of dense urban areas in large numbers. Relatively small population growth continued through the 1980’s. Since 1990, the Borough’s population has declined slightly and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) estimates that the Borough’s population stayed the same through 2015. However, the SPC projections for 2020 through 2040 include slight increases in each decade to a total of 1,360 residents by 2040. Table 1 shows the actual population changes between 1950 and 2010, and the SPC’s projections through 2040.

TABLE 1 – POPULATION CHANGE 1930-2040 YEAR POPULATION DECENNIAL CHANGE 1930 370 1940 374 1.1% 1950 458 22.5% 1960 866 89.1% 1970 970 12.0% 1980 1264 30.3% 1990 1329 5.1% 2000 1149 -13.5% 2010 1171 1.9% 2020 1197 2.2% 2030 1279 6.9% 2040 1360 6.3%

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU AND SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA COMMISSION (SPC)

Table 2 shows the actual population in 2000 and 2010 for Bradford Woods and three (3) neighboring communities and the projected changes in population and rate of growth through 2040 in comparison to the neighboring municipalities and Allegheny County, as estimated by the SPC. Bradford Woods is expected to grow at a slower rate than the surrounding municipalities but faster than Allegheny County.


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TABLE 2 – POPULATION COMPARISONS MUNICIPALITY 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 DICENNIAL

RATE OF CHANGE Bradford Woods Borough 1,149 1,171 1,197 1,279 1,360 4.6% Franklin Park Borough 11,364 13,470 16,778 19,555 20,792 20.7% Marshall Township 5,996 6,915 8,028 9,251 10,326 18.1% Pine Township 7,683 11,497 13,707 14,176 14,438 22.0% Allegheny County 1,281,666 1,223,348 1,253,792 1,320,571 1,391,650 2.1%


AGE Most of the population in Bradford Woods is between the ages of 45 and 75 with a median age of 49.0. About 18% of the population is under 15.

TABLE 3 – POPULATION BY AGE GROUP AGE CATEGORY NUMBER OF RESIDENTS

Under 15 207 15 to 24 102 25 to 34 75 35 to 44 128 45 to 54 209 55 to 64 224 65 to 74 152

75+ 74 Total Number of

Residents 1171

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU AND SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA COMMISSION (SPC) Bradford Woods, on average, is much older than the


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surrounding communities, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and the United States. Of the surrounding communities, Pine Township, at 38.8 median years of age, has the youngest population and Bradford Woods has the oldest population at 49.0.

TABLE 4 – MEDIAN AGE: COMPARISONS WITH COMMUNITIES, COUNTY, STATE, US MUNICIPALITY MEDIAN AGE OF POPULATION Bradford Woods Borough 49.0 Franklin Park Borough 40.9 Marshall Township 41.4 Pine Township 38.8 City of Pittsburgh 33.2 Allegheny County 41.3 Pennsylvania 40.1 United States 37.6


Of the surrounding communities, the City of Pittsburgh is trending younger than all other communities including the median age for the US. Pine Township is trending younger than other North Hills communities and about the same as the median age for the US. The fastest growing population in the Pittsburgh MSA is the “Young Empty Nesters” (55-64) and the “Older Empty Nesters” (65-74). The “Young Workforce” (25–34) age group is also expected to increase slightly.

Similar to the region, the fastest growing population in Bradford Woods is the “Young” and “Older Empty Nesters.” However, the Borough has not captured the “Young Workforce” group which is the next fastest growing population in the region. Figure 3 provides additional information about population growth in the Pittsburgh MSA, Pennsylvania, and the United States.

An older population can be an advantage because older workers are at their peak earning years and are contributors to the Borough’s tax base and consumer spending base. On the other hand, an older population has its challenges in that this age group typically demands more public services and may not be as interested in change, innovation, technology and environmental issues.


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RACE

There is very little racial diversity within the Borough. Only 2.9% of the Borough’s population identified as non-white in the 2010 census. Latinos made up another .5% of the Borough’s population in 2010. Table 5 provides information about racial makeup for Bradford Woods, the surrounding communities, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, the SPC 10-County Region, and the United States. Although the non-white population in the surrounding communities is relatively low, some neighboring communities such as Franklin Park Borough and Marshall Township are home to many Asian residents.

TABLE 5 – RACIAL DIVERSITY MUNICIPALITY % OF POPULATION THAT

IS ONE RACE ONLY % MINORITY POPULATION

Bradford Woods Borough 99.3% 2.9%

Franklin Park Borough 98.8% 14.4%

Marshall Township 98.7% 11.3%

Pine Township 98.9% 8.4%

Allegheny County 98.2% 19.4% SPC 10-County Region 98.4% 12.4% Pennsylvania 98.1% 20.5% United States 97.1% 36.3% SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU AND SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA COMMISSION While the region is increasing in racial and ethnic diversity, Bradford Woods is remaining relatively constant. This has some planning implications for the future because it is believed that as the nation’s demographic makeup changes and more young professionals are choosing an urban lifestyle, areas with more diverse populations are increasingly attracting more young professionals.

DIVERSITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

VIBRANT PITTSBURGH, A BUSINESS LEADERS GROUP ESTABLISHED TO PROMOTE DIVERSITY IN THE REGION REPORTED THAT ONLY 11.6% OF THE CURRENT WORKFORCE OF 2.3 MILLION WORKERS ARE MINORITIES WHICH IS WELL BELOW THE NATIONAL AVERAGE OF 26.1%.

“DIVERSITY IS ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL TO ECONOMIC GROWTH . . . TO BRINGING NEW IDEAS, NEW APPROACHES,” SAID SUNIL WADHWANI, CO-CHAIR OF VIBRANT PITTSBURGH AND CHAIRMAN OF IGATE CORP., A COMPUTER SERVICES AND OUTSOURCING PROVIDER. VIBRANT PITTSBURGH LEADERS HAVE A VISION FOR THE REGION OF TRUE INCLUSIVENESS.

JOE NAPSHA, TRIB LIVE


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HOUSEHOLDS According to the census, a household is defined as all of the people who occupy a housing unit. The occupants may be a single family, one person living alone, two or more families living together, or any other group of related or unrelated people who share living quarters. A family household is defined as “a householder and one or more other people living in the same household who are related by birth, marriage, or adoption.” Households are further classified as “husband-wife family,” “male householder-no wife present,” “female householder-no husband present,” and “nonfamily household.” One person in each household is designated as the householder, usually the person in whose name the home is owned or rented. The definition for each is shown.

Married-couple family – This category includes a family in which the householder and his or her spouse are enumerated as members of the same household.

Male householder-no wife present.− This category includes a family with a male maintaining a household with no wife of the householder present.

Female householder-no husband present – This category includes a family with a female maintaining a household with no husband of the householder present.

Nonfamily household – This category includes a householder living alone or with nonrelatives only.

Social characteristics related to households in the Borough have changed in the past decade with the percentage of all family households declining by five percentage points between 2000 and 2010. Likewise, the Husband-Wife Family declined from 75.6% to 68.1% in the past decade. Households with individuals over 65 increased from 25.2% to 34% over the same time period. The average household size remained about the same at 2.47 persons per household.

Non-family households are projected to far outpace family households in the United States, Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh MSA, and in Bradford Woods Borough.


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TABLE 6 – HOUSEHOLD TRENDS 2000-2010 HOUSEHOLD TYPE 2000 2010

All Family Households 80.6% 75.7% Husband-Wife Family 75.6% 68.1% Male Householder - No Wife Present Not Shown 3.2%

Female Householder-No Husband Present 4.1% 4.4% Non-Family Households 19.4% 24.3% Householder Living Along 17.5% 21.1% Householder 65 Years & Older 5.6% 9.1% Households with Individuals Under 18 28.0% 27.6% Households with Individuals Over 65 25.2% 34.0% Average Household Size 2.48 2.47 SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU AND SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA COMMISSION

Non-Household Family Formation Rising

AN ANNUAL CENSUS BUREAU REPORT SHOWED THAT U.S. HOUSEHOLD FORMATION HAS BEEN TERRIBLY SLOW WITH JUST 476,000 HOUSEHOLDS ADDED LAST YEAR. A NEW SURVEY NOW REVEALS THAT NON-FAMILY HOUSEHOLD FORMATIONS ARE ON THE RISE WITH MORE RELATIVES ADDED TO THE FAMILY HOMES. HOUSEHOLD FORMATION IS A MAJOR INDICATOR OF ECONOMIC HEALTH. USUALLY, WHEN THE ECONOMY IS SLOW, MORE PEOPLE START LIVING TOGETHER WITH ADULT CHILDREN MOVING INTO THEIR PARENTS' HOMES OR GETTING A ROOMMATE TO SPLIT THE COST OF RENTING A PLACE. THE NEW REPORT BY HOUSING ECONOMIST THOMAS LAWLER REVEALED THAT IT'S NOT JUST THE ADULT CHILDREN MOVING INTO THEIR PARENTS' HOUSE; RELATIVES AND IN-LAWS HAVE ALSO STARTED LIVING TOGETHER. LAWLER'S SURVEY, WHICH SOURCED DATA FROM THE CENSUS BUREAU HOUSEHOLD FORMATION REPORT, FOUND THAT THE NUMBER OF RELATIVES AND IN-LAWS ADDED TO FAMILY HOMES IN 2013 WENT UP TWO-FOLD. THE NUMBER OF NON-RELATIVES ADDED TO A HOUSEHOLD WENT UP AS WELL. THE YEAR 2013 SAW THE FORMATION OF 164,000 NEW NON-FAMILY HOUSEHOLDS (FRIENDS, ROOMMATES) WHEN COMPARED TO THE 65,000 RECORDED BETWEEN 2010 AND 2012. SOURCE: REALTY TODAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2014

One Person Households and Non-Family Households are the fastest growing segments in the nation and in the Pittsburgh MSA.

The average household size has decreased in Pennsylvania to 2.44 persons. In Bradford Woods Borough, it is 2.47 persons.

The number of persons living in multi-generational households is increasing especially among Hispanic and Asian families.

The Millenials (ages 25-34) are more likely to live at home with their parents for a longer period of time especially if they are unemployed and/or undereducated.


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EDUCATION Bradford Woods residents are very well educated. According to SPC estimates, 98.7% of the Borough residents have at least a high school diploma, 20.8% have some college education, and 67.4% have received a bachelor’s degree or higher. These percentages are higher than those in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, the SPC 10-County

Region, and the United States. The Borough’s educational attainment levels also put it at the very top of the surrounding communities. Table 7 and Figure 3 show the Borough population’s education attainment compared to neighboring municipalities, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and the United States.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Degree+Clip+Art+Black+White&FORM=IRIBEP

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Degree+Clip+Art+Black+White&FORM=IRIBEP�


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TABLE 7 – EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT: COMMUNITIES, COUNTY, STATE, US MUNICIPALITY % OF POPULATION 25 YEARS

AND OVER WHO ARE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES OR HIGHER

Bradford Woods Borough 98.7%

Franklin Park Borough 98.5% Marshall Township 97.4% Pine Township 98.0% Allegheny County 92.9% SPC 10-County Region 91.5% Pennsylvania 88.7% United States 86.0%

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU AND SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA COMMISSION

INCOME The median annual household income in Bradford Woods Borough increased from $92,820 in 2000 to $106,042 in 2013 inflation-adjusted dollars as reported by SPC. Individuals with retirement income rose from 20% to 25.9% of income reported and the poverty level rose slightly. Table 8 presents a comparison of the measurement of various types of income and the changes from 2000 to 2010.

TABLE 8 – TRENDS IN MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME INCOME TYPE 2000 2010

Median Family Income $100,329 $118,929 Median Household Income $92,820 $106,042 Median Per Capita Income $51,462 $52,208 Families Below the Poverty Level 1.10% 1.5% Individuals with Retirement Income 20.00% 25.9%



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Table 9 provides an overview of the median household income in Bradford Woods compared to the neighboring communities. The median household income in Bradford Woods is less than Franklin Park and Marshall Township and significantly less than Pine Township. The median income, however, is nearly twice as high as the median for Allegheny County, the SPC 10-County Region, Pennsylvania, and the United States.

TABLE 9 – MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME COMPARISONS: COMMUNITIES, COUNTY STATE, US MUNICIPALITY MEDIAN

HOUSEHOLD INCOME

MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME

PER CAPITA INCOME

Bradford Woods Borough $106,042 $118,929 $52,208

Franklin Park Borough $117,683 $136,122 $55,410 Marshall Township $119,286 $140,516 $57,288 Pine Township $141,250 $156,333 $62,893 Allegheny County $51,366 $70,380 $31,593 SPC 10-county region $50,390 $66,121 $28,914 Pennsylvania $52,548 $66,646 $28,502 United States $53,046 $64,719 $28,155



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EMPLOYMENT There are 541 residents in Bradford Woods over the age of 16 who are in the workforce. Overwhelming Bradford Woods’ residents are employed in the “Management, Business, Science and Arts” category. About 16% are employed in the “Sales and Office” workforce.



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HOUSING

Housing characteristics are perhaps one of the clearest indicators of a community’s overall health. Trends in characteristics such as home ownership and tenure can alert a community to the fact that its current housing stock may or may not be adequate to support the needs of a particular age or income group. Housing is also typically the single largest source of tax revenue for a community.

Table 10 provides an overview of housing trends and characteristics in Bradford Woods as reported in December of 2014 from the American Community Survey 2009-2013.

TABLE 10 – SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS 2009-2013 MUNICIPALITY % OF

HOUSING UNITS BUILT

BEFORE 1970

MEDIAN VALUE OF OWNER-

OCCUPIED HOUSING

UNITS

% OF HOUSING

UNITS THAT ARE SINGLE-FAMILY

% OF OWNER-OCCUPIED

HOUSING UNITS WHERE THE SELECTED

MONTHLY OWNER COSTS ARE 30%

OR MORE OF HOUSEHOLD

INCOME

MEDIAN GROSS RENT FOR RENTER-

OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS

PAYING CASH RENT

% OF RENTER-OCCUPIED

HOUSING UNITS WHERE THE

GROSS RENT IS 30% OR MORE OF HOUSEHOLD

INCOME

Bradford Woods Borough 50.7% $270,300 97.7% 16.6% $239 100.0%

Franklin Park Borough 27.7% $300,700 98.1% 22.0% $1,527 24.1% Marshall Township 19.6% $310,100 96.2% 17.7% $1,671 14.4% Pine Township 27.2% $363,300 89.5% 17.2% $1,372 33.5% Allegheny County 71.9% $122,400 73.2% 21.5% $751 43.9% SPC 10-county region 65.4% $122,503 79.6% 20.7% $700 42.5% Pennsylvania 59.6% $164,700 79.5% 25.8% $813 46.0% United States 41.0% $176,700 74.0% 28.5% $904 48.3%

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 5-YEAR ESTIMATES, AND SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA COMMISSION


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HOUSING OCCUPANCY

Bradford Woods Borough has seen a slight decrease in Owner Occupied housing and Renter Occupied housing since the 2000 census. At the same time, the vacancy rate almost doubled from 2.85% to 4.61%. This is still well under the national average vacancy rate of 11.4%.

TABLE 11 – HOUSING OCCUPANCY CHARACTERISTICS SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU,

AND SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA COMMISSION

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU

2000 2010 COMPOUND ANNUAL CHANGE 2000 TO

2012 Owner-occupied 91.24% 90.78% -0.5%

Renter-occupied 5.91% 4.61% -22.0%

Vacant 2.85% 4.61% 61.7%


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HOUSING TENURE

Most residents in Bradford Woods moved into their homes between 1990 and 2009. Only 37 residents moved to the Borough in 1969 or earlier. Table 12 provides a breakdown of when the housing units were occupied by the current residents.

TABLE 12 – HOUSING TENURE BY HOUSEHOLDERS OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS BY YEAR HOUSEHOLDER MOVED INTO UNIT 2010 or Later 48 2000 to 2009 174 1990 to 1999 173 1980 to 1989 85 1970 to 1979 46 1969 or earlier 37

HOUSING TYPES Figure 8 indicates that 98% or 474 units of the 485 residential units in the Borough are single-family dwellings.


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AS THE NUMBER OF FAMILY HOUSEHOLDS GOES DOWN, THE NUMBER OF HOME SALES ALSO DECLINES. THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS REPORTED THAT THE NUMBER OF EXISTING HOME SALES DECLINED IN AUGUST OF 2014.

THE ASSOCIATION ALSO STRESSED THAT CONSTRUCTION ON MULTI-FAMILY HOMES PICKED UP SHOWING THAT DEMAND IN THE RENTAL SECTOR WAS STILL HIGH. EXPERTS ADDED THAT UNTIL THE EMPLOYMENT AND WAGES SCENARIO OF THE COUNTRY IMPROVED, THE GROWTH WOULD REMAIN CHOPPY AND UNSTABLE.

THERE WILL CONTINUE TO BE LESS DEMAND FOR SINGLE FAMILY HOMES AND MORE DEMAND FOR RENTAL UNITS INTO THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.

http://www.realtytoday.com/articles/6443/20140923/existing-home-sales-decline-august-inventory-falls-nar-report.htm

http://www.realtytoday.com/articles/6443/20140923/existing-home-sales-decline-august-inventory-falls-nar-report.htm


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HOME VALUES

Most home values in Bradford Woods Borough range from $200,000 to $400,000. This means that there is very little housing available for persons with lower income, young couples looking for starter homes, or seniors hoping to downsize. As of August 2015, according to Zillow, there were four homes for sale in Bradford Woods that ranged from $260,000 to $899,000.


MEDIAN HOME VALUES IN PENSYLVANIA

The median home value in Pennsylvania is $150,800. Pennsylvania home values have gone up 0.2% over the past year and Zillow predicts they will rise 1.2% within the next year. The median rent price in Pennsylvania is $1,250.

Foreclosures will be a factor impacting home values in the next several years. In Pennsylvania 4.9 homes are foreclosed (per 10,000). This is greater than the national value of 3.8

Mortgage delinquency is the first step in the foreclosure process. The percent of delinquent mortgages in Pennsylvania is 6.0%, which is the same as the national value of 6.0%. With U.S. home values having fallen by more than 20% nationally from their peak in 2007 until their trough in late 2011, many homeowners are now underwater on their mortgages, meaning they owe more than their home is worth. The percent of Pennsylvania homeowners underwater on their mortgage is 15.0%.

Zillow Website, June 30, 2015 http://www.zillow.com/pa/home-values/


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BUSINESS AND COMMERCE There is very little economic activity in the Borough of Bradford Woods most of which is carried out at one location in the Borough. The Borough is overwhelmingly residential in nature and most of the economic activity and access to goods and services is located immediately adjacent to the Borough in the surrounding communities.

INDUSTRY SEGMENTS In 2013 (the most recent census data that is available), the Borough had 17 places of employment with 38 employees and $1 million of payroll that were located in the 15015 zip code. Since establishments are reported by zip code, the information in this section may include some establishments that are not within the geographical boundaries of Bradford Woods. According to the census data, the Borough has lost several establishments since 2009 when there were 27 employers reported. The lost establishments were mostly in “Professional, Scientific, and Technical,” and “Health Care and Social Assistance.” A complete review of the business patterns reported is shown in Table 13 below.

TABLE 13 – BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS REPORTED IN THE 15015 ZIP CODE (2009-2013) Business Patterns Reported in the

15015 Zip Code Number of Establishments by

Employment-Size Class Industry Description 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Construction 3 3 3 3 3 Wholesale Trade 4 4 3 2 2 Information 0 0 1 0 0 Retail Trade 1 1 0 0 0 Real Estate, Rental, Leasing 0 1 1 0 0 Professional, Scientific, Technical 10 10 9 8 6 Administrative and Support 1 1 0 1 1 Health Care and Social Assistance 3 3 3 3 1 Arts, Entertainment, Recreation 4 4 3 3 3 Religious Organization 1 1 1 1 1 Total Establishments 27 28 24 21 17



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TRANSPORTATION ROAD SYSTEM Bradford Woods area is shown on the “map” which also shows existing highway facilities. Currently Route 19 located just to the east of the Borough is the primary traffic access point into the Borough. Interstate 79 runs north and south and is accessible a few miles west of the Borough. Both Route 19 and the Interstate 79 interchange with the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Butler County, about four miles north of the intersection of Bradford Road and Route 19.

Two circumferential road systems, identified by Allegheny County as the Red Belt and the Orange Belt, provide east and west access. The Red Belt to the north passes through Warrendale leading to Ambridge on the west and Tarentum on the east. The Orange Belt to the south passes through Wexford and leads west to the Interstate and also continues westward on through Sewickley towards the Pittsburgh International Airport.

The primary roadway system within the Borough is comprised of a series of collector roads which provide access to the major highways but traditionally have not carried any large volumes of through-traffic. However, in recent years as development has increased in neighboring communities these collector roads have in turn seen a steady increase in overall

traffic volume. As (shown on the map?) those roads identified as collectors within the Borough include Bradford Road, Wexford Run Road, Lincoln Road. Other collector roads adjacent to the Borough which (presumably?) contribute to traffic volume include Shenot Road and Neely School Road.

The surrounding amenities cause a heavy influx of traveling through Borough to reach these destinations and may be a burden on Borough roads, but there is also a benefit as the proximity of a wide variety of amenities allow for the Borough to remain almost exclusively residential.

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ENVIRONMENTAL, ENERGY, CONSERVATION PARKS, RECREATION, AND LEISURE The Borough owns the Reserve located between Bradford Rd and Lincoln Road, which includes a trail, pond, and wildlife sanctuaries. The Borough also owns the Lake Loop Trail property that connects Delmar Road and Lake Road.

Windwood Park Windwood Park, a private family swim and tennis club, is on approximately 25 wooded acres in Bradford Woods. Windwood has a rich history. Windwood Park was founded in 1919 by a family who were named the Winds. Mr. Wind and his family owned a Bar and bakery in New Castle, Pennsylvania. During the

prohibition Mr. Wind realized that owning a bar would not be a profitable business to be in, so he started looking around for another type of business. He purchased the property in Marshall Township and named it Windwood combing his last name and the woodsy environment. He then developed it into a summer resort where people from Pittsburgh could come and enjoy those hot summer days.

The pool was a lake at first until 1940 when the board of health demanded that it needed to be chlorinated due to the amount of people using the lake. So the lake was drained and cement was poured and the pool was formed. The pool has a unique design as it is shallow on the sides with the deepest part being in the middle. It is a great pool for small children to learn to swim as the lower part is wading entrance deep. It is the second largest pool in the

http://www.windwoodpark.com/HTML/history.html



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North Hills area (350,000 gallon) . It is also unique in the way it gets water to fill it. There are several fresh water springs under the pool, which are then pumped into tanks and then pumped into the pool. It takes two weeks to fill the pool with water.

In 1957 the Wind Family sold Windwood to the Law family. Through the years the Law family has made improvements, but the uniqueness of the environment remains the same. It is now being operated by three generations of Law's. In 1989 Windwood started a summer day camp so that children have a safe clean place to spend their summers.

Through the years Windwood was the hub where Bradford Woods families socialized and children learned to swim. It had a membership of nineteen hundred individuals, a swim team of one hundred and sixty swimmers, a strong outdoor tennis program, along with many social activities. Now some of those same members who were children are bringing their children to Windwood to enjoy, build memories and also learn to swim. Through the years Windwood has had to make changes in their programs. It is now a multi membership facility. Now there are three types of memberships being offered: Pool Membership, Summer Day Camp Membership, and Corporate Outing Membership.

Conservancy Founded in 1994, the Bradford Woods Conservancy is a fund of the Allegheny Land Trust, a 501 (c3) nonprofit organization. The Conservancy’s mission is to promote education, appreciation, and conservation of the community, and to encourage stewardship of natural resources as they affect Bradford Woods and the surrounding communities.

The primary goal of the Conservancy is stewardship of the 4.5-acre Bradford Woods Reserve, including volunteering for Borough with trail maintenance, natural resources management, and community outreach. The Conservancy also volunteers for the Borough in these same areas with the 1-acre Lake Loop Trail property.

Additionally, the Conservancy organizes community programs and events, assists residents to manage natural resources on their own properties, and advises Borough Council’s environmental




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committee on conservation-related issues.

Examples of Conservancy volunteer work include:

• Forest Management, including consultations with DCNR

• Pond Management • Invasive Plant Removals • Nature Walks & Naturalist Programs

• Family Events in the Reserve, including Earth Day and Storytelling

• Trail Building & Maintenance • Native Forest Restoration & Tree Plantings • Fire Hall, Borough Office, and Post Office

Plantings • Mingo Road & Community Road Cleanups

Women’s Club The Bradford Woods Women's Club is a neighborhood,

non-profit organization, whose stated goal is: "to promote friendship among local women; offer opportunity for self-development and enrichment; and emphasize programs or activities to enhance, beautify, or otherwise improve the community of Bradford Woods". We also "provide support to local charities and organizations through donations and contributions". Last year these included: Bradford Woods Community Church, Bradford Woods Volunteer Fire Company, Crisis Center North, Good Samaritan House, HEARTH, North Country Meals on Wheels, Spina Bifida Association of PA, and the Woodlands. The club supports our troops by baking cookies and donating to Office Kim "Boucek's Battalions." The club’s current fund raisers include the Holiday Poinsettia sale, a Silent Auction, and Spring Plant sale.

Informative programs and frequent outings to local attractions are combined with fund raising activities during the year. The Heritage Committee of the Bradford Woods Women's Club has created an historic map of BW. This pamphlet contains information or the original trolley stop and other landmarks of the community as well as a few historic homes in the Borough.

http://www.bradfordwoodspa.org/womans_club.htm




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Couples Club

The Bradford Woods Couples Club promotes fellowship among married couples of the Borough and welcomes new residents of the Borough to community life. Meetings of the club are held on the first Saturday of each month, September through May, at 7:00 PM. Eight or more couples act as hosts at each meeting. Their duties are to organize the supper and provide the entertainment for the evening. The charter was amended to allow single adults to be members.


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COMMUNITY FACILITIES EDUCATION Bradford Woods is part of the North Allegheny School District which also includes Marshall Township, Franklin Park

Borough, and McCandless Township. The Bradford Woods Elementary School, Located on seven acres of ground, accommodates students through to the fifth grade. In addition to elementary school children residing within the Bradford Woods area, it accommodates students from part of Marshall Township.

FIRE SERVICE The Bradford Woods Fire Station is Located on Wexford Run Road just north of the intersection with Bradford Road. It is a volunteer fire company comprised of Borough residents. The structure in addition to housing the Borough’s fire equipment also holds the Borough government/administrative office, Borough Council meeting room and serves as a general community meeting place. The Post Office is located in a separate building on the rear portion of the fire company property.

POLICE Cooperation with neighboring townships and boroughs has enabled Bradford Woods to provide services to its residents which would normally be far too expensive for such a small community to handle on its own. Police protection is provided to borough residents by the Northern Regional Police Department of Allegheny County. This


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multi-municipal police force handles law enforcement for the communities of Bradford Woods, Marshal Township, Pine Township and Richland Township.

LIBRARY The Northland Public Library located in McCandless Township serves and is supported by five municipalities. The library has an extensive collection of books, music, movies and other media as well has many other community oriented activities, programs and services. All of it facilities are available to Borough residents.

MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS The Borough Building is located at 4908 Wexford Run Road and houses the administrative office and Council Chambers. It is attached to the volunteer fire department.

NATURAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES Bradford Woods lies in the northern portion of Allegheny County about nineteen miles north of the center of Pittsburgh. U.s. Route 19, which runs north from Pittsburgh Toward Erie, passes just to the east of Bradford woods. The Pennsylvania Turnpike, which traverse the Pittsburgh metropolitan Area from the Northwest to the southeast, crosses northern Allegheny County a little less than a mile north of the northern boundary of the Borough.

The Borough occupies an area of .93 square miles and is generally and rectangular in shape, the principal rectangle being approximate one mile east and west, about 4600 feet north-south. An additional rectangle of about 50 acres is attached to the western boundary and a slightly larger rectangle has been removed from the southeast corner. In addition, a peninsula of land on the northern boundary is included within the municipal boundaries extending about one quarter mile to the north from from the northern boundary.


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GEOLOGY Geologically, the surface structure of Bradford Woods is comprised of Conemaugh Formation, a residual strata from Applachian plateau. The rocks of this Formation generally consist of claystones and silty shales, or sequences of both. The silty shales are erratic and often grade laterally into sandy shales and sandstones. The limestones and the coal seams in the Conemaugh formation are generally erratic and thin. The bedrock stratum is essentially flat lying, sedimentary rock that has been eroded to the present surface topography. Pittsburgh Coal, the primary source of coal in Southwestern Pennsylvania, does not occur in Bradford Woods, although thin sections of the Upper Freeport Coal do occur at an altitude of about 700 to 800 feet. No deep coal mining has occurred in the Bradford Woods area and no coals are located close enough to the surface to be obtained through surface strip mining.

WATERSHED Bradford Woods straddles the drainage divide between three drainage courses: Pine Creek, flowing southward; Brush Creek, Flowing northwest: and Big Sewickley Creek, flowing to the west. Bradford Road generally follows the drainage divide between Brush Creek and Pine Creek, with the area on the north draining northerly into Brush Creek at Warrendale, and the area to the south following Wexford Run into Pine Creek. A small section of the southwestern corner of the Borough drains westward into Big Sewickley Creek.

The surface topography is level to rolling and varies in altitude from 1320 to 1097 feet. The highest point of the Borough is located near the western boundary of the Borough north of Bradford road, with the lowest point being the northern most point of the Borough where Forest Road Extension Intersects Shenot Road

SOILS The land is among the highest in Allegheny County. Only at rare points int he northern portions of Allegheny County does the altitude exceed 1300 feet above sea level, and five such ridges are located within Bradford Woods. The soils are generally thin and characterized by large quantities of clay. A few portions of the Borough were used for agriculture during the 19th Century, and much of the borough is covered by an oak forest. The soils in Bradford woods are residual soils formed by in place disintegration at bedrock. These are well suited to building construction because the depth of soil is generally not great; sheer strength of the soil is normally sufficient o provide an adequate bearing stratum for light structures a shallow depth; and settlement of structures is usually minimal because the soil zone is thin and has low to moderate compressibility. In addition, bedrock which may be required for heavy construction is seldom beyond an economical depth of excavation. (SEE HARD COPY FOR SOURCE, NEEDS TO BE UPDATE?)


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PUBLIC OUTREACH COMMUNITY SURVEY From the beginning of August through September, an on-line community survey was provided for residents to express their opinions and to provide comments relative to the future development of the Boroughs. Postcards were sent to residents and an e-mail blast was sent announcing the availability of the survey and the website link for logging onto it.

There was a very good response to the survey with 200 people or 17% of the population responding. Ninety eight percent of respondents were homeowners with (84%) of the respondents owning single family homes and 16% of homeowners owning condominiums. When residents were asked how they felt about future development, most responded that they would like future development to look much the same as past development and that the current land use regulations should stay in place. The following are the results of the future land use discussion.

FIGURE 10 – RESIDENT SURVEY RESULTS – FUTURE LAND USE


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When residents were asked what types of business activity they would like to see, the results were clear that most residents did not want to see any more business activity in the Borough as shown in Figure 11 below:

FIGURE 11 – RESIDENT SURVEY RESULTS – BUSINESS ACTIVITY


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Residents were also asked to rate the Borough services and the results are shown in Figure 12. Police, fire, and ambulance services were rated very high. Road maintenance and snow removal were rated the lowest.

The detailed survey results with resident comments are included in Appendix A. of this report.


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a comprehensive plan for future...

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