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Mayview State Hospital Land Reuse Task Force
Mayview State Hospital
Land Reuse Task Force Attendees: Dr. Linda Hippert – South
Fayette School District Rich Kuppelweiser began the meeting with an update on the closure of the hospital. Mayview currently has 133 patients (approx. 80 civil and approx. 50 forensic). The transfer of the forensic unit to Torrance is on schedule for sometime in November. The deadline for the release of the civil patients into community-based care remains December 31st. John Paul Jones again went over the role of the Department of General Services in the disposition of state property. He stated that the surplus disposition plan was approved by the General Assembly and the Governor before the recent adjournment of the legislature, which provides the approval the Department needs to begin due diligence on the property. The target start date is early December. The first activity that will be scheduled is the survey, which should be completed within 60-90 days. They will also need to get environmental impact statements and an appraisal from an independent appraiser. He noted that if the task force would like to recommend that they perform additional analyses on the property, they can request it. Upon being questioned about who exactly would perform the appraisal, he said that DGS would hire an independent firm with experience in dealing with this particular type of property. He noted that he is open to suggestions if anyone has any recommendations. Mike Hoy provided an overview of the township's recent zoning changes for the Mayview area. He summarized that the previous zoning of R-1 did not match the property's current use as a state hospital, and noted that because of its size, shape and current use, the best fit among the townships zoning options is currently B-1. (PowerPoint slides explaining the township's zoning options in detail are on the Mayview Land Reuse Task Force website). He also commented that the Board of Commissioners in South Fayette has charged the township staff with the task of examining new and alternative zoning options that are not yet on the books in South Fayette. He mentioned in particular the CV (Community Village) and REC (Recreation area) zoning options that have been discussed in previous meetings and noted that it would be possible to divide the property into two separate zoning categories. Senator Pippy requested copies of the B-1 zoning definition, and Dr. Hippert noted the school board and administration's support for decision to reclassify Mayview into B-1 zoning. Chris Goswick asked how the staff of South Fayette was planning to explore the new zoning options of REC and CV. Mr. Hoy responded that they were looking into drafting zoning ordinances specific to South Fayette under these two categories in particular. For now, the property will remain B-1, which is the one of the options under the existing zoning ordinances. A question was raised about the impact the zoning decision will have on the recommendations of the Task Force. Senator Pippy responded that it gives the Task Force an idea of what the township is looking for in terms of future property owners. Roy Kraynyk asked what effect the zoning could have on the appraised value of the property. As a follow up, Chris Goswick asked if it was possible to do two appraisals. John Paul Jones said that the problem is that appraisals become speculative if you deviate from how the property is currently zoned, and it would be especially difficult to do an appraisal on zoning that doesn't yet exist. Deron Gabriel added that the appraiser will actually make a recommendation as to the zoning classification that would allow for the highest and best use of the property (regardless of current zoning). Rich Kuppelweiser asked about the effect the new retail development (Newberry Square) in South Fayette would have on possible uses for the Mayview property. Mike Hoy responded that the planning commission was looking to limit competition between properties within the township and that while Newberry Village relies on big box retail stores as anchors, the proposed CV (Commercial Village) model would rely on offices as anchors and have convenience-type stores like dry cleaners, delis, and coffee shops as retail tenants. Roy Kraynyk inquired about separate appraisals for the flat (developable) area and the steep slopes component of the property. Public Testimony A list of the speakers is provided. Please see the website for their testimony as well as additional comments received in written form.
Public and Task Force Comments As a follow up to Sarah Rosso's closing testimony, Mary Fleming asked about the preservation of the cemetery that currently sits on the property. Rich Kuppelweiser answered that whoever purchases the property will be responsible for preserving and maintaining it. Kris Weis, representing Let Your Voice Be Heard, commented on the process of closing Woodville Hospital 16 years ago. He said that the destruction of buildings began while residents were still on the property, which was very disturbing to them. He also mentioned that many former Woodville residents became homeless or went to jail. He would like to see the people from Mayview and others with disabilities owning their own businesses and providing jobs to other disabled individuals. He believes that this vision could be realized through the sale of Mayview at fair market value and the dedication of the revenue to services for individuals with mental health issues. Ann Aleppa of Three Rivers Center for Independent Living reminded everyone that mental health issues affect the entire community – there is no such thing as "the mental health community". She also stated that the need for mental health services is ongoing and constant since trauma and abuse are unfortunately ongoing and constant. She stressed the need for adequate funding for these services and indicated her support for the proceeds of the sale of Mayview at fair market value to be dedicated to funding these services. Alexander D., an individual living with mental illness, spoke about how he has benefited significantly from support and services that he has received through the community. Another individual recommended that not only should the proceeds from this sale of the property go toward mental health services, the state should also ensure that a portion of the proceeds from any future sale of the property is allocated for that purpose as well. He expressed concern that South Fayette Township had an interest in developing the property themselves, to which Rep. Kotik responded on behalf of South Fayette that they have no intention of going into the development business. Mike Hoy added that the externalities of development that might add value to the region as a whole should be considered as well. Roy Kraynyk commented that he would like to recognize South Fayette for its consistently good land stewardship and would like to reiterate his support for easements for portions of the land. Mr. Kraynyk also asked about the timing of the appraisal. John Paul Jones noted that it will likely be conducted in early December. He said that the state usually conducts appraisals close to the time of the property's scheduled closure. He also stated that the survey would be the first step in the DGS process. Mr. Kraynyk then noted that he would like to know if DCNR or DEP had any studies on the geology and hydrology of the property. Senator Pippy commented in response to a question about the future timeline for meetings that he expected the meetings to continue into the new year. Representative Kotik reaffirmed his and Senator Pippy's interest in ensuring a positive outcome for the entire community.
List of Testimony received by the Mayview State Hospital Land Reuse Task Force |
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