Monroeville Council’s rezoning approval paves way for funeral home

Monroeville council members on Sept. 13 approved the rezoning of a new business on Haymaker Road. Law Funeral Home intends to open a new location in Monroeville to answer the demands of their clients.

In order to open this location, they needed to have the 4.5-four acre property rezoned from R-1 residential to a C-2 business commercial. The matter had been tabled until the September meeting.

Council members were hesitant to make the change due to previous events involving a rezoning request in which the applicants were misleading about the business they were opening. Because of the official rezoning approval, there was no recourse for the previous situation, according to council.

In response to the concerns, funeral director Dwight M. Law said, “Our business is built on integrity.”

Members of the Law family attended council’s Citizens Night meeting the previous week with their lawyer and legal documents to discuss the matter. They brought the same legal representation to the regular council meeting. After a series of questions and possible compromises from council members, the rezoning was approved.

Councilman Eric Poach thanked the Laws for coming prepared with their documents and information. Other members wished the Laws good luck with their new location.

Other business included:

• Council approved advertising an ordinance that prohibits the parking of vehicles on front lawns of residential properties. If the ordinance is passed, violators will be presented with penalties including a notice. A repeated violation is subject to a $300 fine every 24 hours that the vehicle remains on the front lawn.

The idea of the ordinance came about when municipal officials determined that vehicles parked on front lawns detract from the health, safety and welfare of the community.

• A resolution was passed to authorize the municipality to contribute approximately $3.4 million for the 2022 minimum municipal obligation payment. This contributes to police pension plans and non-uniformed employee pension plans.

• Council members also approved Garden City Swim and Tennis Club to be recognized as a civic association under the state Small Games of Chance Act. This approval, along with a license from Allegheny County Treasurer, gives the club permission to host raffles or small games of chance to help finance its operations.

• It was announced that the Monroeville Senior Citizen Center is hosting a hoagie fundraiser. The last day to order is Sept. 26, and pickups will be scheduled for Sept. 30.

For more information regarding upcoming events in Monroeville, visit www.monroeville.pa.us.