Norwin-area events, Feb. 25, 2021 and beyond

Having debated for months on how to regulate people raising chickens in a residential neighborhood, North Huntingdon commissioners unanimously approved a zoning ordinance amendment that requires a permit.

Under the revision, the owners of properties zoned R-2, R-3 and R-4, which range in size from 10 acres to 20 acres, can apply for a conditional use permit to have hens — no roosters — if approved by the township zoning hearing board following a public hearing. Raising chickens on property zoned R-1 is not permitted.

One of the previous flashpoints among officials had been the $590 fee for a public hearing — $350 for a legal advertisement to publicize the hearing and $240 for a court reporter. The fee is lower than the $740 charged to other property owners seeking a variance before the board.

Commissioners did not address in the amendment the number of chickens that could be raised by a person who seeks a permit from the zoning board.

Boy Scout troop selling pies

Boy Scout Troop 284 of Irwin is selling pies for Easter made at the Pie Shoppe in Laughlintown.

Orders can be placed online at www.Troop284Irwin.com. or mailed in with payment to Boy Scout Troop 284, 1670 Craig Drive, North Huntingdon, PA 15642.

All orders must be received by March 20. A drive-through pickup will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Irwin, Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, between noon and 2 p.m. April 3.

Church to hold spaghetti dinner fundraiser

West Hempfield Presbyterian Church at 8 W. Hempfield Ave., Hempfield, will hold its annual Spaghetti Dinner Haiti Fundraiser from 4 to 6:30 p.m. March 20 in a drive-through manner because of the covid restrictions.

The meals will include homemade meatballs, salad and a drink. Meals for adults will be $9 and children’s meals are $5. Quarts of sauce and six meatballs will be available for $8 each.

The sauce and extra meatball orders must be made in advance by sending an email to Jen at spagdinner2021@gmail.com. Those interested in getting a meal are asked to use the same email by March 16.

Include the name, contact number and how many meals and extras are being ordered.

North Huntingdon church to be open Good Friday

The sanctuary at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 12727 Lincoln Way, North Huntingdon, will be open for Good Friday, April 2, meditation from noon to 3 p.m. for those who want to reflect or pray quietly.

Centers for Disease Control guidelines are being followed within the building, with masks and social distancing required.

For more information, contact the church at 724-863-7702 or at contactnewhope@verizon.net.

North Huntingdon supports low-income housing for seniors

The North Huntingdon commissioners have agreed to support the Westmoreland County Housing Authority’s application for low-income tax credits that would be used to finance a proposed housing project for senior citizens in Irwin and North Huntingdon.

The commissioners on Feb. 17 agreed to send a letter of support for the housing authority’s bid for the tax credits available through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. It is likely the housing authority will not learn whether its application for the tax credits was approved until late summer or early fall, said Michael Washowich, executive director of the housing authority.

In the first phase of the project, the housing authority wants to build in Irwin a four-story apartment building containing 50 units for the income-eligible senior citizens. The building will be located on property off Laurel Avenue and behind the Norwin Public Library on Caruthers Lane, Washowich said.

In the second phase of the Grand View Senior Residences, about 38 patio homes are planned for a portion of the property in North Huntingdon.

Washowich said the project is in the planning stages and the authority is not ready to release the name of the developer.

The Norwin School Board, Westmoreland County and Irwin Borough have approved an agreement with the housing authority to accept an annual payment of $11,150 for the next 40 years, to be divided among the three taxing bodies. In return, the school district, Irwin and county agree not to challenge the non-profit charitable status of the developer of the project.