Leetsdale, Quaker Valley Officials Discuss Property Concerns

 and officials met Wednesday morning to discuss potential plans to alleviate traffic problems near the high school.

Council President Joseph McGurk and Superintendent Joseph Clapper both said afterward that the meeting went well.

“I think they were as open and honest with us as they could be,” McGurk said Wednesday.

“I think we’re at a better place after meeting with them,” Clapper said.

The talks came a day after residents and officials voiced concerns at the Leetsdale Council meeting over speculation that up to nine properties in the 700 block of Beaver Street could be razed between the and Village Drive to resolve the district's ongoing traffic issues. Such a move, they said, would decrease Leetsdale's tax rolls and potentially lower property values for remaining homes. 

Concerns followed Quaker Valley’s at 704 Beaver St., with some residents asking why.

McGurk said the district isn't looking to acquire all nine properties, but is looking potentially at two more. 

In recent years, the Quaker Valley school board has looked at ways to address growing traffic flow concerns at the high school while keeping students safe.

“We’re thinking long term here, taking proactive steps and rectifying space and traffic issues at the high school,” Clapper said.

McGurk said residents and some on the previous council were unaware until recently that borough officials met last year with the school and suggested the district purchase nearby properties to alleviate traffic. 

In addition to Mayor Pete Poninsky, those attending that prior meeting last year reportedly included the police chief, the former borough manager, and a fourth person who McGurk said was confirmed by the district on Wednesday as former Councilman Michael Bajsec.

Poninsky said he and the other three Leetsdale officials met with the district last year because he wanted to paint the curb red outside the school building, but said the meeting ended without a firm resolution.

Clapper said he can’t speak for any conversations that took place between previous and current borough officials, but assured that there is no “overnight solution.”

Clapper said Quaker Valley has made a commitment to talk to Leetsdale borough as plans progress.