Sewickley Approves New Pilates Studio, Discusses Trees

is going to have one more place in 2011 to get fit and healthy.

Sewickley Council approved a conditional-use request Monday night to allow a Pilates studio to open on the second floor at 441 Division Street, near the former UPS store. Council President Bob Hague and Councilwoman Carole Ford were absent.

But before approving the plans, council led a public hearing to consider the request from applicant Jill Winters and to allow open comments from those who attended.

Cynthia Dyer spoke on behalf of Winters, who couldn’t be there, and explained that the Pilates and yoga studio would include two Pilates machines and would offer individual or semi-private sessions.

In reference to a question raised from Solicitor Richard Tucker, Dyer explained that Pilates is an exercise regiment that helps people strengthen the core of their bodies and become physically stronger.  

Council followed the Jan. 5 recommendation of the planning commission and approved the studio request, with one condition on parking.

Much To Do About Trees

A group of pear trees that was planted several years ago in Sewickley is a growing concern in the borough.

Sewickley Tree Commission Chairman Larry Rice told council Monday that borough Arborist Jim Edson suggested in a report that a growth retardant be used on the pear trees every three to five years to compact growth.

The tree commission oversees tree plantings, prunings and removals in the borough, along with issues pertaining to trees.

Borough officials explained that the Cleveland Select Pear trees were purchased as sterile trees that would flower, but were not supposed to bear fruit.

The trees, however, cross-pollinated and began producingfruit -- also producing a problem with nature for some. Sewickley received a complaint from a resident who wants the trees chopped down and new trees replanted in the same place. But some on council called the move a slippery slope.

“If somebody wants a tree cut down, then that sets a precedent,” said Councilman Dean S.C. Williams.

In the meantime, the borough has no plans to plant any more Cleveland pears. 

In other business, council approved a sewer service agreement with . Sewickley Manager Kevin Flannery said Aleppo approved the same agreement Monday night.

Council also reappointed David Saint-Jacques of Grove Street Extension to a four year term on the Planning Commission with a term set to expire on Dec. 31, 2014.

Robert Lavey of Hopkins Street was appointed to a one-year term on the Zoning Hearing Board with a term expiring Dec. 31, 2011.

And Frank Bennett of Beaver Street was appointed to a five-year term on the , a term that expires Dec. 31, 2015.