Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Baldwin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
21 issues with medium priority
Revised Zoning Ordinance Timeline
The Planning Commission has begun a full overhaul of the borough's zoning ordinance with the borough's planning director and engineers, aiming for completion by November and council consideration by December.
Three-municipality fire study
A fire study covering three municipalities is in progress with surveys complete and council interviews scheduled for May 11; findings are expected within a few months.
Switch from PlateSmart to Viper contract
After a closed-door session, council terminated the PlateSmart agreement and signed on with Viper instead — likely tied to traffic/speed-enforcement camera technology.
2027 Budget Preparation
Budget sessions are set for October 26, November 2, and November 24, with most numbers ready pending final sanitation figures.
Public Works Staffing Before Winter
A new five-year deal pays Baldwin for salting state roadways in winter. It brings in state compensation for work crews were doing anyway.
Municipal Building Walkway Improvements
The county finally authorized the municipal building walkway project; bidding should be out and awarded before October.
Colwood Park Master Plan and LSA Grant
The borough is splitting the Colwood Park improvements into two phases to chase the $1 million maximum LSA grant twice — phase one (fields and parking) goes before council as a resolution in November.
Vex Right Road lot consolidation and steel building proposal
A business owner wants to merge two lots on Vex Right Road and put up a steel building, but the merged lot won't meet the 100-foot minimum width for the C-1 commercial district. He'll seek a variance from the zoning hearing board in October.
Baldwin Borough Library Programs
September is the 11th annual Love Your Library month — the library's biggest fundraiser, with donations matched by the Jack Buncher Foundation. The library also welcomed a Pitt social work intern helping patrons and seniors.
Comprehensive plan update kickoff
The Planning Commission is making progress on the borough's comprehensive plan and hopes to have updates ready to present to council by year's end, possibly at the October meeting.
School zone safety improvements
Crews added stop bars, crosswalks, and fresh signage around the main school route — Manhasset, Wallace, Kathleen, Pleasantview, Marianne — to keep kids and bus stops safe.
ALCOSAN Regional Transfer Agreement
Baldwin met with ALCOSAN and Whitehall about transferring its regional sewer permits to ALCOSAN. Template resolutions are coming this fall for council to consider.
E-bike safety at Churchview Gardens
A resident reported unsafe e-bike riding through the apartment complex, worried about kids and pedestrians. The chief's advice: call 911 when spotted, and ask the property manager to post no-e-bike signs.
GESA Energy Upgrades for Borough Building
TEN pitched a Guaranteed Energy Savings Act program to modernize the 70-year-old borough building — lighting, roof, HVAC, water — with savings funding the work and no upfront cost until signing. Council will weigh whether to pursue it or consider a new building entirely.
Community Day Review
A big turnout is expected Saturday, with the 50-year-old time capsule unveiling (dug up from six feet under a concrete sarcophagus) as the star attraction. With volunteer help scarce, two paid substitute teachers will staff parking and logistics.
Sewer Rate Impacts from Pleasant Hills Authority
The borough's share of Pleasant Hills Authority wastewater costs will tick up from about 33–35% to 36% under metered flows, and a revived Lewis Run station project (~$3 million total) could cost Baldwin roughly $1 million amortized starting in 2027.
Girls' wrestling program at Baldwin High School
A parent-led push to add a PIAA girls' wrestling team at Baldwin High School is gathering interest — about 16 responses so far. Council agreed to share the interest form, and the group will speak at school board meetings in August and September.
EMS Billing and Insurance Reimbursement
Council discussed a problem where insurers like Highmark pay patients directly instead of the ambulance service, and some patients pocket the money — a case in Shaler allegedly kept $30,000 from EMS. Dee said his own family had to forward a $1,200 check to Baldwin EMS.
Municipal building energy upgrades (GESA)
The borough building is aging — old boiler, failing HVAC, a 15–20-year-old roof, and asbestos concerns. Council agreed to hear an August presentation on a Guaranteed Energy Savings Act program that could fund efficiency upgrades paid back through energy savings.
Taco Bell development on Clairton Boulevard
The proposed Taco Bell at the old Berkshire Hathaway office site cleared another Planning Commission review. Two items — a rear setback and undersized parking spaces — may need zoning variances before it comes to council, possibly in May.
Proposed Snow Angel Program
After dozens of calls from elderly residents buried in snow, the borough and Baldwin-Whitehall School District are exploring a program where students shovel walks and driveways to earn community service hours. Early stages, but council loved it.