Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dormont public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
19 issues
Rec board staffing transition
The board still has two open seats. Outreach posts haven't generated applicants, so members are asked to personally refer anyone who might be interested — applications are on the borough website.
Borough email and communications access for rec board
The board lacks access to the Gmail listed on its Facebook page and asked the borough to set up an official rec board email so communications are streamlined and archived.
2027 Recreation Calendar
The borough's big kids event is March 28 at 11 a.m., with a sensory-friendly hunt at 10:30. Football players and firefighters are volunteering, and this year prizes will be raffled at 11:30 so winners are announced on site instead of matched later from sign-in sheets.
Home for the Holidays tree lighting
The popular holiday lights contest returns with plans for about 100 reusable yard signs — roughly double last year — after many residents missed the signup. A municipal building pickup-and-return system is proposed to make scaling easier.
Cookies with Santa 2026
The annual Cookies with Santa event on December 5 will move into the church basement alongside Home for the Holidays vendors, with cookie decorating kept. Residents will find Santa and decorating in the Home Room after the parade.
Business district parking overhaul
Council is reviewing parking needs with an eye toward 2027 solutions, and has begun discussing renewing the Dormont Village parking lot contract and its meter vendor contract.
2027 Borough Budget
The 2027 budget is heading to its required 30-day public display after capital review meetings wrapped up. The final vote comes at the November meeting.
Penrose project opposition
The borough is one vote away from entering exclusive talks with PRT and developer Pennrose about redeveloping land near Dormont Station. Nothing is approved yet — the six-to-24-month negotiating window includes public engagement, and any real project would need a future council vote.
Firefighter working schedules MOU
The union agreement would move firefighters to 24-hours-on/72-hours-off shifts — but it's on hold a month while Chief Stakich reviews it and its budget impact.
Next Generation Playground Phase 1 construction
The big playground rebuild at Dormont Park is moving on two fronts: a construction RFP for Phase 1 that isn't finished yet, and a $168,553 pavilion purchase for Phase 2 through a state grant that requires work within a year. Council wants the full RFP in hand before advertising it.
2026 Road Program and sidewalk complications
The borough is switching to a five-year road program based on a full pavement survey by Pavement Management Group, instead of planning roads year by year in the fall. The goal is to coordinate paving with utility work so fresh pavement isn't cut up right away. Pavement Management Group will answer questions about road grades on January 26.
Proposed PRT/developer 180-unit apartment development
Residents flooded public comment with concerns about a proposed 180-unit apartment building where a parking lot sits on West Liberty Avenue — parking, sewer capacity, traffic studies, and school enrollment were all raised. Council President Downs stressed no plan is formally before council yet; the borough is still drafting its list of developer requirements.
Sale of 2008 Sutphen fire pumper
The borough's old fire engine is being sold to Powhatan County, Virginia for $120,000, and the buyer wants it fast — so council converted the sale approval into a ratifying resolution.
Paving program wrap-up
Felino will mill streets this week and lay base and wearing courses next week; the 2026 paving program should be done within two weeks.
Speed data reliability and speed-display bias
Police speed data across three streets shows almost no serious speeding, but commission members worry the visible speed display makes drivers slow down — meaning the data may not reflect normal driving. They floated buying a small independent counter to check the police collector's numbers.
Active Transportation Plan intersection picks
The Safe Mobility Commission flagged three dangerous intersections — Dwight-Hillsdale-Kelton as top priority — for safety improvements that will be costed with Mt. Lebanon's partner project. Designs and estimates come before council before the July vote.
Kelton/Eastmont/KO High School intersection safety
The roughly $124,000 Kelton/Eastmont intersection redesign is in a holding pattern pending cost estimates and possible cost-sharing with the school district.
Dormont Junction TOD and social media misinformation
Residents are pressing for a school district capacity audit before the 183-unit Dormont Junction project proceeds, citing impacts on Keystone Oaks schools and property owners. Council is negotiating an agreement with the developer and Port Authority, and a resident asked that it be public before signing.
Potomac Avenue Street Light Replacement
The borough's existing Potomac Avenue lights are out of production with no parts left, so a replacement decision is coming one way or another. A cheap quote through the Act 129 rebate program drew aesthetic objections, and members want to look at other options — possibly with grant help — before committing.