Robinson commissioners to consider another residential development
A Warrendale-based developer wants to turn 94 acres of vacant land off McCormick Road into a mix of nearly 350 townhomes, duplexes and single-family homes.
Robinson Farms Management LLC is seeking approval of a preliminary site plan and subdivision application for its project, and the Robinson Township Board of Commissioners will consider that request at its 7 p.m. meeting Tuesday, Sept. 15.
The meeting will take place at the township Municipal Complex, 5440 Campbells Run Road.
The township’s Planning Commission last month recommended approval of the preliminary site plan and subdivision application, which includes a waiver of a sidewalk requirement.
In lieu of installing sidewalks, the developer would improve Beacon Road, one of two roads that would provide access to the project. Beacon Road does not currently meet township standards.
Access also would be provided from McCormick Road to the west. The developer also would build nearly 1¾ miles of new roadway, according to its subdivision application.
Robinson Farms would consist of 348 housing units in all – 233 townhomes, 34 duplex units (17 buildings) and 81 single-family homes, all of which are permitted uses for that property. The land is in the R-3 minimum density residential district/Burkett Park Neighborhood.
A small portion of the development along McCormick Road, to include a public road access only, is proposed in the R-2 single family residential district.
The project, which would be built in five phases, also would provide 41 acres of open space “in perpetuity,” according to a report from Remington & Vernick Engineers.
The Municipal Authority of the Township of Robinson would provide water and sewer services to the development.
According to the engineer’s report, the property is currently vacant and has not previously been developed.
Most of the project is contained in two large parcels – one 47.3 acres and the other 45.1 acres. Robinson Farms Management LLC purchased both parcels for the same price -- $3,383,240 – from McCormick Road Management LLC in April 2024, according to Allegheny County records.
McCormick Road Management LLC purchased the two parcels for $1.3 million each in 2021 from the Gertrude W. Baker Trust, which acquired each parcel in 1970 for $1,500.
According to the engineer’s report, single-family home lots would be no smaller than 7,398 square feet, compared with the required minimum of 5,000 square feet. Minimum lot sizes for the duplex and townhouse dwellings also would exceed the township’s minimum standards. Minimum lot widths would either exceed or meet the township’s minimum standards.
The engineers report states that due to the apparent presence of landslide-prone soils and/or evidence of mining on the site, the developers must submit a comprehensive geotechnical report that meets the township’s requirements before the project can move forward.
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