Ross commissioners initiate land purchase

The Ross Township Board of Commissioners has voted to initiate the process of purchasing land on the former KQV tower site. The move was unanimously approved by a 9-0 vote at the commissioners’ Aug. 21 meeting.

The land has not been purchased yet, but board president Dan DeMarco has been authorized to sign a letter of commitment to provide $30,000 to Allegheny Land Trust towards a preliminary investigation of the land. The plan calls for partnering with ALT to preserve the Rizzo/Kuda and Vertical Bridge Properties at the tower site.

Officials say there has been a lot of interest in developing these parcels of land in recent years, but the ridges and steep slopes, which are susceptible to landslides, have made it difficult.

“Ross Township is always seeking to preserve our green space, especially on land that is not ideal for development,” DeMarco said. “This area is comprised of wooded hilltops and ridges with landslide susceptible steep slopes. Preserving these 48 acres of land from future development will not only mitigate any adverse impact from stormwater runoff but will also provide a permanent outdoor area for residents and wildlife to enjoy for generations to come.”