Patch contributor talked to some of Moon's movers and shakers -- the individuals who are most poised to leave their mark on the community in 2011.
In the second of this two-part series, Busch tells us how Moon's planning director is shaping its future, and how resident and is influencing Harrisburg.
Planning director is at the center of Moon's 2011 development
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- Name: Adam McGurk
- Occupation: Planning Director for Moon Township.
- Why you need to know him: McGurk serves as the chief planner for the community, overseeing both residential and commercial growth in Moon.
He's often at the center of Moon's business and economic growth -- any new building, development or commercial property to be built first passes through McGurk's desk for review before shovels break ground.
“I see myself not as someone who influences the process, but someone who helps facilitate it,” McGurk said.
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New developments that McGurk has his eye on include the construction of a new Autozone on University Boulevard, where the Trivia Pub is currently located, and expanding to include a GetGo gas station. Kenny Ross Toyota also got the thumbs-up to build a new facility near the Park and Ride lot on University Boulevard, where the Allegheny Residence Inn is located. The Texaco near will also be undergoing a renovation.
He's also worked closely with RMU, which is in the midst of its own capital expansion plan.
"We work hand-in-hand with RMU and they are an asset to the community," McGurk said. "We have reviewed their master plan and generally agree with it."
McGurk said residents can look ahead to further economic growth during the next decade -- he and the township Board of Supervisors are in the process of updating Moon's comprehensive plan.
"It's the township's 10-year vision," McGurk said. "This plan is different from the last plan in 2000, since we were in a huge residential boom. We are a lot more developed now and want to establish a nice set of goals because this plan will guide the township for the next 10 years."
But writing that plan is no simple task, McGurk concedes.
"I see Moon shifting from a new development community to a re-development community, specifically along University Boulevard," he said. Growth in the township and at Robert Morris University, he said, could leave lasting change on Moon's residential and commercial landscape.
"Each plan affects the other," he said. "Whether it's additional traffic, or new traffic signals, no plan stands alone. They all affect each other. It's a key issue in the township.
Fire marshal is an advocate for new state fire codes
- Name: Charles Belgie
- Occupation: Moon Fire Marshal
- Why you should know him: Belgie is charged with keeping Moon safe and updating residents and developers on new fire codes.
Safety is Charles Belgie's first priority.
If you've ever checked out MCA-TV during Fire Prevention Week, you've probably seen him broadcasting public service announcements: He advises the community on candle use, storage of flammable materials and evacuation plans.
As Moon's fire marshal, Belgie's job is to approve new plans for fire protection systems, fire alarms and work with older buildings for fire prevention. He also conducts inspections at group homes and nursing homes.
"I don't really have that much influence, per say," Belgie said. "But I do persuade some developers to go a little further in what they want to put in for fire protection."
But that little bit of influence goes a long way.
"From experience, I try to help minimize our loss by a little more here and there on their plans," he said.
Belgie said a new state law requiring sprinkler systems in newly constructed homes will be a hot topic in Moon this year.
"Basically, the type of construction that is out there today in [newly constructed] homes is fast-burning and fast-collapse material and citizens are losing their lives," he said. "Firefighters are losing their lives because of the construction -- they've fallen through floors when there is no visible fire on that particular floor."
The sprinklers required by the new code, Belgie said, will save lives.
"Sprinklers are like having your own firefighter on board," he said.
It's Belgie's job to be Moon's chief safety advocate. He reminds community members to have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in their house, and to have a home fire-drill plan in place.
"Give the detectors a birthday and give them batteries as a present," he said. "Batteries are good for 10 years -- but you have no idea how long they've been on sale at the store."
State senator said Marcellous Shale could help the region
- Name: John Pippy
- Occupation: State Senator
- Why you should know him: Pippy has worked to strengthen Megan's law against sex-offenders in the state and said Marcellous Shale could provide opportunities for Western Pennsylvanians.
Moon resident and State Senator John Pippy has no easy task in front of him -- he said his primary goal is to lower the cost of state government.
"Times are tough economically, families are challenged," Pippy said. "We can't have government come in and be a bigger burden on [families]."
He said his ultimate goal in Harrisburg is reducing the overall size of state government and, ultimately, lowering taxes.
"In our township, my job is trying to make sure we have a state budget that meets all our safety and public needs," Pippy said. "But has a smaller budget than in the past."
Pippy said the drilling of Marcellus Shale could be a boon for the region, despite it's recent controversy amongst Western Pennsylvanians.
"It's an industrial process like any," he said. "We've had drilling in Pennsylvania for over 100 years. What we are doing is updating the rules and regulations. We are looking to get our proposals out as soon as possible."
