The Township of Rostraver

Mission Statement

The Township of Rostraver, through the elected and appointed officials, employees, and volunteers, provides high quality public services that promote the health, safety and welfare of the residents, businesses and visitors in an efficient and cost effective manner. The needs of the community are addressed by actively forming partnerships with other government entities, the private sector, as well as other community groups and organizations. By combining these efforts with sound, long-range planning, the Township creates a strong and vibrant community realizing the high aspirations of its vision.

Vision Statement

The thriving community of Rostraver Township has experienced continuous development that has been effectively managed using appropriate and attractive smart-growth concepts. Township residents are proud of their community where high quality residential life coexists with a stable business environment. This enviable position has been achieved by focused attention to the following areas:

General Land Use and Growth Management
The nature and scope of the township’s growth have been guided by ordinances that have encouraged unique residential pockets, inviting mixed-use developments, successful commercial areas, well-designed transportation corridors, and quality industrial/technical enterprises. The ordinances have provided for planned separation of conflicting land uses and also have facilitated the dedication of open space and the continuation of diverse agricultural areas.

Public Services and Facilities
Public water and sewer have been expanded to serve the township in an appropriate manner, supporting new development while avoiding sprawl and inappropriate land use.
Through careful planning and responsible management, the township has been able to provide appropriate staff and equipment to properly serve its growing needs, and yet, maintain an attractive tax structure. The landfill located in the township helps to keep the cost of solid waste low and adds revenue to its tax base through tipping fees. The Community Center complex has become a hub for activities.

Transportation
Interstate 70, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the Rostraver Airport, and local rail system have contributed greatly to regional growth. The airport has been expanded and is now an important component of economic development. Similarly, the Mon/Fayette Expressway to the northwest of the township has substantially improved access to the region, via State Route 51, and has had a significant influence on the growth of the community. The expressway, coupled with improvements and upgrades to state and local roads, have provided the township with a safe, effective, and efficient vehicular network.

Housing
The community’s desire of achieving and maintaining a high standard of living has spawned various initiatives to improve older residential neighborhoods, and promote a special sense of place in the township for all residents. A multitude of new housing opportunities, particularly for seniors and young professionals, has been created.

Economic Development
The township has a successful working relationship with county, regional and state economic development agencies and officials promoting economic development compatible with the high quality of life enjoyed by residents. The township has continued to capitalize on its diverse land use character and has successfully exploited its strategic location to attract reputable industrial/technical enterprises that offer new employment opportunities and regional economic benefits.

Parks and Recreation
Quality living for residents has been enhanced by a diversity of recreational programs and facilities. Activities serve the needs of all ages and are often coordinated with the school district facilities, Cedar Creek County Park, the DiVirgilio Sports Complex and neighborhood play areas. The slow and steady development of pedestrian trails has linked the interior of the township to the popular Youghiogheny River Trail and increased access to the Monongahela River.

Cultural Resources and Historic Preservation
The facilities and staff of the BVA School District and the Fellsburg Branch of Westmoreland Community College have continued to provide local opportunities for quality education to community residents of all ages. Construction of a new library in the township has led to a substantial increase in membership by residents who have enjoyed its extensive and diverse literary resources and its community-oriented facilities. Residents of Rostraver Township have numerous congregations of several religious denominations available for worship. Township efforts to develop and implement a plan for preserving the many historic sites in the township have resulted in increased community appreciation of its early history and in new initiatives designed to restore and/or maintain its most fragile historical assets.

Environmental Preservation and Enhancement
The rural character of the township with its rolling hills and green landscapes has remained a major asset for attracting new residential and commercial developments. This appeal has been maintained by rigid enforcement of environmentally friendly ordinances and by extensive promotion of appropriate smart-growth concepts to prospective developers.

Health and Safety
A well trained and equipped Police Department and Volunteer Fire Department provide effective protection against crime and casualty losses to the extent that residents and business owners enjoy a strong sense of safety and security within the township. Several accredited hospitals, which are located in neighboring communities, are supported by excellent medical staff and technologies that serve the needs of township residents for routine and critical medical care. A well-trained and equipped EMS organization ensures that residents and transient visitors have rapid access to these facilities in the event of medical emergencies.