Rostraver meeting ends with tempers flared

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

Tempers flared Wednesday as the Rostraver Township Commissioners’ planning session Wednesday neared the end of a lengthy agenda.

More than two and a half hours into the wide-ranging discussion, Commissioner Devin DeRienzo brought up noise complaint issues with Vinoski Winery.

DeRienzo said while there had been a number of complaints, the last time decibel level readings had been taken at the property line as required under the township ordinance was Nov. 9, 2020.

DeRienzo said he and the code enforcement officer went out and took readings at various locations in the township June 11 and 12, with no music from the concerts heard at locations along Routes 51 and 201 and the reading at the property line measured at 39.3 decibels.

DeRienzo said when he went to the cul de sac near Rosewood, the situation changed.

“It was clear as day, but it measured 55 decibels,” DeRienzo said. “There’s not much we can do as a board if it’s under 70 decibels at the property line.”

DeRienzo said the winery is bringing money and travelers to the township.

“I was surprised by the number of people coming in, a lot of them from Pittsburgh and the surrounding area,” said Commissioner Gary Beck.

“When the complaints come in are in the fall when the foliage is down,” said Commissioners’ President John Lorenzo.

“You haven’t forwarded one complaint to me, John,” said DeRienzo, who chairs the health and welfare committee.

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