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"Smart Growth" Heads List of Topics at
Commissioner Balya’s County Mayors’ Forum
Posted 08-12-2003
"Smart Growth" topped the list of subjects discussed at the most recent
session of the Westmoreland County Mayors' Forum, facilitated by Westmoreland County
Commissioner Tom Balya.
The mayor's forum was held Saturday, August
9, at the Sutersville Borough Building, hosted by Sutersville Mayor Corey Tragesser.
"Since I began these mayors' forums
seven years ago, we have focused on topics that impact the overall state of the county and
the role that local leaders can play," Balya said. "Smart Growth is an issue
that affects all of Westmoreland County's diverse communities -- from the cities of
Greensburg, Monessen, and New Kensington to the rural settings of Laurel Mountain and
Donegal. Responsible and forward-thinking development is the key to growing and sustaining
a strong economy and maintaining a high quality of life in Westmoreland County."
Alex Graziani, Executive Director of the
Smart Growth Partnership of Westmoreland County, served as the guest speaker, offering a
detailed presentation of Smart Growth principles. The goal of Smart Growth is not to stop
development. Smart Growth focuses development efforts through community collaboration and
promotes the use of existing resources to avoid waste.
In addition to the featured presentation,
Commissioner Balya updated the mayors on news from county government, including the impact
of the state budget crisis on the county, current and planned economic development
projects, public safety initiatives, as well as the county's comprehensive plan that will
be a valuable tool in advancing Smart Growth.
Since 1996, Commissioner Balya has
sponsored Mayors' Forums at least three times per year at various locations throughout
Westmoreland County. |
