Residents urge zoning changes and single-use-plastic reduction during resiliency board public comment

Two community members used the public-comment period at the June 24 Mount Lebanon Resiliency Advisory Board meeting to press for zoning changes and local environmental programs.

Sam Smith, speaking for a neighborhood environmental group, described outreach plans (including a Plastic-Free July campaign and an upcoming podcast appearance) and urged the board to use the resiliency section of the comp plan to pursue zoning near transit, composting projects and restrictions on single-use plastics. "We're launching a plastic free July challenge...there are a couple places [in the comp plan] where they talk about providing public education," Sam Smith said, offering the group's help with education and resident outreach.

Morgan, introduced by staff before speaking, told the board the rules on parking minimums and setbacks prevent the incremental development that created Uptown and Beverly and make it difficult for smaller, walkable business clusters to form. "I would love to see some of the other business districts...naturally evolve and grow, incrementally, slowly," Morgan said, and offered zoning-education support to help the board and developers understand options.

Staff acknowledged the comments and said the board's zoning consultant has been briefed on those ideas; no formal policy or ordinance was advanced at the meeting. Both commenters asked to be involved on ad hoc or educational efforts the board may form to implement comp-plan goals.

Why it matters: zoning changes and single-use-plastic measures could shape future development patterns and waste/recycling outreach in Mount Lebanon if pursued through the comp plan and subsequent code changes. The board directed subcommittees to develop priorities consistent with the comp plan and to report back at the July meeting.

Next steps: staff and the zoning consultant will consider public input as subcommittees draft their priorities; Sam Smith and Morgan indicated willingness to assist in education and ad hoc work.