WEST FINLEY TOWNSHIP
SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
February 2, 2026
The members of the West Finley Township Planning Commission met on Monday February 2,
2026 at 6:00pm at the West Finley Firehall for a special meeting to review the proposed Zoning
Ordinance and hear public comment. Vice chairman Adams and Commission member Duncan
were present. Chairman Pritt was absent. Also in attendance was Solicitor James Liekar and
John Trant of Strategic Solutions.
The public in attendance were the following: Al and Angela Lash, Warren Duncan, Claire
Hagan, Tracey and Mark Smith, Bill Riggle, Rand and Jeannetta Martin, Tim Moore, Craig
Lindley, Ed Ritsko, Henrietta and Glenn O’Brien, Tim Collins, Rick Davis, Gergory Wasler, and
Denise Blum.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman Adams at 6:05pm.
ZONING PRESENTATION AND REVIEW
Vice Chairman Adams turned the meeting over to John Trant of Strategic Solutions to present
and take public comment from those present. Solicitor James Liekar also took questions. Mr.
Trant explained the scope of Zoning Ordinances as a tool to regulate Land Use in the
Community and while reviewing the proposed ordinance took the following questions and
comments from the public:
Henrietta O’Brien asked for clarification of “Grandfathered” or non conforming use.
Tracey Smith questioned Forestry Land Use or “logging” and how this could be regulated.
Logging is a permitted private land owner use.
While Mr. Trant discussed that a concern of the Washington County Planning Commission is
that we have designated the majority of land use as R/A on our proposed Zoning Map.
Tracey Smith suggested that we increase the Recreational Land Use area by adding the smaller
game land parcels.
Tim Moore suggested that R/A land use areas of large sizes could be split to become
agricultural only.
Claire Hagan questioned if home solar panel use would be regulated. Only larger Industrial
solar applications would be regulated.
Angela Lash questioned if there would be regulation of industry that leave – returning property
to former state. Possibly making them forest areas. They can be returned to original state but
we can’t require them to become forested areas.
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Mark Smith asked if there will be a grace period for us to implement the Zoning Office and
Zoning Board before companies can apply for permits.
Mr. Liekar suggested that we could appoint the Zoning board members after adopting the
ordinance and appoint our Engineer, K2 Engineering as Zoning Officer.
Tracey Smith and Henrietta O’Brien asked that we continue to update the ordinance before
adopting it.
Both Mr. Trant and Mr. Liekar recommended that we can adopt the Ordinance then continue to
amend it as needed.
Gregory Wasler suggested that many Data Centers are coming to this whole tri-state area and
government is funding it.
Following discussion, Vice Chairman Adams made a motion to recommend that the Board of
Supervisors adopt the Zoning Ordinance. The motioned was seconded by Commission Member
Duncan. All in favor, ayes 2. Motion carried.
Vice Chairman Adams adjourned the meeting at 7:20pm.