North Huntingdon Scrambles for New Land Lease Rules After Riverhounds Soccer Dream Fizzles

North Huntingdon Township is taking decisive action to prevent a repeat of past development frustrations, moving swiftly to establish a robust framework for leasing township-owned land. This crucial policy shift comes directly in the wake of the highly anticipated Pittsburgh Riverhounds youth soccer academy project's unexpected collapse, leaving residents and officials alike grappling with lessons learned and a prime piece of real estate in limbo.

The ambitious Riverhounds plan, envisioned to transform 186 acres of the former Executive Golf Course into a state-of-the-art youth soccer facility, has officially stalled.

The developer, the Pisa Group, led by Bob Deasy, failed to exercise its options to purchase the expansive property, which the township acquired for $3.5 million in 2021. This failure has effectively pulled the plug on a project that promised significant recreational opportunities but also sparked considerable debate among the community.

In response to this significant setback and a desire to ensure greater transparency and community involvement in future land use, township commissioners are now poised to consider a groundbreaking ordinance.

This proposed legislation aims to formalize the process for leasing township land for recreational purposes, a direct answer to the perceived shortcomings of previous informal discussions.

Under the new ordinance, any future lease agreement would be subject to rigorous public scrutiny. Key provisions include mandatory public hearings, ensuring that residents have a direct voice in how their community’s land is utilized.

Furthermore, the ordinance would require competitive bidding for lease agreements, promoting fairness and potentially securing better terms for the township. It also specifies a maximum lease term of 30 years, with clear stipulations for renewal, providing long-term stability while maintaining municipal oversight.

The initial Riverhounds proposal, while exciting to some, had been met with a chorus of concerns from local residents.

Fears centered on potential increases in traffic congestion, noise pollution from sporting events, and the environmental impact on the scenic former golf course. Critics also highlighted a distinct lack of transparency and public input during the early stages of the project's consideration, fueling a sense of unease within the community.

Township officials have not shied away from expressing their own frustrations.

Commissioner Zach Haigis candidly voiced his disappointment, stating, "My frustration level with the Riverhounds and the Pisa Group has gone through the roof." He elaborated on a lack of communication and missed deadlines, underscoring the challenges faced by the township in trying to move the project forward.

Commissioner Brian Blattenberger echoed these sentiments, expressing relief that the township would now have a structured process.

The new ordinance, championed by Commissioners Haigis and Blattenberger, represents a pivot towards a more accountable and community-centric approach to land management.

It seeks to establish clear guidelines that protect township assets, promote responsible development, and guarantee that the voices of North Huntingdon residents are heard before major decisions impacting their environment are made.

With the Riverhounds project now a chapter closed, the future of the 186-acre parcel remains open.

While the new ordinance will provide a pathway for future recreational leases, the township has also explored alternative uses for the site, including transforming it into a public park or preserving it as valuable open space. Regardless of its eventual use, North Huntingdon is clearly committed to ensuring that the next chapter in its land development story is written with transparency, community engagement, and a clear vision for the public good at its heart.