Hempfield supervisors to consider zone change to former Cherry Creek Golf Course

Hempfield supervisors will consider a zoning change at the former Cherry Creek Golf Course, potentially paving the way for a new housing development in the southern portion of the township.

A hearing is scheduled 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at the township municipal building to discuss changing around 100 acres of the golf course from agricultural to suburban residential. A possible vote could follow the hearing, though any decision made would not include approval of any future site plans or possible developments.

“That’s a big residential plan that’s being proposed down there,” said George Reese, chairman of the board of supervisors. “That’s what I’m looking for. Growth and development on the residential side, give people an opportunity to come to Hempfield with some of these new offerings.”

The golf course, located near the Westmoreland County Community College campus, opened in the mid-1990s and featured the restaurant Birdies Grill and Sports Pub.

The course was eventually renamed to Scenic Links of Westmoreland and changed hands in January 2015, when it was purchased by Mark Allison for $1.35 million. The course closed a year later due to significant losses, Allison said at the time. Birdies Grill and Sports Pub closed in December 2016.

The land is owned by A&C Property Holdings LLC, of which Allison is sole member and manager. The company continues to maintain the “outlying areas or fringe of the property to a very high standard,” Allison said. “During this lengthy time of transition, we have focused our efforts on these areas in an effort to be good neighbors for those who live nearby.”

According to Allison, A&C Property Holdings last year agreed to sell the subject property. He declined to name the land developer, citing a confidentiality agreement.

A&C Property Holding “spent a lot of time and effort” to ensure the buyer is “well established and respected,” Allison said.

“It is my understanding the contract purchaser intends to build single family residential homes and condominiums,” Allison said via email.

The buyer is requesting the zoning change, he said.

“I believe this requested zoning change is the best solution for all parties involved,” he said. “This expansion of quality residential will be a nice amenity and benefit for the community.”

Reese noted that supervisors are looking forward to seeing the southern tier of the township expand.

Supervisors approved a similar zoning change at the former Valley Green Golf & Country Club last year. The zoning change from agricultural to suburban residential impacted 144 acres in Hempfield. Unity supervisors made a similar change on the 116-acre section of the course in their township.

Following the zone change, Hempfield supervisors granted conditional approval for 63 lots along Valley Green Road. The homes are part of a first phase of construction.