Demolition Underway: Highland CC Clubhouse

Demolition began sometime over the weekend on the clubhouse of the former Highland Country Club.

Ross Township Board of Commissioners President Grant Montgomery confirmed the demolition permit was issued sometime late last week.

The demolition began less than a week after Ross Township solicitor Bonnie Brimmeier suggested the work would be delayed, because the property was technically still under the control of the bankruptcy court.

However, Ross Building Code official and Zoning Officer Dan Hankins insisted the permit was legally obtained and the demolition, including the removal of asbestos from some parts of the building, could begin.

"That's been a hazardous situation there," he said. "It will be good to finally resolve it."

Limerick Land Partners wants to build 167 townhouses and 134 single family homes on the grounds of the old country club. 

Concerns about traffic were the main reason Ross Commissioners denied the developers preliminary plans on May 6. The developer appealed to Allegheny County Common Pleas Court, which has yet to issue a decision.

Since then, the developer proposed to eliminate an entrance at the intersection of Highland and Cornell Avenues, and add an entrance closer to the intersection of Highland and Wellington Drive. 

Additionally, stop signs would be added near the entrance off of Gass Road, but the biggest traffic improvements would come not in Ross, but in West View. 

Brimmeier said the developer is proposing an additional turn lane and other improvements at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Perry Highway in West View.

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