Once these three plans have been integrated, the Northern Venango County region will have many of the tools needed to create a viable future, by balancing the needs of the region to grow, while preserving and capitalizing on the area’s outstanding natural beauty. The Waterways Plan focuses on Northern Venango’s unique natural resources, while the Route 62 Corridor Plan addresses transportation issues that are crucial to restarting the area’s economic engine.
The Comprehensive Plan takes a broader approach, as required by regulations governing Plan development, and focuses on several different areas requiring attention. Highlights are briefly described below; detailed recommendations are included in the Final Draft, which is available online, or from any one of the community offices.
Basic Philosophy
The study area is regarded as a beautiful, affordable community, as well as a safe and excellent place to raise a family. This Plan is dedicated to preserving, improving, and fostering these qualities. Therefore, the Plan’s basic philosophy is to focus first on using existing resources, second, to encourage the deliberate focus on a few of the many Plan recommendations, and third, to continue to work cooperatively as a region.
Generally, the Plan recommends that current land use patterns remain similar to those in place now. However, current zoning ordinances need to be be updated to reflect various changes to the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. And, in keeping with the Quality of Life goal, some down zoning of residential districts in Oil City is a key element. The Plan also recommends the addition of new zoning techniques, especially the option of the Traditional Neighborhood Developments (TNDs). Plan recommendations for the Oil Creek and Allegheny River areas are consistent with the special Waterways Study.
Housing Issues
Perhaps the most difficult issue addressed by the Plan is how to deal with the type, quantity, and availability of appropriate housing options. There are a number of abandoned and blighted houses in the region, and while affordability is less of an issue, alternative housing options for the 55+ market, such as assisted living facilities, or market rate apartments, are severely limited.
The Plan views the need to address housing issues as pivotal to creating a more viable future in Northern Venango County. Therefore, an overall goal is to change the area’s housing market to a stable one with reasonable costs and steady sales—one where the purchase of a home is a sound investment. A secondary goal is to provide housing options to the age 55-plus market.
Transportation
The basic framework of the area’s transportation network is sound. What is needed is its enhancement to optimize its functioning:
- Implement the Route 62 Study recommendations.
- Corridor studies for Grandview Road and selected portions of Route 8 are needed.
- Evaluate and alleviate safety concerns identified in this study.
- Preserve railroad service.
- Institute bus service to Rouseville.
Community Facilities and Services
Water
The plan is recommending that Oil City continue to work at improving its water system . Having a viable water system is vital to the region. The Plan also recommends that Rouseville continue its program of waterline replacement and conduct an evaluation of its overall system.
Sewer
Both Oil City and Rouseville need to implement their respective Act 537 Plans. Oil City has completed its first two steps and will soon enter into its monitoring phase. Once Rouseville’s 537 Plan is approved, a new plant is to be constructed. Both municipalities need to also pursue inflow and infiltration reduction programs.
Public Safety
Police: Oil City must continue to support its police department, especially its community policing and foot patrol initiatives.
Fire: At this time, the three departments have positive working relationships, and that asset should be fostered. There are individual department needs, addressed in this Plan which merit support.
Emergency Services: These services appear to be functioning well. No changes are suggested.
Parks
There are abundant recreational resources in the area that can, and do, meet local needs; and in some instances, foster tourism:
- Oil City should maintain its parks and recreational resources as noted in the Plan, and shed unused facilities. Hasson Park and the Nelles Pool deserve special support. One small neighborhood park is suggested in Oil City.
- Rouseville has an attractive park for the young. Its continuance and modest improvements are recommended.
- Existing recreational cooperation between the City, the Borough, the School District, and the YMCA must be a priority for all participants.
- Cornplanter – The Oil Creek State Park provides many recreational resources for the Township; but until the State’s budgets improve, this resource must be watched and protected.
The Plan is now yours to review and comment on. Please take part in the public participation phase of the Plan by downloading a copy of the plan to review, or contacting your community office for a copy. Please plan on attending the public meetings in the fall, once the general plan has been integrated with the Waterways Study and the Route 62 Corridor Study.
