The Hermitage Planning Commission is a volunteer board of 9 Hermitage residents who are appointed by the Hermitage Board of Commissioners (governing body) to fulfill the duties and responsibilities outlined in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. The members of the Hermitage Planning Commission contribute a broad range of experience and expertise to the City, including individual backgrounds in architecture, landscape architecture, law, finance, business and medicine.

· Hermitage Planning & Development Department - JANUARY 2010 Monthly Activity Report

Purpose and Role of the HPC

· Prepare and update the Comprehensive Plan for the future growth and development of the City. Promote public interest in, and understanding of, the comprehensive plan and planning in general.

(The City of Hermitage and the Hermitage Planning Commission are currently involved in the creation of the Shenango Valley Comprehensive Plan with our neighboring communities of Farrell, Sharon and Wheatland - click here for more information on the new Comprehensive Plan.)

· Make recommendations to the governing body concerning the adoption or amendment of an Official Map, and related transportation improvements or initiatives.

· Prepare and make recommendations regarding amendments to the City zoning ordinance and / or zoning map.

· Prepare, recommend and administer subdivision, land development and planned residential development regulations within the City.

· Make recommendations to the governing body on any other matter relevant to land use and development within the City, including environmental protection, energy resources, transportation systems, housing and economic development.

The Hermitage Planning Commission works closely with the staff of the Hermitage Planning Department, and welcomes public input and participation on any issue related to the future development of the City. Letters or e-mails to the Planning Commission may be directed to Marcia A. Hirschmann, Director of Planning . The public is also welcome to attend any meeting of the Planning Commission as per the schedule noted on this page. Each month’s meeting agenda includes time for open public comment on any subject or issue relevant to the mission of the Planning Commission.

Any Hermitage resident who would be interested in serving on the Hermitage Planning Commission may direct a letter and brief resume to City Manager, Gary Hinkson. The City Manager’s office will then contact applicants on file at such time as a vacancy becomes available.