Dormont Borough Zoning Hearing Board Meeting - April 29, 2026

The Dormont Borough Zoning Hearing Board convened on April 29, 2026, with Chair Liz Baldoni presiding. Board members Alison Harmon, Jeff Dobson, Adrian Walker, and Stephanie Wallace were present. The sole agenda item was a variance application from the Port Authority of Allegheny County (PRT) for lighting at the Dormont Junction Light Rail Transit (LRT) Station. PRT sought relief from Section 210406 E1 of the zoning code, which limits light levels to 2.5 foot candles at the property line, as the proposed lighting would produce up to 5.1 foot candles at the property line in one area. The board heard testimony from the applicant, borough staff, and neighbors, and ultimately approved the variance with a condition.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jim Barman (1400 Grandon Avenue, intersection of Grandon and Raleigh Avenue): Expressed concern about glare from the new light fixtures for drivers on Raleigh, Talma, Grandon, and Mervyn streets, particularly during rain. He asked whether drivers would be able to look directly at the light source.
• Michael Drapick (2961 Madron Avenue): Inquired about the possibility of adding blocking mechanisms, such as canopies, to address any glare issues that might arise after installation.

Discussion Items

• Applicant Presentation: Steve Ackerman (architect and project manager, Michael Baker International) presented on behalf of PRT. He explained that the lighting is needed for safety (riders boarding/alighting, ADA access, tripping hazards) and security (camera surveillance). The lighting follows PRT’s design guidelines, which require a minimum of 15 foot candles on boarding platforms. The variance is needed because the outbound platform is located close to the property line along Raleigh Avenue, resulting in a predicted maximum of 5.1 foot candles at that property line (2.6 foot candles over the code limit). He noted that the lighting fixtures are energy-efficient LED with cutoff lenses to reduce glare, and the canopy-mounted lights are angled away from residential properties. He also stated that the existing station lighting currently does not meet the zoning code either.
• Borough Representative Jeff (Zoning Officer): Clarified that the variance request is strictly for lighting; no full project application has been submitted yet. He noted that on the Park Boulevard side, the measurement provided ends before the property line, so the actual level there might be closer to 2.5 foot candles. He emphasized that a comprehensive zoning review will occur once the complete application is filed.
• Board Questions: Board members asked about the difference between 2.5 and 5.1 foot candles in practical terms, the 24/7 operation of the lights, the canopy material (steel frame with glass), and the direction of illumination (pointed towards tracks to minimize light spill). They also asked whether similar lighting at other renovated PRT stations also required variances; the applicant confirmed that other stations typically had more space from property lines.
• Solicitor Pete Halsey: Questioned the hardship for the variance. Ackerman responded that reducing lighting below PRT’s standards would compromise safety and security for patrons, particularly those with disabilities, and that even the current lower-quality lighting on site does not meet the code.
• Consultant Testimony: Sadine Saakyan (Evolve Environment Architecture, consultant team for PRT) added that platform furnishings such as seating, windscreens, and columns will further block light from the platforms, reducing potential glare.

Key Outcomes

• Motion and Vote: A motion was made to approve the variance for Section 210406 E1 with the condition that the light level must not exceed 5.1 foot candles at the property line (the solicitor advised "must" rather than "should"). The motion was seconded and unanimously approved by the board.
• Next Steps: PRT will proceed with bid packages and construction for the platform renovation, which includes boarding platforms, stairs, ramps, minimal sidewalk work, and several new ADA-accessible parking spaces. This project is separate from any future transit-oriented development. The borough will conduct a full zoning review once the formal application is submitted.

Note: The transcript of the meeting begins with the date "April 28th," but the meeting date was provided as April 29, 2026, which is used here as instructed.