Land Use Summary

Plum Borough is roughly 30-square miles and is predominantly a residential community. Current US Census estimates put the residential population at approximately 30,000 (our own estimates are slightly higher). Since the 1970’s the Borough has experienced significant residential growth (more than 70%) in the population. By contrast, very little, if any, economic or commercial growth has followed this large increase in population.

Formed as a township originally, Plum Borough only “became” a Borough in 1956. Unlike other Boroughs, there is no Main Street or center of town in which to gather for recreational, cultural or civic activities. Plum Borough lacks a true community center in the sense that there is no center of town or “down town” area. Consequently, the Borough lacks a real sense of community as well as available venues for civic functions. Beyond this, there is a significant lack of commercial services in certain areas of the Borough.

In 2003, Plum Borough purchased 110 ten acres in the town of Renton which is centrally located within the Borough. The primary reason for this purchase was for the construction of a new Public Works Facility. The existing facility, at the current municipal complex, is in disrepair and is insufficient in size given the growth in the Borough in recent years.

Concurrently, and also in response to the growth of the community, the Borough administration recently completed a Facilities Analysis to determine the special needs of the administrative, finance, planning and public safety departments of the Borough. It was determined that additional space in the amount of an additional 100% of square footage would be necessary over the next 20 years. The Plum Borough Senior Center, the Plum Borough Library, the Plum Borough EMS Company, Renton Volunteer Fire Company, School District were/are all also considering expansion projects. Other entities such as the Plum branch of the US Post Office are looking for land to expand their facilities.

Plum Borough is contemplating a project to develop a Municipal and Recreational Center. This concept is primarily (approximately 60%-75%) a municipal government campus with a rather significant recreational/environmental component as well as some potential mixed-use development to compliment the municipal entities and recreational uses. A retail or commercial component is intended to fill a void in the lack of minor shopping services (groceries, etc.). It is anticipated to serve as a “Community Shopping Center” to serve the immediate area of the Borough and a portion of the closer surrounding communities (as opposed to the “regional” shopping centers which tend to attract customers from a much larger area).

In addition to the commercial and governmental uses, the Borough hopes to create a venue for civic events such as parades, concerts and movies in the park, or other festivals. These are typical events which are held in many other Boroughs, but are not possible in Plum due to the lack of sufficient venues. The Borough would like to sponsor and participate in, more civic functions to highlight the area and to generate excitement and participation in the community.

Although Boyce Park (Allegheny County Parks) is located in the Borough, the Borough itself offers only limited recreational activities for its residents. Although athletic recreational activities abound, other recreational activities such as hiking, biking and more passive recreational activities do not exist within the Borough park system. A recent resident survey which was completed in 2007 as part of the Borough’s Comprehensive Plan update clearly demonstrates that the population feels that the Borough’s recreational opportunities are severely lacking. The residents also clearly felt that the Borough should expand the Recreational programs for residents. Currently the Borough does not offer recreational programs of any kind for the residents.