Resident Communications
2024 Year in Review
The Borough continued to take positive steps forward in 2024 across all Departments. The Borough’s Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) issued twenty Certificates of Appropriateness for projects ranging from roof replacement to new home construction – all reviewed to ensure the preservation of the character of Sewickley Heights. Additionally, the HARB worked with Borough staff to update the 1982/1992 Cultural Resource survey of the Borough’s Historic District, partially funded by a Certified Local Government grant.
Dawn Turner is usually the first face you see in the Borough Administrative offices. She continues to serve the Borough handling resident requests, managing records, and providing a variety of support functions for Borough staff in all Departments. Emily Moldovan remains dedicated to the Borough, serving as Zoning Officer and Building Code Official. Emily serves as the guide for residents and their professionals through the HARB and property development process. Her expertise and knowledge of the process help simplify project development, review, and approval.
The Parks and Public Works Department has maintained full staffing in 2024, with a small change in personnel. Jeff Marek and Don Stout remain committed to the Borough and its residents, providing a wide variety of services to the community. Long-time Operator for the Department, John Trapp, retired on May 30, 2024, after 30 years of devoted service to maintaining and improving the character of Sewickley Heights. John spent countless hours maintaining Borough infrastructure, the Public Works Department fleet, and responding to all levels of emergency. Doug Hunter was hired in May 2024 to fill the Operator position that John held for so many years. Doug brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Department and will carry on the tradition of service to the community. A new F-350 flatbed truck was purchased in 2024 to replace the 2010 F-350 pickup truck, and it will be utilized for all aspects of infrastructure maintenance and winter maintenance tasks. Vehicle maintenance is a high priority, and staff works diligently to attain the longest service life possible for all equipment.
The 2024 Road Program included Microsurfacing application on Persimmon Road, and Quaker Hollow Road from Backbone Road to Country Club Road, approximately 1.1 miles. Additionally, the Borough helped facilitate demolition and reconstruction of the Pink House Road bridge owned by Allegheny County, which has been closed since 2019, and recently opened in November 2024. The bridge serves as a link for the community to the arterial Fern Hollow Road. The Borough continued to coordinate with PennDOT through all of 2024 to work towards finalization of the repair and reopening of Way Hollow Road. PennDOT released official notification in November 2024 that construction is expected to begin in March/April of 2025 to repair landslide areas, stabilize the entire substructure of the roadway, and rebuild the road surface to open to traffic in late 2025/early 2026.
The Borough Police Department, led by Mayor Magovern and Chief Harrison, made great strides in officer training and Department enhancement in 2024. Corporal Salvatore Arena, well-known and respected in the community for his committed service to Borough residents, retired in September 2024 after 28 years of service. The Borough successfully hired seasoned Police Officer Arnel Farmer early in September, to return the Police Department to full staffing. Canine Officer Pavicic, with K9 Artus, and Officer Lough continue to serve the community and assist in neighboring communities as needed. Part-time officers Buzzatto, Castilow, Stirling and Vega complement the Full-time Officers in the Police Department. All are indispensable members of the Police Force in Sewickley Heights.
It has been a great personal honor to serve the community and residents of the Borough of Sewickley Heights since 2013, and in the capacity of Borough Manager since 2021. I have come to know many residents outside of the office, and enjoy every opportunity I have to discuss or visit resident properties. I value the opportunity that Borough Council and the Mayor have provided in supporting my management of Borough Administration and Operations. I very much look forward to my continued service to the community in collaboration with Borough Council and Staff to provide quality service, and to support continued efforts to preserve and enhance the historic, rural character of Sewickley Heights for the benefit of its residents.
Nathan A. Briggs
Borough Manager