Work on Connellsville park could begin in a month
CONNELLSVILLE – Pending a final review of construction bids, the long-awaited renovation of the city’s oldest park will get under way within a month. “It sounds as if D&M Contracting Inc. is anxious to get started,” said Ralph Wombacker, executive director of the Connellsville Redevelopment Authority.
The authority tentatively awarded the general construction contract to the New Alexandria firm for the East Park renovation project, while Newco Mechanical Inc. of Scottdale and Pyramid Power Specialist Corp. of Tarrs secured contracts for the plumbing and electrical work, respectively.
The three companies provided the lowest bids for the projects: D&M a $386,439 bid; Newco, $12,450; and Pyramid Power, $3,225.
Last year, the city turned over the East Park project to the authority in an effort to garner additional matching money for a $225,000 state grant the city received in 1999.
The city has received funding from Allegheny Power, local legislators and Fayette Enterprise Commission. The remaining money has been set aside in the city’s 2001 and 2002 state Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocations.
Improvements planned for the 1940s-era park include the stabilization of stream banks, restoration of stone work around water fountains and castle lookout, construction of new basketball, tennis and bocci courts, installation of new fencing and playground equipment, construction of new restrooms and renovation of the existing amphitheater.
Work is also expected to begin next month on the second phase of a storm sewer installation project along Church Place and extending to Cottage Avenue.
Wombacker said Ritenour Construction Co. of Dunbar has submitted all the necessary documentation to the authority to begin work on the project. “They have told us they will be here on or before May 15,” said Wombacker.
Ritenour was awarded the contract last month after the authority agreed to the $77,919.60 bid. The company will install inlets, manholes and a sewer line.
In other action, the board agreed to issue the initial payment of $62,254 to New Lexington Fire Apparatus on behalf of the New Haven Hose Volunteer Fire Co., as the department purchases a new pumper/aerial truck from the manufacturer.
The city has set aside $81,000 over two years through the state CDBG funding. The fire company will finance the remaining amount, about $300,000, through other sources.
The board also conducted the following business:
– Announced the annual dinner meeting will be held May 8 at the Pleasant Valley Country Club.
– Learned that a letter of engagement has been forwarded to Mullin & Lonergan to explore possible financing assistance for the development of a West Side property.