New firm draws lukewarm response
SMITHFIELD – The potential for a new business moving into a residential neighborhood got a lukewarm reception at Tuesday’s council meeting. Mayor Chuck Cieszynski told council that he had received a letter from Fay-Penn Economic Development Council regarding interest in the railroad property at the bottom of Liberty Street bordered by Washington Way.
The company looking at this and a few other Fayette County sites plans to provide eight to 10 jobs in the welding field, he said.
However, weight limit restrictions on both Liberty Street and Washington Way are set at 7 tons, and Cieszynski asked if the weight limits could be changed. Solicitor Gene Grimm said that weight limits would have to be addressed by the borough engineer, possibly through testing.
He also noted that property owners of the residential street may not appreciate having tractor-trailer traffic on their streets.
Council president Jack Frith added that with the Smithfield Elementary School on Liberty Street, a minimum of three tractor-trailers a day may be more than what residents would accept.
Frith suggested that Cieszynski contact Fay-Penn and suggest using Goodwin Road off Route 119 to access the rear of the property for their evaluation, instead of looking to borough streets.
He noted that numerous coal trucks over the years have used Goodwin without problems.
“Eight jobs is eight jobs. We have to consider the wear and tear on the streets, complaints from residents and tractor-trailers with the kids,” Frith said.
In another matter, council announced that the Fayette County hard-to-recycle day will be held at the Fayette County Fairgrounds on June 22 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Council plans to work with the borough garbage collector to aid residents in sending items to the fairgrounds that day.
Announcements will be posted in the community.