Sep 13, 2002 By Patty Shultz 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – A street lighting program for the downtown business district will cost less than initially anticipated, according to the executive director of the city’s redevelopment authority. The lighting project entails the removal of the current 12 mercury vapor lights lining West Crawford Avenue from the intersection of Pittsburgh Street to Arch Street and the eight lamps along the Crawford Avenue bridge with 21 quartz decorative acorn-style lamps.

An additional light is to be placed at the eastern end of the bridge.

Authority executive director Ralph Wombacker reported to the authority board on Wednesday that costs associated with the purchase and installation have been estimated at $57,000, nearly $30,000 less than set aside by the city for the project in the 2002 state Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation.

According to Wombacker, Allegheny Power would complete the entire project, including the installation of underground wiring along West Crawford Avenue and the metering of the lamps installed along the bridge.

City council has determined to undertake the revitalization of the downtown area that includes a streetscape plan with decorative lighting, benches and trash receptacles.

Wombacker said further discussion with city officials is necessary before a contract is inked with Allegheny Power.

A second project earmarked to be completed with CDBG funding has been delayed until it can be determined if additional financial support can be garnered for engineering services.

“There are several complicated issues regarding the technical aspects of this project that need to be addressed before we move forward,” said Wombacker of the purchase and installation of an elevator at the Connellsville Community Center.

The city allocated $50,000 to the project that when completed would allow access to the second and third floor areas of the former school. While a staircase to the other levels is available, it does not meet Americans With Disabilities Act requirements.

The center initially received $30,000 from the Fayette Enterprise Commission (FEC) last year, but needed additional funding to complete the project.

“But after looking at it, we’re going to need the services of an engineering firm,” said Wombacker.

A bid of $8,850 submitted by Widmer Engineering Inc. for consulting and design services was tabled by the board until further information can be garnered by Wombacker as to the overall cost of the project and if a time limit on the FEC grant can be extended to accommodate the construction.

In other business, the board was informed that a West Crawford Avenue building it is considering taking possession of has received a relatively clean bill of health.

“We’re being told with a little bit of work it would be in good shape,” said Wombacker of the former Hertzel Pharmacy building.

Last month, property owner and businessman Paul Mongell offered to turn the three-story building that adjoins National City Bank over to the authority at no cost.

“We have tentatively accepted the property pending the outcome of a title search,” said Wombacker. “We don’t anticipate any problems, but want to be sure everything is done correctly.”

In unrelated matters, the board authorized final payments be made to various contractors that have completed renovation work at East Park.

The panel approved a $47,575.73 payment to D&M Contracting Inc., general contractor, $4,786.15 to Newco Mechanical Inc. for plumbing work, $2,779.44 to Pyramid Power Specialist Corp. for electrical work and $3,555 to Widmer Engineering for inspection services.

Last year, the city turned over the East Park renovation project to the authority in an effort to gain additional matching money for a $225,000 state grant the city had received in 1999.

Approximately $450,000 was spent to renovate the 1940s-era park.