Redevelopment authority to determine placement of poles
CONNELLSVILLE – It appears the city redevelopment authority will make the final decision regarding the placement of utility poles along South 9th Street, after council failed to resolve the ongoing issue. On Wednesday, Ralph Wombacker, authority executive director advised the panel he would confer with solicitor Charles Watson and determine a course of action in order for the sidewalk project along the corridor could proceed.
“We have to make a decision,” said Wombacker.
The matter of whether to retain the 22 utility poles in their current location or move them surfaced several months ago after the city determined to proceed with replacing the sidewalks along the southbound lanes of Route 119.
When the state’s transportation department reviewed the design plans, officials advised the city’s engineering firm, Widmer Engineering Inc., that the sidewalk encased poles should be moved to the rear of the new walkways to comply with department safety standards.
Residents, however, balked at relocating the poles stating they provided a safety barrier between the vehicles and their homes.
The matter has been discussed at two public hearings and several council meetings without being resolved.
According to Tom O’Hearn, PennDOT safety manager, the city would be financially liable in any accident involving the utility poles if it fails to comply with the state standards.
“It’s especially needed on your high-volume, high-speed roadways like Route 119,” said O’Hearn. “The back of the sidewalk is a logical place. They will still afford some protection to the homes.”
Dick Widmer, vice-president of the city engineering firm, said the cost of the project would not vary if the utility poles are retained in the same location as the construction plans detail, or if they are removed.
Verizon and Allegheny Power own the poles and have agreed have them relocated at their own expense if the city determines to follow the PennDOT regulations.
D.T. Construction has been awarded the $112,560 contract for the project, but has yet to receive a proceed order from the city. Funding for the project is through the city’s 2001 state Community Development Block Grant allocation.
In other business, the authority agreed to make final payments $36,185 and $6,064 to Allegheny Power for the installation of decorative lights along West Crawford Avenue. The lesser amount is for an additional fixture at the intersection with Arch Street and the purchase of 14 banner arms.