Drivers could have delays in Connellsville next week
CONNELLSVILLE – Drivers trying to make their way through the city will have additional delays beginning Monday when a long awaited sidewalk project is expected to begin. Widmer Engineering Inc. representative Doug Coffman informed the Connellsville Redevelopment Authority Board of Directors Wednesday that John Varrati Cement Contractor Inc. would place detour signs on Saturday and begin the removal of Ninth Street sidewalks Monday.
Coffman said that Monroeville firm had planned to start the work over a month ago, but was advised by the state transportation department to hold off moving into the area because of other roadwork being done in connection with the Widewaters Commons project in the same area.
The project along Ninth Street has been delayed several times, with the most recent postponement tied to a lawsuit filed by a Ninth Street resident opposed to plans to move utility poles back from the sidewalk to grassy areas, in conjunction with the sidewalk replacement project and roadway improvements by the transportation department.
When the project was considered more that two years ago, PennDOT recommended that the utility poles be removed as a safety precaution.
Verizon and Allegheny Power that own the utility poles have already placed new poles and removed those in the sidewalk.
Coffman reported that Varrati had some additional work at a Sixth Street site to complete, but that company officials were ready to move equipment to the city’s West Side.
The city has set aside approximately $180,000 in state Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to complete the Sixth and Ninth Street projects.
The Ninth Street project will include the area from the intersection with Crawford Avenue to Green Street.
Turning to other matters, Ralph Wombacker, authority executive director, said the Blueprint Communities committee has completed two-days of training conducted by The Heartland Center for Leadership Development.
“I’m encouraged,” said Wombacker. “Hopefully something positive will come out of this.”
The city was one of 22 state locations to be selected for the program that allows a team of community representatives to undergo five days of minimal training by the Lincoln, Neb. non-profit organization.
The training is to help the community committees to develop a long-range strategic plan for their individual municipalities.
“We’re to come up with some very specific, viable projects that are doable and workable,” said Wombacker.
In addition to Wombacker, committee members include Mayor Judy Reed, city clerk David Pinkosky, businessman Dick Oglevee and PNC Bank representative Michele Ruth.
In other action, the authority also conducted the following business:
Reviewed the 2004 authority audit completed by Horner, Wible and Terek.
The audit revealed said Wombacker, that $500,000 in federal funds had passed through the authority during the year and that no questions were raised regarding expenditures by the entity. The board authorized the $4,560 payment for the audit.
Agreed to seek legal, engineering and audit professional services proposals for 2006-2009.
Authorized the advertisement for bids to purchase and install a heating system for the Connellsville Community Center third floor.