New trail in Fairchance area to bring tourism
FAIRCHANCE – Fayette County Commissioner Vincent A. Vicites, who is running for a seat for the 51st legislative district, told the borough council Wednesday that the Sheepskin Trail is set to run through the area, a move that he said could generate additional recreational tourism for the borough. “It could be something really good for the community,” Vicites said.
He said the trail will run from Connellsville to Point Marion and will meet up with another trail near the Point Marion border that travels into West Virginia. More than $2 million in funds are in place for the construction of the more than 32 miles of trail, he said.
“It will happen,” said Vicites, adding: “It’s good for the county and speaks well for economic development.”
Council Vice President Dora E. Miller questioned the exact route of the trail through the borough and if its course would affect a walking path that travels around the borough park.
Vicites said the trail will run along an inactive CSX line and noted that something could be worked out if it runs to closely to the walking path.
He said there are a few parcels of land that will be purchased for the trail’s construction, and added that more details on the exact route of the trail through Fairchance can be gained from the county’s planning office or at meetings where designated municipal representatives will learn more about the project.
Miller was appointed to serve on the re-activated Sheepskin Trail Council and will provide the council with monthly updates on the project at the regular meetings.
The council also re-affirmed their support for the project through a resolution Wednesday night.
In other business, the council voted to change the designation of the current borough police department’s Officer In Charge.
As a result of the vote, borough police officer Brian Miller has become “acting chief of police” for the purpose of authorizing and enforcing certain ordinances.
Newly-elected Mayor Benjamin G. Eicher initiated the change in status by addressing an ongoing problem about illegal parking and concerns about the curfew ordinance that reads that the chief of police has to enforce it.
He said cars have parked in fire lanes and the ordinance does not specify a fine for the violation.
“Since it doesn’t specify a fine, (Miller) doesn’t know what to write them for,” he said.
The change of status will solve the ongoing problem by allowing Miller to enforce these ordinances, Eicher said.
Solicitor Simon B. John said the change in status is not permanent and, if reversed, would not mean a demotion. Eicher said a pay increase does not accompany Miller’s change in status.
In another police issue, Council President Herb Myers said outside the meeting that the matter concerning former borough police officer Ken Bittinger, who yesterday was acquitted of aggravated and simple assault charges in connection to a March 1, 2005, incident outside Darby’s Pub in Uniontown, is “a dead issue” as far as he is concerned. He would not offer any further comment.
The borough council placed Bittinger on “indefinite suspension” shortly after the incident occurred last year.
The borough also:
– Authorized Solicitor John to draw up a tentative agreement between the borough and the community’s Exchange Club for the lease of a building near the park where the club’s meetings are held. The Exchange Club has plans to remodel the building, but want to protect their investment before beginning those plans, according to council members.
– Announced that the Department of Environmental Protection will issue a permit to change the flow of a stream that has affected borough property owners. The council faced complaints about the course of the stream flooding property from Elm Street resident Janice Dufour last year.
“Hopefully, in the next month or so and before the spring rains, we can get that in and see if it makes a difference,” said Councilman Eicher.
– Advised the public that the borough office will be closed on May 26 and Aug. 25 because of an employee’s impending absence.