Park, theater projects put on fast track
CONNELLSVILLE – A park renovation project and the upgrade of a theater were put on the fast track Thursday with all bids received for the two initiatives within budget and contractors ready to begin with the work, according to action taken by the Connellsville Redevelopment Authority. M&D Excavating Inc. of Connellsville was the low bidder for the Yough River Park project that will entail the removal of the boardwalk, widening of the bike path, reduction of fencing surrounding a Connellsville Municipal Authority pump and improvement of the volleyball court and horseshoe pit area. In addition, said authority executive director Michael Edwards, a kiosk plaza will be constructed to accommodate visitors. The installation of benches and chairs, along with landscaping will be done near the Cream of the Trail snack shop.
Last year, through a Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation grant, Mackin Engineering completed a master plan that recommended several improvements to the park.
Nearly $300,000 has been earmarked for upgrades at the park and nearby Stewart’s Crossing.
The bid for the phase one work totaled $206,000.
The Connellsville Community Center Edwin S. Porter Theater and Performing Arts Center will have its lighting, sound, and electrical systems upgraded to accommodate future performances and activities at the Fairview Avenue site.
Lone Pine Construction Inc. of Bentleyville was awarded a contract to complete the electrical upgrades while George R. Smalley Co. Inc. of Uniontown was the low bidder for the installation of a new lighting, sound, projector and intercom systems, with Lone Pine’s bid at $20,026 for the related work and George R. Smalley Co. submitting a bid of $57,590.
Funding for the Yough Park and theater projects is through the state Community Development Block Grant program.
In other business, Edwards informed the board that the city would receive nearly $94,000 in federal stimulus funding for the renovation of Woodruff Park.
In addition to installing new lighting, the project includes the renovation of the basketball court, new playground equipment, landscaping and a walking trail.
“These additional funds will help us do some much needed work at the park,” said Edwards.
Turning to other matters, the board also conducted the following business:
– Discussed planned improvements for Stewart’s Crossing, a parklet adjacent to Yough River Park. The city is working with Widewaters Development Group of New York, owner of the Martin’s grocery store complex, to secure additional access to the planned historical park.
– Learned that the Main Street steering committee will meet with a representative of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center on June 25 to determine the city’s readiness to become a designee of the state’s Main Street Program.
– Authorized payments of $3,915 and $5,000 to Widmer Engineering for engineering work for the Yough Park and Hometown Streets lighting projects.
– Learned that through a joint initiative with the Fayette County and Uniontown redevelopment authorities, Connellsville will receive a portion of a $1.8 million Neighborhood Stabilization allocation to clear blighted property in the city.
– Approved payment to Newco Mechanical Inc. in the amount of $1,805 for the installation of gas lines at the Connellsville Senior Citizens Center.
– Approved the expenditure of $2,925 to Kaza Fire Equipment and $3,751 to Witmer Public Safety Group Inc. for the purchase of air cylinders, nozzles and hoses for the city fire department.