MAHANOY CITY - With the current streetscape project in downtown Mahanoy City in progress, the borough council is beginning to consider the next phase of downtown enhancements.
The borough council adopted a resolution at Tuesday's meeting that will allow the borough to apply for grant funds from the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
Borough solicitor Michael A. O'Pake explained the details of the resolution for a vote.
"The resolution authorizes the filing of a proposal for funds with the DCED for Phase IV of the Mahanoy City business district revitalization program," O'Pake said. "The maximum amount that we would be seeking is up to $500,000. There will be sharing of costs with the borough, and the borough would be required to reimburse the state for any funds to be considered ineligible by DCED."
"It's just a proposal and request for funding from DCED," O'Pake added.
Councilwoman Patti Schnitzius made the motion to adopt the resolution.
"I'll make the motion to continue the revitalization program in the borough. Streetscape has turned out to be a beautiful enhancement, and it would be nice to continue it further," Schnitzius said.
The resolution was adopted in a 4-0 vote.
The borough is in Phase III of the Central Business District Streetscape Revitalization Program. which consists of expansion of the streetscape program from the Phase I and II areas (Main and Centre streets), which was completed in 2008. Phase III adds four additional blocks, from First to Third streets on East Centre Street and from Locust to Catawissa streets on West Centre Street.
Work crews are currently on site to install new sidewalks, signage, historic lighting, benches and trees, adding pedestrian safety and improving aesthetics to the central business district. The cost is more than $1 million, paid mostly through funds obtained through PennDOT's Pennsylvania Community Transportation Initiative.
After the meeting, Schnitzius said what work will be included in Phase IV has not been determined.
"What will be in Phase IV hasn't been finalized yet," Schnitzius said. "Obviously, part of it will be new sidewalks, antique lighting, trees, benches, trash receptacles, which is the same concept that is going on right now. We'll be extending it further. We have other things in the works, but we're not anywhere near talking about that yet."
Schnitzius said the current phase should be completed by mid-July.