Greencastle Borough Council learns of change for First Fridays

A last minute decision led to a request Monday for Greencastle borough council members to add a level of cooperation.

Greencastle-Antrim Chamber of Commerce executive director Georgina Cranston asked council members Frank Webster Jr., Larry Faight, Duane Kinzer, Matt Smith, James Farley, Charles Eckstine and Craig Myers to approve ‘no parking’ signs on Center Square and one block of South Carlisle Street on Saturday, May 21.

“This idea was born today,” said Cranston. “First Fridays have been tabled, since some committee members have stepped down. We want to replace it with “Artisans in the Square” marketplace.”

The Friday tradition, begun in 2009, was also under review this year because it fell before the long holiday weekends in July and September, and prior to the start of Old Home Week on Saturday, Aug. 6. There were concerns with its features and community participation, as well.

“First Friday needs a shot in the arm,” Cranston said.

The new event would be similar to the annual “Artisans in the Park”, to be held Sept. 10 and 11 at Jerome R. King Playground. Specific details were still being addressed by area artists for the May celebration. Council agreed to eliminate parking from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Committees

Council president Webster distributed the committee assignments for 2016. They were: Administration and Finance - Eckstine, chairman, with Farley and Smith; Community Development - Smith, chairman, with Faight and Kinzer; Personnel - Faight, chairman, with Farley and Eckstine; Public Facilities - Farley, chairman, with Faight and Myers; and Public Safety - Myers, chairman, with Eckstine and Kinzer. As president, Webster is an ex-officio member of all the committees.

Ad hoc talks

Kinzer reported that he and Webster had met with Antrim Township supervisors Fred Young III and Pat Heraty that morning, to talk about the two municipalities getting along.

Myers wanted to know why the full council had not been notified the session would occur.

“We’re trying to get away from these ad hoc committees, so everyone knows what’s going on,” he said.

Kinzer said he was being upfront, so the board could discuss the mutual issues, which included a school resource officer and some land annexation.  Council members shared a few ideas, but were more anxious for another joint meeting with the township and school board.

Greencastle employees were thanked on many fronts for their diligent work clearing the streets after Winter Storm Jonas. Borough manager Susan Armstrong said residents had been cooperative as well. Nineteen property owners had been notified Friday that they needed to have their sidewalks shoveled by Feb. 1, and all complied.

In other business, the dates for bulky item disposal were set for Friday, May 6, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday, May 7 from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.