Plans advance to add lanes at 11/16 intersection in Greencastle
Greencastle Borough Council officials are pleased with the progress toward upgrading the U.S. 11/Route 16 intersection. Three right turn lanes will be added, with bids for the project to be let in September.
Council president Charles Eckstine announced at the March 5 meeting that the appraisal report was back on the seven private affected properties. He and board members Matt Smith, Craig Myers, Harry Foley, Frank Webster Jr., and Wade Burkholder approved a resolution to use eminent domain if necessary to obtain the necessary rights-of-way. James Farley was absent.
Taking a property by force was not expected to occur, however. Borough manager Kenneth Womack said, “We appear to have amicable relationships with all the property owners.”
Borough solicitor Sam Wiser would be working with them on a fair purchase price. Each landowner had already received the report of the appraised value.
“They realize the benefit of the project to the community,” added Eckstine.
Pool patrol
At the direction of the PA Commonwealth Code, the borough will begin enforcing regulations concerning residential swimming pools as stated in the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code. It will apply to any pool holding at least 24 inches of water, built after July 1, 2004.
Womack acknowledged it would upset many people, since some pools would not meet the setback restrictions, and others would not have proper fencing and gates. In the interest of safety, he said the borough would be a bit aggressive in identifying out-of-compliance pools within borough limits. Each owner must have a permit for a pool, whether inground, above ground, or inflatable.
Other business
Council authorized some changes to bylaws of the Franklin County Area Wage Tax Board, including an official name change to the Franklin County Area Tax Board. Burkholder expressed concerns about the new organization, formed in an effort to reduce expenses by the former separate municipal taxing bodies. Based on his personal experience, he questioned the bureau’s qualifications and professionalism.
The members approved the Antrim Township, Borough of Greencastle, Greencastle-Antrim School District Comprehensive Plan.
The approved purchasing five pedestrian ahead signs, to be placed on Baltimore Street near the Jefferson, Allison and Linden intersections.
Contracts were approved for public facilities work. They included spending up to $40,584 with Gannett Fleming for design and bid services for the biological nutrient reduction project at the wastewater treatment plant; up to $41,500 with William F. Hill and Associates for construction inspection services of the same project; and a final payment of $5,419.59 to Fayetteville Contractors for sanitary sewer replacement near Hardees.