This article was funded by LebTown donors as part of our Civic Impact Reporting Project.
After receiving $1,056,500 in federal Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside grant money last May, Jonestown Borough Council finds itself on a tight schedule to bid the project.
At a meeting Tuesday, May 2, the council discussed the crosswalk improvement project and its upcoming August deadline to advertise the contract.
Read more: Jonestown receives $1.1 million for crossing improvements along Market St.
“Initially we thought that wouldn’t be a problem,” said council president Thomas Keefer. “However, the right of way permits alone could take up to six months, plus there’s other things that need done that could take months.”
They hope to obtain an extension to bid the contract in 2024 or early 2025 and complete it in 2025. If not, Keefer said they will look at modifying storm drainage plans so they do not need to wait for right-of-way permits.
The planned project, displayed above, includes curb extensions along Market Street from Broad Street to King Street.
The project intends to make crosswalks and pedestrians more visible to oncoming traffic.
In other news, the council:
- Unanimously approved 2023 Block Party (May 27 at 3 p.m.) expenses to be paid out of the park fund; $400 for entertainers and $162 in advertising expenses. Audrey Shutter reported that she has collected $1,600 from vendors and sponsors of the event so far.
- Unanimously approved the use of the lower park field by Angie Peirce’s community volleyball league Tuesdays in June, contingent on Peirce obtaining required insurance.
- Heard Jason Weikel’s introduction as the borough’s new EMA coordinator.
- Heard the engineer’s report, including that plans for the new park have been submitted to DCNR for review, with bids planned to open in May.
- Unanimously authorized solicitor Colleen Gallo to file a complaint for unpaid fees at 201 W. Market St.
- Discussed the inspection of 128 E. Market St. and the possibility of the borough intervening to get the building up to code.
- Unanimously approved the minutes of the April 4 meeting.
Jonestown Borough Council meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at 295 South Mill St. The next meeting will be held June 5. These meetings are open to the public and do not require prior registration.
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