-BOROUGH NOTES-
By Dianne Stuckman
Crafton council members approved payment last month to get the ball rolling on the new $1 million public works storage facility.
The council approved the purchase of $359,265.00 in construction materials to build a 12,500 square foot facility. Uhl Construction Co, of Allison Park, was awarded the bid.
“This is just for building materials, it comes in a box and we'll build it later,” Interim Manager Doug Sample said. A concrete foundation will be laid and the storage facility erected by Spring 2023.
Councilman Fred Amendola cast the lone opposing vote.
After the meeting, he said a decision of that magnitude should be made by new council members taking office in January.
He also opposed the cost.
“It's a public works building, not the Taj Mahal,” said Amendola.
A Community Infrastructure and Tourism Fund Grant will cover $200,000 of the cost.
Council President Phillip Levasseur said the 250-by-50 foot metal building will be large enough to house all public works equipment under one roof.
“We do not have a central location for public works equipment,” he said.
Some equipment is stored outdoors and some scattered throughout the borough, he said.
The new facility will be outfitted with a mechanical lift, lunch room and locker room for employees and will be designed for future solar capabilities. It will be located on Chartiers Avenue next to the existing public works building. The current 40 year old building, 3,200 square foot in size, will remain in use.
Shade trees
In other news, 13 trees were planted throughout the borough last month.
Councilman John Oliverio said the Shade Tree Commission and public works employees had plans to plant native trees along Crafton Park and Hawthorne, Bradford, Creighton and Clearview avenues.
Trees were planted, with prior permission, in residents' yards rather than directly along the streets for more sustainable growing conditions.
Tree species planted include Sugar Maples, London Planes, Oak, Red Bud, Dogwood and Hornbeam trees.
Crafton's five member Shade Tree Commission plants, protects and preserves trees, shrubs and plants within the borough.